Happy Doggies Make Happy Humans

Enjoying Bolt, the Dog Movie

 

They're the latest version of the three muscateers. They're not off to save the world, they just want to get Bolt back to his human.

Bolt is a fun, action packed movie for the holidays. We saw it at the Saturday matinee.

I particularly enjoyed the first 10 minutes or so, which featured an action packed chase scene. I loved watching Bolt race around and save the day.

I had fun imaginining my little white dog Krystal doing all those things Bolt did. FYI, Krystal's nickname is "The Rocket." Most of the time she's Little Miss Baby Krystal, a sweet dog who jumps into your lap, loves to be petted by everyone she meets, distributes kisses to one and all, and whose mission in life is to spread happiness and joy.

Several times a day The Rocket makes an appearance. Nothing can contain her joy as she races around the house at full speed. Sometimes she grabs a toy, and off she goes. Her speed and course cover the whole house as she exuberantly races around, expertly leaping over obstacles and rolling around while she takes a break--only to jump up and start again.

I can only laugh out loud, and feel exuberantly priviledged to have The Rocket in my family. There's nothing like my Rocket dog to bring joy to my heart.

Bolt had that racing joy in the beginning of the move. But then, as happens in movies, he was separated from his human. The movie is about this separation, and how this suddenly stray dog Bolt finds new friends who help him travel across the country and search for his human.

This is a well done movie, with great characters and a great story--of love and loyalty (wonderful dog qualities) and adventure and second chances. It's funny, and certainly made me feel happy. All the hallmarks of a wonderful movie during these troubled times.

While there are several parts that are more than scary (I wouldn't take a younger child,) this is enjoyable entertainment you might consider during the holidays.

Are You Ready?

That's the question my friends at United Animal Nations are asking. If disaster strikes, are you ready to evacuate quickly?

They ask this question because their mission is "bringing animals out of crisis into care." When groups of animals are in crisis from floods, fires, hurricanes, or plain old bad shelter management, you will often find United Animal Nations there--setting up and running temporary shelters, calling in their trained volunteers, and managing reunions between dogs and their humans.

One of the most important things you can do for your family and your pets is to plan for a quick evacuation, and practice that plan.

Research has shown that in stressful situations, our brains work best if there have already been some rehearsals. Those rehearsals set up a pattern in our brains. When the time comes to move quickly, an already established pattern can be in our brain database--ready to be acted upon.

Right now, United Animal Nations is trying to assess pet owner's state of preparedness. I suggest you click onto their site, and take their short poll, click here.

Afterwards, you may want to review their excellent ideas and resources for disaster planning, click here.