Ho, ho, ho

OK, now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I can really get into the Christmas spirit. I’m almost done with my Christmas shopping. One name on my list that hasn’t been taken care of yet…Freckles. This will be my pup’s third Christmas, and I’ve always gotten him a present. According to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll, I’m not alone: 52 percent of pet owners are planning to buy their furry family members a holiday gift.

So what to get your four-legged family member? I always use Christmas as a time to replace worn necessities—leashes, collars, brushes, etc. And of course, there are treats and rawhides thrown in as well. This year, motivated by an upcoming road trip and a feeling of guilt that I should have done this earlier, I’ve decided to invest in a car restraint system. I’ve read that it not only keeps pets safe in accidents (duh), but it can also relieve motion sickness, which Freckles suffers from after only an hour or so in the car.

If you’re a holiday gift guide junkie, check out the 2009 Pawcurious Holiday Gift Guide, which is where I found information on the seat belt restraint system. There are also neat finds for cats as well.

Merry Christmas!

'Tis the Season

Somewhere in all of the work-school-family-friends craziness that is my life, we have stumbled upon my favorite time of the year. Seriously, I don’t think anything can bring me down during the months of October, November and December. There’s something about the holidays (and I count Halloween because while I don’t really have any interest in dressing up and partying, I LOVE handing out candy to kids and watching scary movies) that makes everything OK.

It’s also a time when I look back on the year that’s passed and think of everything that’s happened (and always so quickly, it seems!). I’m usually overcome with a sense of awe at how much has changed and how far I’ve come, and I’m definitely thankful for it. Another thing I like about the holidays? Giving. There are so many animal shelters and rescue groups that could use some extra help (not just at the holidays, either!). This year has been an especially difficult year for lots of families and their pets, so animal rescues are in desperate need. Please, look around and see how you can help. There are the obvious requests like food, but shelters also need cleaning supplies, sheets and blankets, and toys, among other things. I myself have sheets, blankets and comforters that are going to the Humane Society of Western Montana, which was Freckles’ home for the first year of his life. Or…do you like to send out holiday cards? The Humane Society of the United States has many options for holiday cards, and the proceeds go to helping animals. What about calendars? I personally can’t live without one, and this calendar by Heather Armstrong (who has a hilariously funny blog that you should also check out, btw) is a great option for 2010. All proceeds go to the Humane Society of Utah.

I know what you’re thinking…there are others out there besides the Humane Society. And you’re right. There are plenty of shelters and programs out there where your time and money can help. The ones I’ve linked to here are just those that I’ve had experience with through donations, adoptions or social media. The point is to celebrate the season, to be thankful, and to remember that there are others out there who aren’t as fortunate as you. Give back, even if you think it’s such a small donation that it won’t matter. Everything matters.

Lucy and Freckles take on Halloween

As I sit here typing this, Freckles is sound asleep on his bed, growling in his sleep. No doubt he's thinking of the costume I made him wear for Halloween. He only had it on for five minutes (OK, maybe 10), but he was not a happy camper. I couldn't resist though. Ever since the first Halloween I had him, I've been wanting to dress him up as McGruff. I mean, he's a hound with floppy ears and a cute face. It was perfect.


And then, there's the one of him with his magnifying glass.


And last, but not least, there was Lucy, who is Freckles' roommate:


The pictures are a bit blurry, because they were snapped with a hastily grabbed phone. Not to mention, the dogs didn't exactly want to sit still for them. But I hope you can still appreciate the great fun that was Halloween!

God and Dog

I have to share a video that a friend sent me. It's by Wendy Francisco, an artist whose first animated video reached a million views on YouTube in its first 40 days. Not only is the song beautiful, but the dog is probably the cutest freakin' animated animal I've ever seen.





Make sure to visit Wendy's website, as well as her GoD and DoG site.

Hey, You!

Yes, you, the one who is thinking about getting a cute new puppy or kitten. Have you checked out the Humane Society’s Adoption Pledge? Visit their pledge website to find out great information on why to adopt from a shelter. Some interesting tidbits:

* Between three and four million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in US animal shelters
* One in four shelter dogs are purebred
* Most animals in shelters are there not because of “animal problems”, but “people problems”

Adopting a shelter pet is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Yes, it can be challenging, but once you earn your pet’s trust, you can be treated to love and loyalty.

8 foods not to feed fido

You may share lots of things with your best friend but here are 8 common foods that are dangerous for dogs (and cats) if you are conscerned that your pet has eatten any of these foods contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poision Control Center at 800-426-4435.

1. Chocolate
   Why: Stimulates the nervous system and the heart.
   Poisonous to: All species, but dogs are most likely to eat dangerous quantities.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, increased thirst, restlessness, agitation, increased or irregular heartbeat, increased body temperature, tremors, seizures.
   
   
2. Grapes (this includes rasins)
   

   Why: Damage the kidneys.
   Poisonous to: Dogs, cats.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting

3. Garlic, Onions
   Why: Damage red blood cells, causing anemia.
   Poisonous to: Cats, dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, red-colored urine, weakness, anemia
   
   
4. Xylitol (ingredient in sugarless gum)
   Why: Causes increased insulin secretion, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.
   Poisonous to: Dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination, seizures, jaundice, diarrhea.
   
   
5. Alcohol
   Why: Depress the nervous system.
   Poisonous to: All species.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures.
   
6. Raw Yeast, Bread Dough
   Why: Forms gas in the digestive track; fermentation of yeast causes alcohol poisoning.
   Poisonous to: All species, but only dogs typically ingest it.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Distention of abdomen, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizure
   
   
7. Macadamia Nuts
   Why: Cause muscle and nervous-system problems.
   Poisonous to: Dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, weakness, increased body temperature, tremors.
   
   
8. Avocados
   Why: Contain persin, which damages the heart muscle.
   Poisonous to: Most species―birds are especially sensitive.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea (in dogs), lethargy, difficulty breathing (in birds and rodents)

Real Simple Magazine October 2009

Save a Dog helps find forever homes!

I’ve been trying to beef up my pet lover connections on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, and as a result, I stumbled onto Save a Dog. Save a Dog is Dogtime’s Facebook application. There was a great story about a cross-country trip to place a dog in his forever home. There are so many things about this story that were just amazing, including the fact that this particular dog has been adopted in real life by the same person who has been virtually fostering him online (virtually fostering a dog has been something that I really have been meaning to start. In honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog month, I believe this is the perfect time).

Another great discovery: Roads of Hope, an organization “dedicated to bringing homeless animals to their forever families.” Check out their Web site. It’s amazing, and what’s even more touching are the people who are always so willing to help. I’m definitely going to be signing up to work in volunteer animal transport.

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!

Welcome to October. I can't believe I'm saying that! Where has 2009 gone? One good thing about the speedy year is that we can now celebrate "Adopt a Shelter Dog" month.

I'd like to spend the month collecting great shelter dog-related stories. My first one came to me today via Twitter--a contest called "Reading Rufus Rhymes to Rover." Rufus Rhymes is a book by Ron Burns, an artist and dog lover. Ron's work is amazing, and I just WISH I could have him complete a portrait of my pup.

His promotion this month, which encourages shelter pup parents to post a video of themselves reading Rufus Rhymes, is "a way to celebrate fellow dog rescuers and raise awareness for the millions of dogs currently available for adoption at shelters across the U.S." Take a look at his site, then take a video of your shelter dog and win your very own portrait!

Happy Birthday to You!

OK, it’s time to get this blog show on the road. Shortly after I started this blog, one of my family dogs died. I wrote briefly about it here, but I haven’t been able to really give it a heartfelt go since then. Now, I think I’m ready, and I definitely have stories to share!

Like Freckles' birthday last month...

I spoil my dog all the time, and I tell people it’s because the first year of his life was so hard (not to mention I firmly believe that he practiced his sad faces while waiting to be adopted. He’s impossible sometimes!). He was in and out of a shelter and was scared of anything that moved when I first got him. Since then, he’s become a really chill dog, and I like to think it’s in part to all the great things he gets to do….like birthdays!

Freckles turned 3 this year. It just so happened that my boyfriend’s parents were in town for it, so we had a big shindig for him. Freckles got his own birthday cake. No candles or songs, but he loved the cake so much that we had to frantically throw him outside before he smashed all the blue icing into the carpet.

A Sad Goodbye

In my first post, I told all about the family dogs I've grown up with. A week ago, Ace died of cancer. It's one of the hardest things I've ever had to watch. He was weak, not eating and could barely stand. It was one week from diagnosis to death, barely any time to process anything.

While it was gut-wrenching to lose Ace, a part of our family for 10 years, it was made a little easier by a sympathy poem sent to my mom. It goes like this:

Dog heaven is a special place
My tail is wagging fast
With all the things we dogs enjoy
I'm having such a blast.

Each night when I look in my dish
I get filet mignon for dinner
Never that dry stuff or stale meat
No cereal or filler.

So many other dogs are here
I never get dog lonely
It never takes me long at all
To find that night's "one and only."

We have so many balls to chase
I'm getting so much fitter
With water flowing everywhere
Always sweet and never bitter.

Sometimes it looks like Star Wars
When I stare into the sky
It isn't UFO's I see
But countless frisbees passing by.

The firemen here all love the place
A perfect spot they can retire
With one hundred hydrants for each dog
They'll never have a fire!

Cars with windows lowered
Pass by me on the street
With dog ears flapping from each one
It makes me feel complete.

Yet in this perfect playground
Doing all I love to do
I find I'm often thinking back
Of all the times I spent with you.

There could be no kinder owner
We always had so much fun
Don't forget that I had seven years
Every time that you had one.

You always gave me so much love
Such kindness and attention
You deserve an owner's blue ribbon
Not just an honorable mention.

So please keep my memory active
In the morning when you eat
As you're chewing on your bagel
I'll be sitting at your feet.

Arf!

Love,

Ace


I still can't read this without breaking down into tears, but it is one of the most special letters a person can receive after losing such a cherished pet. So thank you, Theresa.

Type A or Type B?

What's your dog's personality? Curious?

Take the test!

According to the test, my dog is my best friend.

Chew Toys, Anyone?

A little less than a year ago, my brother adopted a sweet little Boxer puppy. Everyone has great hopes for their newly adopted pups, and my brother was no different. While Gunner is an incredibly sweet, loving, smart dog, he definitely has one big vice: chewing. In all, Gunner has destroyed:

--a Blackberry

--an iPhone

--two additional cell phones

--a pair of Oakleys

--a windowsill

--a set of blinds

--a CD case, and the 72 CDs in it

--countless rolls of toilet paper --power cords

--a TV remote

--business cards

--and a pair of glasses.

He’s also taken all of the shorts out of a dresser drawer and chewed off the buttons. Just the buttons. The corners or mattresses and bedroom furniture are favorites as well.

I know many of you out there are thinking exactly what I was, “Then don’t leave him alone.” Unfortunately, Gunner does it at night when he should be sleeping. I also suggested not leaving things like phones and glasses on the floor, where Gunner has easy access. To which my brother replied, “He climbs onto the bed and takes them off of the nightstand.” Also, keep in mind that it happens quickly. Once, I was on the phone with my mom, who was dog sitting Gunner. She turned her back on him for a second, and then I heard, “Well, there goes the rug.”

The moral of the story? Be prepared when you bring home a puppy. My brother has handled it well, providing chew toys for Gunner and isolating him when he’s alone so that he has minimal access to off-limit items. Other adoptive owners have difficulty with destructive dogs, and unfortunately, many get returned to shelters because owners don’t want to put in the time to train them. So when you’ve got a newly adopted puppy on your hands, here are a few tips to remember:

--Breathe. Remember, it’s a phase. With the proper instruction and reinforcement, this will pass.

--Find the humor in it. I once used my boyfriend’s library card to check out a book. I promised him it would be returned on time, and I wouldn’t mar his name with late fees. Freckles had other ideas and promptly chewed the cover off. While I could have been upset and angry, I had to see the irony in the fact that he chose that particular book to destroy. And really, what’s $25 when I get to come home to this cute little face every day?

--Provide toys that dogs can chew up and destroy. Then, leave those toys with the dog when they’re alone. Isolate them if you can, either in a kennel or in a room that isn’t easily demolished (like the laundry room. Just make sure all cleaners and detergents are stowed).

--Play dates are a great way to socialize your dog and tire him out, leaving him less inclined to misbehave. Dog parks provide a lot of stimulation, or scheduling time with friends who have dogs can give those dogs who are more shy the opportunity to play one-on-one.

Now, go forth and enjoy your new addition. Your patience and constant love will be worth it in the end :)

Snap, Crackle, Pop

I have loved fireworks displays since I was a kid. The first celebration I can remember going to was a 4^th of July party at the local mall. I was 5. And even though the noise scared me, I camped out in the back seat of our car and was mesmerized by all the sparkly, exploding colors. Years later, I still enjoy a good fireworks show (and I’m able to watch without cowering in a car!).

My dog, however, does not. Our neighbors have already been shooting off fireworks and bottle rockets in the streets, even though we’re still a few days away from Independence Day. As soon as the fireworks stand opened down the street, the nights are full of crackling sparklers, and the streets are full of exploded trash. And Freckles is huddled in my room.

As the 4^th approaches, the fireworks are only going to get louder, longer and more frequent. So for those of you who must endure it with me, here are some sites with tips on how to keep your dog calmer and safer during those loud celebrations:

Humane Society of the United States

Crazy for Critters

Associated Content

Happy 4th!! Enjoy :)

Puppy Love

I’m a lot of things—a daughter, sister, friend, marketer, dancer, reader; but a large part of me is defined by my love for dogs. Ever since I was a baby, there have been puppies in my family. There were Big Lady and Little Lady, who were my parents’ kids before my brother and I came into the world; then there was Amy, a worm and flea infested pup that I begged my mom to buy from the farmer’s market. My brother and I pooled $35 and presented it to her owner, who said she was a “chi-wa-wa/beagle” mix. Shortly after Amy arrived in our home, my mom rescued Kibbles, a beagle/basset hound mix found wandering around the halls of her school; then came Ace, who adopted my brother and dad while they were on a camping trip. Apparently, he just climbed up in the Jeep and rode home with them. Somewhere in all that puppy hoopla was Cici, a purebred Chihuahua that we had for only six months before she died of parvo virus. Dakota was the next pup to come into our lives, saved by euthanasia by my brother, who was helping a girlfriend move. While he was in the process of boxing and storing, the girl’s neighbor announced she was taking her sweet 6 month old puppy to the vet to have her put down because she was a constant reminder of the boyfriend who gave it to her and subsequently left. No doubt it had something to do with her black heart.

But I digress. We had 3 dogs at the time (Amy, Kibbles, Ace), so Dakota took refuge with a family friend. When my mom and I returned from a trip to London a few years later, my brother had a welcome home surprise for us that took the form of a yellow lab/golden retriever cross. We ended up keeping Peanut, and she has become a loving thorn in the side for the older dogs in the house (they’ve got 9 years on her!).

After college, I moved across the country and quickly started longing for a dog of my own, even though I said I would give myself a year to get on my feet. To alleviate this pain, I decided to volunteer at the local animal shelter. One day, I walked in, checked the list of dogs needing a walk, and thought, “Freckles sounds like a cute name. I’ll go check him out.” What I saw was a terrified heap of brown and white fur, curled as closely to the wall as he could get. When I walked into his kennel, he actually recoiled, and if he could have dug a hole and escaped, he would. I sat down, and it took him a good five minutes before he approached me. That’s when I knew he was mine. I took him home a week later. I’ve been an official dog owner for a year and half. Freckles has gone from hiding in the closet when company comes over to jumping up on my friends in greeting (this is cute until it’s a white shirt). It took 3 months before I ever heard him bark, and now he howls every afternoon when I get home (he’s a Hound/Pyrenees mix so he doesn’t really have a true bark unless he’s in protection mode). He won’t get in his bed at night until I’m in mine, and he plays with his treats as if they were toys.

Like I’ve said, I’ve been around dogs my entire life, and I think they bring something special to every family they join. That’s why I’ve started this blog. I hope to fill it not just with my stories, but with those around the world.