Bailley at Work

Bailley at work

Joyleih

Commentary by Bailley "The Legal Beagle"

Are Pets a Challenge for Buyers and Sellers?

I was handed a recent article concerning the sale of homes entitled “Pets a Challenge for Buyers and Sellers.” Now I know that sometimes house hunters will encounter animals during property showings and often have adverse reactions, sometimes fear and sometimes disgust, that the article says can “scuttle a sale.” The realtor recommends that the Seller eliminate the pet presence from their home while it is on the market since many people have “allergies to pets and many children have asthma attacks from animals.” The article then goes on to advise Sellers to have their carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned and/or replaced, and, have a friend do a “whiff test.” It is also advisable, says the article, to vacuum everyday as well as to put away pet toys, beds, dishes and other evidence of an animal in the home. However, unfortunately, the article recommends that homeowners, who can’t place their pets with friends or family while the house is on the market, move the animal to an area of the house-“the basement” perhaps that is more removed from the rest of the house.

Now I admit that I enjoy sleeping on a king size bed along with Joyleih and my adopted Mom and Dad, but I “sure as hell” would not want to be placed in the basement. You know I live here as well as Joyleih and if our house was for sale, I would not want to be hidden in the background or in a garage, or, so to speak, dethroned from my kennel. I am sure that a lot of other dogs would feel the same. Perhaps the best way to handle the situation is to let the buyer know that the house can be cleaned, the carpets can be removed or vacuumed, and, the fact that a pet lives in the house now does not mean that any pet odors that we may generate will be everlasting.

Hurray for Dogs

We dogs made the front page of the Wall Street Journal on June 17, 2010. The caption of the case suggests that a “little dog caught in big estate feud.” The authors of the article refer to Conchita, “a thin spa loving diamond-draped heiress.” Apparently when her master, Mrs. Posner died in March, she and two other dogs inherited the right to live in her seven (7) bedroom $8.3 million dollar Miami Beach mansion, “their comfort being insured by a $3 million trust fund.” Unfortunately, there is a Will contest regarding some of the benefactors of Ms. Posner’s Will, including bodyguards, housekeepers and other personal aids. One of the claimants claims that the decedent’s heirs directed ‘a deeply disturbed Ms. Posner to hire a publicist to promote Conchita as “one of the world’s most spoiled dogs’ complete with a four season wardrobe, full-time staff and diamond jewelry.” The person contesting the Will believes that the so-called publicity campaign was part of a “ruse” to explain why a large trust fund was needed to care for the dogs. I am also advised that Ms. Posner began publicizing her dog’s most precious possession, being a Cartier necklace worth $15,000. Apparently the dog choked on it and was refusing to wear it. The article goes on to say that in a 2009 interview with a blogger, Ms. Posner said that Conchita “typically accompanied her on lunch dates and then shopping. At one point she considered getting the dog her own Range Rover for transportation to the animal’s weekly spa appointment for manicures and pedicures.” She also gave a housekeeper and personal assistant $5 million if she agreed to care for Conchita and two other dogs. Finally, she apparently left the remainder of her estate to charity with ¼ directed to animal shelters and the rest to breast cancer and suicide prevention causes. She also left another request that the canine care staff also look after her pet turtles.

I, for one, think this was somewhat in excess, to say the least, because all I want is a decent place to sleep, two or three balanced meals a day, a good walker, once in awhile a bath, not necessarily at a spa, and an opportunity to do my legal research without interruption. I don’t need a major trust fund but enough to get my caretaker’s by in providing me the basic comforts of life to which I have become accustomed living in my West Bloomfield, Michigan residence. I am sure that Joyleih, the “Assistant Legal Beagle” feels the same way although she is much younger and may be more inclined to wear diamonds. I welcome your comments.

BOW WOW BRUNCH

I had read to me with interest in the Detroit News for Wednesday, May 12, 2010, in the Arts & Style Section, that four legged family members were “special guests” in the elegant ballroom at the Ritz Carlton in Dearborn for the Michigan Humane Society’s Annual Bow Wow Brunch. Unfortunately, I was not invited to the brunch and would have appreciated the opportunity to join the other dogs that were groomed and on their “best behavior.” Hopefully, next year, I will be invited, or, my master will pay the $200.00 and enjoy the “continuous mimosas and Bloody Marys along with brunch that included herb grilled chicken breast and pan-seared fingerling potatoes.” Better than my usual “dog” food.

New Plan to Stop Animal Abuse

It came to my attention that in a recent Parade Magazine for Sunday, May 16, 2010, there was an article entitled “A New Plan to Stop Animal Abuse.” The article talked about whether the public should know if a convicted animal abuser lives or works next door. A Bill before the California Legislature would require adults convicted of felony animal abuse to register with local law enforcement and their names would be placed in a database similar to the National Sex Offenders Registry. I am also advised that Tennessee, Louisiana and New York are also considering animal abuse registries. Why not Michigan? The registry would include people convicted of maiming, mutilating, torturing, or killing animals, as well as pet hoarders and operators of animal fighting rings. Some State Senator from California thinks that putting animal abuse and child abuse on a legal par is “overkill.” No pun intended but this guy obviously doesn’t understand how important animals are in our everyday lives. I am also aware that a New York web developer started a volunteer pet abuse database after her neighbor’s cat was kidnapped and set on fire. Apparently, this pet-abuse.com now tracks nearly sixteen thousand (16,000) accused or convicted animal abusers, and, I, for one, believe that they should be tracked down just like Michael Vick was. Let me know your comments and call your Legislator and the Governor.

Joyleih Joins Meisner & Associates, P.C.

Joyleih Meisner & Associates, P.C. and Bailley “The Legal Beagle” are pleased to announce that Joyleih has fulfilled her training program and is now a certified “Assistant Legal Beagle” with the firm. Her principal activities will be to assist Bailley in legal research and writing and to deal with caustic and abrasive insurance appointed defense counsel. Look for her commentaries in the near future.

Dogs in School

Now I for one believe that dogs should go to training school for dogs, and, I am pleased to note that in the April 2010 edition of the ABA Journal, there is an article entitled “Who Let The Dogs In?” which basically discusses non-visually impaired kids being able to bring aide dogs to their side in classes. In one case, the Plaintiffs in a lawsuit won their case in order to bring the dog to school but unfortunately the school district is appealing. Obviously what is the definition of “service animal” has a great deal to bear upon these discussions but it is about time that people realize that dogs are not only good for their own training, but for helping others not only in their home but in other environs including Court and school.

Why Aren’t We Paid

I hope all of you begin to notice that in almost every commercial on TV, there is a dog of some sort in the commercial at some point in time. Generally, in the background, but sometimes in the forefront. This is because people love dogs and advertising agencies know that. I am wondering, however, how much money those dogs actually earn, if anything, for appearing in these commercials, and, whether, in fact, they are well treated in the process.

While I have never been asked to be in a movie or commercial, I do take note of the number of dogs that are featured in various ways and am sympathetic to their plight because of the bright lights and sometimes hardnosed producers of these commercials. All I want to do is bring this to the attention of the public and trust that our fellow dogs are being treated properly both economically and emotionally.

Hurray for Naples, Florida

Hurray for Naples, Florida where they appreciate dogs. I understand that they are developing what they call Central Bark which will be a park designed to allow dogs to exercise themselves. However, there is still the problem that Naples does not allow dogs on beaches even though they used to do so. There was a guest commentary in the local news of Naples indicating that one of the great “attractions” in Naples back fifty (50) or so years ago was the “City Fathers attitude about dogs.” There were no leash laws, no dog catcher, not a single law or single sole dedicated to turning our pet’s lives into a dog’s life. Dogs were welcome throughout the town and had unlimited access to the beach. She acknowledges that Naples is much bigger now and it is necessary to have laws and constraints but she indicates that some of her happier stays were during the time when she could walk her dog on the beach. She said it was also a social occasion when each evening dog owners would gather at the 5th Avenue Beach with their dogs. She concludes that she hopes that those halcyon times will return to Naples and I think it is a good idea to allow us again on the beach under certain constraints.

College Basketball

While it is not my best sport or my greatest passion, I do enjoy a good college basketball game while I am licking a good steak bone. I cannot help but feel sorry for the Butler Bulldogs who could not beat those Blue Devils from Duke but came very close. I was kind of happy that Butler beat Michigan State since I am “true blue” and have an outfit to support my allegiance. The national title game was great, although I dozed off a couple of times having had a big dinner but I hope that the Bulldogs and other schools that have canine mascots continue to do well in their respective sport endeavors. Maybe next year the Bulldogs will triumph over such teams as the Bears, the Wildcats, the Cougars and the like.

STOP PROHIBITIONS ON DOGS

I understand that FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who are governmental agencies, have decided to make a lot of changes which will require Condominium Associations to revise their documents. While I know that our office is eminently equipped to handle these changes, they often times give us the opportunity at amending the Condominium Documents to update them and, at the same time, the restriction section of these documents is often toyed with. Now I for one do not like prohibitions on dogs either based on size or weight in these Condominiums, and, I do not think they are reasonable or enforceable, which I have said in a previous commentary. I just think that Condominium Associations should upgrade their Documents and allow us dogs to live there in peace and tranquility as long as we are leashed and properly attended to. In fact, I think that in many of these bylaws that prohibit dogs should be revisited so that dogs can be available to everyone in the Condominium since it is proven that dogs make life more enjoyable for their owners. Need I say more?

Courtroom Dogs

For those of you who read the ABA Journal, I want to bring your attention to the article which appeared on page 11 of the December 2009 journal. The Honorable Emmett Ferguson in Duval County, Florida, wants ‘a dog in every courthouse across the country.” We are not talking about dogs as defendants or parties to litigation. As the Judge says “dogs put smiles on people’s faces, and there usually aren’t a lot of smiles in a courthouse.” Judge Ferguson is working to establish a service dog program in the Duval County court system which is happening here in Michigan as well. Also, kudos to the O’Neill-Stephens’ program who founded the Courthouse Dogs, a non-profit organization promoting the use of trained dogs in both civil and criminal judicial systems. He also says that the “mere presence of dogs can be highly effective and sometimes brings an assistance dog to plea negotiations.”

That is why I am appreciative of my website page because I can advance the interest of dogs while sharpening my legal skills.

Dogs and Water Sports

I read with interest, recently, a description in USA Today about a number of dogs that go surfing in California. Unfortunately, I am not even able to consider that prospect here in Michigan, but generally speaking, I, as a Beagle, am not excited about water sports. There are some dogs, of course, that love it, and may even wish to go water skiing, but for my tastes, I think that is not the way to go for most dogs that could end up with too much water in their face.

Congratulations to "Famous Amos"

Congratulations to Amos, or Famous Amos as they call him around the Novi District Court, because he is Michigan’s first therapy Court dog trained to comfort traumatized and anxious children who are victims or witnesses in cases of domestic and sexual assault. I am particularly pleased to hear that dogs are now entering the courtrooms because we need more civility in the courtroom, both on the part of Judges and lawyers. While my activities at Meisner & Associates, P.C. keep me extremely preoccupied and we are, fortunately, very busy, I am glad to know that there may be an opportunity for me as the Legal Beagle to continue my career, if necessary, in a courtroom setting. In any event, good licks to all.

Congratulations to Doritos

Congratulations to Doritos for winning at least number 2 for the best commercials during the Super Bowl. For those of you who didn’t see it, it depicted a man who had a shock collar on a dog because he was barking while baiting him with Doritos, BUT the commercial ends up with the shock collar around the dog owner with the dog holding the control unit and some Doritos. It is about time that the dogs asserted themselves during the Super Bowl and, by the way, I love Doritos. Also, we dogs have constitutional rights regarding free speech. Bark collars are not the way to go.

Indecent Exposure?

I have on occasion read the Lawyers USA newspaper regarding various decisions rendered by the Courts around the country. What recently bothered me the most, as a female, is that a Jefferson County, Alabama jury awarded a former stripper $100,000 in a lawsuit in which she claims that the club which employed her failed to stop her from driving home after on the job drinking. She claimed that she could no longer dance because of her injuries. She also claimed that the club disregarded its own safety rules when it let her drive home that night. But attorneys for the club argued that employees tried to keep her from driving away.

Now, I am not a prude, although I have never been to a strip club, and, I normally walk around without any clothes on, but I do not think that it is reasonable for a jury to give a stripper compensation for her own acts of indecency and/or negligence. Let me know what you think.

Heroic Pets

Congratulations to USA Today and, in particular, Janice Lloyd for an article appearing on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at page 6D entitled “True stories of heroic pets,” including stories about dogs and cats that have saved lives and otherwise enriched lives. Unfortunately, I don’t live in California where Ricochet, a golden retriever ,gets to surf with her partner, or Oscar, who helped save his owner’s life, which I would try to do if called upon.

BOMB SNIFFING DOGS PROTECT AIRLINE FLIGHTS

Once again I am pleased to report that man’s best friend is taking an active role in protecting us all. Many of my dog friends are pleased to read that the FBI relied heavily on bomb sniffing dogs to locate possibly a second passenger who may have had a bomb or similar dangerous device on the Northwest Detroit bound plane from Amsterdam on Christmas 2009. Beagles also have good sniffing abilities but these dogs, of course, have gone to school much longer than I, and, even though I have a quasi law degree, they have degrees in nuclear and biochemical engineering which are a much more difficult curricula than I have had to endure. My German Shepherd buddies are being recruited to do more work to protect us and I applaud their willingness to serve for relatively nominal pay and sometimes exhaustive training. Perhaps when they apprehend these criminals trying to blow us up, legal Beagles such as myself can help in the prosecution process. Until then, I can only commend their lifesaving efforts.

The Battle Against Puppy Mills

Congratulations to Sharon L. Peters who wrote a special article for USA Today concerning Animal Welfare Groups Intensifying “Their Battle Against Puppy Mills.” The article noted that a national toll free hotline to report suspected puppy-mill illegalities was launched by the Humane Society of the United States with the expectation that callers will supply tips that increase the number of raids and prosecutions. The number is (877) MILL-TIP (877-645-5847). I for one do not come from a puppy mill nor did the new addition to our home, Joyleih Meisner, who came from a breeder in Oklahoma. We both feel that Congress should upgrade the decades old Animal Welfare Act to require daily exercise for dogs in federally licensed commercial breeding facilities. The law apparently covers breeders who sell directly to the public (via the internet or newspapers ads, for example) rather than through pet stores; but that would change if the legislative efforts succeed. It is disgusting that there are more than 10,000 large substandard mass producers of puppies which house 200,000 to 400,000 breeding dogs that produce 2 million to 4 million puppies per year. While I have nothing against puppies, as I find them attractive although a nuisance at times such as Joyleih, we must have tougher laws and greater oversight. I encourage all of you to write Congress as well as your state legislators to do what you can to stop these puppy mills.

Support Animal Shelters

Congratulations to a nine (9) pound Chihuahua that won first place and a One Million Dollar prize to be awarded by All American Pet Brands to Denver Animal Shelters. Unfortunately, Joyleih, who now lives with me, did not enter and probably could have won. It is great that people are recognizing the need to contribute to dog shelters which I wholeheartedly support

If we acted more like dogs

I found this Bob Schieffer commentary "Lessons We Can Learn From Dogs" on the CBS Evening News. I think humans should be more like dogs.

Bailley

The Legal Beagle

(CBS) I have no idea where this came from or who wrote it - if I did I'd give them credit - but a friend who knows I love dogs e-mailed the following, which I pass along today only because it seems a nice thing to share at the beginning of a new year.

It's a list of what we would learn if dogs were our teachers. Such as:

Always run to greet loved-ones once they come home.
Never pass the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Recognize the ecstasy of fresh air and wind in your face.
Take naps (I do that!)
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Thrive on attention (I do that) and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, lie on your back in the grass. On hot days, drink lits of water and find the shade.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Enjoy long walks.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If you want what is buried, dig deep until you find it.
And, when someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

We'd be better off people....if we acted more like dogs.

I AM NOT BAGGAGE ON AN AIRLINE!

I think that airlines discriminate against dogs based on weight and size. Yes I am over fifteen (15) pounds and don’t fit under the seat but I don’t feel like being put into a baggage compartment along with a lot of other bags and/or animals and potentially freeze to death. I want to go to Florida on occasion but can’t get an airline that is willing to take me in a seat. I am glad to see that there is a new airline that is going to be flying dogs in the cabin around the country. But, unfortunately, there is not one that goes from Detroit to Fort Meyers or Fort Lauderdale. I wish an airline would do something about this and give us a break. There are a lot of dogs like me that feel the same way and their parents can afford to pay for a ticket for them to fly on the airline. If a dog wants to fly, I think the FAA ought to do something about it, particularly, since dogs are appearing on TV in almost every commercial, including vacation commercials. So why can’t we go on vacation just like our human friends!

Stop Pound Seizure

You may not be aware that the organization, American Humane, has been successful in ensuring that the Montcalm County, Michigan Animal Shelter will no longer allow pound seizure. That is the practice of providing shelter cats and dogs to USDA Class B Dealers for resale to research facilities. Fortunately, the Director of Public Policy for American Humane is from Michigan and has worked toward stopping pound seizure in the State for the past ten (10) years. While I hope I never end up in a dog pound, I obviously have empathy for other dogs and cats that find that fate and hope that every County in Michigan will ensure that there is no pound seizure. If any dogs or cats who read this commentary agree, please tell your parents to write their Legislator or County Commissioner.

Kilpatrick and the FBI Dog

I don’t know if our former disgraced Mayor Kilpatrick of Detroit had a dog or not, but I sure as heck would not want to be a dog in his home, since he doesn’t, apparently, even know whether Mrs. Kilpatrick is working, and, for that matter, from where she is getting her money and when she will be coming home. I am reasonably confident, however, that the FBI is looking into all of this. I sure hope that they don’t send another FBI dog into the fray because of the untimely demise of the FBI dog Freddy, a Belgian Malinois. I think the guy that shot the police dog should get the maximum. I do think that somebody had ought to take a bite out of Mr. Kilpatrick’s payroll, probably an FBI dog, and get him to own up to the City. I see more time for him in the clink! In fact, those so-called benefactors, who lent him $240,000.00, would have been better off giving the money to the Humane Society as it would be much more productive and in the best interests of the community. Perhaps, they may get a “bite” from the FBI.

Letter to the Editor of the Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal

1211 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10036

Re: The Wall Street Journal - October 31 - November 1, 2009

“Let Them Eat Dog”

To Whom It May Concern:

I, and on behalf of the millions of dogs in the United States, am troubled by the article that was entitled “Let Them Eat Dog” which appeared in the Saturday/Sunday - October 31-November 1, 2009 Wall Street Journal at page W10. To suggest that “dogs are practically begging to be eaten” is not only untrue, but inhumane, and, to add insult to injury, to put a dog recipe in the article is even more obnoxious. While I frequently have an opportunity to look at the pictures in the Wall Street Journal, I may in the future find it to be a place to do you know what, i.e., #1 and #2. Get your act together Wall Street Journal and quit picking on dogs.

Operation Bagdad Pups

While I have not served in the military, as some other more well suited dogs, I must applaud “Operation Bagdad Pups,” a program run through the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International. That organization rescues dogs and cats from Iraq that have become pets of the troops. I am advised that it has made thirty-three (33) missions into Iraq bringing back one hundred twenty-five (125) dogs and twenty-one (21) cats. Believe it or not, the average cost is $4,000.00 per animal. For more information, you may go to www.spca.com and donations can be mailed to P.O. 230, Washington, D.C. 20013. Checks should be made out to SPCA International and put in the memo line “Operation Bagdad Pups.” I am sure glad that I am not in the line of fire, and, hopefully, these dogs and cats of our troops can be brought home to safe haven.

Don’t Sue the Dog

I am pleased to observe that a Macomb County Circuit Judge tossed out a dog bite lawsuit where they initially named a German Shepherd as a Defendant. Liberty, the dog’s name, was named in lawsuit by a person who claimed nerve damage since Liberty bit her during a confrontation among police, her daughter and others in April of 2007. The Judge not only dismissed the case, he slapped the Plaintiff’s attorney with a $500.00 fine for naming the dog as the Defendant. Moreover, while the Judge didn’t mention this, the dog had governmental immunity.

Now it is true that dogs are almost like humans, and we have a dog like me writing a commentary. But to name us as parties to a lawsuit is overreaching, and, congratulations to Judge David Viviano for nailing that “bad dog” attorney.

Letter to Editor Birmingham Observer & Eccentric Newspaper

Dear Editor:

Recently, your paper was kind enough to publish my letter concerning dogs being allowed in the Farmer’s Market. I now recognize that the paper has interviewed candidates concerning whether a “dog park” will fit into Birmingham.

I think that any candidate that doesn’t promote a dog park for the dogs of Birmingham and their environs should not be elected, and should be put out to pasture. Dogs are an important part of Birmingham and we have to have a place to roam without interference. As one candidate said, “for the last four (4) years, it seems that no issue has inspired more letters and emails…then the dog park issue.” Let’s get it done dog gone it!

It is about time we got tax deductions for our owners.

I am excited about the idea that Congress has finally gotten off its rear and is considering providing a tax deduction for people who maintain animals, presumably dogs and cats. We are treated like kids in most respects, and we cost a lot of money to maintain. Why shouldn’t our owners get a deduction?

Those of you who agree should write your Congresspersons and Senators supporting the animal deduction in the Internal Revenue Code. It will not only save our owners money, but encourage people to get dogs, presumably, some of whom are strays and might have to be put to death if not otherwise adopted. I am fortunate that I have a family to live with, but I would hate to see the situation if I were put out to pasture since I am an indoor dog and am used to the comforts of a law office and a suburban home.

Use of the word “dogged”

I don’t want to sound like Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes but there are certain idioms that people use that bother me. To suggest that somebody has “dogged it” means that the person has not put out their full effort. Now we dogs work hard and provide a great deal of comfort and inspiration to humans. To suggest that somebody is “dogging it” is a misstatement because we don’t just lay around all day doing nothing, as some people think, because we must rest until our humans come home to play or work with us. So please people don’t use the word “dogged” when you are trying to describe someone who has not put out the full extent of energy or does not have the ambition that you would like.

Animal Cruelty Videos

I don’t always get to comment on U.S. Supreme Court cases, but I sure hope the U.S. Supreme Court sustains a law aimed at graphic animal cruelty videos. Apparently, the issue is free speech regarding a ten (10) year old law that bans the production and sale of the videos. A guy got off the hook for a video he made about pit bull fights since a Federal Appeals Court had invalidated the conviction. It was my understanding that when the law was passed, it was designed to stop so-called crush videos which appeal to a certain sexual fetish by showing women crushing to death small animals with their bare feet or high heeled shoes. This guy got, apparently, a fourteen (14) month longer sentence than Michael Vick but I am glad to hear that the animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and twenty-six (26) states have joined the Administration in support of the law, the violation of which I consider to be just as bad, if not worse, than child pornography. The case is U.S. vs. Stevens, 08-769. You ought to get your human friends to support the Government in this case. Some humans just don’t know where to stop. I sure hope this guy doesn’t have any fire hydrants near his house.

“Congratulations to Caesar”

I wish to especially commend Caesar, not just the man who trains dogs on Animal Planet, but Caesar, the Black Lab who is, apparently, the first reading therapy dog to be working full-time in a school. I think it is great that kids improve their reading when they read to dogs and I know that Bob Meisner often goes over his proposed arguments to the Court in front of me. Also, I can appreciate the camaraderie that Caesar has by becoming a full bonafide staff member of the school. The article in the Detroit Free Press says that he greets students in the morning, helps deliver snacks, holds office hours in the Library in which kids read to him, counsels students as well as works in the classrooms. Of course, Caesar stays away from students who have allergies to dogs. It just goes to show you how important we are in helping others. Now, if I can only get Joyleih, the new Beagle living at our house, to leave me alone for five (5) seconds so I can have some peace and comfort, although she is only eleven (11) weeks old, and, as I must admit, is as cute as the dickens.

“DNA and Dogs”

For those of you who know me know that while I follow the Detroit Free Press, The Birmingham Eccentric and USA Today, I don’t normally get a chance to review the Wall Street Journal, particularly since I haven’t been in the office lately.

I did notice some pictures of dogs in the Personal Journal Section of the Wall Street Journal of Thursday, September 17, 2009 entitled Beagle or Bichon: Can Dog Drool Provide Insight? Now I must admit that whenever I see the word Beagle in a newspaper, my ears perk up with interest and, sometimes, enthusiasm. However, this one set me drooling from disgust as opposed to interest.

The article discussed the fact that advances in DNA testing have changed the way humans pursue criminals, verify paternity and date “medieval manuscripts.” Now, they claim it is being used to answer “one of the greatest riddles mankind has ever faced: What kind of dog is that?” Now frankly, I don’t think it is any body’s business who our parents or ancestors are, and if somebody wants us to live with them and adopts us as their “pet” that should be enough without checking our pedigree. Now while I happen to come from a highfalutin family in Arizona (both of my parents were Beagles) that does not mean that everybody has to brag about their lineage since America is the melting pot and should be the melting pot for dogs as well.

I also noted from the article that various companies offer DNA testing and the suggestion is that breeds that show up as contributing to a large part of your dog’s DNA are likely to “accurately reflect a dogs composition.” That’s bunk. How in the heck do they know where I am from just because of some saliva in my mouth? Shame on the Wall Street Journal for printing such garbage and, as far as I am concerned, I would tell my fellow dogs to keep their mouths shut when it comes to giving DNA samples.

“In the Event of Your Master’s Death”

It has come to my attention in a recent article in the Oakland County Legal News that practitioners were advised to work with their clients in terms of handling the disposition of animals upon the death of their human masters. I certainly think that is a good idea and should be a boom to all Estate Planning lawyers, as we don’t always have control over where we end up in a situation where our master becomes disabled or otherwise indisposed, including, unfortunately, his or her death. I, for one, want to know where I am going to be and I hope that all of you will tell your masters that this situation should be taken care of. For those of you who have possessory control of your animals, it is a good idea to leave them with someone who has the wherewithal financially as well as emotionally to help us get along with life. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea if you left your animal a few bucks so that they could get along “in a manner to which they have become accustomed” in this difficult world.

“Let The Dogs In”

I may be biased because Bob Meisner writes a column for the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers and has for thirty (30) years plus, but I must commend the editorial which appeared in the Thursday, September 13, 2009, Birmingham Eccentric. First, I am pleased that the Eccentric is still in business for a lot of reasons, especially coming out in favor of allowing dogs to go to the Birmingham Farmer’s Market is right on point. As they say “A better solution is simply to let the dogs in, under proper control of their owners. Take the sign down and let the dogs in.” What is wrong with dogs going to a Farmer’s Market in a parking lot? It, frankly, enhances the curb appeal even though there aren’t any trees. Additionally, it is time that people recognize that we dogs are close to prevailing in society. Next time you watch a TV commercial, note that almost every commercial, particularly drug company commercials, has a dog in it at some place in the commercial. That is for a reason. Humans love us and we love them. Generally, we don’t cause any problems, but like humans, there are always a few bad bites around. On the whole, we are great and we know it. It is about time that some of these complainers got a life and, maybe, as part of it, got a dog.

“A NEW DOG IN TOWN”

Some of you have wondered why I haven’t added any additional commentaries recently. Well the reason is simple. I haven’t been able to come into the office.

The reason for that is because Bob Meisner got another Beagle puppy named Joyleih who is nine (9) weeks old. Unfortunately, Joyleih chases me around the house whenever she sees me, and, I don’t think that both of us can get along at the office. So, I haven’t been able to handle the phone calls and messages that I have gotten at the office, because I haven’t been there. Please bear with me because it is going to take some time to get adjusted to this new little Beagle lady. However, I am keeping track of the emails that are coming in and will try to answer them in due course.

Finally a Dog Park in Birmingham

Congratulations to the City of Birmingham for coming up with a way to give us our own park, with particular gratitude to the City’s Parks & Recreation Board that decided that the old bus yard on Lincoln Road was a good place for the multitude of Birmingham dogs that need a place to roam.

While I presently reside in West Bloomfield, I want to have the opportunity to take advantage of the dog park in Birmingham, and, I am sure that a number of my dog friends from other locations want to join in the festivities. It would be nice if every City had a dog park as is frequently the case in places like Arizona and California, which, in some instances, appreciate dogs more than some locales here in Michigan.

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About Bailley

Bailley, the Legal Beagle, is seven (7) years old (but she gets very upset if we talk about her age), and is an assistant in the law firm of Meisner & Associates, P.C. She has been featured in the Detroit Legal News (June 8, 2009), the Oakland County Legal News (June 8, 2009), and Macomb County Legal News (June 16, 2009), and believes the fact that “the world is going to the dogs” is not only a good thing, but that she should be able to express her views and opinions on various issues from a dog’s perspective.