The San Francisco 49ers may not be playing in this year’s Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 5, but there are plenty of television commercials featuring man’s best friend. Advertisers know that “cute” sells, and have opted to use dogs this year in full force to grab the public’s attention. Sure, there’s still the adorable E*TRADE baby, but this year the dogs have it.
Subaru of America has a series of humorous ads with dogs in the driver's seat. One shows a group of dogs on a camping trip, trying unsuccessfully to launch a canoe into the lake. Another features a pack of dogs out for a day at the beach, including a surfing bulldog. The company’s slogan is, “Dog Tested. Dog Approved.” My husband and I joke that our Subaru Outback is our dog’s car because of the convenient gate at the back of the wagon, and it seems that the company has targeted dog owners as its market.
Not to be outdone, the American Suzuki Motor Corporation added Siberian huskies to its commercialto turn up the cute factor to sell its sport utility vehicle.
Volkswagen is staying true to its Star Wars theme this year. Last year it was a cute little boy in a Darth Vader costume, and this year, it's a chorus line of dogs singing "The Bark Side."
This Valentine’s Day what better way to show your love for your furry friends than with these fun anatomical heart squeaky toys?! Made in the USA by kniting artist Shana Ostrowof 100% acrylic - these toys are more durable than your average store-bought toy. Perfect for small-breed dogs 20 lbs and under.
Double Portrait Lucien Freud
Freud's final work will be unveiled on February 9th at London's National Portrait Gallery and like many of his dog paintings - features one of our favorites - the whippet.
We cover all the breaking news here at Ragazzi Life and got this item via Dlisted. Madonna is being interviewed in a posh suite surrounded by not one, but two, pug pillows! She mentions something about Lady Gaga in the interview as well but we just love the pillows...
Edie's neighbor Baci. Photo by Aaron Andujar
A Texas appellate court has made the bold move of effectively taking dogs out of the “property” category and giving them increased legal status. It provides an updated reinterpretation of the law, which traditionally views pets as worth only their market value — like a table or a car.
The Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth overturned a lower court’s ruling that a couple whose dog was wrongfully euthanized was entitled to damages for only the dog’s monetary worth. The new ruling allows for a dog’s true worth to be considered.
“Dogs are unconditionally devoted to their owners. Today, we interpret timeworn supreme court law in light of subsequent court law to acknowledge that the special value of ‘man’s best friend’ should be protected,” the Court’s opinion stated.
With the ruling, the owners of the dog, Avery, could be entitled to damages for “sentimental” or “intrinsic” value. Avery escaped from his yard and was brought to an animal shelter. They went to claim him, but didn’t have enough money, so they made arrangements to return when they had it. Despite a “hold for owner” tag on Avery’s cage, a shelter employee euthanized him days before his number was up. When the couple came back to pay for Avery’s fee, they got the terrible news.
Ironically, in some instances dogs have not been given the same value even as some forms of property. If someone destroys family heirlooms that are of great sentimental value, even though the heirlooms may be nearly financially worthless, damages can be awarded because of their sentimental value. The new court ruling, for which the appellate justices cited a 120-year-old Texas Supreme Court decision as precedent, gives pets at least the same value as other items that are of negligible monetary value but great intrinsic worth.
“Because of the special position pets hold in the family, we see no reason why existing law should not be interpreted to allow recovery in the loss of a pet at least to the same extent as other personal property,” Justice Lee Gabriel wrote.
The shelter worker who ended Avery’s life will appeal the decision. She will be in some pretty powerful company. Surprisingly — at least at first glance — some of the top pet-industry organizations in the nation are adamantly opposed to the court’s decision. The American Veterinary Medical Association (whose well-done newsletter article is the main source for my post), American Kennel Club, the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Animal Health Institute, American Pet Products Association, and Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council are among those who filed briefs asking the justices to reconsider.
These groups say they fear that the liability from “pain and suffering” claims would cause pet service fees to have to increase greatly and make veterinary care unaffordable for many people with pets.
“If this becomes the law of the land, it will lead to higher costs to own a pet, disproportionally hurting middle-class and low-income pet owners. Who will pay for those higher damage awards? The rest of us pet owners, of course,” said Adrian Hochstadt, AVMA assistant director of state legislative and regulatory affairs. “The obvious consequences will include fewer people being able to own pets and, unfortunately, more animal abandonment.”
Opponents say the verdict “isolates the Second Court of Texas in American jurisprudence and … violated Texas Supreme Court law.” Legal experts say the case will likely end up in Texas Supreme Court. It will be interesting to watch this unfold. If the Supreme Court upholds the appeals court’s decision, what will the implications be across the nation and across animal law? Could it be the start of a sea change as to how dogs are considered and treated? Could it lead to stiffer punishments of those who abuse animals? Would it open the floodgates to frivolous lawsuits?
I was initially disillusioned when I learned that such major pet industry organizations were opposed to what seemed like something they’d support: that the value of a pet goes beyond its market worth. But they see this as opening the doors to all kinds of pricey lawsuits, so I guess I should not be surprised that they’ve come out swinging.
A gorgeous picture of Fancy - a chic, adorable dog from Montreal.
I imagine she's wearing Ragazzi Il Profumo and smelling like a gorgeous honeysuckle flower.
xxoo
Franky has taken on the role of guide dog for little, blind Elly, who sniffs the air to locate him and then nuzzles up to follow him wherever he goes. The pair, who are both four, have been taken in by Newport RSPCA officials, who say they must be homed together.
"He looks out for her and provides support while guiding her on walks or to food or water," said Elaine Buchan. Both Elly and Franky must go to the same new home, says the Newport RSPCA. The pugs will need operations before they are able to leave for any new home which offers to take them both in. "There's absolutely no option of homing them separately as it would break their hearts and also be wholly impractical," said Mrs Buchan, the Newport RSPCA manager.
"They're great little dogs and I'm already jealous of the lucky owner who will get to care for such a loving pair." Mrs Buchan said Franky, a boisterous and playful dog, looked out for Elly, who is affectionate and cuddly.
Full story here from BBC UK.
If you're feeling hung over this holiday season this drink is just the ticket.
The Electric Current Fizz (courtesey of New York Times)
Vigorously shake over ice:
1/2 lemon (juice)
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
1 shot of gin (I like Plymouth for this)
1 egg white.
1. Strain into a tall glass and top up with seltzer.
2. Place the reserved egg yolk in a shot glass.
3. Season to taste with a little Worcestershire sauce, a bit of Tabasco, salt and pepper.
Quickly down the egg yolk and then after that horrible experience sit back and enjoy your delicious cocktail!
Is it just us or does this dog look like Piper Laurie from Carrie? They could both use some Nourishing Dog Conditioner from Ragazzi Life.
More vintage dog prints can be found here.
We got a great shout out from the amazing dog blog / website dog-milk.com.
http://dog-milk.com/
