Animalistic Bridal Registry

I love weddings. It is so exciting to see people making plans and living their dreams together. And more often than not, pets factor into the emerging family's life. In fact, I'll bet some people are more excited the prospect of getting "hitched" and buying a house with a yard so they can finally own a dog or cat than they are about sharing domestic life with their spouse! Let's hope those are in the minority.

This brings us to the topic of the bridal registry which goes hand-in-hand with the wedding invite. Admittedly I'm not always terribly excited about buying the items listed on the happy couple's bridal registry. Therefore, I suggest pet loving engaged couples to consider a pet-themed bridal registry.

Here's how it works. Select the pet (or a voucher to purchase one at a breeder or rescue organization), accessories (everything from cages, barriers, bedding, bowls, grooming products, training equipment, etc.), food, pet health insurance, books (hint: start with dog books, DVDs and videos by Amy Ammen available through www.dogclass.com), certificates for Amiable Dog Training classes, and a digital camera to capture priceless moments. Now this would be a fun way to shop for a newly formed family! Oh, I forgot one thing. Don't forget the pooper scooper because you know what they say, "The couple that scoops together, stays together."

Bayview Now photo of the day

Ok, It has been the "Photo of the Day" for about four weeks, but http://www.bayviewnow.com/ is featuring one of the best photos of Able I've ever seen! Charles Auer is the photographer and it was shot at a booksigning Kitty Foth-Regner and I did at Schwartz Books in Bayview on March 22.
Here's the photo caption: Able the Dancing Dog jumps over the leg of his owner and trainer, Amy Ammen. Ammen was appearing at Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop to promote her new book, "Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs." She brought both Able and Obey, a young rescued Rat Terrier who was still learning obedience.
NOW Photo by Charles Auer

Able the Chihuahua to Dance in Greendale

Able the Dancing Chihuahua, Obey (my twinkle-toed rat terrier), and I are
making an appearance in Greendale to showcase Able's dancing, talk to kids
about dog safety, and to demonstrate how to teach any dog to listen. I'll share the secrets of getting your HYPER DOG to listen up and therefore calm
down.

The key points of teaching dogs to respond to critical commands (such as
Come, Quiet, Stay, Down and Heel) are to:

1. Define expectations

2. Use voice inflection your dog can't ignore

3. Know when to be silent, watchful, and relentless

4. Take a lesson from your dog -- never be angry or hold a gudge


Here is the information on the Greenfield event:
2007 Village of Greendale Events Calendar
May 5, 2007 at 10-noon: See It to Believe It—a Dancing Chihuahua

Reiman Visitor Center and Pawprints Pet Boutique
5602 Broad Street
414-423-3080
www.discovergreendale.com
*** WWW.DOGCLASS.COM
*** Amy Ammen, director of AMIABLE DOG TRAINING in Greenfield, Brookfield,
and West Allis
*** Author of HIP IDEAS FOR HYPER DOGS