This Just In ...
Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely baby daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
The Barking Lot
THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.
TODAY: Some early morning fog and drizzle. "F" in the morning. But then becoming partly cloudy and warm with a high near 50. "B" the remainder of the day.
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy, an above average high of 40. "B"
Let’s go dog shopping! Or, at least pretend to. Have you ever played the “What would I do if I won the lottery?” I do something similar; I play “What kind of puppy will I get some day?” I follow that up with a round of “What will I name my puppy?” It’s fun and about the closest thing I will get to four paws in the house for awhile.
So… you’re at the dog shelter (Remember, this is my game, and my rules are you get your dog from a shelter, not a breeder). Cage after cage, you peruse the aisles of furry faces, eyes looking longing at you just begging “Please take me home with you.”
You don’t have a specific type of dog in mind; you just want to provide a good home to a dog that needs one. Some of your choices are:
OK, narrow it down to two, choosing one black dog and one golden dog from the above photos.
Now pick just one of your remaining two.
Which one did you choose?
Wait.
Let me guess.
You picked........
A GOLDEN DOG.
If you did, you followed a very common pattern with dog adoptions, and have just given in to what some people call “Black Dog Syndrome.” Many shelter workers believe that there is a true problem with black dog bias.
You may or may not believe this theory but this website is devoted to showcasing black dogs and encouraging people to adopt responsibly. Other stories support the black dog bias idea, such as the experience Pamela Gregg had with Molly.
I know that there isn’t much scientific data supporting this theory, but it does make me stop and think, and I will be more aware of not overlooking a black dog that is up for adoption when the time comes to add another member to our family.
---Jennifer Fischer
Thanks, Jennifer! What an interesting topic! You know, I was thinking about running out and getting a dog, but now I'm torn. Light color or black? I guess I'll just have to think about this a bit longer.
It's time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.
In last week's edition of The Barking Lot, Jennifer wrote about pit bulls. The breed is cauisng so many problems that many locales are taking action, including outright bans. One expert thinks this type of dog can be rehabilitated.
There's also a twist in the story about Faith we told you about last week.
Meet Palmer Neuhaus who has a very difficult job. For many dogs, Neuhaus is the last step before being put down.
When an arson dog dies, he's not easily replaced.
Here's a story about a rare detective who specializes in finding lost dogs.
Animals assisting autistic children is quite complicated, So how does an autistic child communicate with a dog?
Here in Franklin, we had plenty of dog news. Megan returns home, and Alderman Steve Taylor pushes a dog leash mandate.
Mayday is back on the job. And the bedbugs won't bite as long as Hershey is around.
Man bites dog? Nahhh. This story's a lot better.
And don't laugh at dogs playing poker. That's some pretty serious artwork.
Sorry, dog lovers, but we've come to the end of this week's Barking Lot. Thanks so much for dropping by. Don't forget the Westminster Dog Show Monday and Tuesday. While you're watching, keep an eye out for the brand new breed in the competition...
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