Today, while on a quick errand to get his nails clipped at DogBar, Miami Beach, we decided to get Louis a new dog toy. The pseudo-Rastafarian colors and the dog with dreads were funny enough for me to say yes to this ‘Aniseed’ bean bag. Then I noticed the display.

“DogNip! Like CatNip for dogs!”I looked in disbelief at the knowledgable staff.It was explained that while it wouldn’t make a dog act hyper, the way catnip can hypnotize a cat, it would ‘chill a dog out.’ Since Louis operates on two speeds, on and off, and I trust that DogBar only stocks safe, well made products, I decided to go for it.Louis was in a dead sleep when I decided to try it out. It smells like licorice and almost immediately, Louis was at my feet sitting anxiously, waiting to receive his new toy. He immediately started chewing it and playing, while I waited.Was my dog stoned? Well, lets just say that I have never before seen him in the pictured position and after this photo, he fell asleep. He is still asleep two hours later. Another major bonus? His breath smells like licorice! We will definitely try this the next time Louis decides that playtime should be at 4 AM!

For more information or to order, please visit aniseedog.com

Available at Louis favorite store in Miami!

DogBar, Inc. Miami Beach

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Click here to read a wonderful article about Austrian scientists proving that dogs display aspects of human intelligence. As if we didn’t already know that dogs are smarter then most people!

Image courtesy of Haute Diggety Dog, available for purchase at www.trixieandpeanut.com.

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I readily admit that I can relate to the caricatures in Christopher Guest’s fantastic mockumentry Best in Show; Parker Posey’s portrayal of the neurotic Meg Swan, in particular. Watching the film (and having some basic sensibility) encouraged me to try and get my neuroses under control before taking on the responsibility of a puppy, lest I project them onto the poor creature, who as a result, becomes neurotic in his own right. We all saw what happened to the Swan’s Weimeraner, Beatrice.

Thus far, anxiety is still one of the major players in my life. Louis continues to thrive in spite of me. I am not so naïve as to think that one day, my neurotic tendencies wont catch up with us both and wreak havoc. And so I trek on, if not for me, then for him. I have attempted meditation, medication, relaxation…so far - no luck.So far, the best remedy (though not a cure) I have found is a long walk with Louis, the benefits of which are substantial for us both.The dog is a domestic subspecies of the wolf. Wolves achieve their basic needs (food and water) by walking. This activity is ingrained deeply into every dog’s genetics. Walking gives our dogs the exercise and mental stimulation they crave.For Louis and I, burning off our excess energy allows us both to return home calmer. Louis collapses into a heap on my lap and I am rewarded with a snuggly, sleeping mass of fur. The feeling that I have done something beneficial for him enhances the sedative qualities of the experience for me.Walking your dog is much more important then making sure he has the opportunity to eliminate outside. It deepens the bond we share with our dogs and improves us both, physically and mentally.Of course, on our most recent walk, it occurred to me that it was probably time I seek medical intervention for my ailment. With this realization, my pulse quickened and I felt a crushing pain in my chest. I guess we will have to keep on walking.

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I love dogs. I always have. If not for my desire to remain amongst the urban dwellers and venture to trendy restaurants and shops, discuss literature, art and the latest issue of Vogue with two legged friends, I might have settled on a stretch of land somewhere and lived in a small cottage kept dogs as my only companions. Of course, this fantasy would only work with high thread count sheets, modern plumbing and a renovated kitchen…But, returning to the subject, I have started this blog as an outlet to all of the research I have done since taking on a puppy about four and a half months ago. Cup of Dog is an exploration of all things canine.The object of my affection is Louis (as in Vuitton) Reginald. This 7 1/2 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has become my favorite part of each day. The joys of dog ownership outweigh all of the inconveniences. In effort to compensate Louis for the bliss he has added to my life, I strive to give him the best care possible. This has led to a journey through as many products and philosophies as one can read relating to the care of our canine companions.I look forward to continuing to sift through this mass of information and documenting this journey.

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