(Ottawa Dog of the Week for July 20th/09)

“I researched for a long time what breed of dog would be best for me, and the answer always came back to a pug. They are funny, clever, affectionate companions, and usually great with other pets and children. I love their wrinkly little faces, sideways walk, and curly, cinnamon-bun tails! I had to wait several years but I finally got my pug! Satchmo is the sweetest little guy! I got him as a puppy at 11 weeks old, and he is now 2 years old.

Wherever I go, you will usually find him there, half a step behind me. He is a lot of fun to hang out with, up for anything from rides in the car, going to Nannie’s, playing in the dog park, going for long walks in the Arboretum, or cuddling on the couch watching TV. He understands over 30 people words, including all of his toys by name: Kong, Hedgehog, Lion, and NewToy (its not new anymore, but the name stuck!) The kitties are not so convinced of his awesomeness, but he has learned that they don’t mind him when he’s on his best behaviour.

He loves going to the cottage in the summer, where he runs all-day with his doggie-cousins, and swims in the lake. Not many pugs like to swim, but he gets right in there and paddles around to play with us in the water and to cool off. He likes to stick his tongue out when he swims. He loves to have visitors over; his snorts, wiggles, and “pug-run” make him the clown of the party! Everyone who meets him loves Satchmo’s quirky, loveable character, but no one loves him like his Mama!” – Satchmo’s mom, Kim

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Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish. Nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn’t help, because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king-sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years – canine or feline attendance is not required.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat’s butt. I cannot stress this enough!

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The Friends of Abandoned Pets 10th Annual Dog Walk was held on Saturday June 7th. The day was hot but it didn’t rain and everyone who attended had a great time! The event was a tremendous success and helped to raise close to $20,000!! The money will go towards some animals who really need it. Some toiled long and hard to make this year’s walk the best yet.

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