Well, I finally did it. After years (yes, years) of deliberating, debating with my family and jotting down all the pros and cons, I finally broke down and got a dog. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as the furry little guy arrived in my life just as we were putting the finishing touches on this issue, which includes managing editor Tina Anson Mine's feature on pet etiquette (page 178), Dr. Marie McKibbin's "Ask a Vet" column (page 177), and our roundup of Pet Briefs, which is full of helpful tidbits for pet owners. And then there's our 2009 Most Lovable Pet Photo and Video Contest (page 182).
It's been five full days and here's what I've learned so far from my cute canine.
• I should have done this years ago. I was seriously worried when I took Scooter away from his littermates, but he's made the transition without any fuss and now considers us his litter.
• Puppies are morale boosters. At home and at work, everyone perks up instantly when my four-legged friend shows up.
• It's almost impossible not to want to spoil him rotten: I admit I'm mighty tempted to toss Scooter a tasty morsel when he sits on my feet and looks up at me as I prepare dinner. (But every book I've read tells me that you're doing more harm than good by feeding pets human food, and besides, there are many ways of spoiling your dog that don't include bits of chicken marinated in white wine and shallots.)
• Puppies are like babies: they don't sleep through the night and you have to keep a constant eye on them.
• I'm not eligible to enter this month's pet photo and video contest, but if I were, I know my chances of winning would be good, as Scooter truly is the cutest dog ever!
Many of you will be in the midst of planning for March break when this issue arrives. If you're looking for an activity for the entire family, why not start the day by cooking breakfast with your kids? Youngsters and teens can help out – and learn a lot about cooking – with the quick and easy recipes in "Rise & Shine" (page 110). If you've got a family of skiers, hikers or other outdoor enthusiasts, you'll want to try one of our delicious, packable lunches in "Food for the Trail" (page 116). And, of course, we always have a selection of family-friendly meals you can prepare in 30 minutes or less at the end of a busy day ("Make It Tonight," page 103). If it gets too chilly outside, flip to "Gotta Know" (page 156) for tips on starting a kids' book club, or go online to www.canadianliving.com, where you'll find an array of crafts to entertain toddlers and tweens alike.
Until next time.
– Susan Antonacci
Grab your coffee and join our live forum at www.canadianliving.com/liveforum and you could win! Join me and a group of Canadian Living staffers on March 6, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., to chat about pets (share your training tips, please!). Tell us your favourite entries to date in our pet photo and video contest and you could win a Tassimo brewer and a selection of hot beverage T-discs.
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