Friday, August 26, 2011

National Dog Day

August 26 is National Dog Day. According to the Humane Society, there are dogs in approximately 78.2 million U.S. households, there are as many male dogs as there are female, and roughly one fifth of owned dogs were adopted from an animal shelter.

Dogs make for wonderful companionship, protection, and exercise motivation. Are your children clamoring for a dog? If you concede to their demands, what type of dog would be suitable for your family and home? A large or small one? One with high energy or low? Long haired or short? Even tempered or spirited?

For help with these types of questions, you might leverage the Library’s nonfiction collections on “dogs” (636.7 is the call number that represents the topic of dogs). For instance, you will find “Dogs: How to Choose and Care For A Dog” in the children’s nonfiction collection on the first floor and “American Kennel Club Dog Care and Training” in the adult nonfiction on the second floor. After you have selected your dog and you are a visual learner, you may appreciate the adult DVD “Your New Dog and You: A Beginner's Guide to Dog Care & Training” (located on the first floor in the adult media area).

Or, if after careful consideration, your family decided to pursue a different pet, there are materials on other animals that make for excellent pets. For example, the Library has information on cats (636.8), goldfish (639.3748), parakeets (636.6865), guinea pigs (636.93592), and turtles (597.92).

As always, should you desire assistance, please approach a staff member situated at the Youth Services Desk, Adult Services Desk, Information Desk, or Welcome Desk.

~ ac