Ray's Corner

By now, the whole world’s aware of the incredible happenings of a couple of weeks ago, and how the bravery and determination of this heroic dog was responsible for the death of Isis leader Al-Baghdadi.While speaking with a canine handler attached to the City of Hoover, he referenced what the dog's success in this incident was based upon ...‘Training, training and then playing’ is word for word what he told me, involving relationship building with her handler. Yes, they even share a bunk together for ultimate bonding.In his book ‘Talking Dogs’ Sam Mason says, " ... one such occasion l...

It’s that time of the year again. Usually beginning this month, and on until Jan/Feb we’re constantly asked ... ‘my skin’s becoming so dry, what do you suggest l use’? Are you wondering why your ‘normal’ soaps or lotions are just not doing the job!During the next few days l’ll be covering this subject in much detail - but in the meantime the short answer is that as consumers of both genders, we’re exposed to such prolific media advertising, advocating the use of commercial grade products, promising to deliver everything that stops just short of the Fountain of Youth!Next time...

Keep your feet on the ground ... can often be good advice! BUT all too common is a thing called stinky feet! (Bromodosis) You see, feet have more vital sweat glands than any other part of the body, and they’re very important for keeping the body moist. BUT it’s at this point that they meet up with the naturally occurring foot bacteria, whose function is to break down the sweat being produced. This very natural and ongoing process rarely causes problems - unless the pair are ignored, and allowed to build-up, thus causing the foul odor that everyone is familiar with. Until the bacteria is eliminated the...

#Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, originated after the Civil War ended in 1865, resulting in the loss of over 62,000 lives. The first national celebration of the holiday took place May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery, where both Confederate and Union soldiers were buried. In many American towns, the day is celebrated with a parade. However, it didn’t become a Federal holiday 'til 1971 when federal law changed the observance of the holiday to the last Monday in May and extended the honor to all soldiers who died in American wars. It’s observed to honor the men and women who died whilst serving in the U.S Military - those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and me.

Whilst we don’t often refer to our wonderful canine friends as Canus Lupus Familiaris we’re more familiar with the gray wolf of thousands of years ago under that name. The wolf of those days was man’s fiercest rival, often roaming around in packs and using their cooperative skills to overcome their most challenging prey. Their instincts were unmatched, being able to smell their lunch and dinner from over a mile away. Over time, and maybe as lone wolves emerged from packs, they became less aggressive , and even tamer over the centuries thus promoting the earliest human integration, and what...