From Key West: A New Years Eve Tradition

Did you catch the golden retriever looking out of the car and feeling very left out?

Here's hoping all your new year's resolutions last at least as long as these dogs!

More Rose Bowl Floats

These dogs are auditioning for a spot on the Natural Balance Pet Food float in the Rose Bowl parade. You'll have to watch the parade to see which ones made it, although the Jack Russell at the start is a lock!

Imagine skim boarding while the float is moving! Quite a feat!

I Love a Parade!

Mustang Alert!

Some of Madeleine Pickens' wild mustangs (along with wounded warriors, active military from all branches, native American tribes from around the nation and some of her Advisory Board members) will be marching in this years Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day. This group makes up numbers 82 and 83 in the parade lineup for those of you with a program.

If you want to show your support for this entourage, you can cast your vote for their float in the Viewer's Choice. You can do so by going to this link or by texting FLOAT 83 to 50649. You can vote up to 5 times for your favorite float but message and data rates may apply.

This is huge exposure for Pickens' effort to save these beautiful horses! Casting your vote for their float indicates the strength of her public support so if you can, do so!

And enjoy the parade. Check your local listings but the parade is televised live from 8 to 10 AM on New Year's Day.

They're Way Ahead of Us!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

There are times when words are superfluous! We clearly need to do an international edition of Lick Your Plate!

Barbaro Remembered

The following is from a wonderful blog post by Sarah Britten, entitled Falling Off. Writing from South Africa, she details her obsession with horses and how post-divorce, her mother told her, "Forget about men and get on the back of a horse."

Here is her take on why Barbaro influenced and inspired so many:

"Horses inspire love. Real, anguished love. When Barbaro, the beautiful unbeaten bay colt who won the 2007 Kentucky Derby, broke his leg and spent a year in rehabilitation, he inspired the kind of burning love that tightens the back of the throat and fills the chest. When he finally had to be put down, horse lovers across America wept, inconsolable. The Onion satirized the outpouring of grief, but certain special horses do seem to fulfill an urgent and particular national need, for every year the fans seek another Seabiscuit, another champion to love and cherish; another steed, one might say, to be the bearer of their dreams of what might be."

"Barbaro was a reminder that even the most dazzling of champions can die. In real life, horses are heartbreak. They break legs or succumb to colic. They are defeated. In the flesh, most of them do not embody what I imagine to be the nobility of courage, beauty and freedom. But even after all these years, I doodle them while I take notes in meetings and read the stories on American horseracing websites; I see hoofprints in the sand and I long to ride the animals that left them there. In this obsession, there’s a certain constancy (which is comforting)."

I think she has hit the nail on the head in a lot of respects--that continual search for a hero that inspires us every year to dream of a Triple Crown winner. As the calendar page turns and another year begins (in which all two year olds become three year olds on January 1), it's a good time to be reminded about the power of hope.

Bosing Day

Today is Boxing Day, a holiday celebrated in England and many of its former colonies. Tradition has it that this is the day churches opened their Alms Boxes to share with the needy. Many merchants also "boxed up" holiday goodies and gave them to their workers.

In any event, why not put a modern spin on this tradition and donate one's time or surplus pet supplies to a local shelter? Many are in need of towels, blankets, dog food and/or treats, leashes, collars and anything that would warm the hearts of its residents.

Consider it a box of love.

Fa-La-La-La-La

A merry and bright Christmas to you and yours from me and mine!

The Night Before

'Twas the night before Christmas
And in the dreams of my pack,
Phoebe was munching a high calorie snack,
Amos was herding his ultimate flock,
And Sam was dancing to Jingle Bell Rock.

Their stockings were hung by the chimney with hope
That a bone or two from a cow would elope.
Would there be coal for stuffed animal destruction?
Or treats for (sometimes) following instructions?

The question to them was most certainly boring,
For all three were engaged in serious snoring.
Of course Santa would deliver--he always came through
Even if they had made a mistake or two.

For as packs go, this one can't be beat
Even if my legs cramp when they sleep on my feet,
They take care of each other and sometimes even me,
Exactly the way a family should be.

So from our home to yours, with love and licks
And few hopes of teaching old dogs new tricks,
We wish you a holiday that's truly great
And begin the countdown to Lick Your Plate!

Rabbits a la Berlin

This is the trailer for a new short documentary that has been nominated for an Academy Award that is called Rabbits a la Berlin. It is the story of a colony of rabbits that lived in the meadow between a 120 kilometer section of the Berlin Wall in which there were actually two walls that ran parallel to each other. The space between them was commonly referred to as a "death zone"--a free-fire zone in which any human seen crossing was usually shot.

The space, however, was also home to a large colony of rabbits that continued to exist, ironically protected from all the things that previously threatened their existence. They were safe from humans, natural predators and free to do what rabbits do anyway, procreate extensively, in the lush meadow.

In an unusual twist, the narrator of the film turns this freedom metaphor on its head. The rabbits, while free from danger, lose their "edge." They become passive, overfed and apathetic, much like the East German workers.

When the Wall comes down, the rabbits, like the humans find themselves "free" along with all the insecurities that come with it. Sounds amazing and well worth seeing.

Some Important Tips

Courtesy of an abc news affiliate, this is information about the dangers of human drugs even simple ones like Tylenol, if ingested by dogs or cats.

Dr. Justine Lee, associate director of veterinary services at the Pet Poison Hotline, says 50 percent of the approximately 150,000 annual calls the hotline gets are about pets swallowing human medications. Recently, the hotline came out with a review of the call data, which revealed the top 10 offenders.

10. Cholesterol Drugs
Called "statins," these popular drugs treat a problem that dogs typically don't have. The good news is that serious effects in dogs only occur from chronic ingestion.

9. Thyroid Drugs
Hypothyroidism can be common in dogs, and the dose required tends to be 10 times stronger than for a person, says Lee. For this reason, accidental ingestions are usually not a problem, unless a dog eats an extremely large amount.

8. Beta-blockers
Used to treat high blood pressure in people, beta-blockers can have serious effects in dogs, lowering their blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. "It has a very narrow margin of safety," says Dr. Ahna Brutlag of the Pet Poison Hotline. "It may not take very many to cause lethal side effects."

7. ACE Inhibitors
Another group of blood pressure medications, ACE inhibitors can cause problems similar to beta-blockers, but with less severe effects. Still, heart medications should never be within a dog's reach, says Lee.

6. Birth Control Pills
"The containers are colorful, plastic and may make a rattling noise," says Lee. "Dogs seem to find them irresistible." Thankfully, most canines aren't affected by accidental ingestions, but non-spayed female dogs are at risk of side effects. High doses can also lead to serious bone marrow problems.

5. Benzodiazepines and Sleep Aids
They're designed to reduce anxiety or improve sleep, but many dogs instead become agitated rather than sedated. Lee says such medications are commonly left on a bedside table. "Putting them there helps people remember to take them," says Lee. "But curious animals often get to them first."

4. ADHD Medication
Even minimal ingestion of these drugs can be deadly to dogs. Tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures and heart problems can result. Brutlag says it's important to educate children taking these pills: "Make sure your children know how dangerous the pills are for the pets."

3. Antidepressants
It's true that antidepressants are prescribed to pets, but Lee says the veterinary versions have a different makeup. The human version can actually lead to agitation in dogs.

2. Acetaminophen
This over-the-counter pain medication can be devastating to pets. And ingestion often isn't accidental. "Pet owners think because it's over the counter that it's safe," Lee says. Acetaminophen ingestion by dogs, however, can lead to liver failure or, in large doses, red blood cell damage.

1. NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are another pain medication. Just one or two pills can lead to serious stomach or kidney ulcers, or kidney failure. "The only pain pill we ever recommend is aspirin," says Lee. "People think aspirin is the same as Tylenol or Advil, but it's not."

Prevention
Lee and Brutlag offer tips to help prevent accidental ingestions, based on the most common stories they get from hotline callers:

Keep human and dog drugs in different locations. It's easy to grab the wrong bottle if they're next to each other on the shelf.

If you carry drugs in your bag or purse, place it someplace high when you're home.

If you use a seven-day pill container, store it out of reach. Dogs often think it's a toy.

Don't assume children's medicine is safe. Species' differences are significant enough that medications safe for children can still harm dogs.

When you travel, be vigilant about safely packing your pills.

Be safe!

Looking for a Gift Idea for Your Pooch?

Most pet owners will buy their dog or cat a new toy this holiday season. Ever think of this one? Only if you don't mind scratches or slobber on the screen. . .

For the record, mine is off limits to my pack.

Dog-gone Page Turners

For those of you still finishing up those holiday shopping lists, I bring you some of the suggestions from the editors of Bark magazine, who also noted that "dog books are getting better and smarter." Just wait until next year--October to be exact. . .

Here's what they like:

Dog Walks Man by John Zeaman, musings while walking the dog

Let's Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell, a memoir of the author's friendship with the late Carole Knapp, author of Pack of Two. I haven't read this one but I have read Knapp's wonderful book(s) so this might be my next Kindle download.

The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption by Jim Gorant, Sports Illustrated scribe documents what happens to some of the dogs rescued from the Michael Vick dog fighting operation

The Love That Dog Training program by Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, Bo Obama's trainer's methodology

A Modern Dog's Life: Discover How to Do the Best for Your Dog by Paul McGreevey. How to be a "life coach" for your pooch.

One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Heimand by Pen Farthing. A British Royal marine Sargent saves dogs in Afghanistan

Do you have any you want to add to the list?

Sugarbush Dog Groomers

That's "grooming" as in "grooming the trails" which these two labs are doing if you like yours wide and smooth! The look like seals sliding down those mountain slopes!

And they look like they are having a wonderful time! Don't tell Phoebe such an option exists--she would choose sliding over walking anytime!

The Power of Three

Here's a great story about an unusual trio: a goat, a Great Dane and a three-legged retriever. It begins in Dallas, where a goat and a Great Dane were found lounging on the grounds of a Dallas chapel. The pair was taken to a local pet orphanage called the East Lake Pet Orphanage.

It was there, their togetherness was duly noted by resident vet, Dr. Karen Fling. "They act like a married couple. . .They eat together, sleep together, huddle around in a little ball and sleep together. It is very sweet," she said.

It was all fine and well until the Dallas County Sheriff's office got wind of the presence of the goat, Minnelli. It turns out it is illegal in Texas to harbor stray livestock and there was the possibility that the goat could be sold at a livestock auction.

Needless to say, that did not happen. The owners of the goat and Great Dane surfaced, reunited them with the third member of the pack (the three legged retriever) and eventually all three were adopted by a loving human couple.

"They're doing great and they'll be happy here for the rest of their lives," says one of the new owners. "They walk around like a little troop; where one goes, the others go. They capture your heart."

Michael Vick Wants a Dog

So the big news in Philly--and perhaps elsewhere--is that Michael Vick, the quarterback of our professional football team, told a group of school kids on Tuesday that he "wished he could have a dog right now, more than anything in the world."

The animal rights groups were all over this one, as you can well imagine, but not to worry. The federal judge overseeing his case has banned Vick from owning dogs, until he says so.

The comment came while Vick was speaking to a group of school kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Newark. "Humane Society president Wayne Pacelle noted that these appearances are voluntary and not part of any parole. "He's said he will do this for many years," Pacelle noted.

For those of you who don't know the back story, Vick served two years in the federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, for raising, training and fighting pit bulls on his property in Virginia.

When Vick does talk to kids (this is the sixth time he has done so since his release from prison), he is not one to run away from his past. He told the kids to use him "as an example for you not to do the things that would lead you down the wrong path."

I believe in second chances but I don't believe six public appearances qualify Vick for dog ownership. Besides which, he needs to volunteer at a local animal shelter for a long while before I would consider handing him a leash with anything alive on the other end.

Santa Paws

Face it, you knew it was coming....especially with those adorable golden retrievers. I just might have to order this video.

Twelve Dogs of Christmas

Guess which day is my favorite? Day 5!!!!!

White House Christmas Features Bo

That's Bo (above) made of chocolate in front of a marzipan White House, one of the beautiful and magical Christmas decorations that are decking the halls of the White House this year. Bo seems to be everywhere!

That's edible Bo, (also above) in the form of a delectable Christmas cookie courtesy of those White House elves. Admit it. Aren't there times you would just love to bite the head off your pooch?

And this is the piece de resistance--Bo made of pipe cleaners that greets guests as they enter the White House.
Seems like the first pooch has truly moved in!

From Sunday's Times

Anybody read yesterday's New York Times and catch the article about Eli Zabar in the Metropolitan section? If you did, you would learn that the first thing every morning he walks his dogs, goes for a run and then eats at one of his East side eateries, including The Vinegar Factory where he grows his own tomatoes in the rooftop greenhouses.

I tell you all of this because, Eli Zabar and his adorable dogs, Toby and Minny, are in our book and Sabina says her photos are better than the ones shown here!

Just saying. . .

Cracking Down on all the Michael Vick's Out There

Courtesy of a loyal reader comes news that the ASPCA has established the country's first criminal dogfighting database. Located at the University of California Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab, the Canine CODIS (as it is known) will be used to help prosecute dogfighting operations across the U.S.

The data base contains DNA profiles from dogs that have been seized during dogfighting investigations. The original 400 samples in the database were used by the Humane Society of Missouri's Animal Task Force during an investigation back in July 2009 that resulted in the largest dogfighting seizure ever made in the U. S.

The DNA analysis helps law enforcement officers establish scientific connections between breeders, trainers and ringleaders of dogfighting operations, across multiple states. Using this evidence, prosecutors can help convince a jury that specific dogs and fighters were involved in dogfighting operations, especially in cases where dogs look similar. Photographs are often inconclusive in distinguishing one dog from another.

As more and more samples are entered into the CODIS, by investigating animal welfare officers from around the country, it will become harder and harder to hide these cruel and inhumane practices.

What's Under Your Tree?

Some fun facts to consider as you finish up those holiday lists, brought to you by the fine folks at Pet Supplies Plus, courtesy of one of their customer surveys:

56% of pet owners will spend more on their pets than on their in-laws

58% of pets will unwrap their gifts themselves

49% of people will sing holiday songs to their pets

63% or people will make holiday treats for their pets

19% of pets will have new Year's resolutions made for them by their owners

For the record, my three get bones (don't tell them!) in their stockings from Santa, and this year, it will be a low calorie bone for Miss Phoebe. No songs, no unwrapping and absolutely no resolutions. Those they make on their own.

Lord of Misrule

There was a big upset in the National Book Awards fiction category this year (no Jonathan Franzen, for one) and the winning book is about horse racing! Written by Jaimy Gordon, Lord of Misrule, explores the world of claiming races at a small time track, Indian Mound Downs in Wheeling, West Virginia.

I am about a third of the way in and the book is mesmerizing. Not so much for the plot--which is page turning--but for the characters and the magical writing. Gordon is sparse with words and big on dialect--it takes a while to get the hang of whether or not characters are thinking or speaking--and often big events (like someone dying) get lost in the language (you have to ask yourself if the person is really dead or just looking that way), but the entire effect is to draw you into the world of small time claimers, where everyone is out to make a buck in any way possible.

Underneath it all is some beautiful writing about the female character and her affinity for horses, which must be somewhat autobiographical because it rings so true, and some deep insight into the often forgotten world of grooms and hotwalkers, especially at small time tracks.

It is not offered on Kindle, but the hardcover is worth a read if you want to know how and why a small time press (McPherson & Company) blew the big boys out of the water. Good for them and very good for her.

Mike Smith Honored

Jockey Mike Smith won the big Sport of Turfdom award for the second straight year and dedicated the prize to Zenyatta. "She's definitely one of the greatest--if not the greatest--horses of all time," Smith said. "Without her I wouldn't have been up here (receiving the award) either year. I'd like to dedicate this to her. She has done so much for the game."

Smith was presented with the award on December 7 at a luncheon that was part of the University of Arizona Symposium on Gaming and Racing. The award is given each year by the turf publicists of America.

Smith also thanked Zenyatta's connections, owners Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs, for letting him ride her in most of her 20 career starts. Zenyatta has begun her new career as a broodmare in Lexington, Kentucky at Lane's End farm as of Monday evening, Dec. 6.

The end of an era for an amazing horse but the beginning of a new chapter for the guy who sat on her back.

Zenyatta at Keeneland

It was freezing in Lexington, Kentucky on Monday when Zenyatta finally landed (2 hours late due to some de-icing of her plane) to begin her new life as a mama. Before she arrived at Lane's End, she made a tour of the outdoor walking ring at Keeneland, where her adoring fans were no doubt warmed by her glow.

One major question, however. Everyone else seems to be dressed appropriately. Why no blanket for the mare who was coming from sunny California? I know her new digs will be appropriately heated but why risk the chance of her getting a chill?

Just asking.

Canine Cancer Awareness

Recently Dr. Karin Sorenmo, Head of the Oncology Department at Matthew J. Ryan Vet Hospital at Penn appeared on a local news show and talked about cancer in pets and some of the warning signs. If you want to hear it from one of the best in the business, click on the link below.

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/station/as-seen-on/Canine_Cancer__What_Pet_Parents_Need_to_Know_Philadelphia-107509958.html

Remember, knowledge is power so even though it is a difficult subject, it is always better to know more. Canine Cancer Awareness Month may have come and gone (it was November), but unfortunately, the disease doesn't adhere to a calendar.

Be Careful Where Belly Rubs May Lead

Sometimes in life you just have to go where it leads you. When a friend of mine sent me an email saying that she had met the director of the Animal Cancer Foundation while waiting in line for a towel at the beach club (where she was over Thanksgiving), I knew that this was a person I was supposed to meet. So I sent her (the director) my web site info and a few days ago, we exchanged a nearly two hour phone call.

We have many connections, not the least of which is our mutual friend, but also golden retrievers (she is the former Director of Golden Retriever Rescue on Long Island) and of course, cancer in dogs. We are not sure where this new relationship is going--I do maintain that there is a dog cancer book in me still begging to get out--but I am passing on her recommendation for the book highlighted in the above video.

Apparently this very good writer met a woman who was all about dogs and they ended up moving to New Mexico and starting a sanctuary for small dog with special needs. I am not sure how many dogs he currently shares his life with, but I am told that it is a considerable number. Considerable enough to constitute a pack and that is what is book is about. Living with a pack as a member of the pack.

It is also the inside story of animal rescue from an experienced journalist and some very eye opening insights into dogs as quasi-humans. I pass on the video because I am struck by his last line about how he got where he is today: "I walked through a door marked rub belly frequently and never looked back."

Sounds like the beginning of a worthwhile endeavor.

Music to Shop By

Hit the mall humming!! Too cute....

Looking for Spokesdog

The Philadelphia Water Department is looking for a spokes-dog. Yes, you read that correctly. The issue to be addressed is poop and the problem is that left behind, it has the potential to run into the water supply, especially in hilly neighborhoods where the contest is being conducted.

"You wouldn't let your dog poop in your pool," said Joanne Dahme, spokeswoman for the Water Department. "But if you don't pick up after your dog, after the next rain it could wind up in the river."

It turns out that in the "spokes-dog" neighborhoods, (Roxborough, Manayunk and East Falls for those in the region), unlike the rest of the city, the sewer pipes are separated. Household waste goes directly to the sewage treatment plant; storm water--and everything in its path--goes right to the river.

While the Water Department dumps many chemicals into that water to guarantee that it is safe to drink, it only does so to the water that passes through the treatment plant. Which leaves a whole lot of potentially contaminated river for those who row, fish or just walk along it.

So for the benefit of everyone, pick up after your pooch or better yet, if you live in the qualifying region, enter your pooch to win a $200 gift certificate to a doggy supply shop as well as the right to bark at all offenders.

It's a shame--Sam would be great at that last part.

A New Tour of Duty

This is Buzz Miller, a dog and cat's best friend. Really. Sorry the photo is small but trust me, his heart is large.

Not only does he own an amazing "department store for pets" near my home (Buzzy's Bow Wow Meow--check it out on line) but he is constantly sponsoring pet related seminars, taking kids to visit animal shelter s for service projects, collecting supplies for shelters, you name it Buzzy does it. In the past two years, he has facilitated the adoption of 400 animals through the store.

Now he and his wife Judi have started a non-profit organization called PACT (People/Animals Companions Together)to take their passion even farther. One of the group's first initiatives is to recruit local foster families to care for the dogs of service men and women while they are deployed. The fostering may be as long as an 18 month commitment.

They already have a bunch of families willing to take on the job. One of Buzzy's unique twists on this concept is the notion that the foster families will not only correspond with the soldier while they are deployed, sending pictures of the dog and updates on his/her activities, he also promises that foster families will be able to continue the relationship with the pet once the owner returns.

In the interest of full disclosure, I should note that I am a member of the Board of Directors of PACT, and couldn't be prouder to be associated with such a wonderful organization.

Miraculous Eli

This is the most remarkable story, courtesy of Thoroughbred Times, about a donkey, Eli, who after being treated with stem cells, was able to stand even though he had been completely paralyzed! The video above is of Eli getting to his feet himself.

The drama begins when Eli, a pet donkey, was attacked inexplicably by his long time companion, Watson, and had his spinal cord traumatized. Watson apparently grabbed Eli by the scruff of his neck and shook him furiously.

In any event, the donkey rapidly began to decline, ultimately losing the ability to urinate, defecate and stand. As you might know, the equine's ability to survive is completely tied to his being able to stand. The donkey was rushed to Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, California, where the owner opted to try an experimental stem cell treatment, figuring she and Eli had nothing to lose.

Eli was injected with the first of three stem cell treatments on May 25. He responded by improving within 48 hours, and was actually able to stand in his stall on June 8 with the help of two vet techs. He relapsed, as is common after the first treatment, and on June 11, received his second treatment. He continued to improve until about twelve days later when he began to relapse again and received his third treatment.

On July 2, Eli was able to roll onto his sternum, unassisted and the video above was made on July 31 when he was able to stand by himself. Eli has since been released to his owner and continues to improve!

Needless to say, this development is incredibly exciting not only for equines but because of the implications for human spinal trauma. Stem cell therapy has not been tried in humans. One important piece of info that comes from Eli's case is the knowledge that adult stem cells, (even from donors, which Eli's were) do not cause adverse reactions.

Just something to remember when you are choosing political candidates in the future. Please do not stand in the way of this exciting and important field of research.

Secretariat

I saw Secretariat last weekend and loved it. OK the story has been completely Disney-ized and racing sequences are a bit forced, but the general idea that a horse can take us all to places where we like to be is one that I heartily endorse. Diane Lane was great and it was a nice touch to have the real Penny Chenery appear in some crowd shots.

Of course, they tie it all up rather neatly in a Triple Crown package, but you did get the sense of pressure that every owner, trainer and jockey is under when they race at that level. Although it seems like the whole world is watching--in Secretariat's case they were--it usually is just the horse world that is so focused on your every move.

And there really is a Belmont Ball, the night before--I have been there--but it is held in the city and Belmont track is not exactly a hop skip and jump away so the scene where Diane Lane contemplates the track in her ball gown is a bit over the top. But who knows? Maybe she stayed track side and make the trek to the city not vice versa.

In any event, it got me thinking about the potential of a Barbaro film and I don't think it is going to fly at this point because of the lack of happy ending. What we need for it to fall into a Disney like package is for one of his siblings to redeem him and then what a story that is.

Until that happens, however, there are too many unknowns in the story. It is hard to make a movie about a horse that could have won the Triple Crown when it took twenty years to make one about a horse that did.

In any event, go see it. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Shelter Pet Project Day

Today, November 30th is Shelter Pet Project Day, an idea dreamed up by the good people at the Shelter Pet Project Organization. The general idea is for animal lovers to post to their Facebook page about a shelter pet they have known and loved.

You can also post on their website where you can take a look around at all the wonderful pets that are looking for forever homes. To test it out, I actually entered my zip code and said I was looking for a collie puppy to share my home with other dogs, but no cats.

I was amazed at the number of matches that came back, not all of whom looked like collies mind you, but there were some "bone fido" ones in the mix.

So if you are the owner of a shelter pet, share your pet's name and story, your favorite memories or how you met and fell in love with your shelter pet.

Hop on over to their website to get started and follow the link to their Facebook page.

Help them celebrate shelter pets and maybe even save a few lives!

The MInd's Eye

I went to hear Dr. Oliver Sacks, the neurologist who wrote Awakenings among other books, earlier in the week at the Free Library. He has a new book out called The Mind's Eye and in it he shares cases of people who navigate the world without the use of a vital sense. He describes the pianist who mid-way through a concerto suddenly had no idea what the notes on the musical score in front of her meant. Or certain people who lose their sense of three dimensional space and see the world as flat.

It was absolutely packed to the gills and people were in the upstairs lobby watching it on video. Sacks is 76 and a distinguished professor of neurology at Columbia as well as a new title which is "artist." In this role, he advises others who might be interested in writing about science. He preferred, however, the title that he had at Cornell which was "Professor at Large."

It was a wonderful talk, very candid and very entertaining. It was also fascinating that so many people in the audience stood up to talk about their own conditions, many of which involved this loss of stereoscopic vision. Who knew? Sacks himself has lost his.

In any event, the take away that had me pondering a day later was the fact that when Awakenings was the Book of the Year and made into a movie with Robin Williams and Robert de Niro, the medical community rejected it and him as being too popular. In other words, he never garnered the respect of his peers that he did from non-medically trained people who found and find his books fascinating because they are written in English. His case studies do read like novels, a trait that he works very hard to achieve.

Anyway, I wonder who is laughing now? The doctors who poo-poohed him or Dr. Sacks who is clearly laughing all the way to the bank.

New Home for Sweetnorthernsaint

This is Sweetnorthernsaint and you might remember him as the favorite in the 2006 Kentucky Derby--yes, the one in which Barbaro left him in the dust. Sweetnorthernsaint is now seven and has been retired from racing for a year. He is also a gelding, which means that he is not going to earn his feed in the breeding shed. What's an owner to do?

Some owners of geldings literally run them into the ground--dropping them down in class, hoping they will be claimed and become someone else's responsibility. Others run until they can run no more and you don't even want to know where many of them end up.

But not so for Sweetnorthernsaint who is spending his retirement on a beautiful horse farm in Maryland, being re-trained as a fox hunter. His new owner, Lisa Reid, owns the farm with her husband Michael, and she is very excited about the prospect of giving Sweetnorthernsaint a new job--one she feels he will take to perfectly.

"I'm going to teach him dressage and then how to be a fox hunter," she said. According to her, Sweetnorthernsaint is very laid back and the perfect size for what she calls a "lady's horse." "He isn't quite big enough to be a huntsman's horse," Reid qualified. "I really liked him from the first time I saw him."

The re-training is not going to happen overnight, But Reid is known for her patience. "I like him," she said. "I see no reason why he wouldn't he here forever."

Saintly new owner for a well deserving horse.

Nicanor Takes Third

Nicanor finished a game third yesterday in the 3 Coins Up Stakes at Aqueduct. The weather held and the race was run on the turf.

In my opinion, Nicanor ran a good race, but as they came into the far turn, he was in absolutely perfect position to take the lead and open up. The question remains as to whether or not he would have been able to hold onto a lead with Sal the Barber making a game move along the rail, but he was so perfectly positioned, it is a shame the jock didn't just let him go.

If the lesson was rating then I think Nicanor did a good job, laying a perfect second for most of the race within striking distance. Timing is everything in racing and I think Nicky has yet to get his organized--whether it be that he ran out of steam, was out run or just wasted too much energy fighting the tight hold.

No excuses for a bad trip--this was absolutely picture perfect and it is a shame he did not take advantage of the opportunity. Of course, it is entirely possible that Nicky just ran out of steam, but he ran a game race, certainly showed it was a good choice of stake for him and will now head south for a little r and r.

It will be interesting to see if he continues to race as a five year old, or whether he possibly will be retired to the breeding shed to add his DNA to the enduring Barbaro dynasty.

Barney's Windows

Lest you doubt that Lick Your Plate! Celebrity Chefs Cook for their Dogs and Yours is totally cutting edge, I urge you to look carefully at the Barney's Christmas windows, revealed yesterday.

Clue one: they are all about food and the chefs who cook it. In fact, the general theme is "Have a Foodie Holiday.

So yes, there are the regulars: Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, Paula Deen, Rachel Ray, but look closely. Could that be, lurking in the tinsel of the tree in the women's window, none other than Anita Lo, featured prominently in the book.

What can I say? When you're hot, you're hot.

Post Turkey Workout

Feeling full--even a little blubbery after all that turkey? This should inspire you to wiggle those flippers!

And lest I forget, please know that I am extremely grateful for your loyalty and readership!

Nicanor Entered on Friday

At Aqueduct on Friday with a 3:10 post, Nicanor will be racing in the Three Coins up Stakes. Let's hope its not three coins in a fountain--that the weather holds up and the race goes off on the turf as planned!

STAKES
Three Coins Up S.

Purse $60,000. For Three Years Old And Upward. No nomination fee. $1,000 to enter, starters to receive a $750 rebate. A supplemental nomination fee of $200 may be made at time of entry. The Purse to be divided 60% to the owner of the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. Three Year Olds 120 Lbs. Older 122 Lbs. Non-winners of a sweepstakes at a mile or over on the turf since April 1, 2010 allowed 2 Lbs. Three races on the turf, 4 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming, starter and restricted allowance races not considered in allowances) A presentation will be made to the winning owner. Closed Friday, November 19, 2010 with 22 Original Nominations and 1 Supplement. (If the Stewards consider it inadvisableto run this race on the turf course, this race will be run at One Mile on the Main Track.). One And One Sixteenth Miles. (Turf)

Nicky has drawn post position #7 and has Johnny Velasquez on board if the race stays on the turf. All of which bodes well for our boy!

A great way to cap off the Thanksgiving feast--and lots to be thankful for.

Scenes from the Dog Show

If you watch something other than football on Thursday, you might be tuning in to the National Dog Show which actually took place in Philadelphia over the past weekend. I made a short visit to see whether it might be a good venue to sell our book next year (jury is out on that) and wandered the benched area, which is always fun. These are some competitors.

The first is a golden, same color as Phoebe but you can see that the breed standard seems to be much smaller than my goldens--short legs and big heads seem to be the desired traits.
These bichons made quite a photo. They were posed on three separate grooming tables, one next to the other and at one point they were all looking my way. Didn't quite capture all three but these two are pretty cute.

This Old English sheepdog did not make it to the best of breed for the Herding class in the national Show but was still pretty cute!

Rehab Update

For those who are wondering, the rehab continues and tomorrow Miss Phoebe goes back to Penn for a recheck.

She is still not what they call "stable" on her rear leg, although in my opinion she is just fine. She is up to 12 minutes on the underwater treadmill and able to go for two 40 minute walks per day. All of which is leaving me exhausted but she is loving every minute of it!

As for her weight, well we are not sure if she has actually lost weight. She is so excited to see everyone that she flies onto the scale, thus disrupting the mechanism so we haven't been able to get a proper reading. To me, she has a defined waist line. The doctor is less convinced, but perhaps she has lost a pound or so.

Regardless, she seems to be in fine form, so let's hope the recheck is as good as she feels.

The Leaves They are a Changing

One of the unexpected benefits of my twice daily rehab walks with Phoebe has been the opportunity to savor the incredible display that Mother Nature puts on this time of year. Not that I don't enjoy it with Sam and Amos, its just that Phoebe and I actually get a chance to savor it.

For your pleasure, these are some of the trees we see on one of our longer routes. The Japanese maples are especially wonderful this year--scarlet against a blue sky. Even Miss Phoebe doesn't mind a pause to capture it on film!



Worth remembering when these trees soon become snow sculptures.

Smarty Moves In

This is Smarty Jones and presumably, one of his new handlers at his new digs, Ghost Ridge Farm in Pa. According to the New York Daily Record, Smarty has settled into his new home and has been bred a few times!

"It's just like a person moving to a new area, " said Carl J. McEntee, general manager of Ghost Ridge Farms. "Horses communicate with other horses, like humans. They communicate with people. Part of it is the acclimation of the staff to particular horses, too. Thoroughbreds are higher-strung than other horses--they are athletes."

Smarty doesn't look too high strung in that photo. In fact he looks remarkable calm, cool and collected as in "I think I'll stay awhile," which is exactly the plan. For now, his routine is pretty much the horse's dream existence: eat, graze, romp and get groomed. Not to mention a lot of TLC and human contact.

"You have to get to know them, and they have to get to know you," Marshall Horan, Ghost Ridge Farms' stallion barn manager, elaborates. "They have their own personalities. They are worth millions of dollars and you don't want to do anything that can hurt them."

So far so good. Smarty will be available for public displays of affection from 10-2 today at the farm, 860 Dietz Road in Windsor Township, for those of you in the neighborhood.

Canine Companions for Independence

There is a family in the school where my daughter teaches who are puppy raising a dog for the Seeing Eye Foundation. There is another in the neighborhood who raised dogs for this organization, Canine Companions for Independence.

I admit I could never do it--let a puppy go after a year, but watching the video makes me very, very glad that there are people who can.

Zenyatta Officially Retired

The official word is in: Zenyatta will retire to Lane's End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky in early December. She retires after winning 19 consecutive races and earning $7,304,000, the most of any North American raced female racehorse.

She will make one last public appearance at Hollywoood Park on December 5, where she will be paraded before her adoring fans. And then it is off to the blue grass and breeding shed, where speculation runs high about her future mates.

Since A. P. Indy also resides at Lane's End public opinion seems to favor those two hooking up, but the official list of suitors has yet to be disclosed. Remember Zenyatta is going to turn 7 in January, so she will be an "older" mother, but I am sure she will take to it with her usual grace and finesse.

Will she miss racing? Perhaps. But I think she might miss the California climate more. Remember this gal has not shivered through a Kentucky winter in quite some time. Only time will tell how she will make the adjustment but in choosing Lane's End, the Moss' have chosen the creme de la creme for their Queen.

Just a thought here but we know that Rachael Alexandra is going to be bred to Curlin (part of Jess Jackson's plans to create the "new" thoroughbred). Wouldn't that be something if Zenyatta also was and their babies became rivals? Talk about a story. . .

For now, we can only wish Zenyatta well and a smooth transition to this next chapter in her life.

Quarterback Sneak

No animals, no publishing insights just a great belly laugh--guaranteed--courtesy of the Driscoll Middle School Trick Play in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Enjoy!

Scenes From the Good Dog Gala

I left Amos at home but many other people brought their dogs to the 2010 Good Dog Gala for the benfit of the Philadelphia SPCA. Here are some of the gala good dogs:


A Cute Wheaton terrier (above)

An adorable French bulldog (above)

A dinner attendee making himself comfortable on the ballroom floor--much better than the marble halls! (above)

And my dinner partner, Miss Maddie, Sabina's dog, whom everybody, inclduing the Phiadelphia DA wanted to take home!! (above)

This pug was dressed as Mary Todd Lincoln, complete with pearls that I am sorry you can't see!

Clearly a good time was had by all two and four legged attendees.

Once You're a Jet, You're a Jet

While the prevalent football chant around here is E-A-G-L-E-S, there is a thoroughbred who enjoys another war cry belonging to a team just up the turnpike. Owned by 80 strong, the 2 year old in training based at Monmouth, responds to the cheer for the J-E-T-S. In fact, that's his name: Jay E Tee Ess!

As the New York Times reported, the horse is owned by Fantasy Lane Stables., which sold thirty shares to investors. Some of these shares have been divided among the predominantly working class investors, many of whom have never owned any part of a race horse before.

"It's about the excitement of owning a horse," said one, Steve Schoengold, a retired purchasing director for the town of Greenburgh, NY. "It's a thrill to be able to spend time in the paddock before a big race and the greatest feeling in the world is watching your horse storm down the stretch knowing that he is going to win."

As for Jay E Tee Ess, well he hasn't won yet, but then again, he has only had two starts in which he finished fourth and sixth, respectively.

Still hopes are high among the faithful, who are convinced that their horse might learn something from the football team after which he is named. The Jets are off to a great season!

Book Dominoes

What with the last photo shoot and great preliminary comments form the editor and publisher ("You did a beautiful job. Once I started, I couldn't stop reading it! I think we definitely have an amazing book on our hands!"), books have been on my mind lately.

Hence the above. Enjoy.

Update on the Cavaletti

Bless my tree guys who came last week to trim some trees in the backyard and almost ran over my improvised Cavaletti course for Phoebe. What is this, they wondered and actually rang the doorbell to ask me.

When I explained that Phoebe had to walk over a series of two inch high objects for physical therapy they asked me why I hadn't called them to set up a real course. After all, they spend the day carting off and cutting down tree limbs.

Why indeed? It would have been brilliant on my part to enlist their help, but in the end, they came through all by themselves. They happened to have a few old railroad ties and they happened to have chain saws and they happened to be have been able to move those ties around like pieces of spaghetti.

The above photo is what they made me--perfectly cut posts, spaced exactly equidistant and out of the way of traffic and dogs.

Miss Phoebe reacted by walking perfectly over each one without even smirking at me. "Now this," she informed me, "is a real Cavaletti."

Thanks guys.

Pet Pharm

This is the trailer from the documentary aired last week on the Canadian Broadcast Company called Pet Pharm. It is essentially about the increasing tendency to medicate pets with human drugs for essentially human conditions.

The basic question remains: do pets develop these "conditions" because we are trying to fit them into human society or would they have them "in the wild" so to speak?

Check your listings if you have access to Canadian television. It sounds like a fascinating topic.

Drug Shortages for People and Animals

Unbeknown to me, even though there have been articles written about it since this summer, the United States is experiencing a severe drug shortage that is trickling down to veterinary practices. Many of the drugs in limited supply are emergency drugs, pain medications and anesthetic agents.

As the Wall Street Journal reports, there have been many "near misses and errors" and even deaths because of the shortage. Most of what there has been is frustration on the part of health-care practitioners because of the lack of information pertaining to the shortages, including why are they occurring in the first place and when will they be over?

There are a lot of presumed reasons for these shortages, not the least of which is a drug company's prerogative to simply stop manufacturing a drug if they find it is unprofitable or if they can no longer obtain the ingredients used in the manufacturing of the drug. The FDA is looking into some enforcement issues that would halt these voluntary stoppages.

In the meantime, this is serious business for people and animals. If you or your pet is electing to undergo any type of voluntary procedure in the coming weeks it would behoove you to ask the doctors is they will be substituting an anesthetic drug because the one they usually use is unavailable. And if so, be sure to ask it that drug is as effective as the one they don't have.

When it comes to emergencies, you are pretty much as the mercy of your health-care provider, which it where it gets really scary. It is time to make the FDA accountable for the drug companies' carte blanche policy when it comes to making and distributing drugs. One would like to think someone is paying attention to what the drugs were designed to do in the first place: make people better.

Early Favorite

Uncle Mo established himself as the early favorite for the 2011 Kentucky Derby with an impressive win in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile. Poor Mike Smith was not having a god day. His mount, Jaycito, veered very wide and then just did not seem to be able to get it together.

Uncle Mo looks like a nice horse but I say that with the usual caveat about Kentucky Derby favorites. Few have ever won the roses.

Keep your eye on him throughout the winter campaign. He is light years ahead, in terms of racing experience, of those two and three year olds who might be making their first starts in December and January of the new year.

The jury is still out as to whether or not an impressive racing campaign as a two year old helps or hurts one's chances for a successful three year old year. It depends on the horse, the trainer and good old fashioned racing luck.

History is Made

As heartbreaking as Zenyatta's loss, Goldikova's win, for me, was the highlight of Saturday's Breeder's Cup races. In textbook terms, it was sheer perfection as she charged down the stretch to win her third straight Breeder's cup mile on the turf. She entered the history books as the only horse to do so.

She is just that good. A tiny horse, compared to Zenyatta's huge dimensions, her stride and heart equal those of the big Z, and she got an ideal trip from her jockey.

It was a huge win for the Europeans on a day when the American horses were racking up most of the wins. But also a huge win for classic turf races at a classic distance by a very classy horse. To me, it was horse racing at its best, and should go down as one of the great races of all times.

The Agony of Defeat

If you can stand to watch, your heart will be broken again and again as Zenyatta just misses her 20th consecutive victory. My heart was indeed broken as I watched in the bar of the Loews Hotel in Philadelphia where I was attending the Good Dog Gala for the SPCA. I was surrounded by fifty of my new best friends who had also gathered for the event.

From the moment she broke, I thought something was wrong. She looked like she was lugging outward and it seems that she was not comfortable on the track or with having dirt kicked in her face. Remember she had won most of her races on the synthetic surface.

But Mike Smith settled her only to get incredibly boxed in. In a classic East coast versus West coast jockey duel, the guys in Kentucky were not going to give him any breaks. Plus this was a huge field. I don't think she has run in such a large group since last year's Breeder's Cup Classic. Remember in California, they usually run the other way from going head to head with her.

Hence, she does not routinely encounter traffic--which she did--or such fierce competition. But to take nothing away from her, the fact that she almost caught Blame is nothing short of remarkable. Did Mike Smith misjudge the distance? I don't think so. I think he gave her the ride of her life. I just think it was one of those things.

Were we greedy? Did we expect too much from a mere mortal animal? Did we project an impossible image of perfection on her? Who knows. Anyway you look at it, it was heartbreaking. But that should take nothing away from a magnificent animal who gave us so much pleasure for so many years.

I am deeply disappointed with a lot of things, including the defeat. But probably even more so with the fact that the popular press did not jump on the Zenyatta bandwagon until it was to witness her one defeat. Where were they when she was racking up all those wins?

Let us hope that she is indeed horse of the year because she deserves that and more.

Pet Insurance Real Life Case Study

For those of you keeping score (or on the fence about pet health insurance), I have been keeping track of the expenses associated with Miss Phoebe's ACL tear, including rehab. The totals to date--which does not include all of the rehab treatments because I am going to submit them together--is as follows:

Expenses submitted $842.21
Reimbursements 443.70
Out of pocket 398.51

Granted $398 is a hunk of change but nothing compared to 842. Insurance has paid for a little more than half of Phoebe's expenses so far.

Here's where it is going to get interesting. When Penn discharged her, they actually wrote a prescription for rehab with a specific doctor at a specific facility. I have been following that prescription to the letter of the law. My previous expenses only included three treatments and they reimbursed about 40% of the cost of these.

I am going to lump the next group together, along with a copy of that original prescription and see if my luck holds. If it doesn't I recently learned that Penn Vet Hospital actually has an insurance person on staff to submit your claims and go to bat for you. So we shall see.

So far, I am delighted with the results. Let's hope my luck holds!

Breeder's Cup App

Here is the dilemma I face. I must attend the local SPCA gala tonight because they are honoring a dear friend. For long time readers of the blog, this is the dinner to which I took Amos a few years ago.

This year, Amos is not going to be in tow simply because I have to stay through the ceremony for obvious reasons and Amos is not always the patient type. When he decides he wants to go home, we have to go home because he starts barking, pretty much non stop. As in, the "Timmy's in the well" bark or in this case, "I'm ready to leave now, get your coat" bark. He is very insistent.

Anyway, go I must and the event, which is always punctual because people do bring their dogs, starts at 6:30. Please note the post time for Zenyatta's race is 6:45. Hence the dilemma. Of course, I am picking up another friend who also wants to watch the race.

So Plan A is to get there in plenty of time to watch the race in the hotel bar. Plan B is to hope my i-phone app for the Breeder's Cup actually works. It says it includes live streaming of the races.

As we speak, I am still waiting for the free app to download--it has taken at least ten minutes so far. As one who has not had luck with the NTRA live streaming computer apps, I am skeptical. Hopefully I will be able to test it (if it even finishes downloading) on Friday with some of those races.

I know there is always you tube--the race will surely be up within minutes and the DVR is set at home--but there's nothing like seeing it live.

Keep your fingers crossed. I think we are going to be in the bar.

Dancing with the Star

Racing fever is building as the countdown to the Breeder's Cup continues. You know where my heart lies, with this dancing queen.

Be sure to keep your eye on her fancy footwork during the post parade!

Meet Me at Barbaro

We are getting closer to Friday's and Saturday's Breeder Cup events, held this year at Churchill Downs. While everyone is talking about the Classic which will be Zenyatta's last race, Alex Brown has written a nice piece about the added attraction of the Barbaro Memorial statue, which many visitors to Churchill Downs will get to see for the first time.

As Brown points out, Barbaro is the only horse to be buried on the actual property of the track. Brokers Tip, Swaps, Carry Back, Sunny's Halo and Eight Belles are all buried in the little cemetery right outside the Kentucky Derby museum. Barbaro is buried right outside the main entrance to the track itself.

Because of it's location, visitors to the track have access to the statue without paying an admission fee which was one of the Jackson's intentions. This statue, even unlike the one that honors Secretariat in the paddock at Belmont, is accessible without entering the track, making it a popular spot for the legions of Barbaro's fans. It has also become a meeting place for all visitors to the track. "I'll meet you at Barbaro," can often be overheard.

Let us all hope that the Breeder's Cup races will be run without incidents that necessitate the creation of memorials to any more champion horses.

Smarty's Coming Home--Sort Of

News from Bloodhorse.com that Smarty Jones, who, in 2004, won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, is relocating from Three Chimneys in Kentucky to Ghost Ridge Farms, near York, PA. It is presumed that he will continue to stand at stud since a new syndicate agreement is being written in conjunction with the move. Ghost Ridge is currently accepting nominations for 2011.

Pat Chapman, who owned Smarty together with her late husband Roy purchased him back from Three Chimneys to whom they had sold a 50% interest in him as a stallion. "We've had many discussions over the past year about what is in Smarty's best interest and I am thankful for the Clay's support in my decision to bring Smarty Jones back to his home state of Pennsylvania to stand at Ghost Ridge," said Pat Chapman.

Part of the impetus to bring back to Pennsylvania is his huge fan base in the area. Pennsylvania racing fans were always wild about Smarty since he raced at Philadelphia park and the Chapmans are from the area. "If it wasn't for Smarty, I'm not sure there would be the slots and casinos in Pennsylvania that has fueled both the resurgence in the racing and breeding programs," noted Tarry Bratton, owner of Ghost Ridge Farms.

As a stud, Smarty is no slouch--having sired 89 winners from 137 starters, including stakes horses. It is hoped that by moving him to Pennsylvania he will be closer to his primary base of mare support and thus give him an even greater chance to be a success.

One thing is known for sure: Ghost Ridge Farms will need a nearly full time tour director to keep all of Smarty's fans happy! He is one of the main attractions on the daily Three Chimneys tours and it is expected that he will maintain that status in Pa.

Smarty is expected to move in early November.

Zenyatta on 60 Minutes

You may have seen the story about Zenyatta on 60 Minutes on Sunday but here is the back story about the 60 Minutes staffer, Michelle Boniface, who grew up on a horse farm in Maryland. Her mother is a former jockey and her father is a trainer. Michelle got to play "horse whisperer" for Bob Simon and camera crew and had them all convinced by the end of the week that Zenyatta is not just any horse.

Have a look. I think you'll enjoy it.

The Results are In. . .

In case you were wondering, Amos did NOT walk away with the top prize at the Howl-a-Ween Spooktacular yesterday. These guys did:

A one-eyed pit bull (above) dressed as a pirate (hard to see but trust me that's what he was),

A cowboy and his horse--actually a great costume!!!!!(above)and

a "pit bull of the night,"complete with tutus.
Amos, by the way, was the only dog who was well behaved enough to stay for the entire event. Phoebe and Sam in true headstrong golden retriever fashion were more trick than treat and should have stayed home!

Trick or Treat

And now for the costume event of the season! This year for halloween, Sammy is a devil.



Phoebe is a flower.


And Amos, is Secretariat!!!!!


Please note that last costume required some handiwork on my part, affixing the jockey to Amos' coat (a.k.a. saddlecloth) but it works perfectly and he doesn't seem to mind!!

Hope your adventure is just as entertaining!