Dog Life

Apartment's too small? Boyfriend's allergic? Perhaps just not down with de-pooping the backyard? Whatever the reason, if you or someone you know is simply not ready to become a full-time dog parent, peruse the following list of alternatives for people looking to cram some dog-time into an otherwise (sniff) dogless existence.

It was seven years ago that I first encountered the teachings of Eckhart Tolle. I was at a crossroads in my life, unemployed and searching for the next path I should take. I decided to enroll in an entrepreneurial course and it was there, sitting in that classroom, that I first heard a passage from The Power of Now. I'll never forget the words, as I knew without a doubt that something very significant had happened to me. I went out and bought The Power of Now, followed by several of Tolle's other books. I keep them close at hand and frequently refer to them. I never put one down without having gained deeper insight into myself, my relationships, and the world around me.

Brio is currently one of Canada's top dogs in agility, a wildly popular canine sport that requires dogs to run a course of jumps, ramps, tunnels, and other special obstacles like the weave poles and the teetertotter. The United States Dog Agility Association, just one of several bodies that organize agility events, represents more than 100 affiliated groups and reports more than 20,000 registered competitors throughout North America, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Bermuda, and places as far-flung as Spain and Japan. Agility competitors are timed and those with the least "faults" such as knockdowns or other errors, combined with the fastest time win "legs" toward agility titles as well as placement ribbons in their class.

Ellen talks rescuing coyotes, blazing trails, and mouth-to-mouth on a sparrow

1. Make the switch once and for all to biodegradable dog poo bags. What are you waiting for? scoopies.com

2. Order ecologically sound dog beds and organic, pesticide free dog food from olivegreendog.com or greedogpetsupply.com, sites specializing in environmentally friendly pet supplies.

Grab your sunscreen and conga right over to Coconut Grove for a taste of what Miami has to offer.  Sizzling restaurants, smokin' hotels, sassy shops and sweet outdoor spots will make you and your pup pant.

Give your dog a fashion update, grab some trendy tacos, stay in 5 star doggie digs, and play on the shores of Town Lake. Modern Dog unleashes your dog in the soul of Texas.

Be sure to wear flowers in your hair when you visit this City by the Bay.  Whether you are walking the pier or chowing down on clam chowder in a sourdough bowl you and your pup will be feeling the love.

Hit the snooze in Wilshire, grab breaky in Bel Air, spend some "g's" on Rodeo Drive, and lounge out in Venice Beach.  They City of Angels has everything your furry little angel could ask for.

You could forgive a person for assuming that Pamela Anderson is in fact the camp Hollywood dramatic figure she has perfected—a buxom blonde known for her sizeable assets (her new FOX TV series is called Stacked) and tumultuous relationships. Considered by many a modern-day Marilyn Monroe, she has made a career out of playing the self-deprecating blonde bombshell.