Too Kool Doggies

Why Fostering Is A Great Option

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:16:00 +0000

It's not easy being a shelter dog. You sit in a cage, watch strangers walk by and say "cute doggie". If you're lucky, they'll stop by and talk to you. Then, you know you've hit the jackpot when you are taken out of your cage to be with them. There's always a good chance you'll be adopted, but never any guarantees. Medium to large dogs are even harder to adopt because many people are intimidated by their size.

With all of the shelters becoming filled and more dogs waiting for homes, there's only so much space available for strays. One solution that helps with shelter overpopulation is fostering dogs in a home environment.

The Great Compromise

What makes fostering ideal is the fact that dogs are living in an environment that doesn't involve metal bars all of the time. They get the human affection that they don't get in a shelter. Shelter life isn't easy for a dog. It's ok for a temporary solution, but after a while, many dogs become overwhelmed and will start acting out as a result of being caged so long.

Foster families have the opportunity to have a dog in their house. There is no permanent commitment required. If the foster family is interested in having a dog long-term, this gives them the option of seeing how the foster adapts to their lifestyle.

Other benefits include:

Giving the foster pet a calmer environment. Animals don't have to worry about being around a bunch of dogs barking constantly but rather a select few, if any at all.
It teaches dog lovers about the differences in breeds. Every dog that enters a foster home, brings a different dynamic.
The rewards of volunteering without leaving your home. You make a difference in a dog's life even if it is just for a few weeks. A dog can become adoptable, and more socialized as a result of its time as a foster.
It's tax deductible. I first learned about this through my Twitter friend Nadine. Many times, people who work in animal rescue do so for the love of the animal. They really don't profit from it. Now, thanks to a landmark case, Van Dusen v. Commissioner, most fostering costs are tax deductible. However, if the costs over $250, one will need a letter from the 501c3 agency stating that the expenses have to be directly related and solely attributable to the rendition of services towards the benefits of the foster animal.

The Caveats

It is very hard to remain detached from a foster animal. The bond between animal and human is very strong and it's hard for many to say goodbye when the time comes. Many fosters will wind up adopting one of the animals.
Many cities and towns have a limit on how many animals a resident can have living in their home. One has to be careful to not exceed that limit.
It takes a couple of weeks to truly understand the animals behavior. The first days are an adjustment phase and the days after will determine the true nature of the animal.

The Right Decision

While fostering a pet isn't the easiest job in the world, it is one of the most rewarding. It's not for everyone, but if you've been curious, it may be something to consider.

Let's Discuss!

How do you feel about fostering an animal?

It's All Related!

One Step Closer To A Home
Save A Dog On Facebook
Pit Bull Nation

The Bark Side: 2012 Volkswagen Game Day Commercial Teaser - YouTube

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:33:00 +0000

Happy Monday Folks! With the Superbowl being less than a couple weeks away, one thing is certain. Clever ads are soon to follow. This video is by Volkswagen and they do a great job where the dogs bark to the Darth Vader Theme from Star Wars.

How popular is this video? It's been view over 7.2 million times. Enjoy and please share your thoughts below.

2011 Home 4 The Holidays Wrap-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:27:00 +0000

The Iams Home 4 the Holidays adoption campaign was a smashing success. A total of 1,267,541 animals were adopted between Oct. 1 and Jan. 3 through more than 4,000 animal organizations from around the world (that's an average of 9 adoptions per minute!). Forever homes were found for:

651,224 dogs
595,000 cats
21,317 other animals (including rabbits, reptiles, horses, birds and more);

On top of that, since the program began in 1999, more than 7 million families have experiences the joy of pet adoption through Iams Home 4 the Holidays! IAMS also met its goal to donate 5 million meals to pets in need through its annual Bags 4 Bowls program. This was all made possible through retail purchases and online engagement from all the animal lovers out there who participated.

If you would like to read more about this program, please visit their Facebook page.

Let's Discuss!

How did you participate in the Home 4 The Holidays program this year?

It's All Related

Home 4 The Holidays Hits A New Milestone
Home 4 The Holidays Tweet Results

Why Dogs Love To Chase Moving Objects

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:51:00 +0000

An Unexpected Attack

Last week, a 62-year-old man was running along a beach. Out of nowhere, two pitbulls chased him and nearly mauled him to death. If a neighbor hadn't intervened, by hitting the dogs with a baseball bat, he would have died. He was admitted to the hospital in a coma.

Because they attacked a human, the dogs shot on site, and the owner was cited with failure to own a proper license as well as failure to restrain each dog. How did this happen? Someone had left the gate open in their backyard.

What makes this story especially tragic was the owner, Jimmy Johnson, was forthcoming when the story broke. He was hoping that these weren't his dogs but his worst nightmare came true.

What Drives Dogs To Chase Objects In Motion

This story is terrifying for all parties involved. It's a situation where all dog owners should be proactive. I couldn't help but wonder what drives them to chase people and other moving objects. All it takes is for a dog to chase a car and get hit. There isn't just one reason but many. Here are some.

They are protecting their territory.

Many dogs feel that their job is to keep watch over their home. A home with a fenced-in yard is practically a requirement for dog owners because it's easy for a dog to take off an running. They will stop at nothing to protect their territory and one of those ways is to chase intruders away.

They are intriguing.

Joggers and bicyclists are interesting to dogs. They are naturally curious and when they see a jogger running by they want to see what's happening.

They view it as prey.

Although dogs are domesticated, many have a natural prey drive. Whether it's a squirrel, rabbit or cat, many are inclined to want to chase them down. Seeing a person or fast moving object can easily trigger the prey drive, especially if the dog is a hunting breed. Dogs don't see this as work, but more as if it's sport.

Final Thoughts

Accidents happen. Not everything can be seen in black and white when it comes to dogs. Even though they are now domesticated, it's always important to remember that they will have a strong animal instinct that comes out from time to time. It's a reminder to owners that being a dog lover comes with an even stronger ability to anticipate these moments.

Let's Discuss!

What are some things that your dog loves to chase that you wish they wouldn't?

It's All Related!

Prey Of The Dog: Down Under
Rabbit Frenzy

I know it's been awhile since I've written a post. I'm in the middle of learning a new technology (Drupal). The process has taken more of my time than usual. Balancing it out with blogging has been quite a challenge but I just wanted to let you know that I will always be writing, just not as frequently. I appreciate your patience and if anyone has any comments or questions, leave them below.

The Unusual Surprise On New Year's Eve

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:39:00 +0000

Yesterday in the early evening, I was taking the three dogs out for a long walk. They love the exercise and it's a great energy release for them. When I was just short of the halfway point, I heard a noise similar to a firecracker. It was this noise that stopped Homer in his tracks and made a beeline to come straight back home.

So we had walked quite a bit and were leisurely heading back. Within a block of my house, I heard a "Pop, pop, pop" sound that made Homer want to amp up the speed. One of the things I forget to do is not to coddle him. When you do that when a dog has a challenging situation, it actually reinforces the reactions as good instead of comforting him.

The Source Of The Noise

When I had explained the situation to my neighbor, he told me that the noises were gun shots. I was floored. I never really have liked guns. While they may be a necessary evil to keep things in the world running smoothly, they are not a necessity to live your everyday life.

While it's great that this country's constitution gives us the right to bear arms, I can never understand firing one's gun into the air just to do it. Too many times we hear about how a bullet ricochets and kills an innocent bystander. My neighbor also informed me that he found two bullets lodged in his roof. One he was able to remove and the other he wasn't.

I'm all for celebrating the new year to the fullest. But I think that many of use can go without the gunshots that follow. I know that Homer would agree with me.

Let's Discuss!

What are your thoughts on this? Have you ever felt that people overdo it when it comes to guns?

It's All Related

Anxiety Under Pressure
One Little Firecracker
The Newest Member Of The Crew

2012 Calendars

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:40:00 +0000

Hi Everyone! It's hard to believe that this year has almost come to an end. I created a set of calendars this year and did a similar set for 2012.

Any feedback is appreciated. You can download the appropriate sizes below.

Monitors

640px X 480px
800px X 600px
1024px X 768px
1152px X 864px
1280px X 1024px

Widescreen Monitors

1280px X 768px
1280px X 800px
1366px X 768px
1440px X 900px
1680px X 1050px
1920px X 1080px
1920px X 1200px

Great Last-Minute Gifts For Your Pooch

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:05:00 +0000

The holidays can be hectic these days. Dogs have become more important when it comes to shopping. All of the gifts below are available at brick and mortar stores in the US. A few of the stores like PetsMart are located in Canada too. With only a few days left, here are a some ideas for the dog lover and dog in your life:

Boneheads Rain Coat, from Petco

Many raincoats cover the top of a dog but not the bottom. This coat by Boneheads has pretty good coverage by having thick velcro straps around the neck and across the chest.

Luv-A-Pet Christmas Ornaments from PetSmart

These ornaments are available for dog or cat lovers and are great stocking stuffers at only $3.00 each (on sale).

The Dog Whisperer by Paul Owens from Barnes and Noble

This is one of the best books on dog training out there. The other stresses non-violent training which focuses on using positive reinforcement. There is also a gift bundle which includes his other book, Good Habits for Great Dogs. You can find the original book for about $10 USD and the bundle for around $25 USD.

Little Gifts Luggage Tags from Petsmart

These tags are ideal for the pet-loving traveler in your life. They come in variety of tags including: Cat, Chihuahua, Daschund, Labrador, Pug, Schnauzer, Shi Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier. They sell for $7.99 USD on sale.

No Outfit Is Complete Without Doghair t-shirt from PetSmart

This is one of five t-shirts by Life is Ruff with an assortment of colors and funny statements. They cost about $18.00 USD.

This is just a short list of stuff to help you if time has crept up too fast. I wish you all much happiness this holiday season.

Let's Discuss!

Have you finished your holiday shopping this season?

It's All Related!

More Last Minute Christmas Gifts
Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Home 4 The Holidays Tweets Results

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Last month, Too Kool Doggies readers participated in Home 4 The Holiday Meal Drive. Most of the meal drive happened on Twitter and I'm happy to share the results on Twitter.

As a result there were 61 tweets shared over the holiday weekend which fed over 610 pets. To date, over 3,000,000 bowls of food have been donated to the cause, and with just under a month to go, they may reach their goal.

Below is a special widget that keeps track of Home 4 The Holidays' progress.

We all hope to reach every goal we set. If you would like to support Home 4 The Holidays, please visit the Facebook page. Every like helps to feed more pets. Also, you can view their website.

If a customer buys a specially marked bag of Iams dog food, a meal will be donated to a local dog shelter. Even better news is that if you adopted a pet during the season, you qualify for a $35 dollar rebate.

Let's Discuss!

How has the Home 4 The Holidays campaign touched your life?

It's All Related

Home 4 The Holidays Reaches A New Milestone

The Importance Of Good Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Homer with my summer sandals.

Hello Everyone!

I know it's been awhile since my last post. This past semester was really demanding considering that I had classes that were extremely time-consuming. When you combine that with work, it makes it trickier to blog consistently. Anyhow, I'm glad to be back and have missed you much.

The Moment Of Realization

Many times, we take good shoes for granted. A few weeks ago, I had the opposite reaction when I had sharp pains after wearing the new shoes I recently bought a couple of weeks ago. They weren't anything fancy, just a decent pair of Nikes that I bought for everyday wear and walking the dogs that I do.

So what was wrong with them? They were made with no arch support. Usually, when I buy gym shoes, I've never ran into that problem, however since I was looking more at side support first, that totally evaded me.

What then happened is I found my left foot hurting, with sharp throbs of pain going through it. Since I hadn't kept the receipt long enough, I decided to pick up insoles from Target. After the first day, both my feet were sore. After a few days the pain subsided.

Facts About Foot Pain

When you're walking a dog, there's nothing like shoes with good support. Walking puts up to 1.5 times one's bodyweight on the foot. The average person will walk 1,000 miles (1,609 km)in a year's time.

What To Look For

Whenever buying shoes for lots of walking one should:

Find a shoe built solidly with arch and side support. You can find one for a reasonable price but watch out for lower quality shoes.
Make sure it fits your foot. Nothing should be squeezed or poked. Even in the same size, two pairs of shoes will fit differently on your foot.
Can they be waterproofed? Some shoes are pre-treated and others will need a spray. There's nothing worse than getting wet because water soaks through your shoes.
If you do lots of walking, look for a shoe that's lightweight. Running or walking shoes are ideal since they are made for that reason. The last thing a runner wants is a heavy shoe. Walking shoes are really popular because of walking's increased popularity as exercise.

With a little time and dedication, you're feet will stay in good condition and remain pain free.

Let's Discuss!

Do you have any stories of unfortunate shoes or what you look for in a great shoe?

It's All Related

The Benefits of Walking Your Dog Pt.1
The Benefits of Walking Your Dog Pt. 2
http://tookooldoggies.blogspot.com/2009/07/take-hike.html

41 Beagles Saved From Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Photo: Andy Holzman

Yesterday, I saw a story on the news about 72 beagles being saved because an animal research lab was closing in Spain. All I could think of was there were all these dogs like my Homer out there who were suffering.

Luckily, the Beagle Freedom Project was able to bring 41 of these dogs home on Thanksgiving. Shannon Keith, the president of the organization maxed out her credit cards to make this trip possible. Currently 16 of the 41 beagles are staying temporarily at her LA home. The The other 31 dogs were adopted out in Europe.

It is believed that these dogs were being used to test for human drugs. Beagles are frequently chosen as test subjects because of their calmness and docility. The age of these beagles is between 4 to 7 years old.

The dogs have never seen anything but the inside of a crate. Now, as they wait to be fostered and/or adopted, they are in pens where they can move freely. Many got the chance to feel grace under the feet for the first time in their life.

Many of the dogs were given celebrity names like Tom Hanks and Sylvester Stallone since they were headed to LA. They seemed to have settled into their surroundings just fine.

How You Can Help

Originally, the Beagle Freedom Project started in December 2010 when a research lab from California gave Beagles their shot at freedom. It's been going strong ever since.

There are still beagles out there who are looking for a foster home or a forever home. The group also accepts donations. At the end of the year, their 2012 calendar will be coming out too.

Let's Discuss!

Have you known a dog that was rescued from a research lab?

Pit Bull Nation
Why Not Draw The Dog
Leaving On A Jet Plane
Home For The Holidays
One Day Can Make A Difference

Pit Bull Nation

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Pit Bull Nation

Pit Bulls are dogs that are constantly under the eye of scrutiny. Articles like this one show the typical attitude of the media when it comes to this breed. It’s a shame too because most times, the reader gets only half the story. I’ve been a long-time advocate of this breed because they have been so unfairly judged. When I was asked to review Pit Bull Nation by Cindy Marabito, I jumped at the chance.

Book Review

One of the biggest misconceptions is that many people think this breed of dogs are monsters. This book helps to dispel that myth. It’s a collection of stories that narrate one women’s journey from being a steadfast animal lover to a fearless animal crusader.

The book begins in 1995 when Cindy Marabito and her husband Scott move from Texas to Northern California. While they are settling in to their new life there, Cindy becomes a volunteer at the CCACC (Coastal County Animal Care and Control). Known for its strong reputation, we are taken on an eye-opening journey through the author’s time there while volunteering. At first, Cindy was afraid to even be in the breed’s presence, but after working at the shelter for awhile, she discovered aspects of this special breed never fully realized.

In order to help save more of these incredible dogs, she founded Round Up Rescue in 1998. The book shows how starting a non-profit is no easy task. Each victory is offset by a setback. If I were to use one word to describe this book, it would have to be honesty. It’s an informative and
passionate view into the world of shelters and rescue groups.

We meet such lively and memorable dogs. One of which was named Mookie wound up choosing them and always sat by their door until his negligent owners decided to give him to them. Another was named Martha who loved to play with tennis balls. Many other dogs like Junior, Girl, Pip and Arthur have unique and remarkable stories that stay with you after the book is finished.

Photo: 123RF Stock Photos

There are many stories that have fantastic outcomes. Yet, like life, not every one of these has a fairy tale ending. This book shows how the more important a situation is, the more power and politics come into play. We learn how rescue groups originate and the difficult battles they endure every day to save dogs who otherwise would be euthanized.

I highly recommend this book. If you are a dog lover or have been curious about the pit bull mystique, this book is a must-read. However, because the stories are real some of them may be hard to handle for the faint-hearted dog fans. Still, the message from the author is powerful. She has such a passion for saving animals it’s incredible and shines through.

You can learn more about Cindy and her rescue group through the following websites:
Pit Bull Nation Website (Every book purchase goes towards building the best shelter possible for Reunion Rescue)
Reunion Rescue Facebook Page
Amazon Link

Let’s Discuss!

What are your thoughts on this breed? How has a pit bull touched your life?

The Misunderstood Pit Bull
Buster
One Good Dog
Grandma Files Petition Against Pit Bulls After Grandson Adopts Them
National Pit Bull Awareness Day
The Lost Dogs

Home 4 The Holiday Hits A New Milestone

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:43:00 +0000

Photo Resource: 123RF Stock Photos

Each year, over eight million animals are found homeless. Half of those animals wind up being euthanized.

Some of you may remember the Home 4 The Holiday blog posts from last year. Well, IAMS is back helping pets to find new homes again this year. Their goal is to have 1.5 million animals be placed permanently and give out 5,000,000 bowls of food to shelters in need. Since October 1st, over 413,000 animals have been adopted, as you can see below.

Home 4 The Holidays	Stats
Dog/Puppy	214,741
Cat/Kitten	190,484
Other Animal Adoptions	8,678
Total adoptions so far:	413,903
Total meals donated so far:/td>	1,525,920

They've been going strong in helping animals find forever homes and recently hit a new milestone. On Friday November 19, over 6,000,000 animals have found a new home!.

Help Animals This Holiday Season!

I'm very excited to announce that Too Kool Doggies is doing a special joint promotion with Home 4 the Holidays on Twitter. If you're on Twitter, you can feed hungry animals by just typing a few characters. Each tweet that includes @Iams and #TKD4Shelters in their tweet will give 10 meals to shelters. This will be happening from Tuesday, November 22nd to Tuesday, November 29.

If you're not on Twitter but still would like to help, you can also create a special holiday card through the Iams Facebook page. Each time a person likes the Facebook page, comments on a post or photo, Iams will donate a free bowl of food.

Have you recently adopted a pet? You can spread the news and help animals at the same time. Use the Iams Card Creator to create a special announcement and Iams will donate bowls of food for each card created.

Let's Discuss!

Are you bringing a pet home this holiday season? What do you love most about this program?

Home For The Holidays
A Rescue's Christmas Poem
2010 Home For The Holidays Results
One Day Can Make A Difference

*Special Thanks to Chad Darwin of Citizen Payne for making this possible.

Adventures In Doggy Day Care

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 03:23:00 +0000

Dogs are great pets, but sometimes, it's hard to fit them into our day to day routine. Most of us have to work, and many times, dogs aren't allowed in the workplace.

Ever since I've been working a contract position full-time, I've been taking Homer — and in some cases all three dogs — to doggy day care. The main reason I started, was the fact that Homer has such extreme separation anxiety issues when all of the dogs were left home alone. Homer would bust through the baby gates into the area of our house that we had sectioned off. His only way to cope was to run around, even if it meant going to areas of the house that were off-limits.

While the Thundershirt worked pretty well, it got to the point that whenever Homer saw it he would run and hide. Why? Because any time I'd take it out, he'd associate it with being home without humans.

That being said, the Thundershirt is a great product but in order for me to have it work in the best way possible, I have to start putting it on Homer on times where there's someone at home, to desensitize the situation for him.

A New Routine

Because my time has been limited, I decided to try out doggy day care as an option. I called the daycare center to learn about their program. After taking Homer the first day when I was most concerned, I received no phone calls at work. Instead I called the center more than once because I was uncertain of Homer's actions toward other dogs. To my surprise, I was told that Homer was being a good boy and if that he started misbehaving, I would have been called. Many times while I was walking him on leash, his encounters with other dogs would be unpredictable.

When I came to pick up Homer that day, I was relieved to hear that he had a good day. He of course was elated to see me, yelping cries of joy. When we got home, he was pretty tuckered out and mellow.

After a couple more daycare sessions, I noticed a change in Homer on our walks. When we would come in close proximity to other dogs, he didn't feel the need to challenge them. His reaction was more like I want to say hello and be your friend. It was apparent that doing day care was an ideal solution for weekdays when everyone in the house had lots to do.

A Recent Discovery

Probably what surprised me the most about my dogs at day care was the reaction of my oldest dog Cookie. I had forgotten that Cookie hadn't been crated in a long time. I had let the center know that she had past injuries and to be careful when handling her.

Since it was her first day, I called the center again just like I did with Homer. The lady told me that Cookie let out a horrendous cry when they tried to put her in the crate. (The dogs are crated for a short time before their play session would begin at 9am). Instead, Cookie was staying with one of the workers while he did his tasks and they kept her separate from other dogs.

I then told the center that Cookie would be fine with other dogs, she just doesn't like being crated. Cookie has always been a good girl, we never really had to crate her since she way past her puppy stage when we brought her home. The center worker agreed to mix her with the other dogs, and I checked in later. She then told me everything was fine.

Positive Results

I think that doggy day care is an excellent alternative for handling their schedules on days one needs to work long hours. Here are some of the benefits:

They get socialized with other dogs in a neutral territory.
A full day at day care will tire out your pooch. It's a great release for excess energy.
You know that someone will be there looking after them. They are experienced in handling dogs and will make a dog's stay as comfortable as possible.
The cost is pretty reasonable. While taking your dog every day may add up, taking them occasionally is the price equivalent of two walks.

Some important features to look for in a good dog daycare business are:

It's important that the place is clean. Most day care centers will have a doggy odor smell but that's a given considering so many dogs are staying in one area. It's common to see them constantly wiping up accidents with a mop and pail nearby.
The way the employees treat their customers. I'm far more likely to take my dogs to a place where the employees are glad to see my dog instead of acting like everything is routine. While taking care of dogs isn't the most glamourous job in the world, people who choose to work with dogs, do it because they love it. A dog owner shouldn't settle for less.
Find a place that has ample space. All doggy day care places are not alike. Some places segment their areas and the dogs are kept confined most of the day. A good daycare establishment will have access to indoor and outdoor spaces.

Other Alternatives

While most big cities have dog daycare centers, smaller cities and towns may be more limited with this option. Other alternatives may be hiring a dog sitter or dog walker, having your dog as an outside dog during the day or leaving him with a close friend or relative during the day.

Let's Discuss!

How do you balance work and life with dogs?

Thundershirt Review
Anxiety Under Pressure
The World Of Petsitting
How I Found A Dog Walker On Short Notice

Halloween Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000

It's hard to believe that Halloween is already here. Last week, I took the dogs to a Halloween party. Cookie dressed up as a pumpkin. Gigi was a rabbit and Homer was a prisoner. Why a prisoner? Well, because he's the king of busting loose.

It's been awhile since I've last posted. It's been a little hectic because of school and work projects, but I am hoping to have more posts once I'm up to speed with everything.

Below are some pictures from the Halloween party. I hope you all have a very happy Halloween.

A puggle dressed as a bumble bee.

Dogs in an obedience contest.

Homer The Prisoner

It's the Great Pumpkin! Cookie.

Also, I've a couple of tips to keep your Halloween safe and happy:

Exercise your dogs before you expect trick or treaters. A good walk will help unleash any excessive energy and keep their barking at a reasonable level.
Keep them away from any halloween candy. Chocolate can be toxic for dogs and their bodies are not meant to consume candy.

More Information For Safe Pets

Oregon Live
Patch.com

Let's Discuss!

How do you and your pets plan to celebrate Halloween?

Halloween Parade

A Little Faith Can Go A Long Way

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 05:44:00 +0000

Earlier Today, I came across this story. It's about a small puppy named Jax.

This is a great story with a happy ending.

We got him on Saturday August 6th. The following day,my girlfriend had to leave for New York. That same morning, he began vomiting and diarrhea. I took him to the emergency clinic, and he tested positive for parvo and a few other things. He weighed 15 pounds that day. The vet wanted $2400 to treat him for 6 days and gave him a 50/50 chance of survival. He recommended putting him down. I called my friend that owns his own veterinarian clinic and he recommended the same thing. I phoned the people who we purchased the puppy from and they said they would give me my money back if I returned him and they will put him down.

I decided that I might as well try to save him regardless of what they all said. I took care of him that day by squirting pedialyte in him (orally and enema) every 15 minutes, day and night! The following day was a Monday and I took my week of vacation from work.

Find Out How This Ends Here

Let's Discuss!

Have you ever had a puppy like Jax?

Website Of The Week

Get To Know Angie Ketelhut

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Painting of Caeden and the Seattle skyline - Angie Ketelhut

I'm always in awe when I see different works of art. It's one thing to visualize a picture but another to stand in front of them in admiration. I am happy to welcome Angie Ketelhut, a portrait artist that paints animal and people portraits. However, she's especially is known for her dog portraits. I've seen many of Angie's works on one of the social media networks, and they have a whimsical and playful look that really distinguishes them from other paintings.

Dog and the City

It's great that Angie was able to drop in and shoot the breeze. Below, is my Q and A session with her.

How did you start out in the art world?
I've been creating art for as long as I can remember. Growing up in unpredictable environment as a child, creating art and spending quality time with pets were my stability and my happy place when things were tough. I won an artist mentorship scholarship in high school and began to grow more confidence as an artist at that time.

What is most rewarding about your profession?
The end result. The emotions felt and expressed by clients when they receive their portraits. There is nothing in the world like witnessing their genuine happiness and excitement of having captured their beloved pet personality on canvas. It brings me much joy.

What do you find most challenging?
The rollercoaster ride where I can be extremely busy or can be slow. Also, meeting deadlines such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc. I try my very best to accommodate these requests and sometimes it can be cutting things very close, depending on my workload and how much time I have to complete the portraits.

Dog on the Beach

How has the internet impacted your business?
It has made it possible for me to have a business. I am very grateful for the invention of the internet.

How long does it take for a single portrait to be completed?
Normal turnaround time from sketch to finish is 3-4 weeks, depending on my workload and waiting list.

Who are the artists that inspire you?
I'm inspired by Toulouse Lautrec, Chagall, Van Gogh, Grandma Moses, and Frida Kahlo.

Four Friends On The Beach

What advice would you give to young artists who hope to break into your profession?
Follow your intuition. If this is something you truly love to do, develop your own unique style and keep at it. Be realistic for potential challenges along the road ahead. Donate your time and talent when you can. Spend time with and around people who are supportive and lift your spirits up. Continue to learn about pets and grow from people and experiences.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
It would be on the Greek Island of Hydra.

Photo of Hydra from Hydra Island's Official Website

What things or hobbies do you do when it's time to recharge?
I enjoy walks and playtime with my dog (and now baby boy) under the big blue sky, reading a good book, sipping a latte or cup of tea, taking a short roadtrip to a different part of the city, and lunch or dinner with friends. I also relax by sketching and writing.

Boston Terrier With A New Friend

How did your dog become part of your household?
He was a very special gift from my husband.

What type of personality does Fatsa have? Is he really energetic or very laid back?
He's a little bit of both. At home with just me, he is laid back unless company arrives. Then he is quite energetic. He is a very playful bubbly little guy around several people.

How do you balance being a pet owner with work?
It's challenging at times but I always make time for little Fatsa. I take breaks throughout the day to take him for a walk, play, or just to give him a few pats & back scratchies.

What does your dog do when you're busy at work?
He naps in his cozy place nearby burrowed under his comfy warm blankets.

The Tub Time Trio

What kind of food does your dog like to eat?
He has food allergies so unfortunately has a very limited diet. We have only found one type of dog food he can eat without having tummy issues.

What does he like to do for exercise?
He loves to play tug o war and fetch. Also, he loves to run while carrying his leash in his mouth.

What's the most unique quality about Fatsa?
He's very chatty. If on a walk, he will bark at everyone (dogs, cats, people) on the other side of the street as he walks. It is almost like he is greeting everyone and having a little chat about the weather, day, etc...

What do you like most about the social media world?
The opportunity to meet and connect with many kind hearted & inspiring people from all over the world. One can learn something about something from each and every person.

Angie grew up in the Midwest, USA. Her childhood was a bumpy one, with a series of challenges to overcome. Pets and creating art were a steady source of comfort and solace from the very beginning of her life & remained with her throughout uncertain times. With her expressive painting style and use of vibrant colors, she strives to capture individual pet personalities and honor the furry friends who bring so much joy & happiness to our lives. Angie has sold her work nationally and internationally. She offers custom portraiture through her website Art By Angie.
She now resides just outside of Seattle, WA with her husband, son, and bubbly Boston Terrier, Fatsa.
Thank you Angie for taking the time to chat and share with us some of your beautiful works.

You can learn more about Angie through these websites:

Angie Ketelhuts's Website
Pet Portraits By Angie - Facebook Page
Angie's Art Gallery On Facebook

Let's Discuss!

Please feel free to share any comments or questions for Angie in our comments section.

The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge National Finals

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 03:41:00 +0000

Vhoebe, reaches new lengths in the Dock Diving Challenge.

On October 1st, Purina held its Incredible Dog Challenge in Gray's Summit, Missouri. Dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages competed in different challenges like hurdles, agility, weave pole racing and dock diving.

One dog really rose to the occasion. Vhoebe, a Belgian Malinois owned by Lisa Strum, broke a world record in dock diving. Jumping a total distance of 31 feet 8 inches, she surpassed the rest of the competition and is now in the record books.

Below are some more pictures from the event. All pictures for this post are courtesy of the Incredible Dog Challenge.

Bracken, a border collie owned by Diane Allen, zooms through the 30 weave pole challenge

Shunsuke Hirai, and his Border Collie, Shack, compete in the Incredible Freestyle Flying Disc competition

Let's Discuss!

Have you ever seen the Incredible Dog Challenge in person? What's your favorite event?

An Incredible Dog That Set The World Record

Score Big On Dog Nutrition

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:55:00 +0000

Pet nutrition is becoming more important these days. A strong knowledge of what's good for your pet can really make a difference in it's quality of life.

That's why the makers of Ideal Balance have put out a great quiz to test your skills. Just visit the PetMd website and try it out for yourself.

Just visit their website. Each participant will receive a rebate on Hill's Science Diet Ideal Balance dog food to celebrate Pet Nutrition Month. What's even better is that four lucky quiz takers will win a $2500 USD gift card from selected pet retailers.

Take the test here!

Let's Discuss!

What's your most valuable nutrition tip?

Thank You Hewlett Packard

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:19:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

I can't believe we're already in October!I know it's been quite awhile since my last post, so I wanted this post to be special. One
day, when I was having lunch at my neighbor's house, I had left my flash drive on the coffee table. The videos below show the rest. Enjoy.
:)

Thank You HP, Part I from Elena Papastefan on Vimeo.

Thank You HP, Part I

Part II

Hope you all are having a great weekend.

Let's Discuss!

What precious possession has your dog chewed lately?

It's Relative!

Thank You Kingston
Chloe Tests The iPad

A Tradition That Needed To End

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:05:00 +0000

People love traditions. They love to celebrate a special event. These celebrations can go on for hundreds of years. Such is the case of a longtime festival held in Qianxi.

Known for the origin of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), folklore said that Zhu Yuanzhang and his troops killed the dogs of their opponents so that their barks would not warn them. As part of the victory, they feasted on the meat of the dogs that were slaughtered.

Each year, residents of this area celebrate by eating dog meat. However, after some people questioned if the dog meat was safe to eat, dogs were butchered out in public to show they were safe. Dogs had been killed and then skinned on site.

Online outcry called upon the government to stop this cruelty towards dogs. Many people and After overwhelming pressure, the government gave in and this is the first year dog eating has been banned from the festival. This is a great illustration of how powerful online communication has become.

Let's Discuss

Please share your thoughts about this below. I never could imagine dogs as cuisine and hope this trend ends in Asian countries.

Finding The Right Balance

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:04:00 +0000

When you're a dog owner, there are times that you wonder if your dog is getting the right mixture of nutrition in his dog food. Dogs can eat almost anything, and with the increased rate of obesity in our country, it's important to know the nutritional value of what we are feeding them.

Over 69% of Americans have difficulty giving their dog optimal nutrition. It usually isn't balanced enough.Two companies, Hill's Science Diet and PetMD have teamed up to inform dog owners about giving their dogs the right mixture of food. It's called "MyBowl".

What's MyBowl

MyBowl is an interactive educational tool to inform dog owners about the correct combination of nutrients dogs receive. All dogs should have the following as part of their diet:

Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats and/or oils
Vitamins and minerals

Carbohydrates help regulate the digestive system by keeping the sugar levels even and giving your dog the burst of energy needed to get through the day. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that isn't digestible but will help your dog feel full and not want to overeat. Both types of carbohydrates are essential for your dog.

Protein helps maintain muscles and maintains growth. It's the first ingredient in most dog foods because it's a pure form of nutrition. It helps keep their bones strong.When you give an animal a protein like beef or chicken, it will be tasty and nutritious. Protein is a must for any dog food.

Photo: Pet MD

Fats and oils can be intimidating to most dog owners. Too much fat can put extra weight on your dog. However, they also provide energy, give your dog a shiny coat and help promote heart health. We all need a little bit of this to help stay in prime condition.

Vitamins and minerals are important for good health but also are needed in smaller quantities. Examples would be fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts.

Dog Food That Does The Thinking For You

Hill's Science Diet has now created a new dog food called Ideal Balance. It contains just the right mix of the necessary nutrients to keep dogs at their best.

Good nutrition doesn't have to be complicated. With the new programs like the one at Pet MD and making sure that the dog food you buy meets the standards of the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) it's simpler than you think.

Let's Discuss!

What do you do to keep your pet healthy?

In Memory Of Laura

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Photo: Laura's Dad

Some of you may remember Laura. She was fighting an awful disease called hermangiosarcoma. Last week, she lost the battle.

Hemangiosarcoma is a rare cancer that usually isn't caught until it reaches the later stages. It is most commonly found in the spleen and affects the blood vessels. It is treated most often by surgery and a follow-up of chemotherapy. When diagnosed with this disease, if a dog lives longer than a year after the initial diagnosis, it's almost miraculous. Laura's family learned she had the disease on January 20th.

Laura and her family were determined to fight this disease in order to give her the best quality of life possible. They stayed on top of her treatment and even created a special diet to help combat the cancer.

While her time was limited, never did she falter in her courage and always trekked through the fight like a trooper. Laura helped bring awareness to a cancer that wasn't well-known. She handled the situation with grace and fortitude. She showed how life can throw obstacles in one's path but that you can still appreciate and love life wholeheartedly.

It's never easy to say goodbye, and even harder to say goodbye when your dog's condition is terminal. Although I never met Laura, I felt for her situation and cheered when she had her good days.

Her dad kept an awesome blog if you would like to learn more. My thoughts go out to Laura's family during this difficult time. She won't be forgotten.

Learn more

Laura's Blog
Laura's Struggle With Hemangiosarcoma

Happy Labor Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:47:00 +0000

Hi Friends!

Since it's a national holiday here in the States, I just wanted to post to wish you all a happy Labor Day. Now that school's started, along with work, it's become a little trickier to post as frequently. However, after next week, things should open up a little more.

In the meantime, you may enjoy a couple of the posts below. I hope you all have a great Labor Day.

Woman Saves Dog By Punching Bear On The Nose

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Photo: Michael Penn/Juneau Empire

It isn't every day that one finds their dog in the clutches of a black bear. Yet that's exactly what happened to 22-year-old Brooke Collins. This woman from Juneau, Alaska had her dogs outside in the yard, when a black bear came in and took her dachshund Fudge by her neck and was carrying her like a piece of salmon.

Without having much time to think, she remembered hearing that if you punch some animals on the nose, it can deter some animals and make them run off. Sure enough, after doing that, the bear became stunned and walked down the driveway.

The dog wasn't seriously injured aside from having some scratches and bite marks. She will be watching the wounds closely to ensure that there's no infection that arises from the incident.

While she wouldn't do something like that again, she felt that she had to act quickly to save her dog. Her other dog, a Pomeranian was unharmed.

Not A Rare Occurrence

It seems that bears are becoming more commonplace and less fearful of humans up in Alaska. To date, there have been at least five bears wandering the neighborhoods scavenging through trash cans for food. It is a growing problem that dog owners have to face.

Collins said the whole experience of a physical encounter shook her up, calling the whole thing an eye-opener. She said she’ll be taking a lot more caution from now on and definitely won’t be approaching neighborhood bears.

Let's Discuss!

Have you ever witnessed such an incident up close?

When A Pooch Goes Poof!

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000

It seems these days that more and more dogs are being kidnapped. One of the main reasons this is happening is the bad economy. Thieves who grab dogs can't afford to buy one of their own, so they will steal one so their kids can have a pet.

Many will kidnap breeds like Yorkshire Terriers or Pomeranians because their smaller size make it easier to pull off. They can sell them for a higher price and make a profit. Others will hold on to the dog until an owner puts out a reward sign and then wait until the reward goes up in price.

In the first seven months of 2010, there were 150 pets stolen from homes. This year there has been 224 thefts. That's an increase of 49M% from last year. Nothing is more precious than life and those who snatch family pets have little regard for that fact. They're opportunists who profit off another person's misery.

Tips On How To Avoid This

There are some steps dog owners can take to keep their pets safe.

If your dog is a pedigree, don't discuss the details about how much was spent. A savvy thief will latch on to that key piece of information and could target that person
Be wary of classified or internet ads. Many thieves will try to unload stolen pets that way. It's better to find them through a shelter or rescue group.
Keep your dog on the leash when walking it. If you do walk your dog off-leash, be sure that your dog remains in close proximity and very responsive to your commands.
When at the dog park, always keep an eye on your dog. It's easy to get caught up in conversation with other owners and lose track of your dog.
Make sure your dog is microchipped and has proper identification. With a microchip, if a dog gets away from its kidnapper, it will be easier to find his home. Likewise if your dog wears an id tag.

Even though stolen dogs are becoming more of a problem these days, with a little extra care and cautiousness, you'll be able to safeguard your pet.

Let's Discuss!

What are some ways you keep your pet safe?

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Let's Discuss!

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An Unexpected Attack

What Drives Dogs To Chase Objects In Motion

They are protecting their territory.

They are intriguing.

They view it as prey.

Final Thoughts

Let's Discuss!

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Great Last-Minute Gifts For Your Pooch

Boneheads Rain Coat, from Petco

Luv-A-Pet Christmas Ornaments from PetSmart

The Dog Whisperer by Paul Owens from Barnes and Noble

Little Gifts Luggage Tags from Petsmart

No Outfit Is Complete Without Doghair t-shirt from PetSmart

Let's Discuss!

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Homer with my summer sandals.

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Let's Discuss!

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Photo: Andy Holzman

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Get To Know Angie Ketelhut