A show of caring for ourselves and others
JAY REMER
The etiquette guy
Published Saturday February 21, 2009

How could I not have a column on dogs just after the Westminster dog show? The 133rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City offered one of most amazing victories in the history of dog shows.

Imagine winning a beauty contest at the tender age of 70. The Sussex spaniel Stump is a fabulous dog that retired at the age of six after a very successful show career and then nearly lost his life to an unknown medical condition.

He recovered fully and through the love and care of his handler - one of the world's best - made one last walk around the green carpet of Madison Square Garden.

I have exhibited at that show for more than 20 years and understand the thrill of winning.

What I think is notable are the similarities we can draw from this experience to our own lives. In this instance you have a dog that is revered and shown every consideration. In our own lives, do we know people who thrive as a result of the same such care?

Here in beautiful St. Andrews, I have many friends who have moved from strength to strength, not without a few serious - some even life-threatening, interludes. Fortunately, through the love of family and friends and fine medical teams, they have triumphed. We all have that ability to conquer many of life's greatest challenges. Respect and courtesy go a long way to help others going through this process.

And many of us who face serious challenges are blessed to have our dogs and cats.

I am reminded of a trip to New Orleans last month. We stayed in the Marigny section of the city, an area nearly fully recovered from Hurricane Katrina. I noticed upon arrival a large number of cats milling about on the streets. It turns out these cats were survivors of the horrific storm - rescued by a few kind folks who managed to stay behind. The cats have all been neutered or spayed. The residents of the neighbourhood feed them daily and they will probably live out their lives with few worries.

Here in St. Andrews we have a wonderful practice of having dinner parties. Not a week goes by without groups of people getting together to share stories of the week, the triumphs as well as the difficult challenges we face. One thing most of us have in common is that we own dogs. They are integral to our lives.

Often they join us as we sit down with others to have a glass of wine and laugh about life. They sleep at our feet as we dine on the latest recipes we have been dying to share. Somehow, they are rarely a bother; they don't beg for food or jockey for a position of power within the group. They don't need to. They are comfortable for they know they are loved and live in harmony with their masters' friends.

Caring for our four-legged friends can be challenging at this time of year though. This winter has been especially tasking with the severe cold temperatures and heavy snowfalls. Special care must be given to wash the salt off their tender pads. There are several varieties of dog boots which can be of benefit to city-dwelling canines. Dogs not used to cold weather may need to wear warm jackets when going out for exercise.

And this is Doggie Dental Month (bet you didn't know that!).

There is a variety of canine teeth-care products available that can improve the health of gums and teeth, and thereby the ability to take nourishment. We must also remember to take our dogs for annual check-ups.

A friend of ours recently discovered her older dog has a heart murmur. Although not usually a life-threatening medical condition, it does oftentimes require some dietary and exercise routine adjustments. This is but a small example of how caring for our 'best friends' can make a tremendous difference.

If only we would take the time to treat ourselves and our human loved ones the same way. Often, however, we are too busy. Our lives are filled with so many more important things. 'I'll have that check-up next month,' we might say.

Don't put off today what you can do tomorrow. Tomorrow may be too late. Live life to the fullest today. Show respect and use common sense every day - not only to those who are dependent on you, but to yourself more importantly. Without you, your loved ones will need to count on someone else. Such respect for all of God's creatures, whether dogs, cats or people, makes for a kinder planet, one where we can live side by side through triumph and sorrow.

Jay Remer is certified by the Protocol School of Washington as a consultant for corporate etiquette and international protocol. He lives in St. Andrews. E-mail your etiquette questions to jay@etiquetteguy.com and visit his website at www.etiquetteguy.com.