Do You Hear What I Hear?

Actually, I can’t hear a thing on this video and I’m pretty sure you won’t either.  According to the folks at the New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the soundtrack was recorded at an ultra high frequency that dogs can hear but humans (even teenaged ones) can’t.

It’s kind of a cute idea and proceeds from sales of the CD go to support the NZSPCA, but my dogs rated it four paws down.  Even young Audie, who responds to whispered commands, had no interest in it whatsoever when I played it right in front of his face.  I also asked my 18-year old neighbor to check it out. She agree that it was cute, but admitted she couldn’t hear it as well.

If you want to know more about the video and CD, check out this article from the UK’s Telegraph: 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/15/wdog215.xml

As a break from the slick, high-tech production of the NZSPCA video, I decided the have the dogs review a simpler, must more low tech video designed for dogs that I also found posted on YouTube.  They ADORED this one. In fact, both Zip and Audie jumped up into my lap to get a better look at the screen shortly after it started.  The beasties cocked their little heads and peered intently at the speakers every time the title was repeated on this little gem:

Scottish Pooparazzi

Tuesday BBC News reported that the Edinburgh City Council approved a plan to enforce ‘dog fouling’ laws using a van equipped with video cameras that will record violations on the spot along with wardens who will immediately issue citations.  I must say that I think it’s a wonderful idea.

While I realize that some people might think that this is a bit of an extreme reaction to an excess of dog poop, I must say that I think it’s a fantastic idea.  Irresponsible dog owners that allow their dogs to eliminate indiscriminately and refuse to pick up after them are one of the main factors contributing to the ever growing list of public places that ban the presence of pet dogs.  Add to that inattentive owners who think that simply holding on to one end of a Flexi-Lead is an acceptable substitute for supervising their dog’s behaviorand we end up with a plague of dog-related problems across the country.

Just think what we could accomplish if (taking the Scots as an example) regular people started to use their cellphones and digital cameras to capture photos and video clips of the misdeeds of  rude, thoughtless dog owners. Imagine using technology to expose the misdeeds of millions of people who, in their thoughtless laziness and irresponsibility, are robbing responsible dog owners of their rights all over the world. 

Why waste your time trying to capture Brittany’s latest breakdown, Pamela Anderson’s most recent public sex act or Amy Winehouse’s latest fix on tape.  Not only are you competing with thousands of predatory professional photographers – but WHO FREAKIN’ CARES!  If, as a society, we spent one tenth of the time we devote to the pointless perusal of the puerile pursuits of pretty people publicized as a purely provocative pastime to championing civilized conduct by common citizens who care about causes JUST THINK WHAT WE COULD ACCOMPLISH! 

Maybe what we need right now is a grassroots movement for Responsible Dog Ownership.  If we work together to expose those who ignore leash laws, let their dogs poop indiscriminately and otherwise resfuse to take RESPONSBILITY for their dogs – just think what we could accomplish!