Reunited!

For huge animal lovers, looking out for the well being of our pets is one of the most important things to us.  After all, they are family! It's so unfortunate and heart wrenching when one of our beloved pets goes missing.  If you're anything like me, you'd be in an absolute panic, not knowing where to start, where to look and what kind of steps you'd have to take to hopefully reunite with your loved one.  I'm sure Samuel Peterson felt the same when his dog Checkers went missing last week.  Checkers is a search and rescue dog who helped look for victims of the Oso, Washington mudslide.  Checkers was missing for a day before a resident of Snohomish County spotted her taking a swim in their pool!  Samuel Peterson had posted reports of his missing dog online that the resident saw.  Checkers and Samuel were finally (a day is a long time in a dogs life and their owners too when they're missing!) reunited! I love hearing stories about animals finding their homes again.  Congratulations  to Checkers and Mr. Peterson!

 

photo courtesy of www.lifewithdogs.tv

                            Checkers at her best helping with the search and rescue efforts!

photo courtesy of www.lifewithdogs.tv

                             Checkers with Samuel Peterson! Reunited and it feels so good!

Just a few pointers if your pet goes missing:

First and foremost don't give up hope! There is always a chance that you can find your pet and bring them home safe and sound.  Make flyers and post them all around with your number, a picture of your pet, and your pets description. Call any nearby shelters as often as possible, leave your number with them so if your pet does turn up they have a way to reach you.  Post something online! The internet is such a huge part of our lives now so why not use it to your advantage when it comes to getting your baby back! Drive or walk around calling your pets name, they could be closer than you think. Go door to door and ask anyone if they have seen or have any information regarding your pet.  If they're not micro chipped, be sure to have their collar and id tag on them at all times with their information.  This will give you a better chance of finding them.   

I hope this kind of thing never happens to any of you and your pets but if it does just remember your baby wants to come home just as much as you want them to so be persistent and never stop looking! 

Take care all! 

Homemade Treats: Kitty Edition!

Most often, you'll find that your kitten likes to eat soft, small treats. They have smaller mouths and teeth than their best friend, the puppy. Here are some adorably kitten friendly treats that will also help you use up that brown rice flour! 

ID4Pet Mustache Must have Kitten Tag

Chewy Cat Treats for Cats

makes about 50 small treats

1 large egg

1 4-oz jar chicken and brown rice baby food (or something meaty which may include canned wet cat food)

1/4 cup parsley, coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 tablespoons water

1 cup brown rice flour

1/2 cup cooked white (or brown) rice

other things you might add other treats like : 1 tablespoon of catnip or a hearty tablespoon of extra wet cat food.

Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, baby food (or wet cat food), parsley, olive oil,  and water.  Add brown rice flour and cooked rice.  Stir to incorporate.  The mixture will be thick but spreadable.

Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet creating a rectangle that is about 1/3 of an inch thick.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven.  Let rest until cool enough to handle, then slice soft dough into bite-sized pieces.  Return pieces to the oven to bake for another 8 minutes.  Remove from the oven.  Allow to cool completely.  Store in an airtight container in the fridge.  I store my treats in the fridge just to be safe.

& for the sophisticated palate...

Cheese Treats!

3/4 cup shredded or grated cheddar cheese

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt (plain)

1/4 cup cornmeal

5 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

While your oven is preheating to 350 degrees F, combine all the ingredients into dough (add a touch of water if needed). Knead the dough into a ball and then roll it out to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into one-inch pieces and bake for 25 minutes on a greased cookie sheet. Cool on a rack and serve. Makes about two dozen.  

Courtesy of JoytheBaker & PetAdviser

Ninja Dog

As much as I love making all sorts of fun tags for dogs and cats, Service Dog tags always seem to have the most inspiring stories about the remarkable abilities these dogs possess to help their owner. Whilst watching a popular Ninja competition show last night, I heard the store of Kyle Cochran and Leeloo. If you weren't able to watch their story on TV, here it is below !

Warrior Dog: American Ninja Warrior Uses Service Dog To Help Train

Kyle Cochran is a 26 year-old insulin pump sales specialist in San Diego, California. At least, that’s his day job. When he is not working, he is working out in preparation for the chance to be the first American Ninja Warrior Champion.
Kyle Cochran is no usual contestant, however. He has Type 1 Diabetes, but he is conquering it with a little help from his service dog, Leeloo.

From Hunted…
A woman found Leeloo, a Lab-Whippet mix, running from a pack of coyotes in the foothills behind her house in Northern California. The good Samaritan took her in and fostered her through a rescue until a home could be found.
“I was looking for a dog to train to be a service dog. My dad found her picture online,” Cochran says. “I fell in love when I met her.”

To Hero
“She has made me fall in love with dogs again,” Cochran says. “After I lost my first dog, it was hard for me to consider getting another because it was a painful loss. She brings so much warmth and love into my life every day.

Leelo is now trained to be Cochran’s diabetes service dog, alerting him when his blood sugar level changes. She gives him the freedom to train without having to stop and test frequently.
“She helps me train for ninja warrior by staying by my side during the training to make sure that my blood sugar stays in the range that it needs to be in,” he explains. “It’s really easy to spike or drop in blood sugar when training as hard as I do and it’s so comforting to know that she’s right there to protect me.”
And when she is “off duty,” Cochran takes her to dog beach where he says she just “goes wild.”

An Inspiration
Both Leeloo and Cochran are an inspiration for others who suffer from diabetes – to not let it beat them.
“My advice to kids with diabetes would be this: never see diabetes as an obstacle to slow you down or hold you back. Diabetes is a gift and beautiful opportunity to live a life that inspires everyone around you,” Cochran says. “Let your diabetes make you stronger. Let it grow your love for other people who are challenged by their own obstacles and difficulties. And most of all, let Christ be your friend and your guide in this wild life; you will never be lost.”
You can cheer Cochran on as he attempts the semi-finals July 7 on NBC. He assured us that Leeloo will be there to help him and if he makes it to the finals, she will go too.

Read more at http://theilovedogssite.com/warrior-dog-american-ninja-warrior-uses-service-dog-to-help-train/#TwKwhxYsHY1UehVf.99

Courtesy of Kristina Lotz at TheILoveDogsSite

The Savior and the Saved - The Story of Elena and Sadie

 

This story came in from one of my very special customers. Her story touched me, so I will share it with all of you :)

Sadie right after being rescued

Elena found little Sadie, a lost and scared puppy, sniffing a car exhaust and didn't hesistate to take her in, even at 7 months pregnant. Soon after, she lost her baby to a miscarriage, but found that with the help of Sadie, she was able to stay sane. 

Sadie two months after being rescued

 The puppy became her daughter, of sorts, as anyone can relate to if they have their own pets. Although Sadie had separation anxiety at first, it did not take long for her to realize that Elena & her family would never leave her stranded again. At first, the part Chinese Crested, Mini Poodle, Pebroke Welsh Corgi mix did not eat treats, play, or obey to commands. These days, the super smart Sadie can not go too long without getting a special treat, or else, she might end up throwing her toy at you! She has never been healthier, and cuter, especially after visting the groomers just the other week. 

Sadie after going to the groomers 

 

Sadie might have been the one who needed to be saved, but she has proved to become a phenomenal help to Elena and her family in light of such a tragic event. 

Thank you, Elena for sharing such a personal and beautiful story to show just how powerful the bond between human and animal can be. 

Be sure to keep your pet tags up to date to make sure you'll never lose your pet!  Check out www.ID4Pet.com for the greatest selection of New and Cute Pet Tags

Biters

As my little dog is growing up, she is starting to take on new habits. More barking, more whining when we eat infront of her, and more biting. She doesn't "bite" down, she simply puts her teeth around your skin and presses lightly. Considering I play with her a lot, there are times when I worry she might go all the way and tear off my whole face. Thankfully, I think she loves me way to much to even consider that. But, as in anything, there are exceptions, and some dogs really do bite. Whether an accident or a defense mechanism, when dogs bite, they are automatically labeled as dangerous. 

To reduce the chances of your dog biting someone

• Spay and Neuter them. Why? This will eliminate the desire for them to fight with other dogs. 
• Introduce your dog to different types of people so that they will become accustomed to these situations
• Train the dog with your family so that everyone knows how to control him when needed. When training, teach your dog what they can run after, chase, and set limits for what is and what isn't right. 
• Know your dog. If your dog is one to become nervous around groups of people, don't take him to crowded areas. Spend time with them. Dogs who are left in a backyard are more likely to become dangerous in comparison to dogs that are with people often.

To reduce your chance of getting bitten by a dog

Respect It. Dogs are like humans, they don't like strangers that much. At least not without first seeing and smelling you. Don't try to mess with it while it's eating, chewing on a toy, or feeding puppies. Know body language signs. A dog who is angry will have or be:

tensed body

stiff tail

pulled back head and/or ears

furrowed brow

eyes rolled so the whites are visible

flicking tongue

intense stare

backing away

When you feel like you might get attacked, do not run and scream; the dog will chase you. Try to not make eye contact and wait calmly. The dog will lose interest in you and then you can slowly walk away. If that doesn't work, grab something that the dog can bite onto, like a jacket or a skateboard. 

I remember as a child, I was terrified of dogs, and while I rode my bike, there always happened to be a dog on the loose that would chase after me. I thought it wanted to bite me, but it probably just wanted to chase something. I wish I would've known then to just stop and calm down! Would've saved me a ton of anxiety. 

Make sure to update your pet tags! 

Courtesy of the Humane Society

New Food!

So maybe I should've written this blog a little sooner, considering I did exactly the opposite of what it teaches me. I changed my puppy's food last week, and it was only after I fed her that I was told I should gradually introduce the new brand into her diet. Wooops :( She, of course, had an upset tummy and diarrhea for a few hours. It's easy to love your pet like they are another human in the family, so it's hard to remember that there are actually many differences between their tummy and yours. 

Why can't my pets food be changed suddenly? 

The answer falls where digestion begins : in the intestines! There are many different types of bacteria that break down the food we eat. In pets, they often eat the same thing, so the number and kinds of bacteria are the same day to day. When you change the type of food, the bacteria will need a few days to adjust to these new settings, which can upset the tummy.

Soooo... How do I make the transistion?

Slowwwwwwly. Always remember that. It is key to have some leftover food of the old brand left. Don't wait till the bag is empty before buying a new brand. 

During the first three days, mix in about 25% of the new food with the old food. 

On days 4 through 6, mix in about 50% of the new food.

On days 7 through 9, mix in .... yep 75% of the new food.

And on day 10, you can fully switch her to the new diet. 

If you see that this transition is simply not gradual enough, reduce the amount of new food by 10 to 15% and drag out the procedure to a few weeks.

In certain special cases, as in food allergies, heart failure, kidney disease or gastroenteritis, it is essential that the food be switched immediately.  

Make sure to keep your pet tags updated !

Courtesy of Dr Foster Smith &PetMd