The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Some clouds this morning, mainly sunny this afternoon. High near 35.  “D”

SUNDAY:  Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High around 35. “D”

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

Does It Matter Whether Dog Training Is Positive or Aversive?

We Tried It: A Dog DNA Test that Helps Determine a Canine’s Real Age.

Why Does My Dog Sleep So Much?

VIDEO: ‘He’s touched so many lives’: Why this dog was honored with a portrait.

Alaska: 4 dogs boarded a bus in Skagway. The internet rejoiced.

Great American Dog Show coming to Schaumburg this weekend.

Naughty dog: It’s an open and shut case.

ANOTHER naughty dog.

Time to dig into The Barking Lot vault for this oldie by my wife from November 2009:

If you have read even ONE Barking Lot blog, you know of my love for all things canine.  You know that while I don’t place a dog’s life on the same level as a human’s, I believe I know some dogs that are smarter than their owners.

Growing up, we had a statue of St. Francis of Assisi in our back yard.  That stone likeness of St. Francis watched over Sugar, Skippy, Tommy, and Thumper as they found their “eternal resting place” in our former vegetable garden.  I also vividly recall when I was in fourth grade, taking Sugar to my grade school parish’s ceremony of the Blessing of The Animals on the feast of St. Francis.

I am not going to wax philosophic this entire blog about dogs, spirituality, etc.  I would end up offending someone on one side of the issue or the other.  Or, perhaps both sides of the issue.  I have my own feelings and opinions that everyone is entitled to.  In fact, I must admit that I find Friar Jack Wintz’s perspective on dogs in Heaven intriguing.

Having said all of that…  While I feel there is a place in the spiritual hierarchy for every four-legged friend, I also feel that there is a time and a place for them to join us during our regular worship. 

Kevin has blogged about our breathtaking St. Anthony’s many, many times.  It is a church to be proud of, and has everything that makes a church feel like a church.  From the beautiful and recently renovated stained glass windows to the stately and impressive pipe organ, when you attend mass at St. Anthony’s, you have attended mass.  I honestly can NOT imagine a Sunday where, per my usual routine: 

1. I get dropped off with Kyla at the front of the steps
2. I stop in the vestibule for a weekly missal and hymnal
3. I dip my fingers in the holy water just inside church, and
4. I stop to pet hello to a yellow lab?????

I understand that “numbers are down” for regular attendees of Sunday mass.  I find it sad and disturbing that our pews are not full every week.  There are many times when I think the homily is not truly directed at the group sitting in the seats, but something the priest feels he must say.  While I love tradition, I don’t necessarily have a problem with a modern interpretation on an old story if it gets a point across and reaches your heart and soul.

But there is a LIMIT to what I am willing to accept as means of growing a congregation.  What the …?  Are you kidding me… dogs in CHURCH????  As I mentioned, St. Anthony’s is extremely traditional.  The founding members of this beautiful house of worship would be turning over in their graves at the thought of this. 

I’m sorry, I’m not bringing Milk Bones and a water dish to Sunday mass.

—Jennifer Fischer, November 6, 2009

Finally in late November of last year, somewhere in South America, a dog entered a Catholic Church and slept next to an image of Jesus. Some of the parishioners noticed it and told the priest, and the priest said: “Let him be and don’t bother him, he has every right to be with his Lord and Master.”

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!

ICYMI, last week’s year-end edition.

The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE FOLLOWING IS A SPECIAL YEAR-END EDITION OF THE BARKING LOT

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Mostly cloudy. High of 39. “C”

TONIGHT, NEW YEAR’S EVE: Cloudy skies early with showers later at night. Some mixed winter precipitation possible. Low of 31. “D”

SUNDAY, NEW YEAR’S DAY:  Cloudy skies. High of 42. “C”

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

Biden believes Secret Service ‘lying’ about White House dog bite incident, claims agents are pro-‘MAGA’: book.

WTH Kim Kardashian!

Get a first glimpse of K9 Bane’s statue going up in St. Francis and find out how to help.

Nebraska dog with kidney failure has a bucket list…

Is peanut butter good for dogs?

DOG NEWS FROM 2022

Rescue groups begin work to rehome 4,000 beagles bred for research.

The Queen’s Corgis: All about Her Majesty’s most loyal subjects.

Patron, bomb-sniffing dog who went viral, receives state honors from Ukrainian president.

Dogs can recognize their owners just by their voices.

Family Dog Goes Missing, Returns Home Third Place Winner in Local Contest.

Nobody wanted to adopt the dog with one ear — until he started painting.

That was close. Nice catch!

DOG VIDEOS OF 2022:

In November, one of the biggest dog news items in the country as the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department said a twin-engine airplane crash-landed at Western Lakes Golf Club. Three straight videos tell the story.

60 MINUTES reports on the evolution of dogs from wild wolves to domesticated pets and what this might tell us about human evolution….

Dog collects discarded baseball bats for minor league team…

Meet the dog who learned to walk like a human…

A strange dog mysteriously ended up in bed with a couple…

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!

The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Variable cloudiness and windy. Areas of blowing snow. High of 9.  “F”

SUNDAY, CHRISTMAS DAY:  Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High of 11. “F”

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

Airline mistakenly ships family’s Nashville-bound dog to Saudi Arabia.

Everything Dog Owners Should Know About Canine Flu and How it Is Affecting Pets This Winter.

More dogs are inadvertently getting high as states legalize marijuana.

OPINION: Wait, Is My Dog Stoned?

Milwaukee business says its CBD treats can pacify pooches.

Dog who saved owner’s life dies from separation anxiety 12 days later.

Dog Finally Free After Being Bred for 7 Years Melts Hearts: ‘That Smile.’

BARKING LOT UPDATE: Turning a dog into Grinch is safe, simple, says groomer behind viral video.

How much is that boxer puppy online? Beware of puppy scams that can ruin your Christmas.

Bringing a dog along for a holiday stay? Make sure to plan.

Family forgot to include their elderly dog on a Christmas card. The responses were hilarious.

Can dogs smell time?

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!

The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Overcast. High of 27.  “D”

SUNDAY:  Mostly sunny. High of 22. “D”

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

From my wife Jennifer in December 2012:

It just boggles my mind that every year the same sorts of “warnings” and “advice” must be shared with the public.  You know what I mean:  on days when it is 108 degrees in the shade you have some Barbie Doll bubble head news reporter telling you to make sure you drink enough water and try to stay out of the sun.  At Thanksgiving time there are always articles telling you to be incredibly cautious if you are going to attempt to deep-fry your turkey.  Then inevitably you hear about some yahoo who torched his house because he thought it would be a good idea to cook the bird that way in his garage and used way too much oil.

Here’s another bit of advice that comes out this time of year:  Don’t buy a dog for your kids for Christmas.  Seems logical, right?  But trust me, by the middle of January shelters all over the country will see a spike in surrenders because said puppy didn’t fit with the family’s lifestyle. 

Think about how hectic your Christmas week is… families to visit with, gifts to exchange, meals to make, baking to do, last-minute shopping, etc.  Do you really think that adding a rambunctious fur ball to the mix is a GOOD idea?  Everyone knows how puppies love to, and need to, chew.  So in addition to all the regular goodies that your new addition can ruin, there are all sorts of holiday-related items that can cause damage to your house and even worse, your pup.  Think ornaments and ornament hooks; toxic plants; wires from lights; and of course plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe.

If your kids’ attention span is limited to the amount of time it takes to open the next present, how will they handle a 24/7 commitment like a dog?  Are you perhaps just trying to recreate some Rockwell-inspired “moment” when Billy and Susie discover a beribboned bundle of fur under their tree?  If your family is truly ready to make a commitment to a puppy there might be a better time of the year to do so. Think about these points before you decide. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

—Jennifer Fischer

Dog flu hits shelters across US.

How Much Loud Noise Can a Dog Tolerate?

Dog protects young girls for hours after getting lost in woods.

Dogs gifted by North’s Kim resettle in South Korean zoo.

The Army is investigating a number of social media posts that appear to show soldiers wearing dog-themed bondage masks in uniform.

Clever Dog Collects Hundreds of Plastic Bottles During Walks – to Recycle Litter and Clean His Town.

The airline apologized for the mixup.

U.K. Dog Daycare Recreates Nativity Scene with ‘Clever’ Canines: ‘We Practice Year-Round’

Dog experiences ‘pure joy’ while wrecking his owner’s Christmas tree.

VIDEO: Rizzo has been transformed. From Freeport, Illinois…

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!

The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY: UPDATED. Cloudy. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. “D”

SUNDAY:  Cloudy skies. High of 38. “D”

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

Iowa K-9 officer Bear died after spending nearly 24 hours in patrol vehicle, warrant says.

Man who shot Lady Gaga’s dog walker gets 21 years in prison.

Mountain lion barges into California home, drags dog outside: video

Olive Garden manager fired after time-off tirade: ‘If your dog died … prove it to us.’

A day off when your dog dies? Jennifer blogged on the subject in August of 2011:

I have mentioned in past Barking Lot blogs that I was with my two dogs and cat when it was time for us to have each of them euthanized due to extreme, devastating illness.  Holding a pet while it is “put to sleep” is, in my mind, one of the most traumatizing things its owner can go through.  I had troublesome dreams, and could still hear the echoes of their paws walking down the hallway for weeks after they were gone. 

Since I was still living at home with my parents for all three of these events, I really didn’t have a lot of responsibilities other than school and a part-time job.  I took those things seriously, of course.  But I didn’t have a “real job” nor did I have a family of my own to take care of.  So it might have been easy for me to blow off my classes or a day at work, citing some sort of emotional distress or just needing personal time.  While I don’t have a clear memory of what I did, I highly doubt I missed my obligations to school or my employers.  After all, it wasn’t a human family member that passed away.

But it was a family member, wasn’t it?  Shouldn’t I have been protected to take time off for bereavement?  Wasn’t I grieving the loss of a companion that, admittedly, I thought more of than a distant cousin I see once every couple of years?

I recall a get-together when I was talking to the neighbor of my best friend.  Our conversation lead to pets, and she began tearfully telling me about her beloved cat who had died.  She was distraught and I did my best to console her.  I’d been there myself, I had compassion and empathy.  I thought her pain was fresh.

A short while later, my friend told me that the neighbor had lost aforementioned cat about three years before.  I was stunned.  My friend had recently, unexpectedly and all-too-suddenly lost her father to a massive heart attack.  That was fresh.  That was pain.  And as my friend said to me, “Lady, when your dad dies in his early 50’s, that’s loss.” 

If her neighbor was that anguished after three years, I can’t begin to imagine what she was like when it first happened.  I’m not making fun of her but she probably needed some sort of counseling.  (She is married with children so it’s not like this cat was literally her family.)  Certainly she would have felt entitled to some sort of bereavement leave.  I don’t know what her employment situation was, so I can’t say what happened.

Now that I am a wife and mother I have a different perspective on the importance, value and hierarchy of the family dog.  When we get a dog for our family it will be a wonderful addition to our lives.  And when the dog dies, it will be a loss that we will all grieve.  But I don’t think that we will want paid time off of our jobs to deal with it. Bless Mark Tillinger and his philanthropic efforts and achievements.  I’m sure that many lives are richer because of his dedication.  I’m just not sure I agree with his perspective.

—Jennifer Fischer

BACK TO DOGS IN THE NEWS, and a local story that got global attention:

Doggy bag! Helpless canine is zapped by X-ray scanner at Wisconsin airport.

VIDEO: Could man’s best friend ultimately help find a cure for cancer? Researchers at UC Davis think so….

Dogs Are Impacted by an Intense Flu Season, Too.

Can People Predict Aggressive Behavior in Dogs?

Why do some dogs chase squirrels? Study finds genetic links to canine quirks.

VIDEO: When a dog is friendly, it’s in the genes…

A puppy escaped from his collar in New York City. He swam across the Hudson River and ended up in New Jersey.

The Top 50 U.S. Cities To Be a Dog Owner.

VIDEO & ARTICLE: A three-legged rescue dog inspires others with his story.

Dolly Parton to Release Children’s Book About Her God-Dog Billy the Kid: ‘He’s a Big Star.’

This popular food truck for dogs is Milwaukee native, BIPOC and veteran-owned.

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!

The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY: WIND ADVISORY until 9:00 this morning. Sunny and windy. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. High of 27. “D”

SUNDAY:  Sunny. High of 39. “D”

About walking the dog…

And when is it too cold to walk your dog?

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

Bomb-sniffing dogs are in short supply across the U.S.

Stacked up against 11 coyotes, herd dog kills 8 to save sheep.

60 MINUTES VIDEO: The evolution of dogs from wild wolves to domesticated petsand waht this may tell us about human evolution…

Nobody wanted to adopt the dog with one ear — until he started painting.

Want A Dog For Christmas? Rescue One Left By Its Family At Biden’s Border Disaster.

One of my readers was impressed with the story of the first responders adopting the dogs from that recent plane crash in Delafield. He commented about his recent trip to the Middle East: “The adoption rate for the plane-crash dogs is amazing!!  One thing you may be interested in.  In Tel Aviv, damn near everyone has a dog.  Up and down the streets and avenues, on the beach and even in the cafes and stores, dogs, dogs, dogs.  And almost without exception they are the most well trained and affectionate creatures you can imagine.  There are more dogs than IDF soldiers running around!” Regarding my friend’s observation: Tel Aviv ranked #3 most dog-friendly city in the world.

Do Dogs Learn ‘Bad Habits’ When They’re Allowed to Be Dogs?

Top dog and cat names of 2022 revealed.

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!

The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High near 55. “B”

SUNDAY:  A steady rain in the morning. Showers continuing in the afternoon. High of 41. Chance of rain 70%. “D”

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

The National Dog Show winner is….

PHOTOS: Dog Show behind the scenes.

Mission to save canines left at the border: ‘It’s a huge problem.’

Police dog helps rescue 80-year old hunter after he fell into a Michigan river.

The Presence of a Dog Makes People and Places Seem Safer.

Dogs or cats? For highly emotional people, this animal may offer better support.

First responders adopt dogs they helped rescue from Wisconsin plane crash.

US soldier cares for injured dog overseas, now hopes to bring him home.

Owner of world’s oldest living dog has this advice.

The Most — and Least — Expensive States to Own a Dog.

Dog owner sends amusing apology letter to everyone her pet was ‘rude’ to at vets.

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!

The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. High of 27. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.  “F”

SUNDAY:  Sunshine and clouds mixed. High of 31. “D”

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

Our area had the dog story of the week, and we’ve got the videos to show it.

53 dogs ‘remarkably well’ after plane carrying them crashed on Western Lakes Golf Club course in Waukesha County…

VIDEO: WI inmates participating in a special program help train service dogs for people suffering from PTSD…

Whether a dog bites another dog depends upon…

Famous Mexican search and rescue dog Frida dies.

Winner of Hero Dog 2022: American Humane crowns pup who went from ‘trash to treasure.’

HUMOR COLUMNIST TOM PURCELL: How not to name a puppy.

8 gifts for the person who is totally obsessed with their dog.

PHOTO: Janine Chambers of Milwaukee with her dog Cooper takes a photo with Bucks mascot Bango at the 2022 City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Deer District on Friday November 18, 2022 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. Photo: JOVANNY HERNANDEZ / MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

FROM THE BARKING LOT VAULT: Jennifer blogged in November of 2011:

As I have mentioned many times in The Barking Lot, my childhood dogs Sugar and Skippy were spoiled rotten.  They never wanted for anything.  We considered the holidays special for them just like we did for ourselves.  Like most Americans who put on an average of seven to twelve pounds during this festive time, I’m sure they packed on a pound or two as well.  Of course your pet can only overeat if YOU over-feed it so naturally we were to blame.  Still, I don’t recall any signals of disappointment from either dog when they were given nibbles of turkey on Thanksgiving, roast beef on Christmas or ham on Easter.

I have also mentioned many times that Kevin always had a soft spot for our dog-in-law Leia and that he tossed her bits and pieces every time there was a gathering of Fischers.  I had gently reprimanded him a couple of times when I thought he was starting to over-do it, but I will admit to “accidently” dropping a chip or scrap of meat in her direction at times.

Next week is the kick off for Stuff Your Face and Over-Indulge Season.  Chances are most of us with pets will likely relax the “no table scraps” rule for Fido.  I personally believe in the mantra “All things in moderation” and that goes for our four-legged companions as well.  Truthfully I don’t see the harm in my (future) dog getting a taste of turkey or mashed potatoes.  However I am aware that it is easy to overindulge your pooch, so following some simple advice here.

I chuckle at the Food Network and other culinary resources who try to top themselves every year with a list of what to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers.  Who are they kidding???!!!  With the possible exception of turkey soup, the only thing I want done to my leftovers is one minute in the microwave.  But if you are so inclined, and actually don’t know what to do with that last bit of turkey, etc. you can easily make treats for your tail-waggin’ friend. More ideas here.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your family, including the canine members!

—Jennifer Fischer, November 18, 2011

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!

The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Flurries or snow showers possible early. Cloudy skies. Gusty NW winds. High of only 39.  “D-”

SUNDAY:  Mainly sunny. High of 38. “D-”

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

Dog electrocuted by Milwaukee pole, owner says: ‘I’m freaking out.’

From last month. We may have missed it. The Value of Pets in Ukraine During the Russian Invasion.

Lolly went from “nervous” puppy mill rescue to hero helper dog.

Dog in Long Island, NY fell into cesspool, and then…

Eating Cans of Pumpkin Helped Save Her Dog From Terminal Cancer in Recovery Leaving Vets Stunned.

It feels like dogs know just when we need them most. Well, they might, experts say.

Koda to the rescue.

Captain? Captain? Where are you?

Skipper has quite the experience.

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!

The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  HIGH WIND WARNING FROM 7:00 THIS MORNING UNTIL 9:00 TONIGHT. Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Highest winds will likely be from the late morning through the afternoon. People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.

Showers early then continued cloudy and windy in the afternoon. Morning high of 62 with temps falling to near 50. Winds SSW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 50%.  “D”

SUNDAY:  Partly cloudy. High near 60. “C”

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

Most US pet food contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’, study finds.

Weird dog poo? There’s an app for that.

Canines, anyone? Westminster dog show heads to tennis center.

Comrades in arms are reunited after bonding on deployment.

First French Memorial for ‘Hero Dogs’ Honoring Their Military Service With New Monument.

Gordon the Shiba Inu Wins the 2022 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest: ‘He Exudes Joy.’

Kids Who Read Out Loud to a Dog See Improved Literacy. From a Barking Lot blog written by my wife Jennifer in December of 2019:

So what happens when you take that budding K5 reader to the Franklin Public Library program called Tail Waggin’ Tutors?  You get one very happy five-year-old Kyla and Puzzle:

At the beginning of her Kindergarten school year, Kyla was close to a second grade reading level.  So I’ll admit that when we signed up to read to Puzzle, it was more for the canine interaction than the necessity to work on reading skills.

An excerpt from the blog I wrote just after that interaction in September 2014:

We also enjoyed chatting with his owner, Kathy, when we were done.  She explained to me how successful the program is, and how much SHE enjoys working with Puzzle and the kids. 

Kathy told me that Puzzle’s reading program was so successful at the Greendale library that they expanded their opportunities to include the Franklin library.  She shared that the key to this amazing program is letting the kids read in a comfortable environment.  A dog is completely non-judgmental and easy to work with.  The children can read to the dog, a parent or other caregiver can read to the child in Puzzle’s presence, or the child can simply enjoy Puzzle’s company while they become more comfortable with the setting and then hopefully, eventually, they will want to read.  Kathy is present during every interaction but never interrupts or interjects. 

Fast-forward to Kyla’s recent Interim Assessments scores for ELA (English Language Arts) in October of this year. She scored 20/23 for an “Advanced” proficiency level.  Her recent report card also reflected these skills with an “A” in her ELA class.  Needless to say we continue to be proud of her accomplishments.

Why this reflection on Kyla’s Kindergarten reading journey now?  Dr. Stanley Coren recently wrote an article about this very topic.  I love his research and writing style with all his articles.  But naturally this piece truly touched my heart.  Enjoy!
—-Jennifer Fischer

On November 3, 1957, 957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 with space dog Laika aboard, a mostly-Siberian husky, the 1st animal in space. From The Barking Lot, September 2020:

A new documentary, SPACE DOGS has been released about a Russian street dog named ​​Laika, the first living creature to orbit the Earth aboard Sputnik 2.

Three days before the scheduled liftoff, Laika entered her constricted travel space that allowed for only a few inches of movement. Newly cleaned, armed with sensors, and fitted with a sanitation device, she wore a spacesuit with metal restraints built-in. On November 3, 1957 at 5:30 a.m., the ship lifted off with G-forces reaching five times normal gravity levels.

The noises and pressures of flight terrified Laika. Her heartbeat soared to triple the normal rate. Her breath rate quadrupled. She died soon after launch according to a Russian medical doctor and space dog trainer. Sputnik 2 continued to orbit for five months. Even if everything had worked perfectly, and if Laika had been lucky enough to have plenty of food, water and oxygen, she would have died when the spaceship re-entered the atmosphere after 2,570 orbits. A British website, the Guardian called the experiment “animal cruelty in the name of exploration.”

Legend has it that Laika returned to earth as a ghost and has roamed the streets of Moscow ever since. Following her trace, and filmed from a dog’s perspective, SPACE DOGS accompanies the adventures of her descendants: two street dogs living in today’s Moscow.

In case we missed it, Eclipse the dog, known for riding the bus alone to the dog park, has died.

Time now for another Barking Lot edition of…The Naughty Dog.

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!