When dogs are not gay

jbrown — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 06:04:19 +0000

When I first heard of this program, I thought it was named after a woman benefactor. I mean, who names their dog ‘Agnes’? Then I saw her face and it just seemed to fit.

According to the poster seen here to the left:

Agnes was the beloved companion of a client at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. She symbolized the friendship and love that animals can provide for their owners. The Agnes Fund was created in order for others to experience the same joys of the human-to-animal bond. Southwest Center has teamed together with the Arizona Humane Society to help cover cost of pet health care that is not affordable for their clients.

Questions or Donations call Thomas at 602-307-5330 x 2224

According to Thomas, Client and Community Resources Coordinator for the Southeast Center for HIV/AIDS, the fund is very low and many dogs are going without care and proper nutrition because their owners are unable to provide for them due to circumstances in their own life. The Humane Society generously steps in to provide shelter, medical care, and food for these animals, but they cannot do it without adequate funding.

With Pride Fests going on all over the country, hopefully people will remember those who are not able to celebrate as easily, and the pets they live with. Dogs provide immeasurable comfort and companionship, so imagine how cruel it would be to have to be separated from the ones you give comfort to, just when they need it the most. If you have a program in your community like this, check it out or else consider contributing to Agnes’ fund.

Agnes! What a great name for a dog.

Who says dogs aren't gay?

jbrown — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:41:55 +0000

A recent article in the NY Times asked “Can animals be gay?” It raised many questions and pointed out that there is still a lot we don’t understand about animal behavior. Interestingly, much of the observed behavior portrayed how the same sex animals worked together and were committed to each other. But many of the reviewers dismissed the article, discounting a lot of ongoing scientific study.

Until around the mid 20^th century, the term ‘gay’ meant “joyful”, “happy”, “bright and showy”. You don’t hear that much anymore because it’s taken on a different meaning. But joyful, happy, and sometimes even bright and showy certainly describes a lot of dogs I know.

Well, who says dogs aren’t gay?

Mornings at our house, there’s no better word to describe Muggsy – recharged from sleep, he’s overjoyed with life, racing around , chasing sunbeams . . . ‘gay’ is a great word to describe his puppy exuberance. A ratty old sock toy, the smell of toast, getting his family out of bed – all makes him happy. . . he’s just a happy dog.

If you really want to know about being gay and happy (no, it’s not redundant) check out to the Phoenix Pride Festival this weekend. This 2 day event brings the LGBT community together for a weekend of camaraderie and celebration. It’s the 30^th annual event with over 30,000 people expected to attend and lots of entertainment. A good many of the attendees are sure to be dog lovers and Bowser Beer will be there so that their dogs can, as the Flintstones used to say, “have a gay old time” and celebrate life with their owners. Predicted to be sunny and hot, what better way to quench their thirst than with a nice, cold brew. Hey Ellen, bring your doggies and get some new dance moves!

Muggsy is quite happy to put on pink glasses with rhinestones and a leopard skin headband. Mom’s got a treat in her hand and she’s telling him he’s SUCH a good dog!

Who says dogs aren’t gay?

PS. We will be selling t-shirts with this image at the event. Portions of the sales will go towards a local program that helps care for pets with owners who have HIV/AIDS. If really popular we will be offering it on our soon-to-be launched online store.

Bowser Beer » Phoenix Pride

When dogs are not gay

Who says dogs aren't gay?