It's My Dog's World: I Just Live In It

Your Semiregular Mavis: Translation Please

She likes to sing, our Mavis. And wrestle. She is happy to be in the world, loves most dogs.  And sometimes...she does this. Please feel free to translate.  

 

This is what an evil pit bull looks like (not):

This is Calvin. A couple of months ago, his mom Gerri rescued him from Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City. Gerri says Calvin was covered in mange, and was "the sickest dog there."

Not now. Last night, when they met Calvin and Mavis did a beautiful dance of submission (one guy I know calls it "a submit off") where they sniffed, lolled around, and began again. Calvin's no puppy--maybe 4 or 5. But he is ready to greet the day, every day.

Now this is a dog who gets enough exercise. :)

Joy dog video of the week

As one of the commenters on Vimeo said, you can stop making music videos now, because nothing will top this.  Props to Lemon, the German shepherd, and super props to Dave Meinert, who made it. Music by Johnny Neon.  Joy...by dogs! 

 

 

Johnny Neon 'Hearts' from Dave Meinert on Vimeo.

In praise of courage, especially on reality TV: man terrified of pit bulls tries to conquer his fear

Reality TV: not a big fan.  I worked in television for too many years, trolling for "true crime" movies back in the day, to really believe that things can be "real" or "true" on television.  (One thing I do know for sure, to use an Oprahism:  Valerie Bertinelli is a really nice person and an amazingly hard worker.)

Still, this clip, from a new Animal Planet show about people overcoming their extreme animal phobias, just breaks my heart.  It's a cliche, but it's not:  a big tough-looking guy, terrified of ALL pit bulls.  Which doesn't just mean that he avoids pit bulls.  It means he avoids places where pit bulls MIGHT be...like dog friendly parks.  Which means his time with his family outside is highly limited.

I identify. I was never quite as phobic as this guy...but I would cross the street, and I would never pet a dog. It made no sense to me at all.  My shift took years and years,  and more than one dog. This guy has a very good reason for being afraid of this breed, and I salute him for doing this at all---let alone doing it on TV.  This is NOT about him creating a brand, or selling food, or showing up at openings for large sums of money.   He's doing it to get part of his life back.

 

 

 

Alec Baldwin AND John Krasinski + adorable dog = <3

 

Hope they paid the dog as much money as Baldwin got.

Funniest pitbull myth debunking film ever

The only problem? Now you'll want one of those purple nose pit puppies. Enjoy!

You don't have to speak Japanese to understand this video..just dog.

The lost dog of the tsunami finds her owner.

How to fix a play: add dogs

I realize that I have finally gone from tough-minded dramaturg/literary manager to crazed dog person. Saw a good play yesterday with some serious plot holes. First thought: "Well, why don't we get the lead character a puppy?"

Actor Cheyenne Jackson with his adopted dog Zora. 

 

 

 

My favorite holiday ever

Credit:  the Proper Pitbull.

Cats in sweaters.

Pitbulls in a Halloween costume competition.

Halloween cannot come often enough for me.