"In his castle/ He is King/ And I his vassal…….." ~ Mildred R. Howland ~

Pet lovers know the many benefits of living with and caring for their animal companions, and can also understand the unique human/animal bond that comes when several species live cooperatively (most of the time) together. A search of the origin of the word 'pet' brought a Scottish etymology of 'tamed animal'. But 'pet' could also date back to before the Medieval Ages, based on the French word 'petite'; small, or, based on 'petty'; 'indulged child' (which certainly applies to the pets living in this household!).

Some academicians believe that the domestication of animals began in the Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age, about 10,000-5,000 BC). Dogs probably began their relationship with humans as hunting partners, and, as expected, span the longest time--thousands of years-with us. Approx. 10,000 years ago, in the Middle East, cats were used to protect stored grain from rodents. It's possible they domesticated themselves by adjusting to a safer life style of domesticity, rather then fending for themselves in the wild (see http://canine-clippers.com/newsletters/september2010.htm) Until the mid 1940's, in the U.S., cats were more routinely employed for rodent control. But, the mass production and sale of cat litter, and the ability to keep cats indoors, needing less care than dogs, greatly increased their popularity and by the 1970's, there were more pet cats than dogs.

Members of European royalty have a long history of keeping life-long pets, which may have been a source of entertainment to relieve the boredom & protocol of court life. In her book, "Reigning Cats and Dogs", Katherine MacDonogh writes that "Henry III of France had to sit bolt upright while greeting ambassadors '''so as not to disturb the three or more tiny dogs which he kept in a basket suspended by a ribbon from his neck'''. She also reports that, because of his atrocious table manners, the mother of the future King George V of England made him eat on the floor with the dogs. And, since the dogs didn't have to dress for dinner, George happily stripped off his clothes when he joined them! The practice of keeping domesticated animals as companions also became common among the much poorer subjects of the monarchy. It would make sense that keeping pets could partially fill the extreme gap in privileges.

In the U. S., the mid 1800's, and post WWII, are times when pets seemed to cement themselves as members of human families. Originally, the colonists brought songbirds to North America as pets for poorer working class and the wealthy upper class; by the late 1800's and early 1900's, canaries were the most popular pet bird. Around the same time, wealthy patrons kept a single goldfish in a bowl in their parlors. In the mid-1800's, tropical fish were imported and aquariums were introduced and purchased, again, by the wealthy. Though many wouldn't consider a strong inter-personal bond between a person and a fish, the Ancient Chinese began a long history of breeding goldfish as pets and the Japanese cultivated, from Carp, beautiful, long living (up to 50 years!) Koi, and they became a source of great pride and esteem. Early French royalty favored goldfish and canaries as pets. If a person is caring for a fish by feeding and tending to its environment, a very strong attachment may be built for the caregiver (we can't know, of course, how the fish feels).

The mid 19^th century also brought guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, and even squirrels to pet stores, where they were sold as ideal pets for children. Rodents such as Hamsters then became very popular, along with Gerbils, which were introduced to the pet population in the mid 1960's.

Keeping exotic animals, especially monkeys, as pets, began in the early 1900's and has become increasingly popular over the decades. But, the exotic animal trade is largely unregulated and very controversial, (see http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/20/opinion/exotic-animals-as-pets-an-unre... ) making local communities responsible to rule on what wild animals their residents can raise.

Our Chantilly salon received an email from customer Karen Price to thank the team for alerting her to a growth on the paw of her beloved Sheltie, Beau. Beau was then diagnosed with a malignant sarcoma and early treatment saved his life. We want to commend groomer Kristi Marshall, a new graduate from Canine Clippers, for her keen observation during a routine grooming! (To read more about the benefits of grooming, see: http://canine-clippers.com/newsletters/november2009.htm)

If you would like to learn how to become a dog groomer, our classes begin the second Tuesday of every month. Please contact our Dumfries School at 703-221-3647.

Increases in costs of overhead and supplies have made it necessary to raise our grooming rate by $5.00, effective January 9, 2012.

Jay-Jay & Ellie's remaining poodle puppy is 8 weeks old and ready for a good home. He'll be silver. His price is $550, and he's registered with the Continental Kennel Club. For more information, contact Joan Prasse, D.V.M. at 540-854-0753. To view a photo of his mom at his current age, please email me at nilsonowensrebecca@gmail.com. Linda's poodle, Lizzie, is due to whelp on February 18-we'll have more information in the March newsletter.

~ Written by Rebecca Nilson ~ nilsonowensrebecca@gmail.com

540-829-6665: Wash & Wag of Culpeper, 217 Southgate Shopping Center

703-378-9500; featherlepetcarechantilly@verizon.net , 13881-A Metrotech Dr.

703-430-0414; featherlepetcaresterling@verizon.net , 113-B Edds Lane

703-221-3647; canineclipperschool@verizon.net 18016 Fraley Blvd.