When Man's Best Friend Is Obese

Anyone who knows me knows I love my food, like steak and hamburger and bologna and ice cream and chicken and turkey and cheese and Grammy's Pot Pie from the can. But I always make sure to eat sensibly and not beg for too much. That's why I took note when I read this article in the Wall Street Journal. Obesity in dogs is a major problem and costs this country in excess of $17 trillion per year, according to a recent study by the Canine Institute.

That's why I support a national canine nutrition bill to enact new standards for dog food nutrition, allocate federal funds to subsidize healthy pet living (like treadmills, for instance), and levy still penalties for owners who overfeed their dogs. Please join me in my crusade.

Peace out,
Tommy

Lament for a Missed Opportunity

So, so sad. It has long been one of my ambitions to relieve myself on this beautiful tree: the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse. But look what happened during a recent wind storm.

Winds Topple National Christmas Tree

I've visited that tree a few times and always pulled to go do a 'sniff-n-lift'. But daddy would say it was too crowded and promised we would come back at a quieter time. Alas, that time never came. They say they'll plant a new one, but it might take a human generation before it reaches the majestic heights of this once regal monument.

So long, old friend.

Grizz - Victim of Unjust Law

Here's a picture of Grizz. He looks mean, I'll grant you that, and I wouldn't want to sniff with him if I encountered him on a walk or at the dog park. But he's no criminal, despite the charges that were filed.

You can read about it here:

"Man faces misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty"

All Grizz did, like any dog would do in a similar circumstance, was euthanize a raccoon who had been bothering his master. Dogs have the right to do that, to chase lower forms of animal and do what they wish if skillful enough to catch one. Take me, for instance. My daddy sends me out all the time to chase the squirrels around my back yard. I never catch one . . . but if I did . . . well . . . I don't know what I'd do, but I know no law is going to stop me from going all cockapoo on him.

Are you ready for some football?

I know I'll be watching:

Puppy Bowl VII

The biggest event on all fours is back! Puppy Bowl returns for its seventh consecutive year with an all-star, all-adorable cast that's ready to mix it up on the grand gridiron of Animal Planet Stadium. Puppy Bowl VII brings viewers a loveable lineup that's itching to play in a winning combination of terrier tackles, touchdowns, puppy penalties, fumbles and Fido first downs. Featuring fan favorites like the Water Bowl Cam, tail-gating fans, and the Ice Breakers blimp and its hamster crew, this year's big game is sure to be a tail-wagger. For the first time ever, viewers can watch the action from the puppy's point-of-view with the new Puppy Cam. And be on the lookout for the "chicks" on the sidelines with the addition of chicken cheerleaders. Also, don't miss the debut of the Kiss Cam, which is sure to keep the crowd on its feet. From barking beagles and spunky spaniels to everything in between, we've got the cutest players taking the field on the most action-packed Sunday of the year. Plus, back for another year is the popular Bissel Kitten Halftime Show, guaranteed to bring the house down! And, for the first time in Puppy Bowl history, all the action will broadcast in a stunning native 3-D version that will premiere on "3net" — the new 3-D network joint venture of Discovery Communications, Sony and IMAX in 2011.