February 6, 2010.  BUY TICKETS TODAY! For more information, please visit our ticket page.

Please sir, may I have some moooreeee

As Obi was complaining about his diminishing food portions, a couple of twitterers posed the question of “How do we know when we’re feeding our dog enough, or too much?”

So we turned to our In-House Dog Expert, Sandi Thompson, and asked for her opinion and it turns out, it’s all in the poop!

Here is our Q&A with Sandi Thompson, you can also follow her at @BravoPup

Dogopolis: How can we tell if we’re feeding our dog enough or too much?

Sandi: You can tell by their general appearance and their poops.

Dogopolis: What should we note about their general appearance?

Sandi: Well, they should look lean, muscular, and not fat. Their waist should be visible. There is a hands on test that you can do: Slide hands down rib cage with very light pressure. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs…If you can’t feel any ribs, he needs less food and more exercise. If you can see his ribs, feed him more.

Dogopolis: and their poop…?

Sandi: Poops should be nice , firm terds. If big and soft .. you are probably feeding too much, or a poor quality food!

And there you have it folks, it’s all in the poop.

Biologists say dogs have [a] very nice sense of time which helps them not to miss their destination. Another skill they have is to cross the road on the green traffic light. “They don’t react on color, but on the picture they see on the traffic light”, Moscow scientist tells…

It’s funny but the ecologists studying Moscow stray dogs the dogs don’t miss a chance to get some play while on their travel in the subway. They are fond of jumping in the train just seconds before the doors shut closed risking their tails be jammed, [just for fun].

The hunt for shawarma

“The modern Russian dogs are on their urban hunt.”  A regular day in Moscow for these dogs starts on busy streets filled with food kiosks and hungry patrons.   Instinctively, some dogs sneaked up behind these unsuspecting customers, barking loudly in order to startle humans into dropping food to the ground.  A repeatable tactic with rewarding results.  This is quite a good idea!  I will try this the next time I’m taking a stroll or see someone on the subway who’s eating a sandwich.

Curious humans

(Excerpt and photos from English Russia)

I don’t have any formal acting experience on my resume, unlike my good friend Turtle (see below – she always plays the suspect in police capers).  But one such agency, Hollywood Paws, says they can help me “Start A Career in the 54 Billion Dollar Pet Industry” doing all types of work, including film, television, commercials and print.

The talented Turtle doing her signature "Stick 'em up" for the camera

I figure I’m a pretty smart dachshund.  And if I study my lines and submit my photos to enough casting directors, I just might be discovered as the next Al POOcino.  I guess I’ll try… this movie business is so tough though.  So many big beautiful dogs in this town, makes a little guy like me self-conscious!

Reading scripts for my next big audition

So it only makes sense that I enjoy the same luxury as Astro from the Jetsons.  Below are some creative, and often crazy, gadgets that make you scratch your belly and ask, do I really want that?

(1) Almost hands-free poop collector (Poo Traps’ Magic Poop-Collector)

Undoubtably you must have seen the infomercial (see below) for this product and honestly I don’t know what to say, except for maybe “No Poops, no oops” (the company’s tagline).  I have yet to see any canine companion at the park or on a walk wearing it.  I personally don’t like having anyone mes with my tush.   (Price – $29.95 for the trap, $6-$9 for 30 bags)

(2)  Remote Control Robotic Camera (WowWee’s Rovio)

Ever wonder what your dog is doing while you’re at work?  Now you can with the Rovio, a “Wi-Fi enabled mobile webcam that lets you view and interact with its environment through streaming video and audio”.  The website intends its use it for keeping track of people and places most important to you, but realistically I don’t think mom would appreciate you tailing her with this robocam.  (Price – $299)

Robocop or Robocam?

(3) Dog Sled (Dog Powered Scooter, Trike and Skateboard)

Imagine going for a bike ride and having your dog do all the work.  That’s exactly what one inventor has proposed with the Dog-Powered Scooter, Trike and Skateboard.  Might border on animal cruelty, but could be fun for multiple, large and athletic dogs.  I for sure wouldn’t be able to pull it (Price – $555+)

Urban dogsled