DOG OWNERSHIP

Of course, not all resolutions apply equally to dogs and people. Here are two to make for your pet that you dont need to make for yourself - but which will give you peace of mind.

Another year and with it, another list of resolutions followed by a few weeks of good intentions. But what if you were to shake things up a bit this go-round, incorporating your dog's well-being into the list of things you want to improve on? There is a good deal of overlap between a number of resolutions suited to you and to your dog, and if you make them with both of you in mind, you might be more motivated to stick with them. Here are five suggestions for resolutions that will lead to wellness benefits for you and your canine pal at the same time, allowing you to double-dip into improved outcomes.

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In the October 2016 issue we discussed which countries have the most pet dogs. But the more important issue is how the people in each country treat their dogs. No behavioral survey or study has been conducted that could give empirical evidence, but for a view toward a general understanding of how respectfully and lovingly dogs are treated in various regions across the globe, we spoke with Karen Menczer, founder and executive director of Animal-Kind International, a 10-year-old organization that raises money for animal welfare organizations in countries across Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Menczer has also traveled much of the world outside of those regions, always with an eye toward the care and protection of dogs and other animals.

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The night after I interviewed Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic Head Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, about the different things our dogs are saying to us when they bark (see the story starting on page 1), I dreamt that Franklin, Rosie, and I got caught in the rain - on the street where I grew up some 50 years ago. The two of them told me with their eyes that they didnt want to get wet, so I took them to stand under a little awning at the front door of one of the row houses leading to my apartment building.

At least one survey has shown that 95 percent of dog owners - 19 out of 20 - buy Christmas presents for their dogs. Chances are youre among them. And yes, its always nice for your canine pal to get a new ball or Frisbee or plush toy. But what about a gift that will keep on giving - warmth, comfort, ease of movement, protection from burrs and brambles? Check out these ideas. Your dog will thank you for your novel approach on what goes under the tree or next to the menorah.

Fun Gifts That Keep On Giving Youve heard of the Fruit-of-the-Month Club, but what about the box-of-gifts-of-the-month-club for your dog? Yes, you can extend the gift-giving all year with subscription boxes that will arrive at your door each month containing treats and toys. Below are only three of these services, all providing items picked out just for your pal based on his breed size.

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Every July 4th, Constance and I have always walked our son John down the street to the harbor to watch the fireworks over the bay. But we have also worried for the dogs. Did the great booms of the fireworks upset them? Were they bothered by all the people who walked down to the water past our house, or parked along our road? There Franklin and Rosie were alone, and we never knew how they fared.

This past July, we got to find out. At 14 going on 15, John wanted to go see the fireworks just with his friends. That was fine with us; it gave us an opportunity to reassure the dogs if they got scared come the loud noises.

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We have four senior Boxers: one 9-year-old male, one 10-year-old female, and two littermates age 12. They are up to date on their Bordetella shots and all other required vaccinations as of eight months ago. However, the boarding facility we use regularly recently started a new policy that boarders must have had their Bordetella shots within the last six months to be allowed to stay there.