I truly don't have much time this morning I have to run very shortly. I have to go to a full day seminar on fundraising on behalf of a local charity I am involved with. The dogs will not be happy when I arrive home late tonight. I have to meet a friend for a concert at five this evening. This is the first time I will have left them alone for this length of time, and now I am wondering if it is such a good idea. Then I realize, I am projecting my human emotions onto my dogs. They are going to react the same way when I return home whether I am gone for five minutes or five hours. Time means nothing to a dog!
They will lounge about the house chew on their bones and take naps on the furniture. They know I will return because I always do. Sure someone may get into the garbage and someone else may have an accident on the floor, but for the most part they will be just fine.
April 30, 2010
April 29, 2010
RESCUED: Through the eyes of a six pound poodle.
Hello Everydoggie!
My name is Pebbles. I am five years old. I am a six..no wait seven pound (I gained a whole pound since I got here! Can you believe it? Time to sign up for doggie pilates!) anyway, I am a little white Toy Poodle. I was born in the home of a BYB* who did not believe in taking his dogs to the dogtor! He cropped my tail with a round stretchy thing my human Mom says is called a rubber band. He wrapped the rubber band around my tail so tight it made it fall right off! Can you believe it?!?! I was very scared of the man. One day a human lady came and took me home with her. I was afraid to go and leave my brothers and sisters. What would happen to them? Oh my goodness! What was going to happen to me?
I tried to hide behind the lady when the man got mad at me, but the lady wasn't always there to hide behind. Sometimes the man kicked me when she wasn't there. It hurt and I would run and hide behind the couch where the man couldn't see me. I would stay there until the lady came back but I was a very scared little doggie. I used to shake all the time. One day the lady went away, and I hid behind the couch for a very long time. When the lady came back she brought a girl puppy of her own with her. Things were good then because the lady stayed at home all the time and the man stopped kicking me. Soon the lady brought home another puppy, this time a boy. Everything was fine again, for a while, then the boy puppy grew up and he started to kick me! He even kicked me down the stairs. The lady tried to make him stop, but he kept kicking me. He was a bad puppy who didn't listen to his mother.
I was a very sad doggie because I always hurt and no one loved me. Then one day a lady I had never seen before came to my lady's house. She didn't look at me or make a fuss and scare me the way people usually do. I ran up to her and jumped on her leg. "Hello Pebbles" she said, but she didn't touch me. This was interesting, I pawed at her leg. She ignored me! My lady went into the house and came out again with my bed and my bowl in a bag. She gave the bag to the new lady. The new lady took it and then my lady handed her my leash. What was this? The new lady bent down and clipped my leash to my little pink collar. "Are you ready to go home Pebbles?" she asked me. I wasn't afraid. For the first time in my life, I left that backyard. I wasn't scared of the world on the other side of the fence anymore, it was where the new lady had come from. I trusted the new lady who is now my Mom.
I didn't know it when I left the yard, but my new Mom has lots of dogs just like me! There is even a little boy dog named Hercules who looks just like me, he's a toy poodle too! Diva, she's my best friend. We run and play together all the time, she's something called a Shih Tzu. They come from China you know, Mom calls Diva her little foreign boarder. Mom calls me Princess, and she took me to something called a furdresser for a doggie makeover (we even did blogs with before and after photo spreads and everything!). I have my own bed right beside Mom's big bed and I get brushed every day. Me and all the other little dogs have breakfast with Mom every morning. The big dogs have their breakfast in the other room. I don't know why they can't eat with us but Mom says it is important to have rules at meal time. I think it is just because Mom thinks that some days the big dogs are so hungry they might eat us tiny guys by mistake!
We go outside lots during the day and run around in the big yard and play. Sometimes I stay on the porch with Mom and watch the other dogs run and run. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I am not afraid anymore! Mom loves me and she will take good care of me.
I am Pebbles. I am a good dog, and I am home!
My name is Pebbles. I am five years old. I am a six..no wait seven pound (I gained a whole pound since I got here! Can you believe it? Time to sign up for doggie pilates!) anyway, I am a little white Toy Poodle. I was born in the home of a BYB* who did not believe in taking his dogs to the dogtor! He cropped my tail with a round stretchy thing my human Mom says is called a rubber band. He wrapped the rubber band around my tail so tight it made it fall right off! Can you believe it?!?! I was very scared of the man. One day a human lady came and took me home with her. I was afraid to go and leave my brothers and sisters. What would happen to them? Oh my goodness! What was going to happen to me?
I tried to hide behind the lady when the man got mad at me, but the lady wasn't always there to hide behind. Sometimes the man kicked me when she wasn't there. It hurt and I would run and hide behind the couch where the man couldn't see me. I would stay there until the lady came back but I was a very scared little doggie. I used to shake all the time. One day the lady went away, and I hid behind the couch for a very long time. When the lady came back she brought a girl puppy of her own with her. Things were good then because the lady stayed at home all the time and the man stopped kicking me. Soon the lady brought home another puppy, this time a boy. Everything was fine again, for a while, then the boy puppy grew up and he started to kick me! He even kicked me down the stairs. The lady tried to make him stop, but he kept kicking me. He was a bad puppy who didn't listen to his mother.
I was a very sad doggie because I always hurt and no one loved me. Then one day a lady I had never seen before came to my lady's house. She didn't look at me or make a fuss and scare me the way people usually do. I ran up to her and jumped on her leg. "Hello Pebbles" she said, but she didn't touch me. This was interesting, I pawed at her leg. She ignored me! My lady went into the house and came out again with my bed and my bowl in a bag. She gave the bag to the new lady. The new lady took it and then my lady handed her my leash. What was this? The new lady bent down and clipped my leash to my little pink collar. "Are you ready to go home Pebbles?" she asked me. I wasn't afraid. For the first time in my life, I left that backyard. I wasn't scared of the world on the other side of the fence anymore, it was where the new lady had come from. I trusted the new lady who is now my Mom.
I didn't know it when I left the yard, but my new Mom has lots of dogs just like me! There is even a little boy dog named Hercules who looks just like me, he's a toy poodle too! Diva, she's my best friend. We run and play together all the time, she's something called a Shih Tzu. They come from China you know, Mom calls Diva her little foreign boarder. Mom calls me Princess, and she took me to something called a furdresser for a doggie makeover (we even did blogs with before and after photo spreads and everything!). I have my own bed right beside Mom's big bed and I get brushed every day. Me and all the other little dogs have breakfast with Mom every morning. The big dogs have their breakfast in the other room. I don't know why they can't eat with us but Mom says it is important to have rules at meal time. I think it is just because Mom thinks that some days the big dogs are so hungry they might eat us tiny guys by mistake!
We go outside lots during the day and run around in the big yard and play. Sometimes I stay on the porch with Mom and watch the other dogs run and run. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I am not afraid anymore! Mom loves me and she will take good care of me.
I am Pebbles. I am a good dog, and I am home!
*BYB(back yard breeder; a person who owns dogs to breed them for profit. These people generally do not care about the animal just the money it's offspring can make them.)
April 27, 2010
Is Your Pet Protected?
Good morning y'all hope everything is great in your neck of the woods. The dogs are restless today. It is the day we start the yearly rounds of flea and tick prevention. I can not stress enough how important it is to protect your dog and cat from flea infestation. Fleas can cause severe skin conditions in pets, but they can also infest your home and become a serious problem. All pets should be protected for their sake and yours. There are many products on the market to help prevent flea and tick infestations on your animals. However I recommend seeing your vet for prescription flea medication.
Has your dog had their heartworm screening yet this season? Another thing that is very important to make sure and have done. Here in North America the mosquito is one of summers most annoying pests. But did you know that mosquito's can be deadly to your dog? They carry the heartworm virus. If your dog is bitten by a mosquito carrying this virus the result could be fatal. Take your dog to the vet for a checkup and while you are there make sure they do a heartworm screening. Your vet can also prescribe medications that when administered on a regular once a month basis can prevent heartworm in your pet.
Some vets will prescribe one medication to take care of both problems. This is what we use on the pack. It is easy to administer, and is only given once a month. It comes in a liquid form and is applied between the shoulder blades to the skin. Simply separate the dogs fur and squeeze the product onto the skin. We usually do this just before bed when the dogs are quiet as it is recommended that you not touch or pat your dog for 8 hours after applying. We bathe the dogs before administering the medication because they must not be bathed for at least a week after the dose is given. It's quick and easy and our dogs are protected from fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
Your pet is your best friend, don't you want to protect them from disease the same way you do your children? Make an appointment with your vet today and be safe rather than sorry.
Has your dog had their heartworm screening yet this season? Another thing that is very important to make sure and have done. Here in North America the mosquito is one of summers most annoying pests. But did you know that mosquito's can be deadly to your dog? They carry the heartworm virus. If your dog is bitten by a mosquito carrying this virus the result could be fatal. Take your dog to the vet for a checkup and while you are there make sure they do a heartworm screening. Your vet can also prescribe medications that when administered on a regular once a month basis can prevent heartworm in your pet.
Some vets will prescribe one medication to take care of both problems. This is what we use on the pack. It is easy to administer, and is only given once a month. It comes in a liquid form and is applied between the shoulder blades to the skin. Simply separate the dogs fur and squeeze the product onto the skin. We usually do this just before bed when the dogs are quiet as it is recommended that you not touch or pat your dog for 8 hours after applying. We bathe the dogs before administering the medication because they must not be bathed for at least a week after the dose is given. It's quick and easy and our dogs are protected from fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
Your pet is your best friend, don't you want to protect them from disease the same way you do your children? Make an appointment with your vet today and be safe rather than sorry.
April 24, 2010
The Rainbow Bridge (In Memory of Keci who got a second chance at life and loved it!)
Just this morning I was sending a note of condolence to an acquaintance in Europe. They had lost their dog, a rescue they had adopted 8 years ago. In sending them my condolences I included as I always do, the story of the Rainbow Bridge, I thought it might ease the pain of their grief a little.
Keci's story is here: http://blog.myletsadopt.com/2010/04/24/in-memory-of-keci/
It occurred to me that some of you may not know it, although I can't imagine in the internet age that that is so. However, on the slim chance that some animal lover out there has not heard it, here it is:
Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Keci's story is here: http://blog.myletsadopt.com/2010/04/24/in-memory-of-keci/
It occurred to me that some of you may not know it, although I can't imagine in the internet age that that is so. However, on the slim chance that some animal lover out there has not heard it, here it is:
Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
April 23, 2010
It's the Weekend and I Just Realized...
Hello Everyone! It's Friday, the end of the week, time to kick back and relax with the dogs. Plans are in the works to take giant puppy Samson on a visit to Petsmart. It is our favorite place to train our dogs to behave properly in a social setting. For my domestic readers, bear with me for a moment while I explain the Petsmart concept to my foreign friends overseas.
For those of you who read the above and are wondering what Petsmart is, picture a department store that carries everything you could possible want or need for your pet! You'll find food and treats, collars and leashes containment fencing, crates, cat litter... you get the picture. Best part of all? You can shop with your dog! Want to check out what Petsmart has to offer?
petsmart.ca
But back to Samson's Petsmart outing and why we like to take our dogs there to help socialize them. I don't know if anyone will agree with me but I like to socialize my dogs in a controlled environment where there are actions taking place that mimic what he/she will encounter outside of the home on a daily basis. Walking the aisles of this giant pet department store gives me this in an indoor environment that is more controlled. Shoppers (and their doggie companions) provide distractions that enable me to correct and train my dog to behave properly in a social environment. Once they learn to behave properly inside I can then be assured that no matter where I take my dogs, they will behave accordingly.
So first we will take Samson for a long walk to drain his energy. We want a low energy dog when trying to put Samson in a motor vehicle. He does not like to travel in cars yet. When you are 9 months old and weigh 85lbs. and aren't really old enough to have seen much of the world then everything is a big deal. So we drain Samson's energy so that he just follows along and getting into the car is not such a big deal. Trust me this works much better for everyone involved than trying to wrestle an 85lb puppy into a little metal box he doesn't want to be put in. To Samson my Tracker is just a big crate on wheels, and he does not like crates.
Once we have drained his energy and gotten him settled in the car we will drive him to Petsmart. Then we will just basicially deal with the outcome of a walk through the store. Samson is a gentle soul, he's loveable as hell, as long as I can stop him from jumping up to kiss every stranger he meets. I'll let you know what happened with Samson's Petsmart visit in Monday's blog post.
Other than the adventures at Petsmart, the rest of the weekend will be spent working around the house and playing with the dogs. That's the plan but as you all know that could change at a moment's notice.
You never know when we will have to drop everything to run and help another animal in distress. I am on a first name basis with my vet. When my husband goes to work people ask him questions about dog behavior. We used to get so frustrated that everyone always wanted us to take in the dogs they had found. No one was ever willing to foster them until I found them a home, or adopt them themselves. Everyone used to call us to ask us to take in the strays they had picked up. Now they call us to ask us how to help the ones they have taken in.
Hey! It's the weekend, and I just realized...we ARE making progress, and you can too, simply by choosing to make your next pet a rescue. Already have a rescued dog? Then think about getting him/her a friend and adopt a second rescue. Not ready for two dogs on a permanent basis? Step up and foster a dog that needs a temporary home. Get involved and change will come. Besides do you know what it feels like to save a life? I do. It is the most amazing feeling you could ever experience! And let me tell you something else,
For those of you who read the above and are wondering what Petsmart is, picture a department store that carries everything you could possible want or need for your pet! You'll find food and treats, collars and leashes containment fencing, crates, cat litter... you get the picture. Best part of all? You can shop with your dog! Want to check out what Petsmart has to offer?
petsmart.ca
But back to Samson's Petsmart outing and why we like to take our dogs there to help socialize them. I don't know if anyone will agree with me but I like to socialize my dogs in a controlled environment where there are actions taking place that mimic what he/she will encounter outside of the home on a daily basis. Walking the aisles of this giant pet department store gives me this in an indoor environment that is more controlled. Shoppers (and their doggie companions) provide distractions that enable me to correct and train my dog to behave properly in a social environment. Once they learn to behave properly inside I can then be assured that no matter where I take my dogs, they will behave accordingly.
So first we will take Samson for a long walk to drain his energy. We want a low energy dog when trying to put Samson in a motor vehicle. He does not like to travel in cars yet. When you are 9 months old and weigh 85lbs. and aren't really old enough to have seen much of the world then everything is a big deal. So we drain Samson's energy so that he just follows along and getting into the car is not such a big deal. Trust me this works much better for everyone involved than trying to wrestle an 85lb puppy into a little metal box he doesn't want to be put in. To Samson my Tracker is just a big crate on wheels, and he does not like crates.
Once we have drained his energy and gotten him settled in the car we will drive him to Petsmart. Then we will just basicially deal with the outcome of a walk through the store. Samson is a gentle soul, he's loveable as hell, as long as I can stop him from jumping up to kiss every stranger he meets. I'll let you know what happened with Samson's Petsmart visit in Monday's blog post.
Other than the adventures at Petsmart, the rest of the weekend will be spent working around the house and playing with the dogs. That's the plan but as you all know that could change at a moment's notice.
You never know when we will have to drop everything to run and help another animal in distress. I am on a first name basis with my vet. When my husband goes to work people ask him questions about dog behavior. We used to get so frustrated that everyone always wanted us to take in the dogs they had found. No one was ever willing to foster them until I found them a home, or adopt them themselves. Everyone used to call us to ask us to take in the strays they had picked up. Now they call us to ask us how to help the ones they have taken in.
Hey! It's the weekend, and I just realized...we ARE making progress, and you can too, simply by choosing to make your next pet a rescue. Already have a rescued dog? Then think about getting him/her a friend and adopt a second rescue. Not ready for two dogs on a permanent basis? Step up and foster a dog that needs a temporary home. Get involved and change will come. Besides do you know what it feels like to save a life? I do. It is the most amazing feeling you could ever experience! And let me tell you something else,
MY RESCUE DOG RESCUED ME!
April 22, 2010
Not the Right Home for Our Little Diva...
My last post was a while ago. Sorry about that I have been so busy with the new rescue I haven't had time for much else. Diva is still with us, and this is why. You all know how picky I can be when it comes to choosing a home for a dog. This time I thought I had the perfect home lined up for our little Diva. It would have been the perfect home too, if it weren't for one small detail. The prospective owner had lost her beloved poodle just three weeks prior to our adoption appointment. She met Diva and exclaimed how cute she was but lamented the fact that Diva was not a poodle. "Do you think perhaps you are not ready for another dog yet?" I asked her. She grudgingly admitted that "yes" it probably was too soon. She was trying to replace the dog she had lost with a new one. Not so uncommon when we lose a best friend. It leaves a hole in our heart we would give anything to fill if only to make the pain go away for even a moment. However, it is definitely not a good time to choose a new companion animal. I left that day with Diva riding shotgun as we pulled away from what could have been a wonderful home for her. Perhaps when she has finished mourning her beloved poodle this lady will be ready for Diva, but for now Diva shall remain here with us.
To anyone who has recently lost an animal friend. Take the time to mourn the one that is gone from your life, so that when the time comes you are ready to accept the next one who comes along for who they are.
To anyone who has recently lost an animal friend. Take the time to mourn the one that is gone from your life, so that when the time comes you are ready to accept the next one who comes along for who they are.
April 17, 2010
A New Home for Diva?
It is a bittersweet day for me. This morning Diva and I will be travelling a short distance out of town to visit with her prospective new owner. I am happy that we have finally found a candidate that meets all our requirments for becoming Diva's new owner, however this little girl has been here with us for over a year and with her big eyes and calm demeanor she has wormed her way into my heart as they always do. Should she not return home with me today I will miss her deeply. At times like this I have to keep reminding myself that I can not keep them all for life. I know that should this placement work out for her I will leave there today without Diva, and with tears in my eyes, but I also know that I will do so because it is best for Diva, and I will always do what is best for the animal.
I remember how this little dog clung to me when she was first surrendered. She had never been properly socialized with other dogs, or people and was a bundle of nerves. Her fur was matted, and she had not been properly fed for a while. She had never been properly house trained, and was unadoptable. The Perry Street Dogs changed all that, teaching Diva first how to be a dog, and then how to trust humans again. Our wonderful groomer Amanda Kindrat of The Urban Paw (see previous blogs for contact info) cleaned her up and made her feel proud of herself again, and now a year later Diva is ready to take on the world! We have also found what sounds like the perfect placement for her, an elderly woman with one other small breed dog, and an outdoor guard dog. This woman lives on a huge property outside of town, and her animals are her life. I am keeping my fingers crossed for Diva, and you should too!
Wish us luck we will let you know what happens in tomorrows blog post.
I remember how this little dog clung to me when she was first surrendered. She had never been properly socialized with other dogs, or people and was a bundle of nerves. Her fur was matted, and she had not been properly fed for a while. She had never been properly house trained, and was unadoptable. The Perry Street Dogs changed all that, teaching Diva first how to be a dog, and then how to trust humans again. Our wonderful groomer Amanda Kindrat of The Urban Paw (see previous blogs for contact info) cleaned her up and made her feel proud of herself again, and now a year later Diva is ready to take on the world! We have also found what sounds like the perfect placement for her, an elderly woman with one other small breed dog, and an outdoor guard dog. This woman lives on a huge property outside of town, and her animals are her life. I am keeping my fingers crossed for Diva, and you should too!
Wish us luck we will let you know what happens in tomorrows blog post.
April 14, 2010
Why does my small breed dog need regular grooming?
Good morning dog lovers everywhere! I hope you are having a fantastic day! I know we are having a good day. Diva is off at the groomers being transformed from winter ragamuffin to gorgeous pampered lapdog. Harley our schnoodle is recovering from a leg injury he suffered while playing with the giant puppy Samson, and will be groomed next week. Samson went to the vet on Monday and is all up to date on his shots and has been given a clean bill of health. All is well here on Perry Street. Looks like the dogs will get the week off if we don't get a rescue in this weekend. I have no training dogs to work with currently (but if your dog needs training and you live in the Barrie area I will gladly oblige) so there is nothing for them to do.
After I brought Hercules and Pebbles home yesterday they spent the rest of the day sleeping. Apparently going to the groomers is very tiring if you are a 6 or 7 pound rescue dog. I think Pebbles nerves were bad after her session at the groomers, she is not the type of dog who likes to be left with strangers. As a matter of fact she had to accompany Diva and I to the groomers this morning, she wouldn't let us leave the house without her.
I can't wait to see what Diva looks like when I pick her up. Amanda always does such a great job of grooming my dogs and rescues that picking them up is an adventure. Whenever a rescue first goes to Amanda my instructions are always the same "find the personality under all that fur, and give them a look to match." Mostly we simply require that the dog be comfortable and look neat and tidy. The little touches such as painting Pebbles nails, are the things she does to bring out their individuality. If a dog doesn't have personality and attitude before it meets Amanda it certainly does by the time she is finished with it. She makes them feel like royalty and it shows!
It may sound silly to some people, but dogs actually like to look presentable. (Except of course for Hercules who will not speak to me for at least two days every time he is groomed, and spends hours running around the house trying to rub off the clean.) I remember the first time I took Diva to be groomed, she walked in with her head down. When I picked her up she pranced out head held high. She looked good and she knew it! When I pick her up today she will be no different. She will prance out head held high, and we will go visiting to show her off. Diva is always at her best when freshly groomed!
We have been talking about grooming for two days now, so I feel it is my duty to enlighten would be dog owners to the finer points of owning a dog that must be groomed, as most small breed dogs must. Small breed dogs are very popular these days. They fit into the lifestyles of apartment dwellers and homeowners alike. They are portable, and they don't turn you into a kite when walking them. All pros in favor of having a small breed dog right? Well sure! However there are a few other things to consider when choosing a small breed dog.
Small breed dogs are more high strung by nature, they tend to bark more at things they do not understand (i.e: noises they are not familiar with) and are more clingy, wanting to sit on your lap instead of lay on the floor, etc. Some also need regular grooming. This is not an optional thing, dogs with long hair that grows continuously need to be groomed on a regular basis, or it becomes a health hazard. Leaving a dog that must be groomed without grooming can lead to skin conditions, and overall poor health as the fur becomes matted close to the skin. Should you choose to have a small breed dog and leave it with longer hair, it must be brushed properly on a daily basis to avoid matting and skin conditions. There is also the issue of weather to contend with. In the winter, Diva, Hercules, Harley and Pebbles will be allowed to have their hair longer in order to keep them warm. Sure I could put sweaters on them every time they went outside, but I have eight dogs, who has the time to dress them all and then undress them again when they are brought in 5 times a day? So I keep their coats longer in the winter, which of course means brushing four little dogs on a daily basis. A small price to pay not to have vet bills for skin conditions.
Owning any dog is always work, you have to train them, walk them, feed them, play with them and love them. Owning a small breed dog however, is a little more time consuming, and a little more expensive. Let's talk about the expense. Here in North America we seem to labor under the misconception that if something is more expensive it must be better than something less expensive. Not the case with dog grooming. Your best bet is to find a reasonably priced groomer who loves to work with dogs. You may have to shop around a bit, and you may have a few disturbing experiences, but it will enable you to find a) a groomer that is compatible with your pooch, and b)someone YOU and your dog are comfortable with.
Our groomer works out of her home, but there are grooming salons in every town and city. I find that our groomer works best for our rescues because she works in a homelike atmosphere that they are more comfortable with. Also her rates are generally better because she does not have the same overhead expenses as grooming salons. She also does a better job than most grooming salons I have taken my dogs to. I have had some hairy experiences with grooming salons. One place I took Harley, he came back full of little nicks and cuts, and they charged me $65.00. Another time I took two of my rescues to what was supposedly one of the best grooming salons in town, they charged me $55.00 per dog, and one week later the whole pack came down with kennel cough and had to be vetted. That haircut came with quite a high price tag.
Wherever you take your dog for grooming, remember, check out the groomer before using them. Talk to people who take their dogs there, and get their take on the quality of service. Also remember that it is in your dog's best interest to have it groomed at least once every 3 months, every 2 months if you maintain your dog with a longer cut. Most of all remember that a well groomed dog is a happy dog!
Once again, if you live in the Barrie area here is the contact info for the best groomer in town!
After I brought Hercules and Pebbles home yesterday they spent the rest of the day sleeping. Apparently going to the groomers is very tiring if you are a 6 or 7 pound rescue dog. I think Pebbles nerves were bad after her session at the groomers, she is not the type of dog who likes to be left with strangers. As a matter of fact she had to accompany Diva and I to the groomers this morning, she wouldn't let us leave the house without her.
I can't wait to see what Diva looks like when I pick her up. Amanda always does such a great job of grooming my dogs and rescues that picking them up is an adventure. Whenever a rescue first goes to Amanda my instructions are always the same "find the personality under all that fur, and give them a look to match." Mostly we simply require that the dog be comfortable and look neat and tidy. The little touches such as painting Pebbles nails, are the things she does to bring out their individuality. If a dog doesn't have personality and attitude before it meets Amanda it certainly does by the time she is finished with it. She makes them feel like royalty and it shows!
It may sound silly to some people, but dogs actually like to look presentable. (Except of course for Hercules who will not speak to me for at least two days every time he is groomed, and spends hours running around the house trying to rub off the clean.) I remember the first time I took Diva to be groomed, she walked in with her head down. When I picked her up she pranced out head held high. She looked good and she knew it! When I pick her up today she will be no different. She will prance out head held high, and we will go visiting to show her off. Diva is always at her best when freshly groomed!
We have been talking about grooming for two days now, so I feel it is my duty to enlighten would be dog owners to the finer points of owning a dog that must be groomed, as most small breed dogs must. Small breed dogs are very popular these days. They fit into the lifestyles of apartment dwellers and homeowners alike. They are portable, and they don't turn you into a kite when walking them. All pros in favor of having a small breed dog right? Well sure! However there are a few other things to consider when choosing a small breed dog.
Small breed dogs are more high strung by nature, they tend to bark more at things they do not understand (i.e: noises they are not familiar with) and are more clingy, wanting to sit on your lap instead of lay on the floor, etc. Some also need regular grooming. This is not an optional thing, dogs with long hair that grows continuously need to be groomed on a regular basis, or it becomes a health hazard. Leaving a dog that must be groomed without grooming can lead to skin conditions, and overall poor health as the fur becomes matted close to the skin. Should you choose to have a small breed dog and leave it with longer hair, it must be brushed properly on a daily basis to avoid matting and skin conditions. There is also the issue of weather to contend with. In the winter, Diva, Hercules, Harley and Pebbles will be allowed to have their hair longer in order to keep them warm. Sure I could put sweaters on them every time they went outside, but I have eight dogs, who has the time to dress them all and then undress them again when they are brought in 5 times a day? So I keep their coats longer in the winter, which of course means brushing four little dogs on a daily basis. A small price to pay not to have vet bills for skin conditions.
Owning any dog is always work, you have to train them, walk them, feed them, play with them and love them. Owning a small breed dog however, is a little more time consuming, and a little more expensive. Let's talk about the expense. Here in North America we seem to labor under the misconception that if something is more expensive it must be better than something less expensive. Not the case with dog grooming. Your best bet is to find a reasonably priced groomer who loves to work with dogs. You may have to shop around a bit, and you may have a few disturbing experiences, but it will enable you to find a) a groomer that is compatible with your pooch, and b)someone YOU and your dog are comfortable with.
Our groomer works out of her home, but there are grooming salons in every town and city. I find that our groomer works best for our rescues because she works in a homelike atmosphere that they are more comfortable with. Also her rates are generally better because she does not have the same overhead expenses as grooming salons. She also does a better job than most grooming salons I have taken my dogs to. I have had some hairy experiences with grooming salons. One place I took Harley, he came back full of little nicks and cuts, and they charged me $65.00. Another time I took two of my rescues to what was supposedly one of the best grooming salons in town, they charged me $55.00 per dog, and one week later the whole pack came down with kennel cough and had to be vetted. That haircut came with quite a high price tag.
Wherever you take your dog for grooming, remember, check out the groomer before using them. Talk to people who take their dogs there, and get their take on the quality of service. Also remember that it is in your dog's best interest to have it groomed at least once every 3 months, every 2 months if you maintain your dog with a longer cut. Most of all remember that a well groomed dog is a happy dog!
Once again, if you live in the Barrie area here is the contact info for the best groomer in town!
April 13, 2010
Makeover Revealed!
Pebbles was introduced to Amanda by spokesdog Hercules, who also got his own makeover. Pics of Hercules will be posted when he comes out of hiding. He's feeling a little too clean right now and has retreated to the dog den.
Introducing - The Groomer to MY Star rescues! (Harley Approved!)
Hey everyone!
Usually I have trouble posting on a daily basis, but today there will be two postings. Yesterday, you met Pebbles, our newest rescue. Right now Pebbles is at our Furdresser getting a complete doggie makeover. The reveal will happen here in this blog this evening, so check back at dinner time.
Amanda Kindrat of The Urban Paw, here in Barrie, has been grooming both my own dogs, and our rescues (which she does free of charge! Thanks Amanda) for over a year now. Amanda has a great working relationship with all the dogs I have brought to her, and she does a fantastic job at a reasonable price. Here is her contact info:
Any dog would be lucky to have Amanda as their groomer. If you live in the Barrie area, give her a call. In my twenty years of dog rescue she is one of the best groomers I have met. I don't take my dogs anywhere else.
REMEMBER! Makeover photos coming this evening!
Check back later for fabulous pics of Pebbles doggie makeover! You will be amazed what Amanda can do!
Usually I have trouble posting on a daily basis, but today there will be two postings. Yesterday, you met Pebbles, our newest rescue. Right now Pebbles is at our Furdresser getting a complete doggie makeover. The reveal will happen here in this blog this evening, so check back at dinner time.
Amanda Kindrat of The Urban Paw, here in Barrie, has been grooming both my own dogs, and our rescues (which she does free of charge! Thanks Amanda) for over a year now. Amanda has a great working relationship with all the dogs I have brought to her, and she does a fantastic job at a reasonable price. Here is her contact info:
REMEMBER! Makeover photos coming this evening!
Check back later for fabulous pics of Pebbles doggie makeover! You will be amazed what Amanda can do!
April 12, 2010
Pebbles! In Pictures!
Pebbles was a little apprehensive when she first entered our home. Having lived in the same home with only a human family all of her life she had no idea that dogs were supposed to live in packs. Seeing so many in one place startled her and made her withdraw a little. The first couple of days, she clung to me everywhere I went. Now if I put her down on the floor she will explore and try to interact with the other dogs. The pack is still at the "maybe if we ignore it, it'll go away" stage. They know this is not a dog here for training, they know she is a rescue that could be here for life. Yeah, I know how nuts that sounds, but you don't know the pack the way I do.
Enjoy the photos! Gorgeous makeover photos coming soon!
Have you hugged your dog today?
April 9, 2010
Six Pounds of Poodle
Bright eyes and fluffy ears, Pebbles is adorable, and now she is safe! Pebbles is five years old. Up until two days ago she had lived in the same home since she was a 6 week old puppy. Five years of getting kicked and ignored, and generally mistreated. Pebbles lived with a family that did not teach their children how pets should be treated. This family claimed to love her but allowed family members to kick her around the house, and on several occasions down a flight of stairs.
Now some of you are probably thinking "that's not as bad as some of the abuse cases I've heard about!" and that would probably be true were it not for the fact that Pebbles only weighs six pounds. You see Pebbles is a tiny little toy poodle, and any one of those kicks could have killed her. She is of course safe now, sitting here in my lap as I write this post as a matter of fact. She needed to be saved, and those of you who know me well are aware that I can not turn my back on a dog who needs help.
We are two days into her assessment period, but already we know she has a fear of men. At five years of age she has to be leash trained, she has never gone for a walk before! She is afraid of loud noises, and quick hand movements make her cower. It is obvious that at some time in her life she was beaten. Her fur is course and brittle which tells me her diet has not been a good one. We will of course have her healthy in no time, after all it is what we do. We feel sorry for what she has gone through and get on with showing her what life should really be like for a dog. She may move on, she may stay, but wherever she goes, you can bet your bottom dollar she will never know abuse again.
Now some of you are probably thinking "that's not as bad as some of the abuse cases I've heard about!" and that would probably be true were it not for the fact that Pebbles only weighs six pounds. You see Pebbles is a tiny little toy poodle, and any one of those kicks could have killed her. She is of course safe now, sitting here in my lap as I write this post as a matter of fact. She needed to be saved, and those of you who know me well are aware that I can not turn my back on a dog who needs help.
We are two days into her assessment period, but already we know she has a fear of men. At five years of age she has to be leash trained, she has never gone for a walk before! She is afraid of loud noises, and quick hand movements make her cower. It is obvious that at some time in her life she was beaten. Her fur is course and brittle which tells me her diet has not been a good one. We will of course have her healthy in no time, after all it is what we do. We feel sorry for what she has gone through and get on with showing her what life should really be like for a dog. She may move on, she may stay, but wherever she goes, you can bet your bottom dollar she will never know abuse again.
April 8, 2010
People Educate your Children!
I will never understand people who mistreat animals. In the past twenty years countless dogs have come through my home. Most came from abusive or neglectful situations, and required a lot of rehabilitation and training before being able to move on to forever homes. The little girl who came to us last night is no exception. Surrendered because her owners 5 year old son would not stop abusing her, Pebbles is six pounds of nervousness. Can you blame her? After all if you had someone ten times your size kicking you on a daily basis you'd be nervous too. Imagine then that the owner allowed this behaviour to continue until this little dog finally bit her son. Then what is her reaction? Get rid of the dog! From a rescue perspective getting the dog out of that home was a blessing, from an ownership perspective, this woman needs to learn to take responsibility both for her pet and the actions of her child.
There have always been multiple pets in our home, therefore as my children were growing up it fell to me to teach them the proper way to handle animals. Teaching her son to respect and care for her pets is something this women apparently did not feel was necessary! She did not see the need to teach her son to be kind to animals. As a result we in rescue will be cleaning up his messes for years to come. I can not stress enough the importance of teaching your children to be humane to animals.
For Pebbles, the road to recovery has just begun. I am confident that she can be rehabilitated, as a matter of fact my husband is already working on her fear of men. Whenever we get a dog in that is afraid of men it falls to Todd to turn them around. He has an aura about him that animals trust. He makes it easy for them to learn that not all men will be abusive to them.
When I brought Pebbles into my home after her rescue, she was terrified. She sat in my lap shaking, but the pack soon brought her out of her shell. She is now roaming my house along with the rest of the dogs although she does seem to be wary of Nakita my husky/lab mix. I suppose if I only weighed six pounds Nakita would intimidate me too! Pebbles is a sweet little dog who just wants a lap to curl up in. She doesn't ask for much, just that someone love her enough to protect her from nasty little boys with flying feet. There are no little boys here and that suits Pebbles just fine.
All I can tell you all now is this:
It is YOUR responsibility to teach your children right from wrong. No matter how young a child may be they should NEVER be allowed to be aggressive with the family pet.
There have always been multiple pets in our home, therefore as my children were growing up it fell to me to teach them the proper way to handle animals. Teaching her son to respect and care for her pets is something this women apparently did not feel was necessary! She did not see the need to teach her son to be kind to animals. As a result we in rescue will be cleaning up his messes for years to come. I can not stress enough the importance of teaching your children to be humane to animals.
For Pebbles, the road to recovery has just begun. I am confident that she can be rehabilitated, as a matter of fact my husband is already working on her fear of men. Whenever we get a dog in that is afraid of men it falls to Todd to turn them around. He has an aura about him that animals trust. He makes it easy for them to learn that not all men will be abusive to them.
When I brought Pebbles into my home after her rescue, she was terrified. She sat in my lap shaking, but the pack soon brought her out of her shell. She is now roaming my house along with the rest of the dogs although she does seem to be wary of Nakita my husky/lab mix. I suppose if I only weighed six pounds Nakita would intimidate me too! Pebbles is a sweet little dog who just wants a lap to curl up in. She doesn't ask for much, just that someone love her enough to protect her from nasty little boys with flying feet. There are no little boys here and that suits Pebbles just fine.
All I can tell you all now is this:
It is YOUR responsibility to teach your children right from wrong. No matter how young a child may be they should NEVER be allowed to be aggressive with the family pet.
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