Or does it?

What will we forgive if someone loves dogs?

Like most of my thinky, wordy posts, this one began with someone else’s writing. In Sigmund Freud’s Case of Puppy Love, Edie Jarolim explored Freud’s love of dogs later in his life.

A few commenters hinted that their thoughts of Freud were somewhat more positive for knowing he loved dogs. Which got me thinking: Is loving dogs really a sign that you’re a better person than someone who doesn’t like dogs? Are you more compassionate? Does your connection with another living creature make you a better human?

Or are humans so complex that we can do unspeakable evil while loving an animal?

Hitler loved dogs.

Americans have a short historical memory. If you’re in your twenties, live in the U.S., and watch political news, you may think Hitler was an evil person because he wanted everyone in Germany to have health insurance.

But in a century that also saw Pol Pot and Joseph Stalin exterminate millions, Adolph Hitler stands out for his remarkably orderly and purposeful attempt to kill every Jew, homosexual, Jehovah’s witness and others he deemed as threatening the purity of the “master race.”

And yet he adored dogs.

Dogs can only help us be better humans if we listen to them.

One of the things I like about dogs is that they are directed by their own self-interests just like people. It makes them complex. And figuring out what motivates a dog is one of the great joys of living with one.

But I don’t believe dogs are so complex that they are capable of being evil. That takes a level of denial and mental compartmentalization only available to humans.

So I definitely believe that we can be good in one aspect of our lives while being truly horrible in another.

But while I was thinking about this I realized something. Maybe the question isn’t how Hitler could love dogs so much while being ruthless, delusional, and wicked. Perhaps we need to ask not what Hitler thought of his dog. But what did Hitler’s dog think of him?

Once you see this video footage I found, I think you’ll know what I mean.

Hitler’s Dog Didn’t Like Him

The beautiful German Shepherd in the images and film footage was Blondi. By all accounts, Hitler adored her.

But what do you think Blondi thought of Hitler?

I don’t know about you but I saw a pretty unhappy dog.

I’ve seen dogs behave like Blondi. You probably have too. Sometimes they’re rescued dogs. Other times they’re fearful for other reasons.

How do you respond when you see a dog cower? If I know my readers, and I think I do, I’m going to guess you take a step back and try to figure out what’s going on.

You evaluate what’s making the dog scared. You slow down. You let the dog find a place of comfort.

You don’t keep pressing forward, petting and hugging a dog that just wants to go away.

As a dog lover, a real dog lover, you listen to the dog. You enter into an unspoken dialogue where the dog tells you what she needs and you listen and try to respond.

You may not always get the right answer. But the dog is not a possession or an object but a communicating being that you need to learn to understand.

And that’s how liking dogs can make you a good person.

It’s not liking dogs that makes us better human beings. It’s listening to them.

How did we celebrate Honey turning two?

• My husband walked her to the groomer’s yesterday so she’d like extra pretty for her special day.
• I took her to work with me today.

You might not think that going to work is such a big thrill. But Honey loves visiting her fan club.

I hear someone speaking baby talk. Do you think she's looking for me?

She’s brainy. She has a wicked sense of humor. She’s thoughtful. And she’s a great writer.

Why is that so scary?

Because she has handed the reins for the Pet Travel Book Club over to me.

The Pet Travel Book Club Reviews a Movie

Following in Edie’s footsteps, Stepping into Edie’s shoes, Accepting the baton Edie has passed, Following Edie is an intimidating prospect. It has me worried about writing clichés (see above). I’m obsessed with split infinitives (what is a split infinitive, anyway?). And don’t get me started on whether I’ll ever be able to pick books as charming as those Edie has already reviewed.

I decided to break with the past by making my first review of a film. Great idea, huh?

• A film takes less time to watch so perhaps more people will take part with my first review.
• And what’s not to like about movies that involve animals?

My initial film choice won all kinds of awards and features a great, great actress. But it’s a bit bleak. And I didn’t want my first review to end with suicide attempts or anyone seeking comfort in a full box of Twinkies.

So I decided to go with beautiful and upbeat.

A Visit to Netflix and 83 Minutes

Entering the Pet Travel Book Club is easy. All it takes is watching a lovely film for 83 minutes. How lovely?

Here’s a taste:

On February 16, I’ll post a review at A Traveler’s Library and here at Something Wagging. Stop by and join the fun by commenting whether you’ve seen the movie or not.

You can find The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill at your local library, Netflix, or you can order a copy from Amazon using the link below. [Disclosure: if you use the link, I will earn a few cents from your purchase. Thank you.]

Start watching. We’ll see you on February 16.

[Photo by Gwen Harlow.]

Look at my concentration. I'm a fetching machine!

Honey has a simple life. She has only a few regular duties to take care of every day.

Honey’s Daily Jobs

These are Honey’s jobs:

• Carry toys around in her mouth.
• Greet new people.
• Empty her food toys.
• Greet new people.
• Play tug.
• Greet new people.
• Fetch balls.
• Greet new people.
• Oh, and when folks stop by? Greet new people.

I’m amazed at how easily Honey prioritizes her tasks. I’ve never caught her pondering what she should do next. Honey does what’s most important at the time.

Yesterday we came home from dinner with a friend. Actually, it was Honey’s favorite friend.

As Diana walked in behind me, I went to fill Honey’s Tug-A-Jug with dinner. Honey went right to Diana to share their usual lovies. But then Honey heard me scooping out food. She immediately changed priorities and came over to supervise me filling her food toy.

I don’t mean to say Honey is rude. She actually turned back to Diana in the middle of the process as if to say, “I’m sorry. But you realize I have to take care of this, don’t you?”

In the end, Honey was decisive about shifting her focus.

Pamela’s Daily Jobs

I’m not going to create the list. I can’t afford to start hyperventilating right now.

My paid work is very busy right now. The house needs work, as always. But this year we’re committed to renting it out for Cornell graduation weekend. Oh, and I have these two blogs.

Things are going well in blogville. One blog has led to my being a new contributor at a literary and literate website. And the other has attracted the attention of a large real estate website who wants me to write a guest post. But it’s hard to celebrate the extra work when you already feel bad about neglecting the community you enjoy so much.

The key to managing all these tasks? Being able to shift focus quickly from one task to another. If I have half an hour while I’m waiting for dinner to cook, I can’t afford to put my head in my hands and wonder what of my many demands comes next.

And I certainly can’t waste time surfing around Facebook.

I need to quickly shift focus from the man who called at the end of the day seeking help with his pending house foreclosure and start thinking of puppies (you’d think that would be easy) or editorial schedules.

And sometimes I just need to walk around with a toy in my mouth look out at the snow with a cup of tea for comfort.

You think the shirt was a cute Christmas present. I think it's a message from DOG.

Replacing Pam Habits with Honey Habits

Maybe to learn how to shift focus I need to put myself in Honey’s paws. I’ll bark at squirrels out the window until it’s time to chew on a bone. I’ll nap all afternoon until I hear someone come in the door.

And I’ll focus on one thing at a time without getting distracted by all the other stuff that’s waiting to get done.

At least, that’s what Honey would do.

Don’t you love people who say nice things about you and want nothing in return?

Paying it Forward

So if I’ve gotten permission to rest on my laurels, why am I so insistent on passing along every award I get?

• Whether we’re just starting out and wondering if anyone’s reading or feeling burnt out by blogging obligations, it’s encouraging to find someone likes our stuff.
• Links into our sites rank us higher on Google and other sites. I want to do everything I can to help great bloggers meet their goals.

But before paying it forward, I have to pay it back.

Thank you Kol’s Notes for the kind award. And for always giving us a good laugh.

Rules is Rules: 7 Things You Don’t Know About Me

1. Although I’m only in my 40s, have no kids, and no wrinkles, the natural color of my hair is totally silver. I’m working on growing it out now. (It’s very traumatic.)
2. I blame my husband for #1. I found my first grey hair at 18 years old, shortly after I met him.
3. I like almost every form of music—opera, heavy metal, folk, Tuvan throat singing, Gospel, Baroque. Probably every type of music except pop. I just can’t stand anything that ends up in the top 40.
4. I’ve been married 22 years and still have trouble remembering my anniversary. My husband never forgets.
5. I’ve discovered that my bad grooming habits benefit Honey. Letting the fur grow between her pads protects her feet from salt on wintry sidewalks.
6. Although I’m an incredibly clumsy person I’ve never broken a bone.
7. Electronic mail makes me hyperventilate. It’s true. The e-mail of the species is more deadly than the mail.

Artists (and Germans) Spell Kreativ with a “K”

Every blogger I read is creative. Kreativ even. So I’m going to highlight 7 bloggers who are visually creative. These are the bloggers who feature beautiful photos on their blogs.

They cause me serious focus envy.

Dogs Rock!

Greyhounds CAN Sit

Tales and Tails

Wild Dingo

Wootube

Bringing Up Bella

Dog Blogging With Luna

So go. Now. And enjoy the eye candy.

Anyway, I’m making amends for blog awards I’ve never properly acknowledged or for which I never sent appreciation to the givers. My last post passed along the You Are An Inspiration Award to ten special bloggers.

Now I’m on to make amends to my next blogger.

It’s the Just Ramblin’ Show

Stop by the Just Ramblin’ Blog and you’ll recognize pretty quickly you’re visiting the home of someone exploring creativity and community.

Creativity and Community come together in two blog awards JSP has created:

• The Noteworthy Archives Award
• The Creative Capture Blogging Award

And I have received both. Thank you very much.

The Noteworthy Archives Award

Inspired by the 7 Links Challenge, JSP created the Noteworthy Archives Award. It was her way of stepping back from the immediate and urging each of us to find the value lurking under the surface by digging into the archives of different blogs.

 I was one of fourteen bloggers JSP recognized as having archives worth exploring.

Rather than identifying a handful of bloggers whose archives are worth peeking into, I’m going to link to my Pamela’s Favorite Dog Blogs page.

It’s a pretty daunting list, I know.

But if you click the “view all” link at the bottom you’ll see the most recent posts as RSS feeds with picture and all.

Yes, every one of these blogs is worth tripping through the archives. If they weren’t they wouldn’t be here.

If you’d like to show off being recognized as having a Noteworthy Blog Archive, you can pick up your badge from Just Ramblin’.

The Creative Capture Award

JSP passed on the Creative Capture Award when I posted Dogs: The Cure for the Common Life.

I am probably the worst photographer on the internet. But I try to capture something of Honey and our life together in my photos. And the Creative Capture award emphasizes the community of moments we create with our photographs.

What a kind and elegant way to allow even bad photographers to share in the joy of making a moment last. Thank you.

I hope you’ll visit Just Ramblin‘ and say you stopped by from Something Wagging.

If you spend any time in the blogosphere, you’ve probably noticed “Awards” making the rounds.

Awards are how bloggers support and encourage each other. And the link currency doesn’t hurt either.

I’ve been lucky enough to receive recognition for my work from some wonderful and kind bloggers. I try to return the favor.

But here’s my deep, dark, guiltily held secret: I am a bad blogger.

Ok, it’s not a secret. Everyone knows I’m a bad blogger. Especially those of you who have given me awards that I have not passed on or acknowledged.

Today is my day to make good.

You Are An Inspiration Award

I start with my deepest shame.

In going back to find the awards I knew I did not acknowledge or pass on I found one I didn’t even know about. And the crazy thing is it’s from a blogger I follow quite closely, Elizabeth of Chronicles of Cardigan.

In a faraway land, way back in time Last June, Elizabeth awarded me the You Are an Inspiration Award and I missed it entirely. I’m happy my bad behavior has not inspired her to give up blogging or go on a poop-throwing rampage at the local dog park.

Although late, I have also been inspired by many bloggers. According to the instructions for this award, I should pass it on to ten of them (Only ten? How will I ever decide?).

In no particular order:

Dog Blessed @Silverwalk

Roberta runs a hound rescue/sanctuary. Dogs are available for adoption. But if they don’t get adopted, dogs can live out their lives at Silverwalk in safety and comfort.

In between caring for her dogs, Roberta blogs about her experiences with them. And she’s joined the Something Wagging Train Your Dog Challenge, spending her month practicing leashed walks with some of her dogs. If you’ve ever walked a nose attached to a hound, you know what a challenge that is.

After you’ve checked out the blog, you can find Silverwalk hounds available for adoption in Cape Girardeau, MO on PetFinder.

You Did What With Your Weiner?

Yes, this blog is worth checking out for the name alone. I smile every time I see it in my blog reader.

But it promotes a very worthy idea: having adventurous fun with your small dog. Dachshunds Gretel and Chester hike and climb mountains and your little dog can too.

I love the positive, upbeat, and inspiring stories of small dogs with big dog adventures. You Did What With Your Weiner could start a revolution.

2 Brown Dawgs Blog

I have a soft spot for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers because I grew up in Maryland. But the Chessies alone are not the best reason to check out 2 Brown Dawgs (now 3 with the addition of a puppy).

At 2 Brown Dawgs you’ll find a family that takes training seriously. They regularly practice Hunt Test Training with their dogs and continue to improve as handlers.

Yes, I believe that dogs are happiest when they have a job. Which means that Storm, Thunder, and now little Freighter will be happy indeed.

Doggerel

Abby is a dog blogger who doesn’t have a dog. But in May 2012, when she moves to a home where dogs are allowed, she will.

Abby is spending the year volunteering at the SPCA, reading about dog training, and posting interesting thoughts and questions on her blog.

Don’t you wish every person took getting a dog so seriously? I’m inspired.

Peaceful Dog

I feel calm every time I visit Peaceful Dog. Yes, fostering and working with dogs isn’t always easy. But adopting a meditative attitude toward life can make it more so.

Although she’s younger than I am, I want to be the Peaceful Dog blogger when I grow up.

Chronicles of a Puppy Walker

When Erin is not going to school, working, involved with her church, caring for her own dogs, updating her three blogs, and raising guide dog puppies, she’s changing the name of her Guide Dog Raising blog. I came to it when it was called Pompei’s Progress but Pompei was a previous guide dog she raised.

Am I the only person who needs a nap after just contemplating all the things she does? I bet not. Check it out and be inspired by her time management skills.

Puppy in Training

Colby has raised five puppies for Guide Dogs of America. He takes a lot of care with his young charges. And Colby is a great spokesperson for guide dog puppy raising. I can’t think of a better blog for demonstrating what it’s like to raise a service dog.

But Colby also inspires me for the professionalism he brings to his blog. He’s constantly learning and trying to improve his website. He shoots excellent videos. I’d say he’s well on his way to being the Leo Babauta of Guide Dog Puppy Raising.

Rumpy Dog

Don’t make the mistake of thinking Rumpy Dog is just another cute dog blog with talking canines. You never know what you’ll find there. Like poetry.

Or how about one of June Buggie’s famous rants? June Buggy takes on challenging controversies in the animal welfare world, calls it as she sees it, and encourages smart debate. Now that’s a pretty amazing cat!

If you want to see a unique way of getting people to think by luring them in with cute animal pictures, visit Rumpy Dog.

Boogie’s Blog

Long before I discovered Boogie’s blog (Boogie is a Boston Terrier, by the way), I saw an amazing poster by Lili Chin called How Not To Greet A Dog. It was amazing and I shared it on Facebook.

Lili teaches people about dogs and training through her simple, expressive, and amusing drawings. And her blog is smart and funny too.

I’m inspired by her all-around communication skills.

Just Ramblin’ 

Simple. Elegant. Concise. Thoughtful. Generous. That’s what you’ll find when you stop by to read the blog of Just Ramblin’Pier.

We share a philosophical bent. But JRP is much less wordy. And takes lovely photos.

Thanks for the Inspiration

Thank you to the bloggers I mentioned for inspiring me. Thank you to the bloggers I didn’t mention who inspire me. Thank you to Elizabeth for passing on the award to me to begin with.

I’m heading out now to contact the bloggers I’ve recognized.

I’ll be back soon to post the Pamela is a Bad, Bag Blogger (Making Amends Edition #2-4) shortly.

The Ithaca Commons is our local pedestrian mall—open-air, no cars, unique shops. What’s not to love? No dogs allowed, that’s what.

Yes, you can buy bongs at 4 different stores on the Commons. But no dogs allowed.

Stewart Park is a lovely place to picnic on the edge of Cayuga Lake. It’s a short walk from my house. The weeping willows frame  gorgeous views up the lake. But I rarely go there. They don’t allow dogs.

Looks like a perfect place to walk a dog, doesn't it? Sorry. No dogs allowed.

The Ithaca Farmer’s Market is the place to go on summer weekends to get your macrobiotic corn fritters, mizuna, and locally made hard cider. During the height of the season, the traffic leads you to expect the Giants and the Eagles on a gridiron, not a gathering of farmers and crafts people.

So I get it. I would never bring my dog into the crush of people at the market where she could get hurt.

But the Farmer’s Market is only crazy busy during the summer. And the “No Dogs Allowed” sign is up all year around.

The sights, the sounds, the atmosphere--all it's missing is a few dogs.

Why don’t people understand that allowing polite dogs and their people access will save the world?

Dogs Save the World.

Here’s my brief and woefully incomplete list of how dogs and their people save the world.

1.  Eyes on the Street.

If you walk some suburban neighborhoods at night, the only sights you’ll see are the ominous glow of a blue television screen through the window and an occasional dog walker. Yep, dogs and their people are the only creatures protecting your stuff when you go on vacation. 

2. Lower Gas Prices.

If it weren’t for dog walkers, we’d pay more for gas.

Here’s how I figure it. Seventy percent of American’s car trips are less than two miles long according to the oft-cited but never attributed statistic. Two miles or less is a reasonable walk for a large dog. So when a family runs out of milk, needs to mail a package, or has late DVDs to drop off, why take the car? We’ll just walk the dog and get two chores done at once.

That decision by millions of dog walkers all over the world decreases the demand for fossil fuels. And lower demand keeps prices down.

Ok, I’m no economist. But it’s my blog and I’m sticking with it.

3. Protection from E. coli and Salmonella.

Have you ever hung out where Canada geese have set up headquarters? It’s disgusting.

Goose poop is commonly mistaken for dog poop because of its mass. It’s loaded with disease-causing organisms. And geese don’t have conscientious people (or poop fairies) picking up after them.

Bend, Oregon had such trouble with geese in their parks they  began killing them.

But now, human and canine volunteers patrol the parks in the evening to keep the geese from becoming too comfortable.

4. Keep Health Care Costs Down.

WebMD created a slide show of 27 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health. Benefits of having an animal companion include lowered blood pressure, greater bone density from walking, and lower rates of depression.

And if people can improve their health with diet, exercise, and an animal friend, that will lower health care costs that we all share through insurance or national health services.

I say fewer drugs and more dogs!

5. Benefit Nesting Birds.

Birds are an integral part of our ecosystem. They aid in pollination, keep insect and rodent populations under control, and provide food for larger predators.

Thank goodness we have dogs to benefit our backyard nesting birds.

When I groom Honey, her stray fur ends up in the compost pile. During nesting season, that hair will be gone within the hour. I like the notion that Honey’s fur is nurturing young nestlings. And I love that it’s not sticking to my clothing, furniture, and my lips.

How am I saving the world this time? Killing invasive weeds?

The World Without Dogs

Without dogs, the world would be a pretty dreary place. A world without dogs would also be more expensive, less healthy, and suffering from a lack of biodiversity.

So give your pooch a smooch. And thank her for protecting us from a postapocalyptic hell the likes of which have never been seen on earth.

Something Wagging Train Your Dog Month Challenge 

It’s not too late to celebrate Train Your Dog month with us. Because the goal isn’t to meet some really tough challenge but just to enjoy learning something new with your dog.

And if that’s not cool enough, you might be chosen at random to get a $50 donation to your favorite animal welfare cause.

Here’s how you can join the fun:

• Grab the badge in the sidebar to let us know you’re in.
• Stop by Something Wagging anytime between January 31 and February 7 to share your blog post about your training challenge with your dog (or bird or cat or rat or whomever) via a linky list.
• Don’t have a blog? No problem. You still have 3 ways to enter:
• Post your story on the Something Wagging page on Facebook anytime January 31 through February 7 (ends midnight EST).
• Follow us on Twitter and tweet about your challenge using the hashtag #SWChallenge during the same time.
• Paste your story into my contact page.

I hope lots of people will join us. Whether you’re teaching your dog to load the dishwasher or just working on having him accept the nail trimmers without panic, the time you spend will strengthen your bond. And maybe, just maybe, save the world.

[Photos: Ithaca Commons, Stewart Park, and Farmer's Market on Flickr.]

Hop on…

Think it doesn’t affect you? How about that cute adoption video that uses copyrighted music without permission?

Now, companies have the right to take down content if the creator does not have permission to use the music. If this law passes, you could have your blog shut down just for posting a video with copyrighted material.

I will be on strike Wednesday, January 18 to demonstrate my abhorrence for this bad law that protects corporate profits but does nothing for individuals creating intellectual property.

Join me and make your voice heard.

Sit, Stay, Down — It’s all Good.

Thanks, Honey. You made the Buster "chore" much easier and lots of fun.

I am not a good dog trainer. I’m unimaginative and don’t think well on my feet.

So you’re never going to find videos of Honey and me doing dance routines like Shiva and Kristine (aren’t they so cute?). And if you say “paw” to Honey, she’ll look at you blankly. She does, however, like to “high-five.”

And yet I bring the clicker and treats out to keep our basic skills strong. Although up, down, sit, stay, go to bed etc. are easy behaviors for Honey, when I get the clicker and treats out, she acts like she’s expecting the most fun ever.

Even routine things are fun to Honey. She finds the joy in figuring out what I want and she doesn’t get bored or resentful no matter what.

Curing an attitude problem.

Many years ago, Mike and I had a weekend routine that made me insane.

Mike’s mom was bipolar and found routine life management tasks hard to manage—shopping, cleaning, paying bills. So every Saturday morning we’d cross the bridge from Philly to South Jersey to help her out with a few things.

I started out really resenting the time. It broke up the entire day. We couldn’t plan other activities for the time. And although Mike and his mom loved each other very much and were very close, they’d argue over every little thing.

It made me nuts.

Then one day it hit me. What would I have been doing with that time if we didn’t have to visit Mike’s mom? Well, my first choice was always to spend it with Mike. And guess what? I was spending time with Mike.

Washing the dishes and listening to the two of them argue about money wasn’t a great joy. But the trip gave us great views of Philly as we crossed the Walt Whitman Bridge. And every time we’d stop on the way home at one of those amazing New Jersey diners that are the envy of the world.

Once I let go of my resentment, the chore became fun.

It’s not a walk. It’s a treat.

Most of my neighbors disappear in the winter. They limit their dogs to quick visits to the yard and stay bundled up inside until the first warm day.

I hate the cold. I struggle to go outside if I don’t have to.

But a walk is always a treat to Honey. It’s never routine. Just like a training session is never routine. There are smells to smell. And people to greet (although fewer than in the summer).

It’s hard not to get swept up into her enthusiasm.

I won’t get the benefit of all those awesome smells. But I can build some fun into our routine too by making a hot cup of tea on our return and enjoying it with my tired and satisfied dog.

Join us for a hot drink.

Today Honey and I are featured on Coffee with a Canine. It was a gracious invitation since I’ve never drunk coffee in my life, with a canine or otherwise. Thanks for hosting us, Marshal.

Maybe someday we’ll be invited to a blog with a more fitting beverage. Perhaps Margaritas with a Mutt? Dewar’s with a Dog? Galliano with a Golden?

But in the meantime, stop by and say hello.