Albany Bulb

I just have to share….

The Dog O’ Matic. An automated dog-washing machine.

(Photo: Time.com)

Oh yeah , My dogs would love this! (of course, that is sarcasm).

Invented by a young French entrepreneur Romain Jerry the Dog O’ Matic wash takes a total of about 30 minutes, 5 minutes for the actual washing with jets of water and an additional 25 for drying and bruching with warm air.

Romain Jerry says that it is very rare that a dog is agitated or panicky during the wash – really? for 30 minutes? My dog is agitated after just 5 minutes in the tub.

Looks like the 12th Annual Bay to Barkers Dogwalk will be at the Albany this year

August 2, 2009 ~ 8:30am to 1pm- Golden Gate Fields, Albany

I have to wonder – why the change in venue?

Is this just another subtle move to “commercialize” ,take back, restrict, …..!!!

Paranoid? Not much.

Here is more information:

The Berkeley East Bay Humane Society is proposing (PDF) the Berkeley Humane Society “Bay to Barkers” event be held at the waterfront!

Berkeley – East Bay Humane Society Bay to Barkers (website)

The City of Albany’s Event Calendar is showing a Waterfront Meeting scheduled for May 11, 2009
at 7:30 PM. Location: Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Avenue, Albany

Discussions will include a brief presentation by Fern Tiger Associates regarding the upcoming Voices to Vision sessions and a presentation by Sustainability Committee member regarding liaison relationship.
Discussion and possible action on matters related to the following items:
Measure WW

$27 million for Eastshore State Park improvements/expansion “…to expand and restore this eight-mile long urban shoreline park adjacent to the East Bay communities of Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, and Richmond. Consistent with the ESP General Plan, develop access improvements, restore upland and wetland areas to enhance wildlife habitat, and to complete east shore segments of the Bay Trail.”

$12.3 million for Bay Trail funding “…to connect urban communities to shoreline access and wildlife viewing, opportunities by completing the 86 mile Bay Trail along the East Bay shoreline. Acquire and develop trail links to close the remaining gaps between Martinez and Fremont.”

Other discussion includes:
Installation of bicycle rack at Waterfront Park

Read more on the Albany Waterfront Meeting

There is an interesting commentary on AlbanyToday.org:
“Albany’s public funds should not be used on a disappearing waterfront.

Charlie Blanchard and Michael Barnes, two former members on the Albany School Board, wrote the following opinion article on the waterfront issue. They warn about the risk of high tides flooding the Albany Waterfront and oppose using the city’s public funds to develop the land.
Read the article and comments at albanytoday.org

I knew that would get your attention.

Foxtails, Foxtails and more Foxtails.

Yes they are dangerous, and yes they can be deadly.
And, it may just be me, but it sure looks like there are more than ever at the the Bulb this year.

The seed of the dried grasses detach from the plant and can easily become lodged between a dogs toes, in its ears, and in its eyes. The seeds are barbed like a fish hook,and can be difficult to remove. Once embedded, foxtail seeds cause severe infections and abscesses.

Foxtail seeds can migrate and lodge in the spine, in the lungs and in other internal organs by entering through the nose, ears, paws, eyes, urethra or just through the skin and travel through the body.

Check your dog after each walk. Check head, neck ears, eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, and between the toes. If your dog repeatedly shakes its head, a foxtail may have entered the ear canal. Sneezing may indicate that a foxtail is in the nasal passage. Repeated licking or scratching in the same area may be due to an embedded foxtail. If you suspect a foxtail, promptly get your dog to a veterinarian.”

Links:
Tips to Minimize Health Risk to Dogs from Foxtail
Foxtails: a serious health problem for dogs in California.
Wikipedia – Foxtails