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.

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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 :)