Hey, this is Sofie. I am an 18 month old Maltese. My best human friend, Kay, is busy now, and left the computer on, so here I am. My life started off really rough. My sister and three brothers were born in a puppy brothel on an Amish Farm. It was dreadful. My brother Miles was born with healthy legs, but was so mistreated, that an infection led to a permanently crippled leg. The store that we were going to be sold to went out of business, and since we had no more value, the Amish farmer was going to drown us. The nice pet rescue people got there and saved my brothers and sister and some Yorkies and Maltipoo puppies. We were fostered, then my human parents found me. They travelled about two hours away and picket me out. My mom, Kay, wanted the puppy who picked her. I did that. When she picked me up, I put my head on her shoulder. If I could have purred, I would have.
Recently my mom opened her online pet supply store, and I am OK with trying out products. We did a shampoo comparison, and now we only use Bobbi Panter Gorgeous Dog, and I have a pair of red long johns that keep me warm. I just got a new collar, and am looking forward to a shirt that has been promised to me with a little bling on it. I am a princess and I deserve some bling!!!
If you have any questions about life as a rescue dog, or if your dog needs some beauty tips, just drop a note to me. You may hear from my brother, Beckham, and my nieces and nephews Abby, Ginny, Bailey and Dr. Bananas. Chow for now. Love, Sofie
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
2010 Top Presents for Pets
The top sellers this year is that special dog collar and dog bed. No surprise, they tend to "lead the pack" every year. Dog outfits, especially clothes and that special dog harness are top sellers, as well. With my store named PetCollarStoreandMore.com, of course I have seen top sellers as the dog collar and cat collar with Pet Care products lagging a bit behind. Shampoo and new dog bowls run a poor race compared to the new collar for our furry friend.
This year is a cold one so far, and Pet Beds seem to be a big seller. There are so many different styles, colors and textures that a Pet Parent can find just the right one for the pet. If you are thinking of that last minute gift, do your shopping today or tomorrow.
Check out my pet beds at http://www.petcollarstoreandmore.com/pet-beds-and-crates/
This year is a cold one so far, and Pet Beds seem to be a big seller. There are so many different styles, colors and textures that a Pet Parent can find just the right one for the pet. If you are thinking of that last minute gift, do your shopping today or tomorrow.
Check out my pet beds at http://www.petcollarstoreandmore.com/pet-beds-and-crates/
Recommended Book for Little Kids
Start introducing your child to the wonderful world of pets and pet ownership through the magic of Dr. Seuss. This is an outstanding book, full of rhymes, and the famous Seuss pictures.
This is a great first step in teaching children the life long love of pets and animals. You can access this book from this site. How nice is that!!!!
This is a great first step in teaching children the life long love of pets and animals. You can access this book from this site. How nice is that!!!!
Everything I Know About Difficult People, I Learned from My Cat
I have two dogs. I cannot have a cat because of an allergic family member, but at heart I am a cat person. I had two great cats of note. My first cat was Jezibel. She was half Siamese and half black alley cat. She had the shape and coat of a Siamese with the loveliest light blue eyes, but she was jet black, with a white blaze on her chest and an inch of white fur at the end of her tail.
I did not know I was learning lessons about difficult people as we lived together from the time I was 8 until I was 15. Like all cats, Jesibel owned me, not the other way around. She did not do tricks, and would only faintly play for a minute with a ball of yarn if we were watching. I learned from her that I can only encourage others to think my way, but I cannot make them do what they do not want to do.
Jezibel also taught me that her independence meant more to her than I did. She had a firm understanding with my mother. Jezibel could go outside, as long as she left my mother's birds alone. The first time she went after a bird, she stayed in the house for a month. The next time she went outside, she approached the bird bath, turned to look at my mother standing in the doorway and veered off, never to bother the birds again. But wander she did. The longest she stayed away was three days, only to return and stay very close to home for a long while. I learned that people will wander when they need to, but they will eventually come home if home welcomes them.
My cat also taught me the power of negotiations with difficult people. She was not allowed on the furniture, but was allowed on laps that were on furniture. When a lap got up, the cat was supposed to go on the floor. A sleepy cat does not move easily, so she would go back to where the lap had been. But would always go to the floor when the lap returned only to place herself back on the lap as things settled down. She let the whole family know that she understood the rules, but would adapt them to her own needs as necessary. I learned that difficult people need to feel that they have some control, but will exert some attempt to let their own feelings be known, and if those feelings were recognized, we could all get along just fine.
More about Jezibel and the cat that followed her. We named the second cat Bathsheba, who turned out to be David. More about the cats in later blogs.
I did not know I was learning lessons about difficult people as we lived together from the time I was 8 until I was 15. Like all cats, Jesibel owned me, not the other way around. She did not do tricks, and would only faintly play for a minute with a ball of yarn if we were watching. I learned from her that I can only encourage others to think my way, but I cannot make them do what they do not want to do.
Jezibel also taught me that her independence meant more to her than I did. She had a firm understanding with my mother. Jezibel could go outside, as long as she left my mother's birds alone. The first time she went after a bird, she stayed in the house for a month. The next time she went outside, she approached the bird bath, turned to look at my mother standing in the doorway and veered off, never to bother the birds again. But wander she did. The longest she stayed away was three days, only to return and stay very close to home for a long while. I learned that people will wander when they need to, but they will eventually come home if home welcomes them.
My cat also taught me the power of negotiations with difficult people. She was not allowed on the furniture, but was allowed on laps that were on furniture. When a lap got up, the cat was supposed to go on the floor. A sleepy cat does not move easily, so she would go back to where the lap had been. But would always go to the floor when the lap returned only to place herself back on the lap as things settled down. She let the whole family know that she understood the rules, but would adapt them to her own needs as necessary. I learned that difficult people need to feel that they have some control, but will exert some attempt to let their own feelings be known, and if those feelings were recognized, we could all get along just fine.
More about Jezibel and the cat that followed her. We named the second cat Bathsheba, who turned out to be David. More about the cats in later blogs.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Dog Outfits Keep Your Pet Warm
With a blast of cold over the US, people often turn to layers of clothing. Think of your pet's fur as her first layer, and consider adding another layer. We put Sofie and Beckham, our dogs into long johns which cover their backs and go down the legs a bit. They seemed very comfortable and their ears stayed warm. Feel your Pet's ears. If they are cold, the pet is cold. Try some of my favorites in my store.
http://www.petcollarstoreandmore.com/store-products-DO4904128-Red---Long-John-Thermal-Pajamas_1097530352.html
http://www.petcollarstoreandmore.com/store-products-DO4904128-Red---Long-John-Thermal-Pajamas_1097530352.html
Thursday, December 23, 2010
12 Days of a Dog's Christmas
On the 12th day of Christmas, my owner gave to me: 12 tonenails clipped, 11 balls a'tossed, 10 pats on the head, 9 little praises, 8 belly rubs, 7 'atta boys, 6 tiny bones, 5 trips outside, 4 warm socks, 3 nice long cuddles, 2 new stuffed toys, and a Christmas that I never will forget.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Serious Talk About Dog and Cat Shampoos in the Winter
Yesterday, I decided to give my dogs, Beckham and Sofie a bath. Just as I was preparing the utility room tub, I received a phone call from a friend. In the course of the conversation, I told her about the bath. "Don't wash the dogs in the winter," she said. "It will dry out their skins and make them itchy."
I had just been introduced to the Bobbi Panter line of pet care products and understood that they were different. But how different? So I compared the labels.
I will not go into all of the differences, but the old shampoo had salts in it. Salt dries out the skin, It also had several dyes and something called an optical brightener.
The Bobbi Panter shampoo had NO salt and all natural ingredients. So I did the ultimate test. Sofie is a Maltese and very white. I washed the left side with the old shampoo, and the right with the Bobbi Panter Gorgeous Dog. I had to use conditioner with the old shampoo, but did not use conditioner with the Bobbi Panter shampoo.
The results were dramatic. Both sides were equally white, but the condition of Sofie's coat was different. She was softer with the Bobbi Panter and her coat was fluffier. The Bobbi Panter side was easier to comb, and fewer tangles--even with the use of conditioner.
I have made the decision to carry only Bobbi Panter products on my web site. They are far superior, in my opinion. Bobbi Panter Georgeous Dog
I had just been introduced to the Bobbi Panter line of pet care products and understood that they were different. But how different? So I compared the labels.
I will not go into all of the differences, but the old shampoo had salts in it. Salt dries out the skin, It also had several dyes and something called an optical brightener.
The Bobbi Panter shampoo had NO salt and all natural ingredients. So I did the ultimate test. Sofie is a Maltese and very white. I washed the left side with the old shampoo, and the right with the Bobbi Panter Gorgeous Dog. I had to use conditioner with the old shampoo, but did not use conditioner with the Bobbi Panter shampoo.
The results were dramatic. Both sides were equally white, but the condition of Sofie's coat was different. She was softer with the Bobbi Panter and her coat was fluffier. The Bobbi Panter side was easier to comb, and fewer tangles--even with the use of conditioner.
I have made the decision to carry only Bobbi Panter products on my web site. They are far superior, in my opinion. Bobbi Panter Georgeous Dog
Monday, December 20, 2010
Pet Presents
From what I see, a new Dog Collar and Dog Bed are the top sellers this year, again. Nothing makes a pet feel more special, besides a good cuddle, than a new bed or collar. Pet Care products are not considered presents by many (how would you like Santa to put shampoo in your stocking?)
Pet Beds come in so many colors, sizes and styles that finding just the right bed is not that difficult. I think manufacturers are finding unique coverings for their beds which add to the variety. Washable micro suede and fur fabrics have added usefulness to the bed.
It is not too late to pick out the perfect bed. You may find it at http://www.petcollarstoreandmore.com/pet-beds/
Pet Beds come in so many colors, sizes and styles that finding just the right bed is not that difficult. I think manufacturers are finding unique coverings for their beds which add to the variety. Washable micro suede and fur fabrics have added usefulness to the bed.
It is not too late to pick out the perfect bed. You may find it at http://www.petcollarstoreandmore.com/pet-beds/
Friday, December 17, 2010
Dog Clothes To Keep Pet Warm
Most of the northern United States is cold right now. If you have put a sweater or jacket somewhere close by to put on when it gets chilly in the house, I strongly suggest that you do the same for your dog. In searching for quality products for my business, I found doggie long johns--yes, they ARE adorable.
They actually come in blue, pink and red, but no matter what color you choose, it will help keep your pet warm. Have you felt your pet's ears and feet. If they are cold, then the pet is cold.
Cat owners have reported success in putting kitty in something to keep warm. Cats love to be warm, and kittens and older cats have the same problem that puppies and aging dogs have of regulating their temperature.
Check out the Long Johns for pets.
Stay warm
They actually come in blue, pink and red, but no matter what color you choose, it will help keep your pet warm. Have you felt your pet's ears and feet. If they are cold, then the pet is cold.
Cat owners have reported success in putting kitty in something to keep warm. Cats love to be warm, and kittens and older cats have the same problem that puppies and aging dogs have of regulating their temperature.
Check out the Long Johns for pets.
Stay warm
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Bad Christmas Present
I highly recommend giving a dog collar, dog bed and dog outfits to the family dogs. However, getting a puppy for Christmas is more problematical. I recently wrote and article for Buzzle.com in which I discussed in length the issue of giving someone a teacup puppy for Christmas. While I don't want to reprint that article, but I do want to make a couple of points. Teacup dogs are smaller than the recommendations for the breed. While a Maltese may be 6-10 pounds, a teacup Maltese may be 4-6 pounds.
Finding a reputable teacup dog breeder is very difficult. Many breeders use terrible tactics to have a small puppy, including barely feeding the mother, then allowing the new puppy to not feed as long as it wants. Tiny puppies may, however grow into larger dogs, and if an owner believes they are getting a tiny dog, and that dog does not meet expectations, the owner may be very unhappy, and unhappy owners are not good Pet Parents.
Tiny puppies, whether teacup or not, can be very needy and a bustling household, children wound up with excitement, and a general lack of calm may prove disastrous for a new puppy. They often are like premature babies, and need regular feeding, temperature monitoring (if the ears are cold, puppy is cold), and plenty of rest. Families getting a Christmas puppy must realize that the new puppy should not be the one to do the adapting, that the family must be mindful to the puppy's needs.
Finding a reputable teacup dog breeder is very difficult. Many breeders use terrible tactics to have a small puppy, including barely feeding the mother, then allowing the new puppy to not feed as long as it wants. Tiny puppies may, however grow into larger dogs, and if an owner believes they are getting a tiny dog, and that dog does not meet expectations, the owner may be very unhappy, and unhappy owners are not good Pet Parents.
Tiny puppies, whether teacup or not, can be very needy and a bustling household, children wound up with excitement, and a general lack of calm may prove disastrous for a new puppy. They often are like premature babies, and need regular feeding, temperature monitoring (if the ears are cold, puppy is cold), and plenty of rest. Families getting a Christmas puppy must realize that the new puppy should not be the one to do the adapting, that the family must be mindful to the puppy's needs.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Holiday Food Can Poison Pets
It is the time of year for Pet Parents to think about buying that special new pet collar, cute dog outfits, or even for those not freezing this time of year, a dog stroller. But while we think of things to put ON our pets, we may forget what to not put IN our pets.
It is the time of year when new things are introduced into a pet’s environment that are not familiar and not safe. Pet owners need to be mindful of the poisons that exist this time of year, and they need to remind visitors not to feed the pets, and to pick up dropped items that may upon eating may harm the pet.
Top of the season list is chocolate, with a reminder that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous. Alcohol to a grown person can have serious effects that are multiplied by ingestion by a smaller animal. Raisins are grapes and grapes are poisonous to dogs. Pets can have allergic reactions, just like people, to nuts, but macadamia nuts are highly poisonous to dogs.
Spices abound in holiday cooking, and four particularly dangerous spices are abundant in seasonal food and should be avoided: turmeric, mace, nutmeg and paprika are known for causing such reactions as seizures and even death. While not technically poisonous, garlic, chives, leeks and onions can cause anemia.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener which is dangerous for pet ingestion and can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure.
While planning on a happy holiday season, with the family pet in the new pet collar and comfy in the cat or dog bed, a mindful Pet Parent will think not just what goes on the pet, but what should not go in the pet.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Does Salvia harm Cats and Dogs
Pet Owners Beware. Miley Cyrus taking a hit of salvia is her parents' problem, but youngsters thinking that it is cool, and trying this plant makes it more difficult for parents of teenagers. Salvia is legal. It is a plant, and smoking or chewing it gives a powerful hallucinogenic high. This incident may make it more attractive for kids to bring it into the home, even to grow it under the noses of their parents.
Three kinds of Salvia impact pet parents. The first is used in treatment of dogs heart and blood pressure problems. It is named Salvia Miltiorrhize, and is non toxic used properly. The second is Salvia Hispanica also known as a Chia Pet, which is more related to mint, and has no toxic effect.
The third, and most important is Salvia Divinorum which is non toxic to ingest; however, it may also create in pets the same hallucinogenic high that it does for people. To be fair, catnip also produces a type of "high" in cats (and some dogs), but the research and dosage are controlled.
With such a high profile person using this substance, it may become important for Pet Parents to carefully monitor what plants and plant products are being introduced into the home. Comments?
Three kinds of Salvia impact pet parents. The first is used in treatment of dogs heart and blood pressure problems. It is named Salvia Miltiorrhize, and is non toxic used properly. The second is Salvia Hispanica also known as a Chia Pet, which is more related to mint, and has no toxic effect.
The third, and most important is Salvia Divinorum which is non toxic to ingest; however, it may also create in pets the same hallucinogenic high that it does for people. To be fair, catnip also produces a type of "high" in cats (and some dogs), but the research and dosage are controlled.
With such a high profile person using this substance, it may become important for Pet Parents to carefully monitor what plants and plant products are being introduced into the home. Comments?
Dog Collar that corrects barking
I have a yappy dog, Beckham. He is half Toy Poodle and half Shiz-tsu and he loves to sit in the living room waiting to hear voices or traffic and bark. You have to love him, he is warning his family of approaching danger (in his mind) and barks to let us know we may be in peril. When he really gets going, Sofie, the Maltese, chimes in, but she rarely instigates the noise.
I have tried various training methods, and while they have been effective for a period of time for the traffic noise and voices on the street, all training is permanently lost when someone rings the bell or knocks on the door. He reverts to his old habits.
I am seriously considering a shock collar. In researching them, my first concern was pain. Those who sell the collar tell me it doesn't hurt. Right. Further research done with those who have no profit bias indicate that it is short and quick and more surprising than anything else. One researcher compared it to a mild static shock that surprises more than hurts. I am still weighing the factors, and appreciate any input from my readers, who actually don't exist at this point in my young blogging career. But I would like input.
I have tried various training methods, and while they have been effective for a period of time for the traffic noise and voices on the street, all training is permanently lost when someone rings the bell or knocks on the door. He reverts to his old habits.
I am seriously considering a shock collar. In researching them, my first concern was pain. Those who sell the collar tell me it doesn't hurt. Right. Further research done with those who have no profit bias indicate that it is short and quick and more surprising than anything else. One researcher compared it to a mild static shock that surprises more than hurts. I am still weighing the factors, and appreciate any input from my readers, who actually don't exist at this point in my young blogging career. But I would like input.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Store Opened
Today, I have fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening my own business. Since I love animals so much, and since I come from a background where research and study were primary, I decided to sell carefully selected Pet Products. In choosing products I have been careful to pick products that will enhance the lives of pets. For example, I am carrying only Bobbi Panter Shampoos, because my research makes me comfortable with how the products are made. They have no salt, and are PH balanced so that the pet's eyes are not irritated.
I am very concerned about pet food and what is in it, and have not researched it thoroughly enough to be comfortable with carrying a certain brand. I think RESEARCH is going to be the key to what I do on the site. From previous research, as you can see from previous blogs, I can see the positive uses of a prong collar, but there is something in me that still does not make me comfortable with a collar that looks like it could really hurt.
So if you read this blog, I promise that my thoughts have been molded by research into products, and into organizations like Pets2Vets and the Delta Society for Therapy dogs.
My site is http://www.PetCollarStoreAndMore.com I hope you stop by, then come back here and let me know what you think.
I am very concerned about pet food and what is in it, and have not researched it thoroughly enough to be comfortable with carrying a certain brand. I think RESEARCH is going to be the key to what I do on the site. From previous research, as you can see from previous blogs, I can see the positive uses of a prong collar, but there is something in me that still does not make me comfortable with a collar that looks like it could really hurt.
So if you read this blog, I promise that my thoughts have been molded by research into products, and into organizations like Pets2Vets and the Delta Society for Therapy dogs.
My site is http://www.PetCollarStoreAndMore.com I hope you stop by, then come back here and let me know what you think.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Pet Collar story continued
The fitting of the choke collar is crucial. The clearest instructions assume that you are walking your dog, she/he is on your left--if you walk your dog on your right, reverse the instructions. With your dog facing you, arrange the chain so that it forms the shape of the letter P. The end of the chain that will be attached to the leash should be on the left and at the bottom of the line of the letter P. Slip it over the dogs head and attach the leash.
The choke collar works on a yank and release principle. It will yank when you pull it, but the release happens only if you have properly placed the collar on your dog.
Those who support training with a choke collar state that it reproduces the way the mother dog corrects a puppy by grabbing the back of the neck with a little shake. Those who don't support the use of a choke collar state that it is too easy to damage the trachea because pressure also happens to the front of the neck.
Consistent, positive training should result in a dog who can graduate to a nylon or leather collar with no choking or pinching needed.
Special note, choke collars should never be used with Yorkies due to the delicate nature of their neck anatomy, and very special care and training should be done with other small boned dogs. In addition, some people with limited use of hands, or small pet parents with large pets may find the prong collar much easier to use.
The choke collar works on a yank and release principle. It will yank when you pull it, but the release happens only if you have properly placed the collar on your dog.
Those who support training with a choke collar state that it reproduces the way the mother dog corrects a puppy by grabbing the back of the neck with a little shake. Those who don't support the use of a choke collar state that it is too easy to damage the trachea because pressure also happens to the front of the neck.
Consistent, positive training should result in a dog who can graduate to a nylon or leather collar with no choking or pinching needed.
Special note, choke collars should never be used with Yorkies due to the delicate nature of their neck anatomy, and very special care and training should be done with other small boned dogs. In addition, some people with limited use of hands, or small pet parents with large pets may find the prong collar much easier to use.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Pet Collars
I am very interested in how a Pet Collar is fitted and used properly. In my research, I have found that a Pet Collar is worn, but once paired with dog leashes, the collar becomes a training tool. FYI: the terms "Dog Leashes" and "Dog Lead" are virtually the same. "Lead" is more commonly used in Europe, while "Leashes" is preferred in the USA.
The next few blogs will be about types of Pet Collars, but I wanted to jump into the debate about prong collars. Prong collars look cruel. They have long, sharp metal prongs that are spaced on a metal chain. They are designed to "correct" the poor behavior of a pet, and are used as an alternative to the "choke collar." The choke collar is a long chain that is looped through to the leash and is designed to provide a way to be pulled tightly quickly to correct a bad behavior.
On the surface, it seemed to me that the choke collar would be better than the prong collar; however, in researching the issue, I found writings about research supposedly comparing the two that was done in Germany. One warning, I was not able to find the original study, only discussions from people referencing the study.
The study followed 100 dogs: 50 trained with choke collars, and 50 trained with prong collars. Results of autopsies showed that with the choke collar 48 of the 50 had injuries to the neck, trachea or back. Two were from genetic issues, and the other 46 were caused by trauma.
Of the 50 who were trained with prong collars, two had neck injuries, of which one was genetic, and one was caused by trauma.
Two things have to be tested: 1. is the study real, and 2. does it make sense. This writer could not find the original study, and for number 2, it makes sense that a choke collar could be used in such a way as to damage a dogs neck and trachea; while the prong collar (also called a pinch collar) would "stick" the dog before it would choke him/her.
As with any training device, proper use is the key. Many trainers swear by the properly fitted and used choke collar. The fitting seems to be the key--not with the size, necessarily, but by the way the end of the chain connected to the leash is done. The next blog will be about properly using both collars.
The next few blogs will be about types of Pet Collars, but I wanted to jump into the debate about prong collars. Prong collars look cruel. They have long, sharp metal prongs that are spaced on a metal chain. They are designed to "correct" the poor behavior of a pet, and are used as an alternative to the "choke collar." The choke collar is a long chain that is looped through to the leash and is designed to provide a way to be pulled tightly quickly to correct a bad behavior.
On the surface, it seemed to me that the choke collar would be better than the prong collar; however, in researching the issue, I found writings about research supposedly comparing the two that was done in Germany. One warning, I was not able to find the original study, only discussions from people referencing the study.
The study followed 100 dogs: 50 trained with choke collars, and 50 trained with prong collars. Results of autopsies showed that with the choke collar 48 of the 50 had injuries to the neck, trachea or back. Two were from genetic issues, and the other 46 were caused by trauma.
Of the 50 who were trained with prong collars, two had neck injuries, of which one was genetic, and one was caused by trauma.
Two things have to be tested: 1. is the study real, and 2. does it make sense. This writer could not find the original study, and for number 2, it makes sense that a choke collar could be used in such a way as to damage a dogs neck and trachea; while the prong collar (also called a pinch collar) would "stick" the dog before it would choke him/her.
As with any training device, proper use is the key. Many trainers swear by the properly fitted and used choke collar. The fitting seems to be the key--not with the size, necessarily, but by the way the end of the chain connected to the leash is done. The next blog will be about properly using both collars.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Program About Service Dogs
As a new retailer of pet collars, dog clothes, cat beds, pet harnesses and other supplies, I spend a great deal of my time thinking about the joy of being a Pet Parent and how I can enhance that experience for others. In this heightened awareness of pets, I seem to be finding wonderful stories about how pets help humans.
I have previously written about David Sharpe and Cheyenne, and their Pet2Vet program for therapy dogs. Tonight, December 5, 2010, Nickelodeon is presenting a story on the Nick News Special Edition called, "Good Dog." It is a story by Linda Ellerbee on children who have service dogs who discuss their experiences. In today's Akron Beacon Journal, columnist R.D. Heldenfels profiles a local family with two boys who have Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, and their service dog, Blue. http://www.ohio.com/entertainment/111340919.html
Service Dogs have been thought of for use with people who are blind. This article in the ABJ and the story tonight on Nickelodeon are about Service Dogs who work with a wider range of uses from a boy with a severe food allergy and another working with a young man with Down syndrome.
Blue is a stunningly beautiful white standard poodle who was trained as a puppy to be a service dog. The two Lonzer boys, Josiah and Ryan display both have Asperger's, which is an autism-spectrum disorder that affects social and communication skills. The North Star Foundation placed Blue with the Lonzer boys. http://www.northstardogs.com/
Now that Josiah is in college, Blue is helping Ryan with his eye contact, a frequent problem with persons with autism. According to Mrs. Lonzer, since poodles do not fit the sterotype of a service dog, people comment on how attractive Blue is, and Ryan is encouraged to talk to others and make eye contact.
I will be doing more research into service dogs, as I am with therapy dogs, and appreciate any comments. By the way, best wishes to Max, my friend Jessica Vinson's therapy dog, as he is re-certified today.
I have previously written about David Sharpe and Cheyenne, and their Pet2Vet program for therapy dogs. Tonight, December 5, 2010, Nickelodeon is presenting a story on the Nick News Special Edition called, "Good Dog." It is a story by Linda Ellerbee on children who have service dogs who discuss their experiences. In today's Akron Beacon Journal, columnist R.D. Heldenfels profiles a local family with two boys who have Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, and their service dog, Blue. http://www.ohio.com/entertainment/111340919.html
Service Dogs have been thought of for use with people who are blind. This article in the ABJ and the story tonight on Nickelodeon are about Service Dogs who work with a wider range of uses from a boy with a severe food allergy and another working with a young man with Down syndrome.
Blue is a stunningly beautiful white standard poodle who was trained as a puppy to be a service dog. The two Lonzer boys, Josiah and Ryan display both have Asperger's, which is an autism-spectrum disorder that affects social and communication skills. The North Star Foundation placed Blue with the Lonzer boys. http://www.northstardogs.com/
Now that Josiah is in college, Blue is helping Ryan with his eye contact, a frequent problem with persons with autism. According to Mrs. Lonzer, since poodles do not fit the sterotype of a service dog, people comment on how attractive Blue is, and Ryan is encouraged to talk to others and make eye contact.
I will be doing more research into service dogs, as I am with therapy dogs, and appreciate any comments. By the way, best wishes to Max, my friend Jessica Vinson's therapy dog, as he is re-certified today.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Therapy Dogs
Pets are not "about" a dog collar, dog clothes, pet harnesses, cat carriers, or pet beds. They are not about "things," they are about unconditional love. Any story about the healing powers of animals should be moving to all Pet Parents. I have been very moved by the story of David Sharpe. He returned from the war suffering from Post Tramatic Shock Disorder, probably one of the most misunderstood ailments affecting veterans. PTSD, as it is known, is the result of mental stress during war. No one returns from traumatic situations, like war, unscathed mentally. Many can pick up old lives, and deal with stress as they will, but for some, the trauma doesn't end.
David Sharpe returned angry. He tells of good friends who tried to get him back in to the swing of things, but since he carried so much anger that he picked fights, had to distance themselves from him. In his anger and hurt, he went to a pound to rescue an dog, and decided to get a "mean" one, a pit bull. What happened next speaks to the power of animals. In caring for his dog, his pain started to lessen. When he could not talk to family, friends, or therapists, he could talk to Cheyenne. He reported Cheyenne watching him rage and hit things, and do that wonderful thing that dogs do when confused, she moved her head from side to side.
He cried, as he reports, bitterly. The healing had begun. David did not stop there. As he healed, he looked to heal others. He founded his own nonprofit to help other returning veterans with PTSD to be matched with dogs so that they could heal, too. Pets2vets or http://www.p2v.org/ matches veterans with rescue dogs. According to the website, "There are 18 veterans that commit suicide every day and one animal is put down every second." Visit the website. It is amazing to see the stories.
I am enormously touched by the story and the work that is being done. Pets can make us more human, and our humanity can save them.
David Sharpe returned angry. He tells of good friends who tried to get him back in to the swing of things, but since he carried so much anger that he picked fights, had to distance themselves from him. In his anger and hurt, he went to a pound to rescue an dog, and decided to get a "mean" one, a pit bull. What happened next speaks to the power of animals. In caring for his dog, his pain started to lessen. When he could not talk to family, friends, or therapists, he could talk to Cheyenne. He reported Cheyenne watching him rage and hit things, and do that wonderful thing that dogs do when confused, she moved her head from side to side.
He cried, as he reports, bitterly. The healing had begun. David did not stop there. As he healed, he looked to heal others. He founded his own nonprofit to help other returning veterans with PTSD to be matched with dogs so that they could heal, too. Pets2vets or http://www.p2v.org/ matches veterans with rescue dogs. According to the website, "There are 18 veterans that commit suicide every day and one animal is put down every second." Visit the website. It is amazing to see the stories.
I am enormously touched by the story and the work that is being done. Pets can make us more human, and our humanity can save them.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Pet Supplies help for others
I am becoming very interested in Therapy Dogs. Check this out. Tomorrow's Post will be a follow up. http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2010/11/ptsd-therapy-dogs/
Pet Collar Fitting
I am confused about the advice given about fitting pet collars. The times when a person would measure the neck and they buy that measurement is over. In the previous way, it was assumed that the manufacturer would add the two inches or so it would take to properly fit the collar.
Currently, the proper way to fit a collar has become simplified by Pet Stores. The method is to measure the neck of the pet, and add two inches. Of course, this may be problematic for very small dogs, and trial and error may be the best bet for small pets. Adjustable collars make collar fitting easier. My Maltese, Sofie, is the most comfortable with an adjustable collar. She does not seem comfortable all day with just one size, and sometimes, toward evening paws at it until I loosen it.
The major exception is for leather collars more than 1 " wide. The standard for larger leather collars on larger dogs, is the measurement of the collar, plus 4". It is always best practice to use the measurements given by pet stores, but the above rule seems to be the norm. Since I don't have the larger dog, anyone with experience with fitting a large collar and/or a large dog, please post here.
Currently, the proper way to fit a collar has become simplified by Pet Stores. The method is to measure the neck of the pet, and add two inches. Of course, this may be problematic for very small dogs, and trial and error may be the best bet for small pets. Adjustable collars make collar fitting easier. My Maltese, Sofie, is the most comfortable with an adjustable collar. She does not seem comfortable all day with just one size, and sometimes, toward evening paws at it until I loosen it.
The major exception is for leather collars more than 1 " wide. The standard for larger leather collars on larger dogs, is the measurement of the collar, plus 4". It is always best practice to use the measurements given by pet stores, but the above rule seems to be the norm. Since I don't have the larger dog, anyone with experience with fitting a large collar and/or a large dog, please post here.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Pet Training Collars
As I am gathering information about pet supplies, I have found collars with sharp spikes. I don't understand the purpose of the sharp pronged collars for training. The spikes seem sharp. These are the ones NOT on collars. It seems inhumane to me, but reputable people seem to be using them, and reputable stores seem to be selling them.
As to the spikes on collars, I understand that little non sharpened ones may be cute on small dogs, but I am curious about the large spikes on large leather collars. My guess would be that they came from an attempt to make the dog look more ferocious, but I am curious as to whether the sharpened spikes would shorten attacks on a dog. Animals do go for the neck, so might a spiked collar stop that attack?
Anyone have experience one way or another on these topics?
As to the spikes on collars, I understand that little non sharpened ones may be cute on small dogs, but I am curious about the large spikes on large leather collars. My guess would be that they came from an attempt to make the dog look more ferocious, but I am curious as to whether the sharpened spikes would shorten attacks on a dog. Animals do go for the neck, so might a spiked collar stop that attack?
Anyone have experience one way or another on these topics?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
First Post
Here we go. My first blog post, but not my last. Why blog? Why now? It would be trite to say, "Why Not?" But the truth is that I look at my life and find that I have a strong belief that pets make humans better, as humans can make the lives of their pets better, too. I am also open to new ways of looking at things. I don't believe that any one person KNOWS for sure the best way of doing things or looking at things. I have my own thoughts and from my experience my thoughts can provoke agreement or disagreement. Since this is my first blog, I have doubts that anyone is reading this, but if you are, and if you are an experienced blogger, feel free to give me advice. This is my last rambling, self serving blog. The next one will be about pets.
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