Becker’s book and Easter candy

Here’s another entry in the long-title competition: Your Dog: the Owner’s Manual: Hundreds of Secrets, Surprises, and Solutions for Raising a Happy, Healthy Dog. Those 17 words represent a book by Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian,” contributor to Good Morning America and resident veterinarian on The Dr. Oz Show.

Becker will appear at Barnes & Noble, MarketFair, US Route 1 South this Wednesday, April 20 at 7 pm. A new (to me) wrinkle: those who want a line pass for seating or book signing must buy at least one copy of Your Dog (etc.!) or show a B&N receipt for that book. (And bring a peanut butter sandwich: seating begins at 5 pm!)

For more information about Becker’s visit, phone 609-716-1570 or email CRM2646@BN.com.

* * * * * * * * *

At winter holiday time, the word goes out that it’s a bad idea to give kids puppies or kittens. Too much else going on, too many distractions for people and pets to make a good start.

Easter’s the occasion for a similar message, this time from the Humane Society of the US, which cautions that “Baby chicks and rabbits are not Easter gifts.”

“People often don’t realize the level of commitment these animals require,” says the director of the HSUS Pets at Risk program. They have “complex social and nutritional needs,” he explains, and “they can’t be caged continuously or relegated to the basement or garage.”

Animal shelters experience a flood of no-longer wanted chicks and bunnies, many of whom must be euthanized. Releasing them into the wild is an equally bad idea because they’re domestic species, unable to fend for themselves. They usually die of starvation, exposure to the elements or being preyed upon by other animals.

Please: Peeps and chocolate bunnies this Easter!
#