I am not sure if you saw this story in the news last week:
http://www.themarthablog.com/
I hope Ms. Stewart is laughing about the experience now. As all pet companions know, our little buddies can do some damage without meaning it. How many bumps, scratches, and scrapes have we all experienced?
I take away two things from this story. First, the old adage “let sleeping dogs lie” certainly applies. Second, a plastic surgeon for a split lip…really?
Monday, January 17, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Diving in the Litter Box
As I mentioned earlier in the week, I caught Gracie in the litter box. While this may seem innocuous, it is not. I have researched the matter a bit further on the Internet as well as referred to my trusted dog care manual (Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook by Drs. Eldredge, Carlson, and Giffin).
I have not met a dog that does not consider cat poop to be caviar. It becomes a serious problem, though, when kitty litter is consumed. If your dog ingests kitty litter, it could create an obstruction. Clumping litter in particular is notorious for clumping in the pet’s stomach. Obstructions are serious business that requires immediate vet attention. Warning signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Your dog will not pass stool or gas with complete obstructions. Time is of the essence, so get your buddy to the vet ASAP.
Even if you are lucky and the litter does not create an obstruction, you have other worries. Your dog can contract parasites from eating feces. Also, your dog might develop a hard-to-break habit. The habit is an actual medical condition known as coprophagia.
Keep in mind that some dogs have a medical reason for coprophagia. While Dino battled cancer, he was obsessed with eating rabbit “caviar” and dirt. Before you scold your little buddy too much, you should consider a visit to the vet. If no medical reason exists, your vet might have some suggestions for helping you break the habit.
Now if you will excuse me, I need to erect the child gate in the hallway. I do not want to give Gracie freedom to go litter box diving again.
I have not met a dog that does not consider cat poop to be caviar. It becomes a serious problem, though, when kitty litter is consumed. If your dog ingests kitty litter, it could create an obstruction. Clumping litter in particular is notorious for clumping in the pet’s stomach. Obstructions are serious business that requires immediate vet attention. Warning signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Your dog will not pass stool or gas with complete obstructions. Time is of the essence, so get your buddy to the vet ASAP.
Even if you are lucky and the litter does not create an obstruction, you have other worries. Your dog can contract parasites from eating feces. Also, your dog might develop a hard-to-break habit. The habit is an actual medical condition known as coprophagia.
Keep in mind that some dogs have a medical reason for coprophagia. While Dino battled cancer, he was obsessed with eating rabbit “caviar” and dirt. Before you scold your little buddy too much, you should consider a visit to the vet. If no medical reason exists, your vet might have some suggestions for helping you break the habit.
Now if you will excuse me, I need to erect the child gate in the hallway. I do not want to give Gracie freedom to go litter box diving again.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Land's End Snow Pack Boots
Update: I posted this entry in December. I am happy to report that the boots are indeed waterproof and very toasty. I thought you might like to read the review again in case you too are plagued with heavy snow this winter season.
As I mentioned last week, I have been upgrading my winter gear. Last year’s brutal winter was just too much. Unfortunately, this year is not looking all that great either.
I bought these boots two weeks ago. They are fantastic!! On Monday, wind chills were at zero and below. My feet were warm and dry.
The boots have a faux shearling lining from top to bottom. The top of the foot is covered in seemingly waterproof rubber. The upper part of the boot is suede-like.
The boots are a bit heavy. You will need to wear a thick pair of socks because, like most snow boots, the shoe is a bit “generous” in sizing. However, I would highly recommend these boots if you are looking for something to keep your feet toasty.
Yes, they are a bit pricey. Check Lands’ Ends’ site though. They have offered some really great deals lately. Plus, let’s face it. When you are standing in a foot of snow, with 50 mph winds, how much would you pay for warm feet?
Rescue Mommy
As I mentioned last week, I have been upgrading my winter gear. Last year’s brutal winter was just too much. Unfortunately, this year is not looking all that great either.
I bought these boots two weeks ago. They are fantastic!! On Monday, wind chills were at zero and below. My feet were warm and dry.
The boots have a faux shearling lining from top to bottom. The top of the foot is covered in seemingly waterproof rubber. The upper part of the boot is suede-like.
The boots are a bit heavy. You will need to wear a thick pair of socks because, like most snow boots, the shoe is a bit “generous” in sizing. However, I would highly recommend these boots if you are looking for something to keep your feet toasty.
Yes, they are a bit pricey. Check Lands’ Ends’ site though. They have offered some really great deals lately. Plus, let’s face it. When you are standing in a foot of snow, with 50 mph winds, how much would you pay for warm feet?
Rescue Mommy
Monday, January 10, 2011
Land's End Squall Pants - Revisited
Update: I posted this entry in December. Sadly, I have had ample opportunity to test the pants. They are fantastic.
OK, the Lands’ End commercial continues.
I had been looking at these pants for weeks. During Black Friday, they had a good sale, so I purchased them. Oh, where have you been all my life?
Lest you think I am a total wimp, I can handle average winter temperatures just fine. I draw the line, though, at 0 to 20 degrees, with 30 mph winds and wind chills below zero. Add a bunch of snow. That is intolerable.
These pants are fantastic. When Rescue Daddy and I were shoveling snow, I was actually hot. Yes, HOT – in 15 degree weather, with driving wind!
The pants are lined with Thinsulate. The exterior fabric is some sort of tight weave material that blocks wind and stays dry in the snow. The pants do not feel that thick, but they really provide a lot of warmth. When I have worn the pants subsequent times, I have not needed thermal underwear underneath.
The waistband features Velcro tabs that allow you to adjust the waistline. This is a great feature because the sizes seem to be a bit big.
While the pants seem like a bit of a splurge, they are cheaper than other ski-type pants I have seen. As I said on Wednesday, when you are freezing outside, you would be willing to pay any price for warmth. Put these pants on your Christmas wish list.
Rescue Mommy
OK, the Lands’ End commercial continues.
I had been looking at these pants for weeks. During Black Friday, they had a good sale, so I purchased them. Oh, where have you been all my life?
Lest you think I am a total wimp, I can handle average winter temperatures just fine. I draw the line, though, at 0 to 20 degrees, with 30 mph winds and wind chills below zero. Add a bunch of snow. That is intolerable.
These pants are fantastic. When Rescue Daddy and I were shoveling snow, I was actually hot. Yes, HOT – in 15 degree weather, with driving wind!
The pants are lined with Thinsulate. The exterior fabric is some sort of tight weave material that blocks wind and stays dry in the snow. The pants do not feel that thick, but they really provide a lot of warmth. When I have worn the pants subsequent times, I have not needed thermal underwear underneath.
The waistband features Velcro tabs that allow you to adjust the waistline. This is a great feature because the sizes seem to be a bit big.
While the pants seem like a bit of a splurge, they are cheaper than other ski-type pants I have seen. As I said on Wednesday, when you are freezing outside, you would be willing to pay any price for warmth. Put these pants on your Christmas wish list.
Rescue Mommy
Friday, January 7, 2011
Our Resolutions for Kiki and Maddy
We would like to address these challenges with the cats:
1. Help Maddy be less afraid around Gracie.
2. Help Kiki be nicer to Gracie. (Any suggestions would be appreciated.)
3. Switch the cats to an organic food. We are tired of spending lots of money on a specialty diet food that has not helped them to lose weight and, lately, seem to make Maddy sick.
4. Brush the cats more frequently. Consider shaving them if they do not stop barfing hairballs. (Just joking.)
5. Try to find a way to get Maddy to exercise more. (Again, suggestions appreciated.)
Since cats do what they like, not what you like, it will be interesting to see how successful our endeavors will be. Good luck to you with all resolutions you may have!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
1. Help Maddy be less afraid around Gracie.
2. Help Kiki be nicer to Gracie. (Any suggestions would be appreciated.)
3. Switch the cats to an organic food. We are tired of spending lots of money on a specialty diet food that has not helped them to lose weight and, lately, seem to make Maddy sick.
4. Brush the cats more frequently. Consider shaving them if they do not stop barfing hairballs. (Just joking.)
5. Try to find a way to get Maddy to exercise more. (Again, suggestions appreciated.)
Since cats do what they like, not what you like, it will be interesting to see how successful our endeavors will be. Good luck to you with all resolutions you may have!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Our Resolutions for Gracie
We strive to work with Gracie to overcome some training challenges this year:
1. Teach her to walk better on a leash.
2. Help her overcome her fear of riding in a car.
3. Socialize her better with other dogs.
4. Work with her on her jealousy issues toward the cats.
5. Work with her on her food inhalation issues. Since the puppy stayed with us, her eating habits changed. She inhales it as soon as it is placed before her.
Good luck with your training goals for 2011!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
1. Teach her to walk better on a leash.
2. Help her overcome her fear of riding in a car.
3. Socialize her better with other dogs.
4. Work with her on her jealousy issues toward the cats.
5. Work with her on her food inhalation issues. Since the puppy stayed with us, her eating habits changed. She inhales it as soon as it is placed before her.
Good luck with your training goals for 2011!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Monday, January 3, 2011
Not for the Squeamish
Having pets (or kids, for that matter) definitely is not for the squeamish. It was a particularly gross weekend at our home.
Maddy has a hairball. She has left little presents all over the house all weekend long. My favorite spot was on the Christmas tree skirt. Nice.
Gracie has a sudden obsession with the litter box. A few moments ago, I found her standing in the litter box, enjoying “tootsie roll casserole.” Horror was quickly replaced by annoyance. After I cleaned her, she was placed in time out.
Incidentally, be extra careful if your dog chows down in the litter box, particularly if you use clumping litter. A quick Internet search and call to an emergency animal hospital yielded some information. If your pet ingests kitty litter, you must worry about gastrointestinal distress, including blockage. The initial signs could be diarrhea and/or vomiting. Failure to pass stool is another sign. I was told to keep an eye on her for awhile. A blockage could even form over a few days. Lovely.
When you have pet, there is never a dull moment!
Rescue Mommy
Maddy has a hairball. She has left little presents all over the house all weekend long. My favorite spot was on the Christmas tree skirt. Nice.
Gracie has a sudden obsession with the litter box. A few moments ago, I found her standing in the litter box, enjoying “tootsie roll casserole.” Horror was quickly replaced by annoyance. After I cleaned her, she was placed in time out.
Incidentally, be extra careful if your dog chows down in the litter box, particularly if you use clumping litter. A quick Internet search and call to an emergency animal hospital yielded some information. If your pet ingests kitty litter, you must worry about gastrointestinal distress, including blockage. The initial signs could be diarrhea and/or vomiting. Failure to pass stool is another sign. I was told to keep an eye on her for awhile. A blockage could even form over a few days. Lovely.
When you have pet, there is never a dull moment!
Rescue Mommy
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