A tired dog is a good dog.

This well-known saying by trainers is a way of reminding people that a dog with a job  that keeps her active will more likely mind her person.  One of my favorite magazines, Orion, has this profile of a dog with a job that must be exhausting and secure.

My dog’s job is to take me on walks so that I meet my “step” requirements for the day.  I’m on a health program with walking and more healthy eating.  Her job is to keep me moving for 10,000 steps each day.  Follow my progress or join me if you’d like.

Walk on, tired dogs, walk on.

Rumblings of Worth

Asian Elephant photo courtesy of Oregon Zoo

Every once in awhile I learn something that makes clear why our planet is remarkable beyond conception.

 On 60 Minutes on CBS and  again on American Public Media, I’ve listened to recent stories about the elephants that Katy Payne (and Andrea Turkalo, other members of the Elephant Listening Project)  studies in central Africa. Katy is the person who learned about the changing songs of humpback whales (remember that Judy Collins song that popularized whalesong?).

My favorite  Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology is where Katy Payne,  has worked on her discovery that elephants make infrasonic calls that lie below the range of human hearing and travel exceptionally well.  Katy’s discovery about these rumbling calls was made at the Oregon Zoo in 1984.

Studies of  African elephants in Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe  show that elephants’ powerful low-frequency calls attract mates  and coordinate families  over distances  between four and ten kilometers and are highly dependent on atmospheric conditions.

Download the hour-long Speaking of Faith podcast  or a quick listen to whales or elephants, your choice of one minute or ten.

At first, I wondered why Speaking of Faith covered this story, but then I realized I’m among many who  have faith in the wonderous nature of the planet.

For more information.

New Year Resolution: Better Bird Care

Companion birds losing their homes is a problem of epidemic proportions.  However, this can be prevented through the proper education of bird companions.  Consider starting off the new year right with some self-improvement that will help you and your feathered friend.

If you are thinking about purchasing or adopting a bird, have recently done so, or are in need of a relationship tuneup with your longtime companion, consider registering for one or both of our upcoming online courses:

Companion Bird Care and Behavior (for beginners) will be held January 11-15, 2010.
Rethinking Your Bird’s Care and Behavior (for those who want to improve their knowledge and relationship) will be held January 18-22, 2010.

These are short, five day courses that include lessons, discussions and question-and-answer sessions.  Course details and registration can be found at ThisWildLife.

Happy Holidays from Pets and the Planet

Bow Wow Eco Duds!

I met Michelle Hipskind of Unleashed Petwear at the K-9 Carnival in Friday Harbor, WA.  I was curious; why a petwear business?

Carol Frischmann:  How did you start a petwear business?

Michelle Hipskind: Vicki Dodge and I love animals.  We wanted to make clothing that was well made and comfortable for the dogs.  We both have bulldogs.  Just try fitting a bulldog “off the rack”.  Our customers had this problem too.  Now we make everything. It’s just too much fun.  We’ve made:

Special order: Bulldog Boz as John Phillips Sousa

• A band costume for a bulldog.
• A chef outfit for a pug named Julia Child.
• A black satin dress with pearls for a dachshund named Audrey Hepburn.

CF: Why do it?

MH: We love to hang out with people who love their dogs. Couldn’t get any better than that.

CF:  What’s your own eco-tip?

MH: People have clothes they love and can not part with.  But, they will give it to us to make something special for their pet.  Do you have an old leather coat you don’t wear or a favorite skirt?  We can make something for your dog.

The one tip we would give to people would be to give us their raincoat, leather coat, sweatshirt or favorite skirt and let us design and make something very special for your pet.    And we do promote our company as “Made in America” to try and get our customers to support America and buy American.

Michelle and Vicki with their product

CF: Why Unleashed Petwear?

MH: We have found that people feel good that they are reusing their clothing and that they are supporting a small company good for pets, the environment, the nation.

Reduce, Recycle, Reuse with Unleashed Petwear.