Dogs have befriended man since pre-history. Archaeological expeditions have resulted in a wealth of cave drawings of early man and his faithful companion. Egyptian and Middle Eastern paintings provide considerable evidence of the domestication of dogs. These dogs hardly occupied the type of dog kennel we know today, they would have been perfectly happy bedding down comfortably beside their cave dwelling partners. No dog kennel insulation needed in those primitive dwellings.
Ancient Greece and Rome also had its share of canines.
Alexander the Great is believed to have founded and named a city after his dog Peritas. Homer wrote about how the faithful hound Argus bounded up to his master Ulysses on his return home after a long period away, when none of his human friends recognised him.
There is evidence of the man/dog partnership going back more than 10,000 years.
Dogs are also featured extensively in myth and legend. King Arthur seldom went anywhere without his dog Cavall. One wonders if the animal wore a dog collar and sat and begged from the Round Table?
If so, did Guinevere and the King’s knights give him titbits?
Literary dogs
Woof, described as the world’s first celebrity pet magazine written by dogs, has just been launched in Sydney, Australia.
The on-line magazine about celebrity pets is aimed at dogs, cats and their owners and is the brainchild of Pets Palace Australia, an on-line store offering luxury products for pets (www.petspalace.com.au).
The publication describes itself as the hottest new pet celebrity magazine in town.
Its first issue introduces the editorial team. And what a motley bunch they are.
Highly entertaining are the writings of John-Michael Snouzens, New York and London correspondent and Pixie Wixie, the beauty editor. Pixie provides fashion and beauty makeovers for dogs. All very impressive it is, too.
Another feature lists the top five parks to be seen in, internationally. (They take in Australia, America, Japan, England and Holland).
There’s a ‘scandalous’ story entitled My Life on the Streets and an exclusive on the Royal Corgies inside secrets. With forty pages of utter nonsensical delight, this crazy canine creation is well worth a read.
Indoors or outdoors?
Where’s the best place to locate the dog kennel… indoors or outdoors?
Owners of pampered pooches usually prefer their pet to be indoors, but big macho working dogs invariably sleep outside.
The outdoor dog kennel keeps the dog safe, provides plenty of fresh air and exercise and gives Big Boy ample opportunity for exercise. Provided fresh water is readily available, he should be just find out there.
The secret in choosing an outdoor dog kennel is to ensure that it has shade, is within site of the house, but away from neighbouring properties so that barking and smells do not become an issue with the people next door.
You’re an enterprising d-i-y enthusiast? Then why not make your own dog kennel?
Kennel in the sky
When someone says their dog has gone to the great big kennel in the sky, don’t automatically assume that the animal is no more. The words ‘kennel in the sky’ could simply refer to the cage the animal is contained in while he flies abroad to live, or to take himself off on holiday.
Kennels for animal transport are available from most of the major airline companies. To meet airline requirements the portable dog kennel should come complete with food and water bowls. And space for Dopey Dog to sleep if his master has slipped something special into his Chum-a-lot.
Not being imprisoned
Sending a dog to his kennel should never be regarded as a form of punishment. The kennel should be regarded as a place of peace and comfort, away from the noises and stresses of every day life. It should be a place for him to relax, not a prison for when he’s been naughty. It should be big enough for him to stand up and turn around, and to contain his favourite toys and comforters.
Larger dog kennels can become playpens for boisterous puppies.
Designers are dreaming up more and more ideas to keep our canine friends happy and content. Dog kennel houses can now come in the style of gazeboes or summerhouses with removable sides for easy cleaning.
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