Dog Walkin’ Wellington
A Puppy is Forever, not for Christmas!
By Barbara Phillippi
Last minute shopping is at fever pitch, and a holiday deadline rushes toward us, like the proverbial headlight in a tunnel. It’s the season when resolution softens, when we make excuses for buying stuff for our kids (or ourselves) that we wouldn’t consider purchasing at any other time of year. “How Much is that Doggie in the Window?” is a cute, silly, song from the 1950’s, but it should never begin the discussion of adding a dog to the household. Experts warn that the gift of a puppy, or any living animal right now, is ill-advised. And beware of adds, “Accepting deposits now for Christmas puppies.”
“Let’s back up a little and look at another Christmas reality. Many reputable breeders and shelters flat-out won’t cooperate with your Christmas puppy lust. Those sellers who have puppies for Christmas delivery are often motivated by money. Such breeders are not likely to cut into profits with pesky screening for genetic diseases, nor are they likely to care about the importance of socialization. These attitudes may cost both you and the dog dearly.”
Statistics confirm that about 95 percent of pet store animals come from the disgusting conditions of a “puppy mill,” where their parents are most likely still reproducing, in unthinkable conditions, to enrich folks unconcerned with the animals’ welfare.
If your children long for a pet, why not involve them in learning about animal needs, and responsibility? There are many worthy animal welfare organizations and facilities in South Florida, always in search of volunteers, perpetually raising money, and with a list of needed every day items that are in the financial reach of most of us. And the holidays would be a great time to honor your own dog, by helping another animal to be safe and comfortable. (Check out our story about the Big Dog Ranch Rescue, located in Wellington, this month under “AW Spotlight”).
I’ve attached a list of local shelters – your family could choose one, call, ask what it needs: detergent, bleach, old blankets, towels? Extra leashes, collars, stainless steel bowls? How about that old dog crate in the attic or garage, and some newspapers, or paper towels? Add a case or bag of dog food to your grocery cart, or go shopping for dog or cat toys.
Maybe the staff and volunteers at a shelter would like some home made cookies, or other recognition of very hard, and often unappreciated work. If there is, indeed, a pet in your future, ask about adoption, or fostering a dog, when the holiday madness is over. If you have a purebred dog, give the gift of money to that specific breed rescue, (yes, there is one for your preferred breed, no matter how obscure, easily GOOGLED.)
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Here is a partial list of local Florida rescue organizations and shelters that would appreciate your holiday generosity, and seeing or hearing from you:
For a terrific no-kill shelter right here in Wellington, visit the Big Dog Rescue Ranch website. Don’t forget that the Howlin’ Hoedown fundraiser is coming up on January 19th, 2012 at the Players’ Club to benefit BDRR.
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However you celebrate the season, enjoy, be grateful, and keep your dog close.
“In a perfect world, every home would have a dog, and every dog would have a home.”
Over a lifetime, Barbara Phillippi has had mostly “normal” dogs – a few German Shepherds and a bunch of wonderful “mutts,” each with its own wonderful, quirky, qualities. For many years, she taught 4-H dog obedience courses, under the authorization of Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension Services. That terrific program teaches the basics of dog behavior, of every breed, to young dog owners. Today she lives in Wellington with three Jack Russell Terriers – Woody, Gracie, and Buck. “These guys showed me a learning curve that I never knew existed!”
I’ve gathered some great ideas for holiday crafting.
series was started to provide encouragement and give hope to all who dream. In today’s world, we seem to focus more on the negative aspects of humanity. However, if we are to continue to reach new heights in various fields, we must continue to strive for the best within ourselves and keep our humanity intact at the core. Through the power of dreaming, new ideas and concepts can flourish with imagination and creativity providing the necessary fuel.
The restaurant is a cozy combination of rich dark woods and stone. I was pleasantly surprised by the wide open main dining room and huge paddle fan lazily rotating over the bustling dinner crowd. The tables are made of real butcher block and there is a delightful lack of the typical “kitschy” collections of old Americana we see littering the walls at most local bar& grills. 
begin is to order the plate of three hot buttered croissants ( $1.99). They arrive warm and fluffy with a light drizzle of gooey sugar icing. They are addictive, so be careful not to spoil your dinner! We also tried the Homemade Onion Rings ($4.50). Thin and crispy, they come with a Cajun and a ranch dipping sauce. I was delighted that the onion rings were not greasy at all. I also tried the house salad, just $1.99 with entrée purchase, with Cheddar’s famous homemade ranch dressing. The salad is filled with fresh vegetables and the ranch is creamy and tastes homemade. 
For our entrée’s, I tried the Rib & Shrimp combo platter ($13.59). The shrimp can be ordered fried or grilled, I opted for the fried. The shrimp was fried perfectly, a bit spicy, but not greasy at all and the cocktail sauce was fresh and a good complement. A half rack of nicely smoked ribs came with the shrimp. The BBQ sauce is sweet and tangy and they do a good job of not over-saucing the ribs. My companion had the Bacon Cheeseburger ($5.79). You have to tack on $1.99 if you want fries, or any side, they do not come with the meal. The burger was tasty, but we questioned if the patty was actually fresh and handmade or if it was frozen. When a restaurant’s mission is “from scratch” food, you do not want your customers wonder if that is really the case.
looking forward to returning for a second visit and trying the Monster Cookie Sundae ($4.99). A chocolate chip cookie baked in a cast iron skillet and topped with ice cream and all the fixings. That doesn’t sound bad at all.
local artists, is suggesting you buy your holiday gifts this year from local artists and craftspeople. Lake Worth is the town where artists create Museum Quality works that are sold in expensive galleries throughout the region and the country.
Stone Gallery to unveil new creations in time for the New Year.
the Flamingo Clay Studio, a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space for three-dimensional artists.