Dogs as Workout Companions

Ok, this just may get the award for “Most Obvious Study Ever.” Researchers at Cornell University are conducting a study to determine whether walking the dog helps owners lose and keep off extra lbs, USA Today reports. “An early look at the data shows that the dogs who walk the most steps have a better body condition score,” one study author says. This seems to warrant an NYC Prep-calibre “Duh,” no? (Cue corresponding eye roll.)

Photo credit: Julia Schmalz/USA Today

I mean, I get it. The study is ultimately trying to encourage people—and their dogs—to exercise more. Still, shouldn’t it already be clear that the whole “eat less; move more” phenomenon holds true with not just people, but with dogs as well?

One point that does seem valid, though, is made by researcher Barbour Warren. "Dog walking offers two of the key elements for regular physical activity, purpose and companionship,” he says. “Dogs can provide both of these in spades." You can’t argue with that. Riley can guilt me into putting on my running shoes with just one look at the door. And when I’m too tired to walk another mile, she just drags me anyway. Better than any trainer I’ve ever had.

NYC Tops Pet-Friendly Cities List

PawNation reports that New York City is the most pet-friendly city, according to a survey by Rent.com. “[The] company combed through thousands of pet-friendly rental listings to find cities with a significant percentage of cat- and dog-friendly pads for rent,” PawNation said.

The top ten cities are:

1. New York City
2. Chicago (yay, my hometown!)
3. Boston
4. Houston
5. San Francisco
6. Austin
7. Washington, DC (and nearby Alexandria, Va.)
8. Portland
9. Charleston
10. Ann Arbor (Go Blue! My alma mater is in Ann Arbor.)

You can search for more pet-friendly apartments in NYC here.

Dogfighters Go Underground

Yesterday, CNN reported that dogfighters are getting creative. They’re finding new ways to hide their practices, and they’re carrying out dogfights in on-the-move 18-wheelers to avoid being caught. According to the story, some of the abuses detectives have uncovered in this ongoing investigation include: dogs with missing ears and patches of skin; animals with teeth shaved down to the bone; and contraptions, much like treadmills, that force chained dogs to run or be choked.

One of six dogs rescued from a Sumter County, South Carolina, dogfight waits in a kennel last week. Image courtesy CNN/WACH TV

In one case in Ohio, the story says, “A neighbor called police when she saw a mangled dog that had apparently escaped from a home where investigators found 60 chained pit bull terriers, many being starved and wallowing in their own waste. There were thousands of hypodermic needles scattered across the ground. ‘They were using steroids on the animals,’ he said. ‘There was one dog—in such bad shape, man—tethered to a logging chain, and another was kept in a two-foot shed without ventilation or food.’ The suffering is incalculable, and the cost of caring for the animals is steep.”

To read the full story, click here.

What is it that I’m not getting about the appeal of this so-called sport? Am I incredibly naïve in wondering WTF makes people get off on watching this? There is something seriously wrong when people don’t get basic compassion. There is something seriously wrong when a football team will sign a man who engaged in this and profited from it for years. I really, really just don’t understand.

Gratuitous Dog Video

There’s a good chance you’ve seen this already, but a friend passed it along and I wanted to share with you guys. You’ll feel bad for a second…and then you won’t be able to stop laughing. Make sure you watch through to the end. (Ps, I’ve now watched it eight times.)

Does anyone else's dog have dreams like this?

Thanks for sending, Candice!

Classic Pet Toys

So, by now, you may all know of my obsession with the pet company Harry Barker. Started by a former model who battled Cushing’s disease (her story is amazing…check out the website if you have a chance), the company makes some amazing products, from beds to collars to toys. I also love that most of what they make is environmentally friendly.

I noticed that I haven’t featured many dog toys on RedRiley, and I wanted to share some with you guys. Two of my favorites are the Cotton Rope Celtic Ball and the Hemp Stripe Bone Toy. There aren’t many bells and whistles with these; they’re simply classic and whimsical. 

To take a look at other Harry Barker toys and products, visit their website.

I’m also wondering, does your dog have a favorite toy?