Back in the early days of printing presses, each line of text had to be set up one letter at a time. Since the letters in the press were reversed (so they’d print forward), the printmaker (or typographer) needed to be careful not to confuse one letter for the other. Reminding someone to “watch his p’s and q’s” means to pay attention to the details.
An alternate meaning for this idiom, and the one most commonly accepted as historical fact, dates back to the Olde English Pubs of yester-year. In order to remind the patrons of how much Ale or Mead they had drunk as the night progressed, the bartender would write on a chalk board (or the like) each (P)int and (Q)uart that had been consumed by each patron. It allowed patrons to keep up with their tab, and prevented disagreements from happening between bar and patron. The term is actually correctly stated as “‘Mind your p’s and q’s.” In this instance it is considered a warning to not get too drunk to pay your tab. Likewise in today’s parlance it is a warning to pay attention to anything in general.
My husband, who has helped me with my pursuit of helping animals was driving home recently and saw a dog walking alone on the sidewalk. He tried to see if anyone in the area knew this dog, since there was NO ADDRESS/PHONE # on the tags, but being 11pm no one was being helpful. He put the dog in the back of his car and drove her home. I answered our door to “Grab a phone & call the #s on these tags.” I came out and examined this beautiful creature who had been very well taken care of. I went inside and brought her out some food & water. By the way, she was in no rush to get out of my husband’s car, she was very content. I took down the #’s on the tags to start making calls now after 11pm. The first was disconnected, the 2nd was the pound? We had her in our front yard while sorting out her situation and she was smiling, sniffing, & checking the place out. Oh, and VERY HUNGRY by the way, but what dog isn’t?!!!
I contacted the only 24hr Animal Hospital in the area to check if she was chipped. As we were getting in the car for our journey, lo & behold some young adults were driving around frantically. They were looking for this lost dog. She had gotten out of their backyard and this young man had been beside himself. This had never happened before. These are difficult times right now and sometimes it’s easy to forget the little details and that’s why I’m writing this, for myself included!
Please make sure your pet’s ids are up to date and they are microchipped. This was a happy ending and I want every lost animal to have a happy ending!!!
About The Author:
Malea McGuinness helps to raise money for Animal Charities & foundations through her live performances in communities she performs in. Malea has garnered lots of attention for her inspirational new album, ‘CLOSE AS AIR’. Her single “Spinning”, is currently building at AAA Radio and receiving rotation from Music Choice. In July 2010, Malea took the stage of the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse for her fourth outing to Milwaukee’s annual Summerfest Music Festival, opening up for alternative rockers, The Counting Crows. She generously donated all her merchandise profits earned to two local organizations, The Milwaukee Art Museum and the Wisconsin Humane Society.
For more information, please visit Malea’s official myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/maleamcg and http://maleamusic.com/ (plus you can listen to more of Malea’s music!)
Malea @ Amanda Foundation
Here’s a short video of Malea and friends over at the Amanda Foundation in Beverly Hills …
Malea with her pal Oscar
HART (1-800-HART)
(new PetLvr post ).. Watching Your P’s & Q’s http://bit.ly/bTYKri
Donna Fontenot
RT @PetLvr: (new PetLvr post ).. Watching Your P’s & Q’s http://bit.ly/bTYKri (good reminder)
HART (1-800-HART)
Guest post by Malea! Watching Your P’s & Q’s http://su.pr/33eiMJ
Jenny
I absolutely loved it! What a great reminder & heartfelt tale. You go Malea!
David
Very Cool Malea, Many people think it but very few talk about the basics. Just the other day I met a friends pitbull Roger for the 1st time, He’s 3 & I had to give my friend tha talk about updating info on tags since he moved & to get Roger Chiped:)
Don
Each Months blog keeps getting better & better. I have been watching my own P & Qs at the market 🙂 Your song “Time Will Show” cheers me up when I’m down. Thank You Malea 🙂
Petcare Shop
RT @PetLvr: Guest post by Malea! Watching Your P’s & Q’s http://su.pr/33eiMJ
Korey
Malea really ROCKS! I love reading the blogs:)
Laurie
I just found this on your facebook. Very Cool Malea, I love your messages.
Laurie
Rich
I love when a young person can incorperate interesting knowledge with practical sense, very witty! I really liked your video at the Amanda Foundation. Thank You for Your efforts!
Malea Fan
Its really amazing how the little things can really add up. My neighbor around the corner boxer got out of his backyard & I saw him walking down the street. I was able to get him on a leash & take him home. My neighbor apologized but I explained that with NO TAGS, He & his pet would have had a NIGHTMARE experience. He thinks I’m crazy but I would rather be extra careful than a fool. THANKS MALEA:)
Joe
I am now up to date reading all your blog entries. We at the ASPCA greatly appreciate all your efforts Malea.
Alex
You are as beautiful as your music. I really enjoy reading your blog. I print it out & put it up in the shelter for volunteers to read.
Thanks MALEA 🙂
Dylan
I now have my daughter read your blog after I do. We then discuss the messages you write about & between the lines 🙂 Thanks for supporting animals with your time & efforts.
Jennifer
Malea,
You are doing a fantastic job for the Animal Rights Community. Please keep up the diligent work. You make many of us very proud.
JESSE
Very Cool! I like it! Jesse
Oscar
I love how the Mcguinness can put BEER in her blog. Just kidding, very good point you make. I am forwarding this to some friends.
Fernando
Malea, I became a fan seeing you perform in Cleveland. You donated free tickets to our Human Society when you were performing with Kenny Loggins. Great Night of music by the way, but your blog entries really express important points to all pet owners. Thank You!
R
You are truly a very talented woman. I enjoy reading your blog and listening to your music. R
Tom
Thanks for the DUMMY CHECK, I actually have been lazy about getting updated tags for my pets. I want every lost animal to have a happy ending too 🙂
Ali
Right On Malea! Owning a pet is a serious responsibilty! They need us as much as we need them!
Rachel
I like the message you are saying and how you are saying it:)
Nick
I love the photo of you & Oscar. The video is pretty cool. Keep up the good work!
Andy
You have a very unique way of looking at things. I will anxiously wait to read your next words of wisdom in your Sept blog.
Yoko
Malea、
私はあなたの執筆のメッセージを愛する。 動物のためにする何を非常に特別である。 東京にあなたの音楽を持って来なさい。
Yoko
JR
Very Cool Comments above 🙂 They say all the things I want to say & more 🙂
Brad Bemis
GO MALEA GO!!! I love it, can’t wait to see what you write next!
Lawrence
I love your blog, What an interesting message especially during these difficult times for many. The Amanda Foundation is very lucky to have You working for their organization.
Troy
Malea, I just found this on your website:) I read all your blogs up to date. Wow, you are more than just a talented singer/songwriter I use to see rehearse a couple of years ago:) Troy
James
Malea, It is great what you are doing to help animals. I really enjoy reading your blog. My pitbull Jackson means the world to me and you get that. Thanks / James
Steven
Nice work Malea! I really like where you are coming from. Hope to see you perform soon.
Malea Fan
Oscar is adorable in the photo 🙂 We lost our Chuck 1 time & that was enough. Things happen but being prepared helps. Nice Blog Malea 🙂
RayRay
Malea, we have yet to meet but I feel like I know you. I read all of your blogs & info from your website. It is all very impressive. Please keep up the hard work. I hope to come to one of your shows & meet you. Please check out our website http://www.animalcharitiesofamerica.org.
Edward Kim
I am a big fan & really enjoyed reading your blog.
Keith
Nice, very nice. Malea, you are very talented artist. Oscar looks like a cool dog.
Michelle
Oh Malea, You are a doll! I had no idea that these were the kinds of things you do with your free time. Good for You & the Animals!
Spencer
Bless you Malea, you are doing wonderful things on and off the stage.
Lani
Malea, We met when you came to our Humane Society in Hawaii. I am happy to see you doing good things for animals. Keep up the fight sista:)
Josh
Please continue writing these interesting blog entries. They are very educational for me & my children. Thanks Malea!
Rob
Sweet blog! I think it is very cool all the things you are doing!
Rene
I love the way you discuss your topics of interest. You make it educational & enlightening at the same time.
Angela
Just Brilliant Malea! I can’t wait to see what you write about next!
Vince
I lost my dog for 1/2 a day and lost my mind. Things do happen, and taking a minute to put a tag with current info on your pet can save you a stomach ache of guilt. Take it from me Malea is trying to help.
Lisa
Malea – you are a generous, beautiful and talented person who is making a difference in the lives of four- and two-legged friends. Your compassion for causes close to your heart, and your willingness to give of yourself are qualities to be greatly admired. We miss you in Milwaukee!
Frank McHugh
Malea ! You have a heart of gold since the day I met you!
Roger
My favorite thing about Malea and Doug is that not only do they talk the talk, they walk the walk. You guys are awesome!
Tereza Romanelli
Malea’s big heart is matched by her soulful singing. An inspiration to us all to take notice and act.
Jason
Absolutely Fabulous Malea, I thought last months blog entry was a blast! I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Pietro
Good thoughts Malea. We all need to pay attention to what we do and need to relearn to love ALL the inhabitants of our planet. You and Doug are shining examples.
Michael
I had a friend who recently had a dog get out. The only way the found it is because it had a chip. I am glad you are reminding people about this important thing they can do for their loved one. I can only imagine how that guy must have felt. Keep up the great work.
Aaron Norvell
Wow what a cool thing you have done for the shelter in Wisconsin. The best state in the Union I might add. Keep up the good work. Positive Karma your spreading. I love it!!! Keep your eyes peeled for a lil baby Chiwuawua….I am a good daddy.
Dave
Malea, You ROCK girl!!! That video introduced me to a side of you I never knew. AWESOME!!!
Ann
I just love the photo with you & Oscar. He is very unique looking. You have a very special way with animals. Please continue your charitable work.
DavidB
You are a beautiful woman inside and out. The more I listen to your music the more I enjoy it 🙂 David B
Jane
Happy endings are very important no matter what the situation. Thanks for sharing your experience & trying to help others. I hope to see you perform again in Chicago.
Sarah
Great work Malea, & may I suggest that all animal owners know where the 24hr Animal Hospital is located. It was a nerve racking experience for me a couple of years back 🙁 Maybe if there was a blog like this I could have been more prepared.
Jon
Amazing, I had no idea that you were doing this. Now I understand about all the photos with you and Oscar on your website. Really good things you are doing. Keep it up!
Donny
We need more people like you Malea! Many of us try to make a difference & we must keep on the path to help all animals!
Jeff
Malea, I just finished reading all your blogs. I just saw you perform in Boulder last night. I checked out you website which is very cool and found this link. Its fantastic what you are doing for animals 🙂
Alice
Malea, You are awesome! How amazing that you can do all these wonderful things in your free time 🙂 I’m a big fan & love your music. Please come back to Cleveland soon!
DOUG S.
As an animal lover and pet owner, I applaud all you are doing to help natures creatures. Love the blog, keep up the good work!
andy
Malea is the best!
DJ
You really Rock Malea! I am a real myspace fan, since True Believer 🙂 I absolutely love Close As Air, come perform in Memphis / DJ
Wally
Great Read Malea! I did not know what to expect, pleasantly surprised by your references. Please keep up the good work & I will tune in next month.
Matt
Very Cool Malea, I really like the messages you speak about in all your blogs. Please continue your diligent work, we are with you!
John
I have to admit that this has happened to me. I was heartbroken, the longest three hours i had to spend explaining to my children about faith & karma. We were very lucky and I learned an important lesson which my children learned 1st hand. You have to be a responsible pet owner, they are members of your family.
DP
Malea, we have many things in common but you are actually helping the animal community on a grander scale. We need more people like yourself in our quest for helping animals.
Courtney
Fabulous work Malea, I am now cheering for you on & off the stage!
Destiny
You are a very hip chick. I loved the video 🙂 I also saw on your website you work with many humane societies, very cool. Oh yah, Close As Air is my new favorite song.
Adam
Malea is a real talent, doing very significant things in her life. The more I find out about her, the more impressed I get. I need to see her perform live!
Cathy
We need more people like YOU! I work so hard at my Shelter & most people just don’t get it! I am going to email this link to our volunteers, maybe this type of media will help sink in important points. Thanks Malea!
Brian
I just love that photo of You & Oscar. I don’t think animals should be allowed to be adopted &/or get a license unless they are micro-chipped. Who knows Malea, maybe You should try to get a law passed? I would support You 🙂
Joel
Fantastic Malea, I really enjoy reading your blogs. I also really like your music too.
Fritz
Where I come from Ps & Qs was from a Pathmark commercial on saving money. No one should ever have to experience losing their pet. So PLEASE Listen to Malea’s words of wisdom!
Judy
My little Jack was missing for an hour and I lost my mind. Simply horrified until my phone rang. He somehow got out of the backyard & a neighbor found him. The sound of the phone ringing made me feel like I won the lottery 🙂
Emily
Oh Malea, You help so many. I absolutely love all your writing. I am new to your music but the video I saw on your website Close As Air was great. I hope you come to Nashville!
Michael
Quite observant young lady, Good advice for ALL pet owners. Please continue your charitable efforts.
Tommy
I love your music and had no idea that you were helping animals. You are a very talented writer the way you get your points across. You need to find a way to get your writing to a larger audience
H
You are quite amazing from a heavenly voice to an angelic spirit. The things you are doing with your time are very important. Please cherish every minute of it.
Shawn
Malea is an incredible talent on & off the stage. I love the video from the Amanda Foundation. I can’t wait to see what you have for us next:)
PKang
Oh Malea, the work you do with animals is fantastic! I enjoyed reading your blog this month. It seems every month you have something important to discuss. Keep writing and I will keep reading. PK
Wendy
You are quite an amazing woman. I have listened to your lovely music & watched the video of you helping the Amanda Foundation. We need more positive role models like yourself in our society. Thanks Malea!
Chad
I am a huge fan of your music. I just noticed this link on your website. I actually volunteer at a shelter in Colorado where we listen to your music on the radio. I hope you come & help us raise some money here. I will keep an eye out on your website.
Sarah
I am simply blown away by your efforts. I have been a fan of your music since your 1st album. I really look forward to see what is next for you 🙂
Quan
The more I look, the more I find out about you. Its really fascinating how so much information is on the web today. I want to see you perform live 🙂
Laurie
On Malea, I have to quote You,”This was a happy ending and I want every lost animal to have a happy ending.” I also want every animal to have a happy ending. Please continue your work! Many of us SUPPORT You!
Steve
Where do I begin? You have a keen sense of what people need with your music and your writing. I really enjoy your song “Time Will Show.” Very relevant to what’s going on in the World currently.
Catherine
Malea is an amazing talent who has a big future in front of her 🙂
Patrick
I wish I had the time to do the things you are doing. Life is funny like that, but I’m supporting you from the sidelines. Please continue doing the things you are doing to help animals. It does make a difference!
Brock
Watching Your Ps & Qs, just brilliant Malea. I have not heard that expression in a spell. I admire what you are doing and look forward to your future tribulations.
Charles
Happy Endings 🙂 Thank You Malea, reading your blog & story I was hoping for a Happy Ending. I see difficult times for many & P&Qs always meant price & quality to me when shopping. I might not buy certain things for myself to cut back but I always get the same items for my Jerry 🙂
Ryan
You are a very talented singer / songwriter. I was unaware of all your charitable efforts for animals. I wish you continued success.
Jose
I think you are great. I like your music and would like to see you sing live. I made you a friend on myspace so please keep updates coming.
Alan
Very cool stuff Malea! I really enjoyed the video from the Amanda Foundation & the photo with Oscar. Please continue the great work!
HART (1-800-HART)
"Watching Your P’s & Q’s — PetLvr Blog For Pet Lovers" – http://bit.ly/bd0akB via @Apture
Oscar
You are the BEST Malea !
Curt
Malea, You are the Best !!!
KJ
Malea is the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but really, I love the blog & can’t wait to see what’s next 🙂
Julia
Very Cool Malea! You go girl! I am anxious to see what September’s blog will be about 🙂
Bonnie
Malea is the coolest! She has time to help our furry friends when she is not rocking the stage! Keep up the GREAT work!