Dog Clothes More Than a Fashion Trend

Today, many dogs have a wardrobe that can rival that of a die hard fashionista. That's because many pet parents want to lavish attention on their pooch in unique ways. Those with the budget to do so are choosing pet accessories and clothing in record numbers. Pet retail sales in the United States top $35 million each year, say reports. A growing chunk of those purchases are going toward the booming pet clothing industry. What started out as a niche boutique market, has turned into a national obsession, with many mainstream pet stores and supermarkets carrying clothing for dogs and cats. While pet clothing is a way to express individuality and whimsy through your dog, pet attire can also be functional and a safety precaution. Many people inaccurately assume that a dog has all he needs to survive the weather conditions. While a fur coat can provide some protection, the truth is that the elements can be as harsh on dogs as their less-furry companions. Did you know that dogs are susceptible to sunburn just like people? Applying a sunblock product to a pet can be worrisome, particularly if the dog licks off the lotion and ingests too many chemicals. Clothing can provide protection against the elements in the ways fur alone cannot. For example, a light-colored doggie T-shirt can reflect the sun's rays and keep your pooch cooler when outdoors in the warm weather. A rain slicker can keep him dry when the weather is particularly wet. In the winter, a sweater can hold in body heat, particularly for short-haired dogs or small breeds that are more susceptible to extreme weather changes. Bug repellents also may be applied to the clothing and therefore limit the amount of flea and tick protection you must use directly on the pet. A dog's paws are very sensitive and can also use protection. Think about how hot pavement feels underfoot on a blazing summer day? What about chemical rock salt or ice when winter is in town? All-weather booties can protect the pads of a dog's feet from cuts, burns and contact with the myriad of chemicals that are used outdoors for landscape care. When selecting clothing for your dog, keep a few things in mind: • It is comfortable for the dog, and he doesn't show any aversion to wearing the item, such as pulling or biting. • It is functional. Clothing should be designed to fit the animal, not modified human clothing. • It is safe. Ensure the clothing does not hinder movement or block the animal's vision

Can skate boarders, horses and riders co-exist near arena?

Can skate boarders, horses and riders co-exist in the same area? That was the question brought to the attention of the Kasson City Council last week.

The city has taken over operations of the Dodge County Ice Arena and they are looking at a future site for a skate park just to the east of the arena. The area would be 65' x 135' on six inch poured concrete. The skate park would be between the hockey arena and horse arena. The skate park would double as an outdoor ice arena during the winter months. With a cement slab that will make it easier to retain outdoor ice.

During the summer months the arena is used three to four evenings a week. There was discussion of limiting skate board hours  when the horse arena is in use.

City engineer Neil Britton also discussed blacktopping of the parking lot. The project is being funded with $200,000 from the entities through the Ice Arena Termination Agreement.  Additional funds from capital improvement and park and recreation will be included for funding.

City planner Mike Martin said blacktopping the lot definitely requires the expertise of an engineer because of the drainage issues. It's not merely a matter of coming in an putting down a layer of blacktop.
The parking lot will require a layer of rock followed up with a foot of sand, additional rock and 5" of blacktop. Dealing with the drainage is also incorporated with the project.

The city does not expect to move forward on the project until after the Big Iron Classic the weekend after Labor Day. The city planner said it would probably not be a good idea to have a large number of semi trucks driving on the blacktop right after the project is completed.

There was a brief discussion on the possibility of having to move a "major" utility pole in the area of the arena to accommodate the skate park. A large area of the city utilities would probably have to be shut down while the project is  done. They determined the project could probably be done without major disruption of the pole. Superintendent of Utilities Burt Fjerstad said they would take a look at the area, but did say they could make changes without a major disruption to utility customers in the area.

In another matter city administrator Randy Lenth said they continue to look for ways to provide energy to residents more efficiently. They will now partner with Minnesota Energy Resources to provide energy audits to residents.

Cost of the standard gas company audit is $220, of which the city will pay $80, Minnesota Energy Resources $100 and the homeowner the other $40.

The next regular meeting of the city council is 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 in the council chambers at city hall. All meetings are open to the public.

Popularity

As far as popularity rankings from American people, the president of the United States can be on top of the world one day and feel like he should be looking for a new job the next.

President Obama has been on top of the world with the American public and after nearly 16 months in office the tide is turning.  A recent poll shows his standing on four personal qualities has dropped and 50% of those surveyed say he does not deserve reelection. The areas that are dropping are managing the government effectively, sharing of public values,  being a strong and decisive leader and understanding problems the average American is facing today.

Twenty six percent say President Obama deserves a great deal of the blame for the nation's economic problems, compared to half that number last summer. Trends show that as the economy continues to struggle the president's popularity is going to keep dropping.

I would like to have a chat with the president personally. The first question I would ask is, "Mr. President, have the duties of serving as president of the United States been what you expected?"
Next I would ask,  "If you could start over, from inauguration day in January, 2009, are there some things you would do differently?"

Then if I got my third wish I would ask, "What do you think is going to have to happen if you intend to get elected again?"

Personally, I don't think a president can be a popular person by more than a 50% margin. There are so many people attempting to sway the president and his thinking in their direction. Health care is a perfect no win situation.

People struggling want something to happen now and if President Obama can't fix the economy soon then his job is in jeopardy. Maybe we should go back to what I have been saying for a long time a one term election for six years. That way the president can focus on the job at hand and not worry about pleasing people for the purpose of getting elected again.

If the president continues to fall in popularity we are all going to suffer. Being president of the United States is certainly no popularity contest, that's for sure. Campaign promises sound good during an election year, and voters are  good at remembering those promises.

Spitting

I receive a number of news articles and letters for publication. One I received last week ranks right up there with the best. The title of the article is called "Quit Spitting" and it calls for Minnesota Twins players to quit spitting when they move into their new home at Target Field.

A group of people signing this petition call  upon Manager Ron Gardenhire, his coaches and players to quit spitting. The request was sent to principal owner of the Twins Jim Pohlad.

I am not sure if the petition refers to spitting in general or spitting tobacco. I can see where spitting tobacco could be banned. As an individual who has spent a lot of time baseball and softball fields, I can tell you spitting is like adjusting your cap or pounding the mitt of a glove.

I'm not talking about spitting chewing tobacco either because I never did get into that habit. Being outdoors, playing on the grass, spitting is a ball player habit-no matter what you think of it.

A football player will chew on a mouth guard, a basketball player adjusts a wrist band, but baseball/softball players have more quirky habits than any other athlete by far. I could never spit tobacco on the new Target Field, as  beautiful a facility as that is. It shouldn't be tainted with chewing tobacco. I think it's the most disgusting habit an athlete can have.