The sentiment expressed in the Cafe Press Plaque above, "Lord, Please help me to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am", resonates with many pet owners.
At Super Cool Pets this is our mission--to connect to our pets as the beings they are, not the beings we may want them to be; to fulfill their needs as animals as much as to have them fill our needs as people; and to help improve their lot in the world.
Consciously working on our own personal development is one, if not the only, path to becoming the person our pets think we are. We can buy all the pet products in the world and read all the pet articles on the web, but our relationship with our pets depends on our actual interaction with them.
We step away from the pet books aisle for a moment and wander over to the personal growth section to recommend a fascinating book released this October, Personal Development for Smart People:The Conscious Pursuit of Personal Growth, by author Steve Pavlina. Steve is well-known to many blog readers as the author of the [arguably] most successful personal development blog on the web with over 700 free, easy-to-read articles.
You can improve your relationships with your pets, and all your relationships for that matter, by internalizing and applying the three primary principles established in this book that underly successful growth: truth, love and power, along with the secondary principles of oneness [truth + love], authority [truth + power], courage [love + power] and and finally intelligence [love + truth + power].
The principles are universal and can be applied to any and every area of our life. How do they apply to our relationships with our pets?
Truth --Seeing our pets as they are. "You can't take shortcuts through the land of make-believe". Our pets are members of our family, yes, but they are indisputably animals, not surrogate human toddlers--a dog is a dog, a cat, a cat--a fact often overlooked by the best of us. We are talking fundamentals here, such as healthy pet-appropriate food, plenty of clean water, breed-appropriate exercise, calm, assertive discipline and plenty of affection, not matters of personal taste such as pet apparel, style of dog bed or pet carrier.
Love--Connect with our animal companions. Learn their body language and communicate with them so we understand them and they understand us. Aside from a few words, they don't understand our remarks in English, Spanish, etc. Educate ourselves in their needs and wants. What are they trying to tell us? Are we listening to them, or just want them to listen to us?
Power--Empower ourselves and our pets, not overpower. Is our relationship about "control" or "training/behavior modification"? We all want our pets to "behave"--cut down on the yipping, the nipping, the incessant barking, chewing, to calm down, stop jumping up, and so on. We can empower ourselves to take responsibility for our pets: focus on the behavior we want, determine how we will train our pets and then put in the effort this will require.
Steve Palina's Personal Development for Smart People offers in-depth information on the seven fundamental principles of development as well as their practical application in our lives. After reading this genuinely ground-breaking book, you will be on the path to becoming "the person your pet thinks you are."
Dog Run (Hardcover)
by Michael Crouser
Publication Date: October 2, 2008
Internationally renowned photographer Michael Crouser captures the thrilling intensity of dogs at play in his collection of photographs called Dog Run. Crouser catches both rare and provocative moments--split seconds of intense play that give an intimate glimpse into the expressive personalities of his dynamic subjects. The photos were shot in neighborhood dog runs, where the dramatic action is all about dogs being dogs away from the influence of their masters.
I Can Has Cheezburger?: A LOLcat Colleckshun
by Professor Happycat, icanhascheezburger.com
Release Date: October 7, 2008
www.icanhascheezburger.com was founded in January 2007 as a place to collect "LOLcats"--pictures of cats with funny captions. It has gone on to become a singular sensation, captivating millions and becoming one of the most visited blogs on the internet. For the book, the founders of the site have selected 200 of their favorite LOLcats from their archive of nearly one million, all of which are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud or wonder WTF?
A Member of the Family: Cesar Millan's Guide to a Lifetime of Fulfillment with Your Dog
by Cesar Millan (Author), Melissa Jo Peltier (Author)
Release Date: October 7, 2008
Brimming with practical tips and techniques, this book addresses the most common issues and questions that emerge over the course of a person's lifetime relationship with a dog, explaining what it takes to be a good dog owner. From choosing the right dog for your particular family's needs to setting the rules of the house (yes, you and your family are in charge) to finding a quality veterinarian and monitoring your dog's health, Cesar offers essential advice for a harmonious home. No topic is left untouched.
Old Dogs: Are the Best Dogs
by Gene Weingarten (Author), Michael S. Williamson (Photographer)
Anyone who has ever loved an old dog will love Old Dogs. In this collection of profiles and photographs, Weingarten and Williamson document the unique appeal of man's best friend in his or her last, and best, years.This book is a tribute to every dog who has made it to that time of life when the hearing and eyesight begin to go, when the step becomes uncertain, but when other, richer traits ripen and coalesce. It is when a dog attains a special sort of dignity and a charm all his own.
The Cats of Kittyville: New Lives for Rescued Felines
by Best Friends Animal Society
Publication Date: September 16, 2008
Kittyville is the neighborhood at Best Friends Animal Society, the largest no-kill animal haven in the United States, that is solely dedicated to the cats who are rescued by Best Friends and their Rapid Response teams. The Cats of Kittyville reveals the inspiring story of how a devoted crew of vets, specialists, caregivers, and volunteers perform miracles every day, giving the abused and abandoned cats in their care a happy new life. A primary goal of Best Friends is to place all animals in loving homes. Illustrated with over 85 photos, this captivating book shows how and why new lives happen for these special cats.
As the holiday season approaches, we expect to see more and more book releases. Here are some appealing ones published in September.
The Book of Animal Ignorance: Everything You Think You Know Is Wrong
by John Mitchinson , John Lloyd
September 2, 2008
A fun, fact-filled bestiary that is sure to delight animal lovers everywhere. Arranged alphabetically from aardvark to worm, here are one hundred of the most interesting members of the animal kingdom explained, dissected, and illustrated.
Dog Fashion: Haute Couture for Your Hound by Susie Green
perfect for furry fashionistas, pampered pooches, and dogs looking for a total makeover. With chapters covering beachwear, street fashion, fancy dress, and more, you will find stylish ideas for every season, helping your canine companion achieve the perfect look.
Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life
by Trixie Koontz (Author), Dean R Koontz (Author)
Release Date: September 16, 2008
Bestselling author Dean Koontz says that his dog, Trixie, changed his life and made him a better, happier person. A 68-pound dog who lived close to the ground, Trixie certainly did cast a long shadow. She first became known outside of her own house (dog-house, that is) as a guest blogger on Dean's website, signing off every entry Life is Good, Bliss to You. Now, in this warm and funny book--as told to Dean Koontz--Trixie once again shares her inspiring outlook on life and reveals the eight steps that anyone can take to achieve not merely happiness, but bliss.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
by Vicki Myron (Author), Bret Witter (Contributor)
Publication Date: September 24, 2008
One frigid Midwestern winter night in 1988, a ginger kitten was shoved into the after-hours book-return slot at the public library in Spencer, Iowa. And in this tender story, Myron, the library director, tells of the impact the cat, named DeweyReadmore Books, had on the library and its patrons, and on Myron herself.
Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life Paperback
by Cesar Millan (Author), Melissa Jo Peltier (Author)
Release Date: September 23, 2008
Follow-up to Cesar Millan, television's "Dog Whisperer," last year's bestselling Cesar's Way. Every dog wants a "clearly defined social framework, with a fair, consistent pack leader"; chances are good, then, that behind every unruly dog is an inconsistent human. one must cultivate "calm-assertive energy," a mind-set that puts both dogs and people at ease; besides thorough explanation, Millan offers a number of suggestions for developing this powerful form of non-verbal communication.
Izzy & Lenore: Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me
In his previous books, New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz introduced us to the delightful menagerie at Bedlam Farm, including Izzy, the unforgettable border collie rescue. Now, in Izzy & Lenore, Katz delves deeper into his connection with the beautiful, once-abandoned dog, learning yet again about the unexpected places animals can take us.
Stretch Your Dog Healthy: A Hands-On Approach to Natural Canine Care
by Raquel Wynn
Release Date: September 30, 2008
Holistic health specialist Raquel Wynn offers dog owners the latest information on stretching, massage, acupressure, and other techniques to improve and maintain their dogs' good health, enhance calm energy, and strengthen the pet-owner bond. The natural treatments in this book suggest preventive care and offer an alternative to expensive prescriptions for day-to-day ailments, including such chronic problems as hip dysplasia. The stretching routines that form the centerpiece of the book are clearly explained and accompanied by photos of dogs and owners demonstrating the poses.
Are you pets bored, just hanging around the house? Do they get separation anxiety when you leave? Just put on these CD's and DVD's to entertain your pets:
Just Chillin': Music for Pet Stress and Separation has over 2 hours of music created specifically to help reduce the stress and separation anxiety suffered by your dog or cat when you leave home. Patented blend of soothing original instrumental music with nature sounds.
Music Birds Love is a remix by Bradley Joseph, a former keyboardist for Yanni, from his previous albums.
The Purrfect DVD is a DVD that loops all-day footage of birds, squirrels, fish and bugs. It comes with an alternate track of audio for the human's listening pleasure.
Promotion: Save $5 when you spend $25 and pay with Bill Me Later®. Offer valid Sept 1, 2008 - Sept 30, 2008. Offer limited to items sold by Amazon.com. Subject to credit approval. One per customer. Enter code BMLSAVES at checkout.
The Ultimate Dog Lover: The Best Experts' Advice for a Happy, Healthy Dog with Stories and Photos of Incredible Canines
The Ultimate Cat Lover: The Best Experts' Advice for a Happy, Healthy Cat with Stories and Photos of Fabulous Felines
Both books, authored by Marty Becker, D.V.M, Gina Spadafori, Carol Kline and Mikkel Becker, are a mix of true stories and information from experts in dog and cat behavior, training, nutrition, sports, and preventative health and medical issues, along with four-color photography.
Just finished City Dog by Alison Pace. This was a fun read, not heavy, but entertaining. The official blurb doesn't do it justice:
From the author of Pug Hill and If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend comes a charming and original exploration of one woman's search for happiness, and the cast of characters - real and imagined - who help her find it.
After her divorce, Amy Dodge thought she'd finally write the next Great American Novel. Instead she's now the author of a bestselling children's book series, Run, Carlie, Run! starring her adorable and spirited West Highland white terrier, Carlie, and a dashing (but fictional) Scottish explorer, Robert Maguire. Though when Carlie is offered the starring role in her own television show about activities for urban canines, and Robert Maguire begins to take on a life of his own, Amy's world takes a turn toward the surreal.
As Amy finds herself getting cropped out of Carlie's many photo opportunities and unable to get the image of Robert Maguire out of her head, the city she once loved begins to lose its appeal. But just when she starts thinking that it's a dog's life after all, she figures out a way to make everything change. And while life in New York is not always a walk in the park, it just might take Amy and Carlie to exactly where they need to be...
This is an original dog-lover's story of burn-out, loneliness, hope, honesty and love told from the vantage points of the different characters.
CITY DOG is a whimsical, fanciful story presented from the points of view of an on-the-verge-of-jaded New York City writer, one of her fictional children's storybook characters, and her dog. Pace writes with wit, confidence, a delightful and gentle voice, and a keen eye that misses nothing. - Lee Harrington, best-selling author of Rex and the City
If you like chick lit and even if you don't, Super Cool Pets recommends this book. City Dog will be released September 2.
Author Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain is getting a lot of buzz lately. It is the uplifting story of Enzo, a lab terrier mix, narrated from the first-person. From the website:
Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers will add some humor to your life. Everyone's favorite Irish Drinking Songs are rewritten with lyrics about cats. Track Listings:
1. Wild Kitty (parody Wild Rover)
2. A Cat Named Rover (parody Gypsy Rover)
3. The Mining Ship the Red Dwarf (parody Bonnie Ship the Diamond)
4. When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling (parody When Irish Eyes Are Smiling)
5. Lord of the Pounce (parody Lord of the Dance)
6. I'll Tell My Cat (parody I'll Tell My Ma)
7. The Cat Came Back... The Cat's Perspective
8. Black Is the Color (of My Cat's Fur)
9. Cats Chasing Butterflies
10. The Demented Cat Game (parody Patriot Game)
11. Black Kitty Paw (parody Black Velvet Band)
12. Catnipping Green (parody Fiddler's Green)
13. The Old Grey Cat
14. Furagone's Wake (parody Finnegan's Wake)
15. Jasper Tabby Kitty Cat-y (parody The Barnyards of Delgaty)
Marley & Me Movie Trailers -- Can't Wait Til Christmas!
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