 I go and stay, where it is friendly. I did the right thing. I told them who we were, I asked for the fee I did not ask for free. I told them when we would like to stay and chose off peak times. Almost two full working days and no reply. I expected a friendly reply even polite and formal but not, no reply. I think up until now the tone of my blog has been totally positive. I think it is reasonable to question if lack of email etiquette could be a warning of what other services in a park, might be like and say I will use this as an indicator of parks to avoid staying at, other than as an unannounced in advance, 'review your park', visitor. Courtesy deserves courtesy response. My readers also need to know that I will be giving parks the thumbs up for curtious and friendly service, which includes answering emails re park bookings. I am doing this review tour of caravan parks at a considerable personal financial cost, and I desire the experience to be a highly positive one for ourselves, for those caravan parks we hope to and do positively review and for my readers who need to know they can trust me to give an honest positive review, and that is why I am stating where I am not pleased and feel the first contact was anything but friendly. I have also written about this experience in my ''gone bush' blog at http://www.gray-nomad.com I also wrote, :- Hospitality Email Etiquette. http://www.gray-nomad.com/4/post/2010/02/hospitality-industry-email-etiquette.html. Americas Most Popular Dog Breeds Revealed 02/07/2010
 by Daphne Reid View Biography America's Most Popular Dog Breeds Revealed Registration statistics for purebred dogs in the US reveal that the Labrador Retriever is the most popular for the 19th consecutive year. The American Kennel Club® (AKC) has released the numbers of purebred dog breeds registered in 2009. Among the interesting results, the German Shepherd Dog has overtaken the Yorkshire Terrier into second place for the first time in over 30 years. The German Shepherd was the most popular breed in the 1920s but dropped in popularity after World War II. "Labs have been America's top dog for nearly two decades due to their loyal and gentle nature," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "But the German Shepherd Dog has gained ground recently, quite possibly due to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at home and abroad. Hailed as the world's leading police, guard and military dog, this energetic and fun-loving breed is a loyal family pet, ideal companion and dependable K-9 partner when duty calls." And in fact, working canine breeds are in general more popular than other breeds. As well as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Beagles work in airports and train terminals alongside law enforcement, military and homeland security to keep the country safe. Their activities range from border patrol, bomb and narcotics detection, to searching for missing persons and tracking down fugitives. The Yorkshire Terrier was the third most popular breed, with the Golden Retriever, Beagle and Boxer in 4th, 5th and 6th respectively. The final 4 places are comprised of the Bulldog, Dachshund, Poodle and Shih Tzu. Among rare breeds on the decline are the Curly-Coated Retriever (from 114th to 142nd), the Sussex Spaniel (from 135th to 159th) and the Irish Water Spaniel (from 130th to 150th). Picture courtesy American Kennel Club® View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/america-s-most-popular-dog-breeds-revealed.htm Australia’s most popular dog breeds. 02/06/2010
 Indigo is proud, her breed got in the top ten, once again. Australian Cattle Dog, The Australian Blue Heeler. Australia’s most famous working dog Australian Cattle Dog was produced by crossing the Blue Merle Scotch Collie with the native Dingo. The result became known as a Blue Heeler due to the colour of the mottled coat, combined with the herder’s tendency to nip at the heels of cattle to get them moving. a "true blue" Aussie, born and bred Down Under. Beagle This is a hunter dog with the interesting muzzle. These hounds have placid temperaments, which makes them great with kids, I owned one when our children were young, she was a wonderful family companion. Border Collie A hansom dog, with a striking, black and white coat. The Border Collie is a healthy, active, working dog, ideal for farm work. He can run more than 80km in a day, doing the work of several men. Brilliant in obedience trials and one of the best sheepdogs. Not suitable for small backyards. He is a working herding dog and may herd up children, so keep this in mind before choosing this dog for an enclosed family home. German Shepherd An intelligent dog, ideal to be trained for law and order work. Problems only arise when intekligent dogs are not trined, or badly trained and large active dogs like these are placed in confined spaces.or chained up and trained to be savage through ill treatment. Also known as the Alsation, this proud and powerful breed stands 60cm tall. An impressive dog, excellent watch dog, and his loyalty to the family makes him an ideal companion dog, and safety asset to walk in the park. Supervise this dog, with strangers, he can be aggressive to strangers if not well trained early in life to be sociable. Golden Retriever Friendly and trusting, this is the family member dog, one of my daughters has chosen. A glorious long gold coat, Jack Russell Terrier Another much loved family member, within our own extended family of dog lovers. The Jack Russel Terrier is active, fearless, enthusiastic and just loves to run and play ball. He can be a mischief, and dig in the garden if he doesn’t get a lot of training and exercise and though small, he can bite hard, so don’t leave him near babies and toddlers, his idea of a game might cause harm to the littlies, if he has not been well trained.. Labrador Retriever Labradors enjoy the rough and tumble of our outdoor lifestyle including a romp in water. He is a retriever so can be a useful working dog This is the dog of choice for, the Guide Dogs Association of Australia. Poodle This is my favourite dog J. The Poodle is also a versatile and intelligent breed. It’s actually the world’s oldest water retriever, circus performer and truffle hunter, it s also considered the world’s most intelligent dog. My Indigo agrees. Lol J. so how’s that for a resume? The poodle has hair, rather than fur, so it needs clipping and grooming regularly to maintain an elegant look, Most people who own Poodles prefer the Lamb Trim, which is the body shaved short, with fur on the legs a little longer and a pom on the tail. Poodles are active dogs and love water. Poodle = Puddle J. Train your poodle well and you will not have a neurotic dog. Dogs usually only become neurotic if they have neurotic owners who do not buy the sort of dog they are qualified t care for. A poodle requires grooming, any intelligent animal demands an intelligent owner ho will train, love and care for it. The breed comes in three sizes — standard, miniature and toy — with a teacup variety available in some countries but I do not recommend teacup Poodles, I consider them ‘runts’ bread from runts’ of the litter, a dog bread for fashion and high price sale, not a dog bread from healthy animals to ensure a healthy breed.. Rottweiler The Rottweiler demands respect. He has solid build and courageous temperament, he is a dog for the experienced dog owner who understands this is a working active dog and needs training. This is not a dog to leave alone with young children, it can be a lethal weapon. Refer to the Rottweiler club in your state for guidance on buying a puppy. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Staffy for short. A lovable and affectionate dog — too lovable if not trained, my daughter’s dog, licks you from head to tail, leg and crotch L. Lie every dog listed, understand the breed before you chose it and train it. Although very friendly this dog has a powerful jaw and if they do bite they can do a lot of damage. They have a poor tolerance of irritating little dogs. Our Indigo, was lucky to survive one bite from this breed of dog. I personally would not own one. I like to be more powerful than the dog I own. That is my preference. AUSTRALIA Australian Companion Animal Council Inc (ACAC) www.acac.org.au Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) www.daff.gov.au/aaws INTERNATIONAL Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) www.fci.be American Kennel Club www.akc.org Canadian Kennel Club www.ckc.ca/en The Irish Kennel Club www.ikc.ie/index.php The Kennel Club www.the-kennel-club.org.uk New Zealand Kennel Club www.nzkc.org.nz The Kennel Union of South Africa www.kusa.co.za       The Giveaway: In conjunction with Mummified Times Five, I am giving away up to $1000 worth of Maimeri Classico oil paints! Each prize pack includes 10 tubes of Maimeri Classico paints valued at $9.55 each…so with free postage, that’s a prize pack valued at over $100!! And we have 10 packs to give away!! To enter, all you need to do is: -comment on any post ON EACH of Kathy Shell’s blogs (listed in my blog side bar and below): http://mummifiedtimesfive.net/2010/02/01/spotlight-on-kathy-shell-giveaway/ and say why you would like to win a 10 pack of Maimeri Classico paints. (Both steps are mandatory to be in the running to win this prize) Giveaway finishes 15 Feb 2010 This blog post has been illustrated by postcards from the art of Kathy Shell. These can be orderd through the artist's postcards-art web site or purchased 'direct from the artist', in her caravan awning studio    Earthquake Sensing Dog Captured on Camera 02/04/2010
 Earthquake Sensing Dog Captured on Camera A dog that appeared to sense January's California earthquake has been captured on surveillance camera. On 9th January between 4PM and 5PM a 6.5 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter just offshore of Eureka on the Pacific coast of California caused some $20 million in damage. Officials claim to have received over 200 claims of damage but aside from cuts and bruises nobody was seriously injured. The offices of the daily newspaper serving Eureka and the North Coast, the Times-Standard, are located in Eureka and sustained considerable damage. CCTV camera footage inside the offices of the newspaper captured events leading up to the earthquake and continued recording throughout. Times-Standard copy editor Jessica Richelderfer and production technician Brian Wheeler bring their Labrador Retriever called Sophie to work every day and the video appears to show Sophie sensing the earthquake before it struck. "She happened to be sitting in view of the surveillance camera, which shows her reaction before and during the earthquake. When we saw the video, we really weren't surprised by her reaction - she's always been a very bright and loyal companion. But after we watched the footage a few times, we realized she sensed that before anyone, and at the very least she knew something bad was about to happen. We always knew our dog was smart - but we didn't know she could smell an earthquake coming!" said Brian Wheeler on his blog. Many of the comments received by Wheeler ask why Sophie appeared to run in the opposite direction to the exit. "The fact is she was running to find Jessica, whose desk was at the other end of the room. Jessica, however, was washing her hands at the restroom sink when it started. When Jessica wasn't at her desk, Sophie rounded the corner and spotted her coming from the restroom and proceeded to escort her safely down the stairwell and out of the building," added Wheeler. View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/earthquake-sensing-dog-captured-on-camera.htm Weight Loss Pet Foods Not Consistent 02/03/2010
 By Daphne Reid View Biography Weight Loss Pet Foods Not Consistent A recent study has indicated that weight-control diets for pets have different calorie densities and recommended intake, and that in most cases pets will not lose weight or will actually gain weight if owners follow the labels' feeding guidelines. With almost 50% of domestic animals being overweight or obese, weight-loss diets are becoming increasingly popular in the pet food industry, and this is illustrated by the choice available to consumers. A new study, carried out by Lisa M. Freeman, professor of nutrition, and Deborah E. Linder, DVM, of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, and published in this month's Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, indicates that these diets will have varying results for pets. The study examined nearly 100 commercially available diets with weight management claims. Among the report's findings is that dry dog foods range in calorie density from 217 to 440 kilocalories per cup (kcal/cup) and a recommended intake that ranged from 0.73 to 1.47 times the dog's resting energy requirement. The diets also varied wildly in price - from 4 cents to more than $1.10 per kilocalorie. Similar findings were made in wet dog food (189 to 398 kcal/can) and cat food (235 to 480 kcal/cup) marketed for weight control. "There is so much information - and misinformation - about pet foods, it's understandable that people are confused about what to feed their dogs and cats," said Freeman. "To counteract these myths, people are accustomed to turning to the labels on food - but, as this study shows, packaging might not always be a reliable source of information." Under federal guidelines, pet foods labeled with the "lite", "light" or "low-calorie" designations must provide the caloric content, and must adhere to a maximum kilocalorie per kilogram. More than half of the foods evaluated in this study exceeded the maximum. Based on feeding recommendations of these brands, most of the diets would not lose weight or would actually gain weight if owners adhered to the labels' feeding guidelines. View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/weight-loss-pet-foods-not-consistent.htm February is Pet Dental Health Month 02/02/2010
 February is Pet Dental Health Month Veterinarians say that while most people brush their teeth every day, very few pet owners brush their pets' teeth as frequently. February is Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Pet Dental Health Month is designed to teach pet owners that proper dental hygiene is just as important for their pets as it is to them. "Sure, eating hard, crunchy food does minimize plaque in your pet's mouth but giving Fido dog biscuits everyday isn't going to do anything but make him put on weight. The truth of the matter is that pets require daily dental care the same way we do. So take your pet to the vet and have their teeth checked out at least twice a year. You'll be glad you did and so will your pet!" says Debbie Bailey, a veterinary technician for 15 years and writer for PetPeoplesPlace.com. The AVMA's president, Dr. Larry Corry, says that most people have no idea that dental health is so important to their pets, and that periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. The AVMA recommends a 3-step plan towards good pet dental hygiene, starting with taking your pet for a dental check-up with your veterinarian. Secondly, you should begin a good dental regimen at home, and lastly you should schedule regular dental check-ups. "Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums, is incredibly common in pets, and it can be quite serious," explains Dr. Niemiec, a board certified veterinary dental specialist. "It's estimated that by the age of two, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal infections have been linked to diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other life threatening disorders. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by regularly brushing your pet's teeth and by regularly visiting your veterinarian." View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/february-pet-dental-health-month.htm    The Giveaway: In conjunction with Mummified Times Five, I am giving away up to $1000 worth of Maimeri Classico oil paints! Each prize pack includes 10 tubes of Maimeri Classico paints valued at $9.55 each…so with free postage, that’s a prize pack valued at over $100!! And we have 10 packs to give away!! To enter, all you need to do is: -comment on any post ON EACH of Kathy Shell’s blogs (listed in my blog side bar and below): http://mummifiedtimesfive.net/2010/02/01/spotlight-on-kathy-shell-giveaway/ and say why you would like to win a 10 pack of Maimeri Classico paints. (Both steps are mandatory to be in the running to win this prize) Giveaway finishes 15 Feb 2010 This blog post has been illustrated by postcards from the art of Kathy Shell. These can be orderd through the artist's postcards-art web site or purchased 'direct from the artist', in her caravan awning studio     Advance Notice. $1,000 . value of Oil Paint to be given away FREE to my blog readers during February 2010. Not just any oil paint but, quality Italian Maimeri Classico 60ml tubes. These paints are the artist’s daily bread and butter. Anyone – professional or amateur – who picks up a tube of Classico oil paints will find in it just what they need. They contain no waxes or thickeners, and pigment concentration is very high. Bright, lively colours with overall harmony in the palette, these paints from Italy are made with non-toxic, non-polluting pigments that improve light-fastness. They are versatile paints, offering exceptional value for money, but you could own a set plus postage FREE. Watch this blog and http://mummifiedtimesfive.net for further details and be the first to enter this FREE competition.  Dog At The Wedding 01/30/2010
 The author, Kathy on her wedding day, 25 May 1968, with her Pekinese, Jane. Dogs, brought Reg and I together. My dog, came on most of our dates. My dog was at my wedding reception. Our dogs have shared our life together. These days, the dog, would have been invited to the Wedding. More frequently than ever before, the dog, as a valued, family member, is taking part in the important ceremonies of life, especially weddings. Dogs, are even being entrusted, with the important role of groomsman and bridesmaid, these days. Getting your dog, ready for the ceremony. What To Wear? A corsage in the collar, a tulle mini fascinator would suit a poodle’s topknot. What would suit the boy dogs? I did a search of what was for sale for the groom’s man, dog and was amazed to find the range of dress shirts, tuxedo jackets and tuxedo pants on offer. It seems many people consider the dog such a valued family member they are included in ‘the big occasions’, in life.  A dog's tuxedo coat. | Kathy Shell on Facebook  Kathy Shell
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