K9 Lifestyles

Dogs of Peru

Peru is known for its beautiful snow capped mountains, ancient ruins, Alpacas and rich culture, however, very few know about its vast population of dogs. In Lima, the capital and largest city in Peru, many dogs are kept as pets on leash, but in the shantytowns of Lima they run free – even though Lima has regulations on animal control. Outside of Lima is another story entirely. Thousands of dogs can be seen off leash wandering towns and villages working as alarm systems, herders, and pest control.

Dogs of Peru

The people of Peru are not bothered by the many dogs, and often don’t even name the dogs they keep. It’s common to see dogs chasing cars, socializing in packs, scavenging in dumpsters, even napping inches from the road, not even flinching as automobiles whizz by. Continue reading…

The Golden Touch

Ally on the job at a Retirement FacilityCalifornia’s beautiful Sonoma County is home to award-winning wineries, luxury spas, scenic coastlines, amazing restaurants, and the world’s largest Social Therapy Dog Program ‘Creating Wellness.’

Founded over 17 years ago by Roz Morris and her cocker Spaniel named Sabrina, the Creating Wellness program was created to brighten the lives of people in need. Made up of volunteers and their dogs, they bring comfort and joy to patients in Hospitals and Assisted Retirement Living Facilities.

Over 107 dogs work at 25 various care facilities in Marin and Sonoma County. The leader of the Therapy Dog pack is Ally and RozRoz’s own eight year old Golden Retriever named Ally. A graduate of the Bergin University of Canine Studies Social Therapy program, Ally is a sweet and loving dog who is eager to work at the Hospitals.

Ally works in five care facilities during the week, sporting a Therapy Dog vest which reads “I Love Working for Hugs & Kisses,” and a K9 Drivers License for identification. Ally and Roz visit each facility for about an hour a day, asking if anyone would like a dog visit. They always check if anyone is allergic to dogs. “You don’t want sneezing for the rest of the day, they have enough stuff to deal with,” says Roz. Continue reading…

Napoleon, Conqueror of the Heart

Napoleon kissing NancyFrench conqueror Napoleon Bonoparte said “A picture is worth a thousand words,” whereas California canine Napoleon knows a picture is worth a thousand sniffs.

In Napa Valley California, artist Nancy Flores enjoys painting in the company of her 14 year old Papillon named Napoleon. Specializing in oil paintings featuring movement and dance, Napoleon is the only canine subject seen in her artwork. With his large butterfly-like ears Napoleon brings a special sweetness to her passionate and engaging paintings.

Nancy has been a professional painter and dancer her entire life.Napoleon observing Nancy painting Having skated with the Ice Follies and competed professionally in International Latin Dance, she has won a U.S. Latin Dance title. Today Nancy still coaches Latin and enjoys quality time with her husband Mark and, of course, Napoleon.

Napoleon loves to be held by Nancy, but when it is time for her to paint he knows his job is not to disturb but to observe. He keeps Nancy focused by staying in the studio while she paints, observing her every movement and relaxing in a pile of her old clothes – his favorite place to keep her scent near while waiting to be back in her arms.
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Cheeko B Good

Kattya, Cheeko and FrankieSan Francisco is renowned for its culture, dining, architecture, cable cars, and now – Cheeko B Pet Boutique. Located near Union Square this boutique has been called the Crème de la Crème of doggie stores.

Opened in March 2008 by Kattya and Patrick Breitenbach, Cheeko B features designer clothing, collars, toys, treats, and other unique items. Kattya loved shopping for her dogs but couldn’t find many places with unique doggie items, so she used her experience in developing San Francisco and Napa Valley Spas to open Cheeko B. The hardest part in the seven-month development was finding a location, “People didn’t understand what a Pet Boutique was, they thought we wanted to board dogs,” says Kattya, “we finally found a landlord who had a dog and understood the concept” – thus Cheeko B came to fruition.
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The Adventures of Jake & Tycho

Jake and TchyoIt was 1921 when the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy first worked together in a short film titled The Lucky Dog. Today, two truly lucky dogs named Jake and Tycho star in their own comedic short films!

These adorable mutts jumped from shelter life to internet stardom, and can be seen on two sites: JAKEANDTYCHO.com a collection of humorous videos narrated from the viewpoint of Jake and Tycho, and as the hosts of IDURMUTT.com a site promoting the rescue and identification of mixed breed dogs.
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