The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday October 20, 2007 - 9 Society's changing perception of dogs ears of change has taken its toll not only on the North American family, but also on household pets. Lack of time, longer work weeks and elongated days at schools and day care centres have all had their effect on people. For dogs, once used primarily as working assistants to humans, the increasingly long periods of times spent alone at home, has resulted in a significant change to our perceptions of their quality of life. Remember the 50s? A dog's life reached a new level of comfort with stay at home moms raising children. The dog that used to sleep outdoors found a place sleeping in its owners' bed. Today's dog has truly become a member of the family. As the household changed through time, pet owners have begun to recognize that leaving their pooch for long periods alone is not the best option and they are trying to meet some of their needs. Many pet owners feel extremely guilty and feel a need to make some changes in their canine companion's life. They are taking their canines to day care, hiring pet sitters or dog walkers, matchmaking them with neighbours' dogs, arranging play dates and, increasingly, taking them to the workplace. Dogs -- many of whom show no signs of suffering -- are offered luxuries never CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS · CARPET · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · Y FALL CARPET REBATE SALE Thick Berber Sale Price $2.99/sq.ft. Less - $1.00 instant rebate Now pay only $ · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · BONUS before considered because of increased sensitivity to their need for company and stimulation. Animal behaviourists agree that dogs need environmental stimulation, just as humans do. Those who suffer from separation anxiety demonstrate despair by tearing up furniture or other household items, urinating or defecating, vocalizing, digging, running away or even self-mutilation, which is behaviour that provides some sort of distraction. Of all the behaviours that demonstrate despair, incessant barking tops the list. Dogs may suffer silently and without symptoms, as well. Unfortunately many dogs are relinquished to animal shelters every year for behaviour problems. While some owners will try independence training, exercise and drug therapy, many experts say early and frequent socialization with other animals or living in a multi-animal home may produce a healthier dog. The Oakville & District Humane Society offers a resource to owners experiencing concern regarding their pet's well-being. "Despite the many changes in perceptions and concern for 1.99/sq. ft. HardTwist 50 oz .Nylon Sale Price $4.99/sq.ft. Less - $2.00 instant rebate Now pay only $ SEE STORE FOR DETAI L * SCRATCH & SAVE UP TO $2,500 OFF YOUR PURCHASE 2.99/sq. ft. HOME OF CALVIN KLEIN PET OF THE WEEK: Albi is a very cool little dog. If you are looking for a dog for sports, he is your dog. Many of the other animals looking for homes can be viewed at www.oakvillehumane.ca. the well-being of dogs over time, we still handle over 2,500 a year at the shelter," said Johanne Golder, Executive Director at the Oakville & District Humane Society. "We offer pet owners a great resource when they are looking for solutions to help them cope with the challenges associated with pet ownership. Our goal is to keep animals in happy households. Education is a big part of that role." To find out more, contact the Oakville & District Humane Society at 905-8451551 or visit the shelter at 445 Cornwall Rd. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society 1000'S OF AREA RUGS REDUCED TO CLEAR! Persian Rugs, Designer Rugs, Wool/Silk Tibetian Rugs Oakville Quality at Warehouse Prices! Outlet Store - Trafalgar Village Huge Super Store - 228 King St. E. Across from Home Depot · (905) 849-4472 Downtown Hamilton · (905) 546-1921 CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS · CARPET Rebecca Street & Third Line, Oakville Tel: 905 · 827 · 7146 · www.hopedalemall.on.ca S