Hairy herders corral coots

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This could be construed as a terrible thing to say about one of our major industries, but golf courses in our area are going to the dogs.  Actually, they're going  to the dogs everywhere.  It's the latest trend - and it's good. Pacific Grove Golf Links has rented border collies and dog handlers to dissuade messy birds from eating the greens and leaving slimy calling cards for golf balls to traverse.  During hours of play, the border collies herd the birds - American coots - onto the golf course's lake, and few coots seem to be taking up residence there this winter as a result. Corral de Tierra Country Club, meanwhile, has its own border collie, Mickey, to make the course less attractive to flocks of Canadian geese.  In the off-season, Mickey - a club favorite - chases down pine cones tossed by Corral golfers and employees.  He also knows which golfers come to the course bearing dog treats. Think of this as a full-employment act for border collies, a breed that is sometimes [Read more...]

Butch Wilson’s career has gone to the dogs

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It’s easy to spot Butch Wilson and his border collie in their orange vests, a common sight at Crespi Pond on the Pacific Grove Golf Links. They’ve been employed to corral coots, geese and other offending birds that litter the greens with a spate of droppings daily. Wilson whistles from his golf cart and one of his five obedient workers lopes low around the course, herding the birds back onto the pond. Since golfers are impervious to weather, the duo works rain or shine, Friday through Sunday and holidays. Occasionally Mimi, Butch’s wife, spells him.The barrel-chested 68-year-old man is proud of his cutting-edge migratory bird-control business, called PGDogs. He also volunteers to keep San Carlos Cemetery clean for visitors who often thank him. Eyes brimming with tears he says, “My father was a chaplain at Robert Louis Stevenson School and it’s almost like an extension of that, to honor the people who come to pay their respects to loved ones.” With a heart as wide open as [Read more...]

How To Spoil Any Cat

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No matter what kind of cat you have, they all have one thing in common - They all like warm places. I suggest that you buy him or her a heating pad or a heated cat bed. One that warms up by itself is best, because cats are attracted to things ALREADY warm, not ones that may BECOME warm. I, myself, have yet to find one that you can plug into a wall and stays warm all the time. I usually use a heating pad, because they are everywhere and easy to find. Most cats also have a nesting habit. They like to curl up in something that can surround them on all sides. You can make one at home that also has the heat factor by taking a blanket and making a little nest for your cat and placing a heating pad right in the middle. However if you have a cat that will repeatedly knock over your thoughtful resting spot, you might just want to buy one from your local supplier or from me' Cats aren't really that picky about where they sleep, so, of course, you can also get a heated DOG bed for your cat, [Read more...]

How To Spoil a Lazy Cat

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Lazy cats like to sit around and sleep all day. And bask in the sunlight and keep warm and be worshipped. Two of my favorite window perches are shown below. This comfortable supportive cat perch mounts on virtually any window sill Includes all mounting accessories and complete instructions Cover is machine washable! A good choice, even if your cat doesn't need the support. Give your cat a bed with a view! This design is a hammock style, that your cat will love as it can position itself how it wants to lay and the bed will curve to the body of your cat! I've also noticed that cats like being up high. Places like on top of the refrigerator, or up on a table, give cats comfort - and, possibly, the feeling of being important. =p Cats are vain animals, you are their servant! If your cat has a nesting habit on top of something, maybe you should put a towel or something up there to make him or her more comfortable. And DON'T forget to bow when you walk by! Your cat spends so much [Read more...]

How To Spoil Your Spunky Cat

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TOYS, TOYS, TOYS!!! Most hyper cats love toys! My cat, Bug, LOVES her dangle toy. It has a bell on the end of it, and when she hears it, she'll come running! I can trail it on the ground or dangle it above her head, and she's happy! She loves noise makers, 'dangle' toys, and teaser wands. The one shown below is all! This toy takes teaser wands to the next level! Plush toys "buzz" and their eyes light up as kitty bats and chases However, the battery in it might make the toy a little heavy and dangerous... so here's another option. Choose from a variety of fun colorful textures in these extra-long teaser wands Made exclusively for PETsMART Don't forget to feed your cat the right type of food to make sure s/he lives a good, healthy life. It's fine to occasionally give your cat wet food, but don't turn him or her into a priss, because they will REALLY, REALLY, give "spoiled" a new meaning!