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Posts Tagged ‘ dogs ’

Keeping Coyotes At Bay

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

CoyoteFrom time to time in this area, we’ve had cases of coyotes attacking small dogs.  If you’ve had coyote sightings or attacks in your neighborhood, here are some tips to keep them away:

  • If you have a fence, or are thinking of installing one, look at ones that are 6 feet or higher with a roll bar on top.
  • Don’t leave small dogs unattended outside in the dark, even for a potty break.
  • Install motion activated outdoor lighting, the light will startle coyotes that may enter your yard.
  • Trim shrubbery so coyotes won’t have a place to hide.
  • If you have outdoor water dishes for your dog, empty them once your dog has come inside for the night.
  • Remove sources of food such as fallen fruits, berries or bird seed that may have fallen from the feeder.

Your Dog, February 2012, was used as reference for this post

Is Doggie Day Care Right For Your Dog?

Monday, January 30th, 2012

DoggyI sometimes receive calls from pet owners inquiring about the services we provide at Joy of Living.  As caring pet owners, they’re looking for the best solution for their dog while they’re at work or on vacation.

Although doggie day care is a good solution for some dogs, it isn’t the best fit for all.  If your dog is active, well socialized and on the younger side, day care could be a good option.

Once you’ve determined day care is the way to go, here are some questions to ask doggie day care providers prior to signing your dog up:

How is the facility set up?

  • Are dogs separated by size?  Do dogs have constant access to bathroom break areas?  Is the facility clean?

Are all prospective clients accepted?

  • Is there a “trial” period to ensure the new dog will get along with others?

Is medical help readily available?

  • In the event a dog is injured or becomes ill, is there a vet on call?  Have day care employees been trained in pet first aid and CPR?

How big are the playgroups?

  • At a minimum, there should be one trained employee for every 15 dogs.  One employee per 10 dogs would be preferable.

How are new dogs introduced?

  • Be sure there’s a method in place to appropriately introduce new dogs to the existing “pack”.  Avoid any facility that states they just put all the dogs together, they’ll be fine.

The Bark magazine, Jan/Feb 2012 issue was a reference for this post

Seeing Eye Dog Day

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

Seeing Eye DogToday is Seeing Eye Dog Day, coinciding with the 83rd anniversary of The Seeing Eye, the largest organization for training of guide dogs for the visually impaired.

Twelve times a year, visitors from the US and Canada come to the Seeing Eye campus to become familiar with the program and see the benefits of a having a guide dog.  Once in the program, students spend a month training with a dog.

More than 15,000 specially bred and trained dogs have brought mobility, safety, and self-sufficiency to over 8,000 visually impaired men and women.

The Seeing Eye was formed in 1928 by Morris Frank.  He’d read an article about dogs being trained as guides for blinded veterans of World War I.  Being blind and frustrated by his own lack of mobility, he wrote its author for help.

Dorothy Harrison Eustis trained German shepherd dogs in Switzerland, and when she received Morris Frank’s letter, she agreed to help him.  He promised he would return to the United States and spread the word about these wonderful dogs.  In 1928, Frank demonstrated the ability of his dog Buddy for news reporters.  His one-word telegram to Mrs. Eustis told the entire story  … “Success.”  The Seeing Eye was born, with the dream of making the entire world accessible to people who are blind.

For more information on The Seeing Eye Program, go to seeingeye.org

Fun At Work Day

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Today is Fun At Work Day, and I filmed client Rylee this morning enjoying his pets as evidenced by his “chop talk”.

It’s easy to have fun at work with clients like Rylee!

When the Cat Needs Ear Plugs!

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Dog with Squeaky ToyMarty Party, the inquisitive cat with the inquiry of the day: WHY DO DOGS NEED SQUEAKY TOYS?  It drives me crazy.  All I want to do is rest under the window in the embrace of the warm rays from the sun, when out of nowhere comes this irritating squeaky noise. I thought I had destroyed that thing! But, no! Little doggie has a squeaky toy!  Fun, fun!  For HER!

One theory as to why dogs like such annoying toys is simply due to the nature of the squeak. Evidently, in the wild, an injured prey anmial makes similar sounds and cries, and in doing so reveals its position and condition. (I’ve got GPS…what do I care?) Dogs with those strong natural hunting instincts recognize those replicated sounds in a squeaky toy and are supposedly satisfied with it.  Makes them feel like they’ve conquered a few field mice, birds or other small prey. (Note to self: Remain bigger than the family dog!)

Of course, it could just be that dogs love an interactive toy that satisfies their innate desire to chew and gnaw, keeping their minds occupied. Thank you, but I prefer the crossword puzzles in the New York Times. No squeaks.  Speaking of which, what’s a six letter word that rhymes with “You’re mine?”  That’s right…canine, and that dog is MINE!  You hear that, Jessie? I rule! You drool!

Thanks to wisegeek.com for keeping me pleasantly informed and slightly above the family dog!

Star Wars Anyone?

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

This is actually a Volkswagen ad, but it’s a dog chorus and I thought it was pretty funny.  Check ‘em out!

When Mere Words Are Not Enough…

Friday, January 20th, 2012

A Man and His Dog

Jessie, the compassionate dog (at least when Party Marty, that darned cat, is not around!): Sometimes, a picture says way more than mere words can.  I just had to post this today.  I don’t know to whom credit should be given for the photo, but I trust it will be appreciated by many posting it here. It warms my heart to see this. Dogs rock!

What’s In A Name-Top 10 Dog & Cat Names of 2011

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Is your dog or cat sporting the same name as many others on the block?  Check out the lists of top 10 dog and cat names of 2011:

Top Dog Names of 2011

  1. Bella
  2. Max
  3. Buddy
  4. Daisy
  5. Bailey
  6. Lucy
  7. Molly
  8. Coco
  9. Charlie
  10. Rocky

Top 10 Cat Names of 2011

  1. Kitty
  2. Tiger
  3. Bella
  4. Kitten
  5. Smokey
  6. Max
  7. Tigger
  8. Shadow
  9. Chloe
  10. Lucy

Funny Pet Picture of the Week

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

This is true love if ever I saw it!

Love You Much

Photo from icanhascheezburger.com

Try “doga” for stress relief!

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Doga Lady and DogParty Marty, the fit cat, not the fat cat: Hey, there, yoga enthusiasts and dog lovers! Ever hear of doga? It’s yoga done with your dog! I know…cracked me up, too! Seeing Jessie in a “downward dog” pose is quite the sight! However, my sources tell me that practicing yoga with your dog is really beneficial, as it not only calms your spirit but your dog’s spirit, as well.

It has been noted that when you are relaxed, you give off a certain smell, and dogs pick up on that scent. If you are relaxed, they are relaxed.

Practicing yoga is really not something to scoff at, but I still do!  The visuals alone are hilarious…to me, anyway! I’ll get over it!

Unlike their human counterparts, dogs are always in a constant state of awareness. (He heard the mail truck three blocks away…where were you?) Dogs are in the moment and able to let go whenever they want. Suppose an old dog could teach YOU some new tricks!

With doga poses, both you and the dog get to go deeper into the stretches, and most poses are based on Hatha poses, allowing for stretching, breathing, bonding, and relaxing…with you and your dog in sync.

From what I have been told, it’s a pretty great bonding experience for dog and human. Still can’t imagine Jessie in a “child’s pose,” however…or, for that matter, on her head against the wall. I’d pay money to see that!

Thanks to housepetmagazine.com for this fun information.  Seriously…if you love yoga and love your dog, it just might be the thing to do! I doubt a cat would ever get into it, though.  It might make us cat-atonic! HA!

Catch you on the flip side!