Is St Patrick's Day Going to the Dogs? New Animal Book Reveals Beastly Trends
Big Bear Lake, CA (PRWeb) March 13, 2007--Saint Patrick's Day has been celebrated in the United States since 1737. Green beer, shamrocks and corned beef and cabbage are traditions that most Americans are familiar with but not many realize that today's St Patrick's Day paw-tys have really gone to the dogs.
According to Diana L Guerrero, "Pet households now outnumber those with kids and today more and more celebrations include pets. Irish breed clubs and owners now can even give their pets bowser beer (non-alcoholic) and raise funds with pooch smooching at 'Kiss Me I'm Irish' booths."
Guerrero is the author of BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: A GUIDE TO PRAYERS & CEREMONIES CELEBRATING PETS & OTHER CREATURES (ISBN 1402729677). The new book, scheduled for release in April, discusses pet pageants, pet parades, and the pet paw-ty craze sweeping the nation.
St. Patrick (387-461 AD) is the patron saint of Ireland and Roman Catholics celebrate his feast day on March 17th but the tradition has become a popular secular celebration.
Guerrero said, "One urban legend is that St Patrick drove all the snakes from Ireland--but snakes were never native to Ireland. Some people believe the snakes were a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans."
A traditional icon of St Patrick's Day is the shamrock. The Irish tale is that St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity--representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--all separate parts of the same entity and this is why the custom of wearing a shamrock became a tradition on his feast day.
Guerrero said, "Pet owners now have a variety of fashion options available for their companion animals. Most grooming salons will use shamrock or green ribbons if you ask. I'd also encourage some beastly bling such as a shamrock pet tag. People can also find St Patrick holiday collars and bandanas."
For those pet owners who want to dye their pets green for St. Patrick's Day?
"Ultimately it is the pet owner's decision but animal lovers should be alerted that the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center discourages the practice."
Allergic reactions and toxic odors and residue from green dye could pose problems so before using any product on your companion animal make sure the product is non-toxic --and protect the pet's ear and eyes. Some safer alternatives? Try green Jell-O or professional grooming.
You know that a holiday has really gone to the dogs when there is a canine version of the St Patrick's Day prayer:
May your dog rise up to meet you, with a bark and a wag of the tail.
When your day's journey is over, may the woes of the day be gone.
As your faithful companion greets you, eager to welcome your home, may God hold you both in the palm of His hand.
-END-
Review copies of BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: A GUIDE TO PRAYERS & CEREMONIES CELEBRATING PETS AND OTHER CREATURES (ISBN 1402729677) are available to journalists. Contact Sterling Publishing Publicity at (212) 532-7160 or Krista Margies (646) 688-2510 (kmargies@sterlingpub.com).
Diana L Guerrero is available for interviews. Learn more at:
http://www.dianalguerrero.com
http://www.blessingoftheanimals.com
http://www.whatanimalscanteachusaboutspirituality.com
Related Articles:
Dog Training - Train a Dog to Fetch
The fetch game is probably the most popular and most used dog activity for rewarding your dog and giving him exercise at the same time. Giving your dog regular exercise is essential in keeping your dogs health up to scratch and helping them live a more exciting happy life.
Positive Dog Training With Dog Training Treats
If you want a well behaved dog that is used to obey commands and listens to you in all kind of situations you need to train your dog and if it is possible you should start training when he or she is still a puppy A well trained dog is of immense importance to both you as the dog
Dog Training -What You Should Keep In Mind When Playing With Your Dog
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides them with the opportunity to exercise and also to form bonds with littermates.
How Valuable Is Dog Agility Training For Your Dog
Having an active dog is quite stressful Even though your dog have undergone a good obedience training, it is much better to dog in to something and train them further to make your dog really intellectual so to speak
Dog Training Techniques: How Dog Training Has Progressed Over the Last Few Decades
When a dog owner looks down at their brand new, small and tender puppy quietly sleeping in its little bed, it's difficult to think that in just two to three months it may grow to be 40, 50, or even up to 100 pounds depending on the type of breed Although your dogýs behavior may cute at first, like jumping up and putting his front paws on your body, these actions will be far less pleasurable when your dog is all grown up and literally knocking you over
Using Dog Training Collars To Train Your Dog
If the expense of sending your dog to Dog Obedience School is preventing you from training him, here?s another option You can train your dog yourself, as long as you obtain the right dog training tools
Dog Training: What Is Dog Training?
The term ?dog training? can mean many different things ? this is an important fact to remember when deciding what exactly you need to do with your dog. First, there is "behavior training?.
Dog Training Tips and Tricks: Recall Training Your Dog
Recall training has two basic concepts. The first is to treat your dog well each time he comes to you. Be it a kind word, a pat on the head, or a scratch behind the ears, Buddy will relish the affection you show him.
Crate Training Your Dogs - Ultimate Dog Training Method
They say that the Crate Training method is the most effective way to train dogs. How do we crate train our dogs? Is it harsh to confine a dog or an adorable puppy in solitary confinement so to speak? Crate Training was once seen as cruel and inhumane but it has gain popularity in recent years. Crate Training can be a useful tool to train a puppy or even a stubborn old dog.
Dog Micro Chip - Dog Training
You'd be surprised how many dogs go missing each year around the world when their perfectly good owner has a brief laps in concentration and the dog ends up running away after a squirrel or other animal never to be seen again.