PetSugar -- Girl's Best Friend.

Do You Believe Pets Can Sense Your Sickness?

PetSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:15:53 -0800

We all agree that pets cheer us up when we're feeling sad, but can they also tell when we're ill?!Beamish, this Rottweiler, did just that when his increased attention to a mole convinced Chris Tuffrey to get it checked out. The pooch kept nuzzling, licking, and trying to lift his owner's arm and it turns out the mole was a melanoma . . . and needed to be removed.There have been other cases and claims in which animals have reacted differently around illness and evidence that they can detect cancer, predict epileptic seizures, and more. What do you think – would unusual behavior from your dog cause you to visit a doc?Source

Do You Believe Pets Can Sense Your Sickness?

Yes, I'm a total believer.

I think there's some validity here.

It's possible . . . but I definitely need to see more evidence.

No way, I'm not convinced at all.

Would You Call Your Grown Dog a Puppy?

PetSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:15:19 -0800

Over the weekend, I told someone I just met that I had a puppy when asked if I had roommates. My pal overheard and was quick to point out that North is a grown dog. I wasn't being intentionally deceitful (after all my parents still refer to only-child-me as "the baby" and I'm far from it), and I meant it more affectionately than realistically. Do you ever refer to your pet as a puppy, kitten or other (dare I say) pet names regardless of age? Shh, the poll's anonymous so your secret's safe with me.
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Would You Call Your Grown Dog a Puppy?

Yes, as the saying goes, "Age ain't nothing but a number."

No way, I think the terms puppy and kitten are based on age alone.

I just can't decide. I'll let you know why in the comments below.

Rain, Rain Go Away?

PetSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:00:51 -0800

When the ground is wet, are your pets playing in the splashy puddles or slinking around with tentative steps?Source

Rain, Rain Go Away?

We just want the rain to go away.

We hope the rain is here to stay.

We don't care either way.

Something else. We'll share in the comments below.

Do Tell: Would You Try to Raise a Vegetarian (or Vegan) Pet?

PetSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:30:10 -0800

I certainly don't know many kitties that would turn down some fresh fish as a treat . . . and I can't be the only one with the iconic cartoon image of a cat lapping milk in my head. However, a recent post on Dolittler (my go-to site for a behind-the-scenes vet perspective) got me thinking: Are there really vegan pets out there?Seems that converting pets – especially cats – to a vegetarian or even the veggies only diet (with no milk or egg proteins for vegans) is a risky choice but one that some still consider. Dr. Patty Khuly writes:

Cats' bodies (specifically, their gastrointestinal tracts) are not ideally suited to digesting non-meat foods. Though they may seem to do well on these diets once they’ve acclimated to them, the long-term effects of feeding feline diets that lack animal proteins have not been established.

Now it's one thing if you have a pet that would choose the vegetarian option in the wild (goats, rabbits, chickens, etc.) but it doesn't seem fair to impose personal beliefs that could endanger your animals' health in the process? What's your take?

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Do Tell: Pets Plus Your Love Life Equals . . .

PetSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:00:12 -0700

While dating for dog owners can be disastrous, it seems sometimes new partners can feel like interlopers to the existing relationship with a pampered pet. Uh oh.I know most of us couldn't be with someone who hated animals (gasp!), let's open up and share the most pleasant and painful moments that your furry friends have created in your love life.

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Reader's Choice: What's Your Favorite Wild Animal?

PetSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:30:23 -0700

I've already shared that these guys are my faves so now it's your turn. Lemme know what wild animals you'd love to hear more about and I'll be saving up suggestions for future creature features and searching for more photos of the species you'd like to see as baby animals, too.

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Will You See Beverly Hills Chihuahua?

PetSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:25:59 -0700

I couldn't pass up the chance to see a press screening of Beverly Hills Chihuahua earlier this week – after all, I love dogs and totally will watch a film just for featured furballs. There were tons of super-cute pups and I was totally entertained by the talking animals and fab fashions (more on that later). The movie opens in theaters tomorrow (Oct. 3). Is it something you'll check out, too?

Will You See Beverly Hills Chihuahua?

Yes, I'm going to the theater pronto.

Maybe, I'll likely wait for DVD.

No, I'm not watching this.

Do Tell: What One Word Would You Use to Describe Your Pet?

PetSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:00:00 -0700

It's so hard to describe our furry friends with a single word, even if there are some we subconsciously associate with dogs or cats. I spent a good hour trying to come up with one to describe my pet – my friends' and family's suggestions ranged from adorable (my mom) to hyper (my neighbor), and I finally settled on "spirited." Sounds nice but still gets at my pup's lively essence. What's yours?

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Would You Go to a Feline-Only Vet?

PetSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:15:24 -0700

My local vet treats both puppies and kitties, and I've never even seen feline-only doctor's offices. However, as a dog owner, I've not given much thought to the present stressors – unfamiliar smells and barking – for cats coming in for treatment.In a recent article in Dolittler, they explained several situations where feline families may be best served by a cat-only facility:

Not only are feline practitioners, on average, more likely to be up-to-date on issues like vaccine protocols and cat-specific approaches to medicine and handling, but the atmosphere is typically serene compared to dog and cat facilities.

They're not found in every city but, if you had the option, would you bring your precious pets to one of these? Source

Would You Go to a Feline-Only Vet?

Yes, I already do!

Maybe, if I could find one nearby.

No, my kitty's fine with a dog and cat doc.

Other – I'll tell you in my comments below.

Feeding Strays – At the Very Least or At Your Own Risk?

PetSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:30:50 -0700

While compassion causes many people to put out food dishes for animals roaming loose, logic makes others think twice about inviting (possibly diseased) strays to the area. Even if you wouldn't pick up one of these pets on the side of the road, what's your take on feeding them – does this good deed outweigh the risky results?
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Do You Point at Your Pets When Speaking?

PetSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:15:00 -0700

I have a friend whose stepfather freaked out when I once pointed at their pooch. I was telling the dog to sit, and the pointing came naturally. I never really understood why he didn't want me to point, and honestly it was an instant reflex, but his reaction stuck with me all these years.Now I'm self-conscious about raising my finger – do you do it, too?Source

Do You Point at Your Pets When Speaking?

Yes, I always point when I'm telling my pet what to do.

Sometimes, I point my finger when __________________. (I'll tell you in the comments.)

No, I never point.

I haven't noticed . . . but I'll look now.

Do Tell: Fast Friends or Fighting Like Cats and Dogs?

PetSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:00:09 -0700

It wouldn't be a kitty idiom for nothing, right? Although we know plenty of pets that fight like cats and dogs, a recent study at Tel Aviv University found that two-thirds of the 200 polled pet parents to both reported a positive relationship between the species!
Turns out age is much more than a number – If your pets are introduced when less than six months for kittens and a year for dogs, they could easily become fast friends according to a statement from Joseph Terkel of the school's department of zoology:

This is the first time anyone has done scientific research on pets living in the same home. It's especially relevant to the one-third of Americans who own a pet and are thinking about adopting a second one of the opposite species.

Do you think cats and dogs can be BFF or at least squabble-free roomies?

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Do Tell: Would You Feed Your Pet a Free Sample?

PetSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:00:26 -0700

Last week a Sugar staffer left me this sample she was handed on her way to work. Sadly, it's not for dogs since North is always up for a taste test, but it got me thinking about our pets with sensitive tummies. Since my pooch is healthy, has no allergies, and loves eating even food I don't give him, I would totally mix in a trial product . . . after reading the label of course. Would you do this and has any sample off the street ever led to an entirely new meal plan for your furry friend?

Reader's Choice: What Dog Breed Is the Smartest?

PetSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:00:39 -0700

Remember when we shared our opinions on the funniest looking dogs? Just like I don't think any pup is truly ugly, I also don't necessarily believe any breed to be exceptionally smart . . . or dumb. On the other hand, I can recall particular dogs – like Casa's amazing Ozzie – that lead me to draw a conclusion about a breed's IQ. I'd like to open it up to all of you: Which dog breed do you think is the smartest? Share in your comments below and I'll do a recap next week with your picks!

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Is This Creature Cute or Creepy?

PetSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:00:26 -0700

When Sugar staffer sabs shared this fun picture from her honeymoon in Costa Rica, it unexpectedly sparked quite the debate: Are sloths hot or not?While they've got a bunch of baffling habits, I still think they're pretty cute, do you?

Is This Creature Cute or Creepy?

Cute

Creepy

Other – I'll tell you in my comments below.

Do Tell: What Words Make You Think of Puppies and Kittens?

PetSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:30:27 -0700

Although I caught the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday, other than that I didn't watch much of the events on TV. The one sport I did see was the balance beam finals. You may be wondering what this has to do with PetSugar (other than the fact that both Nastia and Shawn are doggie owners), but just bear with me here.
While I was watching this competition, I was struck by how differently the two girls performed and behaved at the event.

The lithe Nastia was very elegant while performing, and seemed composed and reserved on the sidelines. Shawn the dynamo, however, just looked so friendly and was bouncing around and happily chatting with her coach as the scores were tallied. So here I went with my 24/7 animal-crazed mind, and realized there were some words that I unconsciously associated with cats, and others that made me think of puppies.

Now, by no means am I intending to insult either girl (or the sport of gymnastics), but those words I used when describing Nastia totally reminded me of all the stereotypes of a cat, while those for Shawn made me think of a cute, lil puppy — am I totally off-base here? Are there any adjectives that you associate with puppies, and others that you would reserve for cats? Feel free to say I'm silly in your comments below!

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Greatest American Dog: Which Training Method's For You?

PetSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:50:31 -0700

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Greatest American Dog: Which Training Method's For You?

I believe in dominance-submission methodology.

I believe in positive reinforcement methodology.

Other – I'll tell you in my comments below.

Do Tell: Combining Furry Families With a Partner?

PetSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:30:37 -0700

Now, seems like we can all agree about choosing to date (or marry) an animal lover, but what about a fellow pet owner? Although I adore my pooch, have dated a fair share of dog (and cat!) lovers, and enjoy meeting new animals, I'm not sure North could handle sharing our home with another furball. In fact, my friends joke that I'd come back and there could very well be one dog left standing . . . and that dog would be North – I mean have you seen what he does to his toys?!

Have you ever had to invite another pet into your home, and how did it work out?

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Matchy Matchy Leashes to Collars and Harnesses?

PetSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:00:35 -0700

Even if you're not down with coordinating with your furry friend, Thurman Murman's constantly rotating leash collection got me thinking – is it necessary to match the leash to the collar or harness? While Samson's sporting a set here, I know my pooch has many more harnesses than leashes . . . but he still has that basic black Flexi that just seems to go with everything. I make an effort to at least grab a leash that looks OK with the harness I slip on – how about you?

Matchy Matchy Leashes to Collars and Harnesses?

Yes, he only sports perfectly matching sets.

Sometimes, I try to make sure it doesn't clash.

No, I just grab whatever's closest.

Other – I'll share in my comments below.

Is This the World's Ugliest Dolphin?

PetSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:00:29 -0700

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I wanna hear it from you: do you think this bulbous-headed snub fin dolphin is properly called the "world's ugliest dolphin?"

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Is This the World's Ugliest Dolphin?

Eeks! Yes, the face is too smooshy (and not in a good way).

Hmm, well it's not as cute as Flipper, but not awful.

No, all dolphins are cute.

Other: I'll tell you in my comments below.

Has Your Dog Ever Caught Your Yawn?

PetSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:15:00 -0700

I'm not gonna lie — I totally yawned while watching this clip . . . and so did this dog.

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According to recent research, not only do people find yawning contagious, but pooches do as well! The team created two conditions where a stranger sat in front of the dog and called its name. Under the first condition, the stranger yawned once the dogs had made eye contact with him or her, and under the second, the person simply silently opened and closed his or her mouth and did not yawn. The results: The team found that 21 out of 29 dogs yawned when the stranger in front of them yawned — and, on average, dogs yawned 1.9 times. Has this ever happened to you? (On a side note, am I the only one who also yawned watching this? Share in your comments below.)

Has Your Dog Ever Caught Your Yawn?

Yes, I've caught him in action before.

I've never looked, but I will now.

No, I tried yawning at him and it didn't work . . . boo.

Other — I'll share in my comments below.

Do You Have Room For a Cat Playground?

PetSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:15:16 -0700

Wow, this jungle gym would make one – or several – active kitties very, very happy! With six plush fur hammocks, two cozy condos, and 100 carpeted "catnector" beams, the modular cat playground ($250) would keep pets busy . . . but looks to take up quite a bit of space at six and a half feet high (and long) and another four feet wide. Is your pet's playroom big enough for this creation or do you prefer to keep kitty's gym things on a smaller scale?

Do You Have Room For a Cat Playground?

Yes, I'd make room for this – my cats would love it.

No, it's just too big for my taste.

Maybe, I'd consider it if I could free up some space somewhere.

Other – I'll share in my comments below.

Do Tell: Did You Agree With Use of Snarl Bands?

PetSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:30:31 -0700

Of course I tuned in to Greatest American Dog yesterday and, wow, it was a night of surprises! First off, I loved the first challenge where owners had to predict if their pets would take or leave a variety of temptations from sticks to steak – I know North would have been all over that one! Then, for the main competition, each duo drew an expression out of a hat – they had to somehow get their top models to strike a pose and depict that emotion. Teresa had some difficulty making Leroy show "angry" so she used an unconventional method to force his snarly face.

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Although she was not eliminated, I don't think this strategy sat well with the other contestants . . . or the judges. Tell me what you think in your comments below.

What's Your Take: Did Verizon's LG Dare Commercial Offend?

PetSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:30:00 -0700

Can you hear me now? Although that's the only Verizon message that sticks in my head, turns out the company recently pulled a very controversial commercial for one of their newer phone models, the LG Dare. I never caught the video when it was still airing on TV but, seeing it now, I can understand what the hype was about.

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What's Your Take: Did Verizon's LG Dare Commercial Offend?

Yes – I found this commercial instantly offensive.

Sort of – after I thought about it, I found this commercial offensive.

No – and, frankly, I don't see what all the fuss was about.

Other – I'll share in my comments below.

Do You Prefer Shorthaired or Longhaired Kitties?

PetSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:30:11 -0700

Source

Do You Prefer Shorthaired or Longhaired Kitties?

Shorthaired cats!

Longhaired cats!

Both!

Neither!

What's Your Take: Where Should Jenny Go Now?

PetSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:00:27 -0700

I know zoos are a tough topic for animal lovers, especially for large roaming mammals who need plenty of room to wander. Back in May when KeKe the African Elephant died, it was only 15 minutes before the first fax came in about Dallas Zoo's remaining elephant, Jenny, and where should she go now that her BFF was gone.Although it's been decided she's going to Africam, a safari park near Puebla, Mexico, others (including "In Defense of Animals" and "Concerned Citizens for Jenny") want her to be sent to Tennessee's Elephant Sanctuary instead.

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have not sought accreditationSource

What's Your Take: Where Should Jenny Go Now?

Send Jenny to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

Send Jenny to Africam Safari Park in Mexico.

Something else. I'll share in the comments below.

What's Your Take: Are We Overmedicating Our Pets?

PetSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:30:28 -0700

Remember Slentrol, the canine antiobesity pill? Seems like that was just the start as there's now a medicine cabinet's worth of pills for pets . . . many very similar – if not chemically identical – to those meant for people. Treating common issues like separation anxiety (Reconcile), doggie cognitive dysfunction (Anipryl), and depression (Clomicalm), many vets also prescribe these drugs "off-label" for other issues like the "compulsive disorder" of Allan and Michelle Spring's German Shepherd:

Tail-chasing is normal — except that Max did it daily, often for hours on end. “He’s like a junkie needing a fix,” Allan said. “At times he can’t not do it. He goes berserk.”

I've seen pups chase their tails before, pets that are super chubby and dogs who hate when their humans go byebye, but I've never thought there were pills to treat all of these things. I'm pretty picky about what goes into North's body, and personally don't think I would choose chemical treatment unless it was a last resort – what do you think?

What's Your Take: Are We Overmedicating Our Pets?

Medication is the best way to fix this problem.

Medication is NOT the best way to fix this problem.

I'm unsure – I'll tell you why in my comments below.

Do Tell: Comparing Yourself to Mommies of (Human) Babies?

PetSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:40:45 -0700

I know it's not the same thing, even if you don't call yourself mommy, but pet parenting can seem very similar to human parenting at times. You've now got a dependent who needs you for his basic needs, and there are changes that need to be made to your day-to-day lives . . . sacrifices that nonparents sometimes can't understand. From working late or grabbing happy hour drinks to staying over at a boyfriend's house or taking off on a moment's notice for the weekend, there are things that aren't always possible with furry family patiently waiting for yums or walkies. Have any of you had to make changes or explain to friends that you can't do something "because of the dog?" Please share it with all of us in your comments below – I know I can empathize!

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Do Tell: Do You Know If Your Pet Is Left or Right Pawed?

PetSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:45:05 -0700

I'm serious! According to tests at the Institute for the Study of Animal Problems in Washington, DC, dogs and cats were shown to favor one paw over the other, just like many of us have a dominant hand, too! It's news to me so I went back to watch North when he was opening presents and playing with toys – I think he's totally left-handed . . . errrr pawed. Do your pets favor one foot over the other? Take a look at your furry friends, and share the findings in your comments below!

Are You Calling My Scoopbox Your Very Own?

PetSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:45:09 -0700

Here's a product I literally had to see to believe . . . especially when this dog-waste picker-up promised "no bending and no touching"! My Scoopbox is a disposable, biodegradable alternative to a bag – simply unfold, place over poo, step on the box, and lift with a string. It's easier to understand when you see it for yourself so check out the video below.

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Sha-Poopie

Are You Calling My Scoopbox Your Very Own?

Yes, I'd totally buy a pack.

Maybe I'd test one out.

No, poop bags are fine with me.

Other – I'll share in my products below.

Do You Switch Up Your Pet's Hairdo For Summer?

PetSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:00:17 -0700

On the left, see a chic Maltese in full-show coat . . . while the other sports a short one to keep cool – Do you call in a groomer to change your pet's cut for climate changes or is he set in his style? Source

Do You Switch Up Your Pet's Hairdo For Summer?

Yes, my pet changes styles with the seasons.

Sometimes, my pet gets special cuts throughout the year.

No, it's the same style all year-round for us.

Other – I'll share you in my comments below.

Results: Dog Breeds That Make You Giggle!

PetSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:30:27 -0700

I recently asked all of you to share which dog breeds always make you laugh, and I was rather pleased with all the suggestions! Like our "Which Pet is Cuter?" game, we know what's sooo pretty to one person, is not-so-much to another. Click through this slideshow to see what pups you nominated!

Do Your Dogs Wear a Harness and a Collar?

PetSugar — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:00:01 -0700

Walk time fills North with tail-waggin' joy, and it's definitely rein-in harnesses at my house! Call it personal preference, if you will, but I still think my pup's better suited with a harness like his smooshy breathren. I'm curious do you also put a collar on your harnessed pet like these two?Pacific Coast News Online

Do Your Dogs Wear a Harness and a Collar?

Yes, he's got a collar on all the time and a harness for walkies.

No, he just uses a collar for walkies.

No, he just uses a harness for walkies.

Do Tell: Funniest-Looking Dog Breed?

PetSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:30:42 -0700

Just one week from today, I'm heading up to the World's Ugliest Dog Contest to see which lucky pup wins on (bad) looks alone! We've all got our opinions on pretty and ugly – Krull the Warrior King's at least a little cute, right? – so I wanna hear which breeds always get a giggle from you. From this patchy Chinese Crested, the lamb-like Bedlington, or even those smooshies (gasp), share as many as you want below!

Do Tell: Could You Date Someone Who Didn't Like Animals?

PetSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:30:14 -0700

We all want our loved ones to bond with our pets, but what if your future partner wasn't so into the animal scene? Newly single Mario Lopez recently told People that he could never date someone who doesn't like dogs . . . and I agree! While I've dated some guys who were less than keen on my hyper lil North, they eventually warmed up to him, but it still didn't make me happy. What about you – could you date or marry someone who admitted to be not too fond of the furrier friends? If you've done it in the past (or chosen not to), share your tales in the comments below!

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What's Your Take: Tatum Buys Drugs Because of Dog's Death?

PetSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:35:51 -0700

ICYMI, Tatum O'Neal was arrested on Sunday while attempting to purchase crack cocaine. While this is obvs a very serious matter and she said there's no excuse for what she's done – she seems to have found one, placing the blame on her now deceased, 16-year-old Scottie offering this explanation:

"I lost my Scottish terrier, Lena," three weeks ago. "That seemed to set me off. She got old. She got cancer. She was the fabric of our family. We had to let her go to heaven. My daughter and I had to put her down. It was too horrible for words."

Tatum explains that the death of her beloved pet triggered her ongoing battle with "the disease of alcoholism" and memories that her mother passed away from addiction and that she's estranged from her father, Ryan O'Neal. I am by no means making light of her situation, or the death of her dog, but this sounds a tad suspicious to me – after all, there seems to be a difference between alcohol and crack. Do you believe her claims? Share your thoughts in the comments below.[Note: The picture is of another famous Scottish Terrier, not Lena.] Source

What's Your Take: Tatum Buys Drugs Because of Dog's Death?

Yes, I completely believe that Lena's death caused Tatum to slip back into addiction.

Maybe, I think Lena's death played a part in her choice to buy drugs.

No, I think she's totally using this as an excuse.

Honestly, I'm just not sure what to think – but I'll share my ideas in the comments below.

Do Tell: Does Your Pet Have a Fave Spot at Home?

PetSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:15:39 -0700

Whenever my friend's pooch is feeling moody, or if there are too many people in the apartment, the dog heads straight into the bedroom and takes cover under her boyfriend's desk! During muggy summers in NYC, North loved to lie down on the cool bathroom tile floor and now, whenever I take a bubble bath, my naughty pup tries to hop up on the couch for snuggly shuteye before I can shoo him. Do your pets ever take refuge in a favorite spot . . . for better or worse? I wanna hear all about the nooks and crannies your furry friends call home in your comments below.

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Is Your Pet Moody?

PetSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:15:22 -0700

I'm a strong believer that pets can understand our tone of voice – and can gauge between bad and good puppy voice no matter what we are actually saying. But as much as I think I know about pets, until North can talk, I'll never truly know what he's thinking. Most of the time I seem to have a rather happy pooch at home, but there are moments when he gives me the cold doggie shoulder when I'm just trying to play. What about your pets – do you think you've sometimes got a lil sourpuss at home? Source

Is Your Pet Moody?

Yes, he hates being reprimanded . . . and lets me know it.

Arrgh, it's all ups and downs with him even if I'm not scolding.

Once in a while, he gets bitten by the sulky bug.

Nope, my pet is Mr. (Cheerful) Personality.

Other – I'll share in my comments below.