Charleston, SC

Our recent getaway included a visit to Charleston, SC. The city is great place to visit, rich with history and good food. It is very welcoming for your canine friend too.

You can stroll along the streets and soak in lots of history. We suggest a carriage ride. All the carriage companies are pet friendly as long as your buddy is well behaved. Prices are usually around $18 per person.

We recommend Palmetto Carriage Company. Their website is:  http://www.palmettocarriage.com./They offer free all-day parking, a great perk. Their tours also seemed to be longer than the other tour companies. We saw more houses on our tour with them than we did on other tours. Here is a picture of one of the fine homes:

After your carriage ride, we recommend lunch or dinner at Poogan’s Porch. Located at 72 Queen’s Street, the restaurant takes its name from Poogan, a neighborhood dog who was the restaurant’s host in the early years. The food is great. They give you heavenly biscuits to eat while you wait. Be a total piggy, though, and try an appetizer. The fried pimento cheese fritters and fried green tomatoes are worth the cholesterol and fat. If you have your furry buddy with you, ask for a seat in the back courtyard. Gracie loved the seclusion of the courtyard – and the little birds that occasionally popped in for scraps.

After your meal, you can head over to Waterfront Park. At the corner of Vendue Range and Concord, you will find a dog park. It has fountains and clean up bags.

If you want to spend the night in Charleston, you will need to do a little advance planning. Some hotels downtown do take pets; however, the rates for those hotels can be a bit expensive. Hotels outside the downtown area offer better rates if you are budget conscious.

We hope you and your family (human and furry) have an opportunity to explore this lovely city. Happy Summer!

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

Hello, My Name is Gracie, and I STILL Dislike Traveling

Last year, Gracie spent a good portion of the trip trembling in the back seat. As we have chronicled in many posts, we were determined to ease her anxiety for both local and long distance trips. We have tried several things over the last few months – a calming collar, ThunderShirt, DAP, homeopathic remedies, et cetera. In addition, we have been taking her for short drives in the evenings.

For this year’s trip, we planned ahead. We placed quartz rocks in the car. We had lavender incense in the front of the car; lavender is supposed to be soothing. I gave her half of an Ultra Calm tablet about two hours before we left. I tried slipping on the calming collar about an hour before departure. Unfortunately, she began shaking violently because she now associates the collar with a car ride. I tossed the collar on the back seat instead; maybe having the scent in the car would be enough.

Gracie was excited at first. She even put her paws on the car door. When she saw the luggage the car, though, she had a meltdown. It was brutal and heartbreaking.

Once we were about a mile down the road, she settled down. She stopped shaking, which is a huge improvement. When we stopped at rest areas, she did resist getting back into the car the first couple of times. After that, she seemed to accept her fate.

We did not take Gracie with us on all of our little excursions after we arrived. We said, “Are you ready?” She hid under the nearest bed. Clearly, she preferred to spend her vacation at the condo. When we returned, she found her sleeping on our bed, happy and well rested.

When she did accompany us into the city, she was still anxious riding in the car and walking on the streets. However, when we grabbed a bite to eat at a restaurant on a busy street, she settled underneath the table and was really good. She happily ate a few bites of grilled chicken. Last year, she would have been spooked by the traffic, trembling under the table and refusing to eat anything.

These small improvements are very encouraging for us. We think the Ultra Calm tablet may have helped a little. The biggest helper may have come from the training we have tried to do lately. If you have an anxious dog like us, keep trying new things. It can get better.

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

Bringfido.com

Summer travel season is upon us. If you are like us, you would like to take your furry buddy with you. We found a great travel resource – bringfido.com.

The site offers worldwide pet friendly travel information. You can find everything from a hotel to a restaurant. You can find fun activities to do in the destination of your choice. They have a section for pet services, which could come in handy if your buddy digs a monstrous hole in the sand and needs a groomer.

We hope you enjoy it. It was certainly very helpful to us on our vacation. We were also pleased to learn about local places where we can take Gracie. Enjoy!

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

Pet Gear Special Edition Sportster Pet Stroller

Pet Gear Special Edition Sportster Pet Stroller
Available online through Petco

As I mentioned last week, I purchased a pet stroller for Gracie. No, it did not come with a big, red “L” to paste onto my forehead. The intent was to use it as a training tool. I hoped it would ease Gracie’s anxiety when we were in city settings. Unfortunately, it did not work as planned.

For starters, the safety tether broke the first time Gracie tugged it. Some of the reviewers on Petco’s website noted the stiffness of the front zipper. They were correct.

In addition, the wheels are made from plastic. The front wheel does not turn well at all. We had to lift the stroller to make a 180 degree turn. The stroller may have similar styling to a child’s stroller but lacks the maneuverability.

Once in the stroller, Gracie sat, shaking, most of the time. Even though she was in a secure environment, the sights, sounds, and smells of the city were overwhelming. Her anxiety did not lessen until we stopped for a bite to eat. She curled under the table and enjoyed a few fries for her troubles. She refused to enter the stroller again.

While she was in the stroller, it was wonderful for us humans. She is not a dainty toy dog. She is an 18-pounder who gets rather heavy after a few blocks. If you have a calmer dog, the stroller might work. It would be very helpful for older dogs who want to see the world, yet no longer have the ability to take long walks. Sadly for us, it did not turn out to be the training tool we had wanted.

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

Yes, I Bought a Stroller

Sweet heavens, I cannot believe it. I bought a doggie stroller. I will give you a moment to catch your breath from laughing.

Hear me out before you write me off as a childless nut that treats her dog like a human child. Gracie freaks out in a city environment. My thought was that the stroller might create a safe haven for her. The last time we went to a big city, she was fine as long as either Rescue Daddy or I carried her. She is not a Chihuahua. After a few blocks, she was heavy.

If she can feel comfortable in a city in a stroller, then she will learn cities are not so bad. I can then try removing her from the stroller for, say, a block. It can be a training tool.

Ok, seriously, stop laughing. You are going to scare the person in the next cube.

Rescue Mommy

Gracie, the Only Child

We have been watching Gracie since the failed adoption. She is absolutely thrilled that the dog is gone. We should have noticed that she preferred to be alone. The signs were there.

For example, Gracie routinely encounters the neighbors’ Border Collie, Rosie. If we observe her behavior closely, we see the signs of aggressive behavior. She blocks Rosie’s every attempt to be petted by us. She even walked up to where Rosie was lying and peed right near Rosie’s foot, as if to claim territory. (She routinely tinkles on the spot where Rosie rests.)

While we have given up on adding another dog to our family, we have not given up on socialization. Certain behaviors are expected, and getting along with other dogs is one of them. It is time to hit books! Feel free to leave comments if you have tips for how you dealt with this issue with your rescued dog.

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray

SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray
PetSmart, premier.com

As you may have read in previous posts, we live in the country and sometimes encounter strange dogs on our walkies. Some of the dogs have been aggressive. While Gracie may think she is a Rottie, she really is not. Unless she went nose-to-nose with a Chihuahua, she would lose the fight.

I sometimes carry a stick. I have considered pepper spray. Then, I spotted SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray at PetSmart. I may have found a humane solution to the problem.

The spray is a citronella formula. It purports to humanely stop low- to medium-level aggressive dogs. Unlike pepper spray, if the citronella spray blows back to Gracie and/or me, it is not harmful. Since citronella spray is used to stop barking dogs, I think it might work.

Fortunately, I have not had the opportunity to try the product. I still think you should consider it though. If anyone out there does try it, please log a comment.

Rescue Mommy

What's in a Name??

On Sunday’s broadcast, I heard the most ridiculous thing on NPR’s “Wait…Wait…Don’t Tell Me.” The announcer discussed a story about some group that strongly advocated calling our pets “animal companions.” We should not use the term “pet” anymore.

I have heard this concept mentioned in books and magazines. In fact, Bark magazine seems to be a big proponent of its usage.

Seriously??? Do you really think that using the term “animal companion” would have kept Michael Vick from using his dogs for dog fighting? Does it stop the euthanasia of millions of animals every year? Does it prevent someone from neglecting the animal, leaving it tied outside to a chain without food, water, and shelter?

My pets are treated better than most children. They eat good food and visit the doctor more frequently than I do. They want for nothing. For Pete’s sake, I spent the better part of Saturday making a very nice dog bed for Gracie. So, am I a bad pet owner (another bad term) because I call them my “pets?”

Here’s a revolutionary idea. Why don’t we solve the problem of pet abuse and homelessness first? Then, we can worry about what we call our pets.

Rescue Mommy

How to Select a Leash

For those of you who have adopted a new friend during spring adopt-a-thons, I am republishing this blog posting.  I hope you find it helpful.

Go into any pet store (or even retail store, for that matter), and you will be astonished at the variety of leashes available. Back in the day, you had a choice between either a nylon leash in primary colors or a leather leash. Today, you have endless choices – leashes made from eco-friendly hemp, leashes that resemble tattoo designs, leashes in nearly every color and pattern imaginable. If you are a new pet companion, how do you choose the right leash for you?

At minimum, you need a basic, 6-foot nylon leash. Most leashes come in 3 widths – 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch. The wider the width, the bigger the dog. If you have a larger dog, the theory is a wider width gives you a bit of leverage. (Having owned two dogs who weighed 70 pounds each in their prime, I can say that it helps a little.) A 6-ft. leash is a good length for everyday use and essential for urban environments. In fact, I have seen signs at some dog-friendly beaches stating the leash can be no longer than 6 feet.

You will see longer lengths in leashes. You can find anything from 25 to 100 feet. Keep in mind that these leashes are intended for training purposes, not daily walks. In my experience, the farther your dog is from you, the harder it is to control him or her. Unless your dog is perfect little citizen, you want him or her close by. You would not want your friend to dart in front of a car.

What about retractable leashes? I do not like them. A lot of trainers agree. I tried one with Gracie. I did not feel as if I had control. Plus, the leash’s width is so small. I envisioned it snapping at the first hard tug.

Speaking of tugging, I just bought a special leash called a “Wacky Walkr.” The leash bit is a piece of latex that looks and feels like an exercise band. The idea is the leash will offer some resistance when the dog pulls. The leash does the work, not you. I have heard that this type of leash is a great training tool if you need to address pulling issues. I will update you after I have had a chance to fully test the leash.  Update:  The leash works well.  I am a little nervous about the material, though.  I worry that the band could snap.  I have used the leash mainly during training exercises in the country.  I doubt I will use it in the city, as originally planned.  It's your call; take a look at the leash, and let me know what you think.

These are just a few of the leash options. Remember, you do not need a fancy leash. Your dog is more interested in the walk than a $150 Gucci leash. Good luck!

Rescue Mommy

Main Street Nature Park, Weaverville, NC

If you live in the Asheville area or are travelling with your buddy, we have a recommendation for you. Just off Main Street in Weaverville, we stumbled upon a small park. The trails are wooded, shady, and covered with mulch. A nice stream runs through the park.

At a couple of points on the trail, you will find poop bags and a little trash can, which is a nice, dog friendly touch. You are allowed to walk your dog along the trails. (At the Lake Louise Park in Weaverville, you cannot take your dog on the trails.)

Parking is very convenient too. Look for the white building that houses the pharmacy. The parking lot is next door.

The town of Weaverville itself is not very large. It is a pleasant walk, though. Be sure to check out Well Bread Bakery. In warm weather, they have a couple of tables outside and will let you sit there with your furry friend. They even place water bowls for your pooch so he/she can have a refreshing drink too. The food is good there, especially the desserts.

The Vance birthplace is nearby. Zebulon Vance was a Civil War governor in North Carolina. I believe you can take dogs onto the property. They cannot go into buildings, though.

An entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway is not terribly far from the Vance birthplace. You could grab some food at Well Bred and have a nice picnic on the Parkway.

We hope you have a great time exploring Weaverville and the surrounding area.

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

Calming Collars and Colored Stones

In our latest effort to ease Gracie’s car riding tension, we found a couple of things to share with you. The first is a calming collar.

Produced by Sergeant, the Sentry HC Good Behavior Calming Collar contains pheromones. These chemicals simulate the calming scents a mother dog emits to soothe her puppies. It also has hints of lavender, another substance known for its calming properties.

Well, Gracie’s momma must have been mean to her. Pheromones do not seem to calm her very much. If you will recall, we have tried DAP with limited success. It is the same concept. The collar does have a very pleasant scent, though.

The collar lasts for 30 days, if you store it in an airtight bag after each use. We will continue to use it for the next 30 days and let you know if we have any success.

Another item we tried was healing rocks. I need you to open your mind REALLY WIDE. Asheville is a very New Age kind of place. I am pretty desperate, though. I am willing to try some of these natural remedies if they are not harmful to Gracie. Since she loves to grab rocks in the driveway, maybe this would work?

According to what I have read, white and rose quartz and jasper possess calming, healing properties. They will absorb the negative energy and bring comfort.

I showed the rocks to Gracie. She licked all three. She thought the jasper tasted the best and wanted to play with all three rocks.

I placed the rocks in the car over the weekend when we went on a few car rides. No change. Perhaps there was some ritual I was supposed to follow. Soothing massage with the stones? Place them closer to her? Maybe I need to do more research into the matter.

We are doing everything the trainers recommended and trying other things too. Clearly, I am open to suggestions here. Let me know what works for you.

Rescue Mommy

Meeting Mr. Right

We found the perfect dog. He is a Jack Russell terrier mix that is…shocking…calm. He is very sweet, submissive (in a good way), and obedient. He is already housetrained. He likes to play, yet is content to stop when you are finished and have a good cuddle. There is only one problem.

Gracie HATED him. Brother Wolf allows you to bring home a prospective dog on a trial basis. Gracie was very aggressive toward him. It escalated so quickly that we were nervous about leaving them alone together.

As much as we loved this new dog, it came down to an issue of safety. Do we risk physical or emotional injury to him (or even Gracie) while we try to “make it work” between them? In good conscience, we could not do it. With very heavy hearts and tears in our eyes, we returned him to Brother Wolf.  (Don't worry; Brother Wolf is a no-kill shelter.)

I am happy to say that he has yet to appear on their website. I have a strong suspicion that he has been adopted. As I said, he is the perfect dog.

So, what does this mean for our search? We are halting it. Gracie appears to be one of those rare dogs who is content to live alone. She is happy with the occasional “meet and greet” in a park, on a trail, et cetera. We will focus on improving her socialization skills in that way. If, by some miracle, a dog wanders into our yard and Gracie falls in love, then we will have another dog. Otherwise, things do not look good for adding another dog to our household.

Gracie is not sad about this at all. Since the other dog left, she has been extremely happy. At the end of the day, that’s what it is all about!

Rescue Mommy

Upcoming Events in Asheville Area

Here are a couple of upcoming events that you might find interesting:

Tuesday, May 3, 2011: Spay-ghetti and No Balls, Mayfel’s, 22 College Street, Asheville. This dinner is a fundraiser for Brother Wolf. It is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per person, $10 for kids 6 and under. If you are visiting Asheville and looking for a place to eat, consider dining here for a good cause.

May 2 to June 1, 2011: Train for the Cause. This is another Brother Wolf fundraiser. For $75, you can participate in training sessions of Asheville’s Chamber Challenge 5K. The fee also covers your race entry. You receive a goodie bag and t-shirt.

Check out Brother Wolf’s website at bwar.org for further details.