Do you have a new puppy in the house, or will be getting one soon? You probably have a list of items that you need — leash, collar, crate, toys, cleaners, etc. but here’s a list of items that people frequently overlook and that aren’t always found on the “getting a new puppy” websites. Microchip When getting a new puppy, make sure you have it “micro-chipped” and that you get the certificate from the vet or the breeder. Over three million dogs enter shelters each year as strays, but less than ~19% are returned to […]
This is the second of a two-part series about adopting a shelter dog. In Part 1, I took you through what to expect when you arrive at the shelter. In Part 2, I take you through what to expect when you bring your shelter dog home. Whether you’re an experienced dog owner who has decided to get another dog to replace a long-departed best friend, add a second dog to your home, or are a new dog owner who needs some coaching, here are some tips I hope you find helpful. On the Way Home […]
This is the first in a two-part series about adopting a shelter dog – knowing what you’re getting into and can expect. In this post, I’ll take you through what to expect at the shelter, and in Part 2, if you find the right dog, what you can expect when you get it home and how to prepare. What Kinds of Dogs are at the Shelter? There are literally all kinds of dogs at shelters, and by shelters, I’m referring to the city or county public shelters usually know as Animal Care & Control (ACC). […]
With this post, I’ll be touching on a subject people don’t necessarily like to think about but is so very important – what happens to your dog if something happens to you. What is your game plan should you become unexpectedly ill, injured, need rehab? Whether this is for a few days … a few weeks… a few months, who is going to take care of your pup if you’re absent from home, or within your own home but incapacitated. You must think about these things. Especially if you are single, or a couple […]
A recent post in a Facebook group that I belong to caught my attention. A owner lost her two beautiful German Shepherd Dogs to moldy dog food. She and her partner came home and found the first dog had already passed in his crate, covered in bloody diarrhea, while the second dog needed to be rushed to emergency, where less than one day later, due to liver failure and quality of life, he was humanely euthanized. While still in shock, the owners went through everything that could have possibly killed their dogs. They took the […]
If you think that only first-time dogs owners make all the mistakes, rest assured that is not the case. I saw this post recently on one of my social media feeds. In short, the owner of two Bernese Mountain Dogs, aged three years and one year, wants to rehome younger of the two. Why? Because the older dog, who is recovering from double elbow surgery, and going to physical therapy can’t handle the puppy exuberance the of one-year-old. But, wait! There’s more! After the initial rehoming post, the owner has now paused the request, because […]
This is one of those feel good stories to be shared. Rufus, a deaf Blue-Heeler, escaped the family home and went missing. Rufus’ owner, Marisa Martinez, was frantic and began looking for him, finally enlisting the aid of dog rescue group, Team Frijoles. Rufus remained missing for 11 months, until he happened to be seen by a motorcyclist, who then snapped a picture and sent it to the rescue. They were able to locate Rufus, set a trap and took him to the shelter while they contacted Mrs. Martinez. What makes this so incredibly heart-warming […]
Euthanasia is an extremely difficult topic for all dog owners. In this post, I’ll share my experiences (and mistakes) in how to know when it’s time, or not, but more importantly, making the best decision for your dog. Because bottom line, it’s about your dog, it’s not about you. I should know – I’ve had to euthanize six dogs in the last 14 years. Having to make the decision to euthanize a dog, or in other words putting a dog down, does not necessarily equate only to elderly, senior dogs who have lived a full […]
This post is for you if you’re thinking of adding to your pup family. You already have a dog and now, you’re thinking of adding a second dog. But should you? Are you really ready for another dog? Let’s see. Coming from a multiple dog family for over 20 years, starting with one, then 2, then three and finally adding a fourth, I can speak from plenty of experience. Plus, I’m a one-person household, so I know the daily rigors of caring for multiple pups, a house, and a full-time job. But let’s talk about […]
There are two words that cause the most heartache and concern for dog owners. One is cancer and the other is surgery. I speak from experience. How much experience? Let me show you. These canine surgeries are just from the past 20 years of dog ownership. I could have put a fully furnished addition onto my house with what I’ve spent in vet bills. The pup’s name, how many surgeries and the type each has had is shown. Whether you are a single owner or have a family, when you’re told your dog needs surgery, […]
For every dog who is not afraid of fireworks, or thunder and lightning for that matter, there’s a dog who is afraid, who may pant heavily, look for someplace to hide, panics and gets destructive, or just plain runs. Here are some quick tips and tricks I’ve learned in how to handle dogs and fireworks (or other loud noises) from close to 35 years of owning dogs. Tip 1: Know where your dog is at all times This can be somewhat difficult especially if you have pool parties, barbeques, and other fun going on, and […]
In the last month, I’ve read five grief-crushing posts in different FB groups I belong to, where people have lost their dogs, one as young as nine months, to the dreaded medical emergency, commonly known as bloat, or the medical term, gastric dilatation volvulus, (GDV). What makes this more earth-shattering is that bloat is pretty much preventable, and yet most people are completely unaware of what this medical and surgical emergency is all about until it happens to their dog. I’ve owned dogs for over 30 years, and bloat can happen to any dog, but […]
Summer is here and where I live, it’s currently 97 degrees. For many of us, we’re planning, or have planned, our summer vacations and getaways, including our four-legged best friends. So here are some tips about traveling/vacationing with your dog. Whether you’re an experienced or first-time dog owner, take a scan through just to make sure you don’t forget anything. Make sure your dog is micro-chipped. And if you adopted your dog, make sure the micro-chip is registered to your name and not the previous owner. Be sure your dog is updated on all its […]
Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is now behind us. As we march on to the 4th of July, that means fun in the sun with your four-legged buddy. Whether it’s hiking, jogging, camping, or just going for a walk and throwing the ball, you and your pup are all in for a great summer. But, along with the fun, you have to keep an eye on your pup (just like with children) especially when those temperatures start to soar. If you’re new to being a dog owner, or if you haven’t had a […]
This is a third in a three-part series for people who are thinking of surrendering, giving up, getting rid of their, their dog. Whatever terminology you want to use. This is not a judgmental post. I merely try and help you decide whether you should surrender your dog because you can no longer care for it. So let’s delve into these reasons. Reason #1: Financial Hardship As an owner, are you experiencing financial hardship, where it’s a choice of paying medical bills, rent, mortgage, car payments, school, food/clothing, the kids, vs. dog food and other […]
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