I am writing this post on Sunday evening. Gracie is passed out on the sofa. She has been in a stupor for the last hour or so. The weather has been fantastic this weekend – sunshine, warm temps, and, most importantly of all, NO SNOW! We have been outside as much as possible, taking long walks and soaking in the wonderful weather while it lasts. I often say a happy terrier is a tired terrier. Judging by how loudly she is snoring, she must be ecstatic.
I am surprised that some people think a quick dash outside for a tinkle is enough exercise. These are the same people you see on dog training shows, complaining that little Fifi is wild or has destroyed furniture. The poor dogs often just need exercise. Think about it. How would you feel if you spent day after day after day, stuck in the house? Well, you probably already know, given the fabulous winter we have had. Now, imagine that every day of your life.
You do not have to take 30-minute hikes right away. Just grab the leash and walk around the block. Sure, your buddy might tug wildly the first few walks because she is excited to be outside. Keep it up. It will be good for your buddy. It will be good for you too. Happy walkies!
Rescue Mommy
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Book Review: Breaking Bad Habits in Dogs
Breaking Bad Habits in Dogs (Second Edition), Colin Tenant, 2010.
I own lots of training books. I bought this one for two reasons. First, it has lots of photos that demonstrate behaviors or training techniques. Let’s face it. When you want quick information and not a lengthy dissertation about animal behavioral science, nothing works better than a picture.
The second reason was the chapter about dominant dogs. I recognized several of Gracie’s behaviors as acts of dominance. Her nudging to be petted is viewed as dominant behavior. The book suggests that a dog will be less anxious when she knows her place in the family hierarchy. Since Gracie has anxiety issues, I was intrigued.
The book also offers advice for dealing with aggression toward other dogs, separation anxiety, excessive barking, and other behavioral issues. Again, the pictures are helpful in demonstrating techniques and examples of various behaviors.
I would not consider this book to the Holy Grail of dog training books. However, it is worth adding to your library. I picked up a few interesting ideas and plan to tweak them to fit Gracie’s learning style. Good luck!
I own lots of training books. I bought this one for two reasons. First, it has lots of photos that demonstrate behaviors or training techniques. Let’s face it. When you want quick information and not a lengthy dissertation about animal behavioral science, nothing works better than a picture.
The second reason was the chapter about dominant dogs. I recognized several of Gracie’s behaviors as acts of dominance. Her nudging to be petted is viewed as dominant behavior. The book suggests that a dog will be less anxious when she knows her place in the family hierarchy. Since Gracie has anxiety issues, I was intrigued.
The book also offers advice for dealing with aggression toward other dogs, separation anxiety, excessive barking, and other behavioral issues. Again, the pictures are helpful in demonstrating techniques and examples of various behaviors.
I would not consider this book to the Holy Grail of dog training books. However, it is worth adding to your library. I picked up a few interesting ideas and plan to tweak them to fit Gracie’s learning style. Good luck!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Book Review: The Dog Breed Bible
The Dog Breed Bible by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D.
We like quick reference, breed books like this one. Sure, there are great reference sources on the Internet. Call us old fashioned; we like books too.
This guide is well organized by groups: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, herding, and miscellaneous. It includes a glossary of medical conditions and color terms.
Each breed is featured on a single page, with a handsome color photo of the dog. The book packs a lot of information in that one page: height, weight, temperament, health, upkeep, friendliness, et cetera. The information is general in nature; each dog is different, of course.
We find this book to be very helpful. After Dino passed away, we used it to do quick research whenever we found a particular rescue dog that seemed promising. We continue to use it as we search for a potential playmate for Gracie. We can compare the chart for her breed (or, should we say, breeds) against that of the other dog and see if they are similarly matched.
If you are looking for a nice reference book to place on your coffee table, pick up this one. Enjoy!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
We like quick reference, breed books like this one. Sure, there are great reference sources on the Internet. Call us old fashioned; we like books too.
This guide is well organized by groups: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, herding, and miscellaneous. It includes a glossary of medical conditions and color terms.
Each breed is featured on a single page, with a handsome color photo of the dog. The book packs a lot of information in that one page: height, weight, temperament, health, upkeep, friendliness, et cetera. The information is general in nature; each dog is different, of course.
We find this book to be very helpful. After Dino passed away, we used it to do quick research whenever we found a particular rescue dog that seemed promising. We continue to use it as we search for a potential playmate for Gracie. We can compare the chart for her breed (or, should we say, breeds) against that of the other dog and see if they are similarly matched.
If you are looking for a nice reference book to place on your coffee table, pick up this one. Enjoy!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Monday, January 24, 2011
Book review: DogFriendly.com's East Coast Dog Travel Guide
DogFriendly.com’s East Coast Dog Travel Guide by Tara Kain and Len Kain, 2008.
We bought this guide last year when we wanted to find a place we could take Gracie for her first vacation. As we watch the weather this year and see yet another snowstorm on the way, we are once again thinking about an escape to warmer climes.
The guide covers New England, New York, the Mid-Atlantic States, Florida, and the Southeast. It is basically a compilation of information you can find on the DogFriendly.com website. It offers recommendations for accommodations and campgrounds/RV parks. It includes lists of attractions where your buddy is welcome as well as the locations of area dog parks.
We like the guide. We bought it so we could flip through and get some ideas. Then, we can go to the Internet and do further research if we see an interesting place.
Overall, the guide is good. It is a bit annoying that it contains typographical errors. One can expect this on the Internet, where information moves at the speed of light. However, a printed work should have been reviewed more carefully. That is just a little pet peeve of mine.
Check out the book the next time you are looking for ideas for a good place to vacation with your little buddy. Happy planning!
Rescue Mommy
We bought this guide last year when we wanted to find a place we could take Gracie for her first vacation. As we watch the weather this year and see yet another snowstorm on the way, we are once again thinking about an escape to warmer climes.
The guide covers New England, New York, the Mid-Atlantic States, Florida, and the Southeast. It is basically a compilation of information you can find on the DogFriendly.com website. It offers recommendations for accommodations and campgrounds/RV parks. It includes lists of attractions where your buddy is welcome as well as the locations of area dog parks.
We like the guide. We bought it so we could flip through and get some ideas. Then, we can go to the Internet and do further research if we see an interesting place.
Overall, the guide is good. It is a bit annoying that it contains typographical errors. One can expect this on the Internet, where information moves at the speed of light. However, a printed work should have been reviewed more carefully. That is just a little pet peeve of mine.
Check out the book the next time you are looking for ideas for a good place to vacation with your little buddy. Happy planning!
Rescue Mommy
Friday, January 21, 2011
Winter Safety Tips
Like it or not, winter is here. It brings all the usual hassles of the season. Don’t forget your pets are having just as difficult a time as you are. Here are a few things to consider:
• Ice melt is not your pet’s friend. It may work wonders for clearing sidewalks and roads, but it is extremely hazardous for pets. While some brands claim to be pet friendly, most are not. If your pet travels through a spot where these chemicals are used, please be sure to carefully clean your buddy’s paws upon return from your walk. You can consider booties; I have not found any that work well, though. Then again, I did not purchase $50 booties for Gracie.
• Baby, it’s cold outside. If your pet is an outside pet, please consider let him or her come inside during cold temps. (This is particularly important with the very young or very old, who have a tough time staying warm.) Please provide adequate shelter if it is not possible to bring your pet indoors. Check water bowls regularly as they frequently freeze in colder temps.
• Don’t forget your sweater, dear. Dogs who do not have thick coats (think Greyhounds) get colder quicker than, say, a Husky. Please consider placing a coat on your pet when the temp drops.
• Snowballs are for throwing, not wearing. When you return from your walkie, please examine your pet and remove any snowballs you find. Snow tends to accumulate between the pads of a dog’s feet, creating very uncomfortable blocks of ice. This happens frequently if your dog has furry paws.
Just as we must take a few extra steps to personally stay safe and comfortable during winter, we must do the same for our little buddies. Before you know, spring will be here…and then we can worry about ticks and heat stroke! Whoopie – it’s always something!
Rescue Mommy
• Ice melt is not your pet’s friend. It may work wonders for clearing sidewalks and roads, but it is extremely hazardous for pets. While some brands claim to be pet friendly, most are not. If your pet travels through a spot where these chemicals are used, please be sure to carefully clean your buddy’s paws upon return from your walk. You can consider booties; I have not found any that work well, though. Then again, I did not purchase $50 booties for Gracie.
• Baby, it’s cold outside. If your pet is an outside pet, please consider let him or her come inside during cold temps. (This is particularly important with the very young or very old, who have a tough time staying warm.) Please provide adequate shelter if it is not possible to bring your pet indoors. Check water bowls regularly as they frequently freeze in colder temps.
• Don’t forget your sweater, dear. Dogs who do not have thick coats (think Greyhounds) get colder quicker than, say, a Husky. Please consider placing a coat on your pet when the temp drops.
• Snowballs are for throwing, not wearing. When you return from your walkie, please examine your pet and remove any snowballs you find. Snow tends to accumulate between the pads of a dog’s feet, creating very uncomfortable blocks of ice. This happens frequently if your dog has furry paws.
Just as we must take a few extra steps to personally stay safe and comfortable during winter, we must do the same for our little buddies. Before you know, spring will be here…and then we can worry about ticks and heat stroke! Whoopie – it’s always something!
Rescue Mommy
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Black Cat and Dog Syndrome
Ask anyone who is involved with shelters or rescue groups. Black cats and dogs have a tough time finding homes.
Maybe people still subconsciously hold superstitious beliefs of evil, black pets. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that black pets do not photograph well. Whatever the reason, please give black pets a second look.
Kiki is our little Oreo. She is black on top, with white underneath. She has a very sweet disposition if Gracie is not around. She has very intelligent. She has endless qualities to recommend her.
If you are looking for a friend to add to your family, please take a close look at black pets. They languish in shelters just waiting for someone to give them a second look.
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Maybe people still subconsciously hold superstitious beliefs of evil, black pets. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that black pets do not photograph well. Whatever the reason, please give black pets a second look.
Kiki is our little Oreo. She is black on top, with white underneath. She has a very sweet disposition if Gracie is not around. She has very intelligent. She has endless qualities to recommend her.
If you are looking for a friend to add to your family, please take a close look at black pets. They languish in shelters just waiting for someone to give them a second look.
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Monday, January 17, 2011
Martha Stewart
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?
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?
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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