Sad News

I saw this article today and was really bothered by it. Is there really a good reason for these dogs to risk their lives for a race? Is there any way to protest their participation? If anyone knows more about the Iditarod, I'd definitely like to hear more info.

Fifth dog dies during Iditarod race

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 7 hours, 42 minutes ago

NOME, Alaska - A fifth dog has died during the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

An eight-year-old male named Omen in musher Rick Larson's team died early Friday on the trail between the Elim and White Mountain checkpoints.

At least three dogs died in each of the last two races, and at least four died during the 2006 race.

Omen's death came a day after a five-year-old male named Maynard, on the team of Canadian musher Warren Palfrey, died about an hour outside of the finish line at Nome.

Iditarod spokesman Chas St. George says tests will be performed on the dogs to determine the cause of death.

Meanwhile, 26 mushers remain on the trail of the 1,770-kilometre race, which started March 8 near Anchorage. Lance Mackey of Alaska won this third consecutive Iditarod title on Wednesday.

Our Walk in the Ghetto/A Product Review

Took Lily and Lola for a walk tonight. It was a little chillier than I had expected, but they have been really antsy lately, so they needed it. I really wish someone would take our dogs, train them to walk on a leash, and give them back to us. They're both terrible at it, and I know it's our fault for not training them correctly, but it's annoying to try to train them. I know, I'm a bad dog owner.

Anyway, on this particular walk through the lovely suburb of Bethel Park, we encountered a hypodermic needle and a large pile of glass just scattered throughout the grass in two separate locations. We were REALLY glad Lily and Lola didn't notice the needle. I can just imagine Guy and I screaming at each other, trying to figure out how to get it out of their mouths without stabbing ourselves.

****
In other news, I tried out the Pledge Fabric Sweeper today. I got a coupon for it in the paper a while back, and it had come at just the right time. Guy and I, pre-dogs, bought a beige microsuede couch. Though it does remain relatively stain-free, hair sticks to it like a magnet. Even though we cover the couch with sheets when no guests are here, hair somehow still gets through. So, I had high hopes that the Fabric Sweeper would be a miracle-worker. It did not disappoint. I ran it over about half of the couch and had very good results. The best part is that it was only $5 at the store! When I got the coupon, I was expecting some pricy gadget, so I was pleasantly surprised (but also a bit skeptical to its quality) when it turned out to be so cheap. You do have to throw the sweeper away once it becomes filled with pet hair, but even with two dogs, I think that would take a long, long time. So, if you have pet-hair problems like we do, I'd highly recommend trying out the Pledge Fabric Sweeper. You can find it in the aisle with Pledge at the grocery store.