Doby and Lola

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Thanksgiving Posted: 30 Nov 2009 07:41 AM PST Last week there was some holiday called Thanksgiving. This was Lola's first Thanksgiving here with our family, but I already know the ropes. We go to Granny's and eat some food and it's so fun. WELL, WE DIDN'T GET TO GO TO GRANNY'S! No, we had to stay home by ourselves. Mom said that our Uncle Daniel didn't want us to come and she didn't want to have an argument so, she didn't take us. They weren't gone that long anyway, and mom and dad spent the whole night playing with us. Then, on Friday, mom put a pretty tree up in our house. She did it last year, too. I thought trees were for outside, but for some reason mom brought it inside. She only does it for a little while. The tree is really pretty. It glows and is shiny. Shiny and glowy are two of my favorite things, you know. I helped mom set it up, but Lola didn't. (see picture below) I think she was a little scared of it (or just really lazy). Mom thinks she may have been mad cause we didn't have a stocking with her name on it since she wasn't here last Christmas. Mom ordered her one and it should be here soon. Anyway, we had a really fun weekend. Mom didn't take pictures of the pretty tree yet, but she will soon. And I will post them so you can see how wonderful it is to have a tree in your house. I wonder if everyone puts a tree in their house. -Doby- Lola assiting with the Christmas tree. Some more assiting by Lola. My new favorite place to lay. I can't really see out the window, I just bark at the reflection of the TV.

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All Things Dog Blog

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Avoiding Danger in Your Yard Posted: 29 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST Find me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET (c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2007 Tanner and Xena Share the Float While I Act as Lifeguard Today's post is another of my soapbox rantings: dog safety. Our yards can be a mecca for many dangers to our pets. Here are a few you might take particular notice of: Know your plant names and which are toxic. Check out my post at Organic Journey Online, Dogs and Plants: What is Safe for Them? Keep your fence in good repair to avoid escapes and injury. Clear out heavy underbrush to diminish the chances of snakes or rodents making homes there. Remove thorny vines, plants and bushes. Be aware of wildlife and your dog's risk. For instance, Oliver, my Papillon, is a likely target of the Barn Owl that lives in a nearby wooded area. My veterinarian has suggested I do not use our Invisible Fence for him, but always take him outside on a leash or with close supervision. Likewise, the local bear population is quite active right now, so Tanner and Xena, my Retrievers, must be supervised when outside after dark. Water and its inherent danger can come in many forms.  Check out my post on water safety and also learn more about how to teach your pup to swim at Swimming Isn't Just for Lab Lovers. If you live on a waterway or have a swimming pool or spa, be sure your dog knows how to swim if he has access to it. Teach him how to get out safely, practicing from different locations to assure he knows how to reach the exit point. This is especially important for smaller dogs that can only exit at very shallow areas. Be aware, too, that natural waterways carry other dangers such as snakes, gators and shells that can cut feet. Maintaining a clear water line will help minimize critters, but you must also be sure to teach your dog to swim with supervision only. Even with my pool being right outside the back door, Tanner knows he must wait permission to swim. He plays on the pool deck for several hours a day, but is well aware that he must follow my rules. This may save his life one day. Know your dog's ability to open gates. If you have one, be sure it is secure. Likewise, if you have a fence, can Fido jump it? Think about whether a bit of encouragement on the other side might give him more energy to make the big leap? They can surprise you sometimes. I probably don't even have to mention that they can also dig under your fence. Dogs have been known to dig under and get stuck. Keep your eyes open for trouble spots. I know all of you out there have had some sort of crisis in your yard. We all have. Tanner came in one day with a puncture wound; we never figured out how he got it. I suppose a freshly trimmed bush branch could have been the culprit. We'll never know. We found nothing like a sharp pipe or other similar-shaped sharp object anywhere in the yard. Take a few minutes one day and tour your yard. Look for anything that might injure your dog or catch him. Having a family yard clean up day will be fun for you and the dog, and will help to reduce the chances of vermin in the underbrush. Finally, I cannot stress supervision enough. Even the cleanest back yard in the county can hide danger you may not be aware of: a new ant hill, a snake hole, a misdirected snapping turtle. I have found each of these in one of our yards over the years. Mother birds nesting nearby can also wreak havoc on a pet playing nearby. Keep your eyes out LIKE A HAWK, AND for hawks. Keep your dogs safe! One last note: If I've struck a chord here, check out my earlier post on Dog Proofing Your House. Enter your email address: Delivered by FeedBurner Follow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook

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Service Dog Blog - November 29, 2009 Inspiring Almost-Service Dog Video

Service Dog Blog All Things Service Animals Inspiring Almost-Service Dog Video - 2009-11-23 17:45:22-05 Read more... Disabled vet who inspired Franken sues McDonald's for $10 million - 2009-11-24 15:41:33-05 A disabled veteran who inspired Sen. Al Franken's first legislative victory -- a service dog program for disabled veterans -- is suing McDonald's for $10 million after allegedly being harassed, beaten, and told that he couldn't take his service dog inside a fast food restaurant in New York City. Luis Carlos Montalvan, a former Army captain who was wounded in Iraq, said he was confronted by restaurant workers on two separate visits, and beaten with garbage can lids on a third when he returned with a camera in hand. Read more... Save up to 15% on all dog supplies at SitStay.com. Order up to $49.99 save 5%, $50-$99.99 save 10%, above $100 save 15%. No limitations. Sponsored by ServiceDogTags.com 23503 Lutheran Cemetery Rd, Tomball, TX 77377, USA

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Raise a Green Dog!

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We've been nominated for Best Green Lens in the 2009 Giant Squid Awards! Posted: 27 Nov 2009 07:39 AM PST How extremely flattering! Raise A Green Dog's Squidoo Lens has been nominated for Best Green Lens in the 2009 Giant Squid Awards! If you've got a moment, we sure would love your vote! Just click here, and then select the radio button right next to Raise A Green Dog, then submit. It's easy and fast :)

Whadda ya do with that leftover turkey? Posted: 27 Nov 2009 04:20 AM PST All of us at Raise A Green Dog hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving! Now that the big day is over, you undoubtedly have a little turkey left. We sure do! So what do you do with that leftover turkey? Here's a great idea, that's of course if you have an organic turkey, or free range, that doesn't have all those chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavors or spices in it. Make some Turkey Dog Treats! Here's a great recipe we found, thanks to All Natural Dog Treats! Ingredients: 2 cups cooked turkey, minced (organic, free range is the best choice) 4 tsps. grated lowfat cheese (we like white cheddar, yum) 1 tbl. fresh parsley, chopped 2 eggs, beaten (grain fed, free range for us) 2 c. whole-wheat flour 2 tbl. brewer's yeast 2 tbl. vegetable oil (we like to substitute for our Salmon Oil) Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the turkey, cheese and parsley together. Pour beaten eggs over turkey mixture. Add flour, yeast and oil. Stir. Drop into small lumps onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until brown and firm. Store in refrigerator. Makes about 2 dozen treats. We hope you enjoy the rest of your Holiday weekend!!!

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All Things Dog Blog

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Should You Get a Dog? Posted: 26 Nov 2009 01:56 PM PST Find me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET (c) photo copyright Toni Boyko 2008 Oliver's First Days  at Home with Us The holidays are coming and many a child is already pressing Mom and Dad to get them a puppy. Puppies, and their resultant dogs, are a big responsibility--much more than any child can comprehend. They have no clue how many thousands of dogs end up in humane societies and pounds across the country, just a few short months after the holidays. Taking on a dog is akin to adopting a child and should be contemplated with the same concern, research, dedication to quality, and vigor that a couple should decide on the time to start a family. Children will often beg with many enticing reasons why it is time to bring a puppy into the home. Some of the most common that my kids used are: My kids promised to walk the dog every day.  They assured me they would feed them every morning and every night without fail. My children agreed to attend training classes, along with me, to learn how to properly raise our furry friend. They understood, up-front, that crate training was expected, and no puppies would be sleeping in their beds for a very long time. My kids promised not to give the puppy food from the dinner table, no matter how much the dog seemed to want it. They agreed to follow the rules that I established, based on "best practices" for raising a happy, healthy, well-adjusted dog. My children helped me recruit a few of their more trustworthy friends to act as puppy sitters when we were gone for more than a few hours. They agreed to help keep the yard clean of doggie droppings. They offered to bathe the dog when needed. They assured to me they would be involved in socializing the puppy. Well, you get the idea. Looking back, I believe we hit pay dirt consistently on 4 of the 9 items I listed, which, I suppose is not bad for children. Let's face it; they just were not mature enough to really understand that they were taking on the needs of another living creature. What made it work for us was one thing; I knew that their commitment would wane along with the enthusiasm of having a puppy. I was prepared to take on the responsibility myself, but thought it would be a good lesson to get them involved to each of their abilities. All of that has come full circle now, as the 3 dogs are doted over by my now adult "kids" quite thoroughly. It's a proud day for me when one bathes the dogs, another walks them, and still another feeds them. They request that I bring the dogs along to airport pickups, and enjoy the enthusiastic greetings they get each time we re-enter the house. Me? I enjoy watching how seemlessly the dogs and the kids fall into family life as if nothing ever changed; no one went off to college or moved away to take on a law practice. We are all a family--committed, caring and looking out for one another. That is what you must look at when you consider bringing a pet into your home. Are you ready for complete commitment? If not, please wait. The dog deserves a home where her needs are met regularly: exercise, discipline and affection, in that order. It is critical that you be dedicated to these, and that you enjoy them. Yeah, I know. I sound like Cesar Millan. We're on the same page. Consider your decision carefully, with more thought to the dog's needs than to your own. If you do it this way, you will be much more successful. Enter your email address: Delivered by FeedBurner Follow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook

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All Things Dog Blog

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ASK THE VET: Adapting to the Loss of a Family Member Posted: 24 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET Find me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Piwacket Misses Roger Dear Dr. Jacki: My father just passed away after a long battle with Alzheimers. He enjoyed his Siamese cat, Piwacket, very much. The kitty has been sleeping on his pillow. I know she is missing him, although she still has "mom" there to comfort her. Do you have any general suggestions for helping pets ease the confusion of missing a family member? Thanks, Carrie B. ******************************************** Dear Carrie B: First of all, I am sorry for your loss.  It is so difficult to lose a family member.  I think the best thing that we can do to ease our pet's discomfort is to continue to provide love and attention.  It is great that 'mom' is still available to offer these things. It may also help to keep an article of clothing, like a t-shirt, for kitty to lay on.   It would be best to keep kitty's routine the same, if possible.  Feeding, exercising, play time schedules should be kept the same as before, if possible.  This gives our pets some stability in a difficult time.  If kitty was acting sick-not eating, drinking excessive amounts of water, not playing….please call your veterinarian to have an exam.  Take care, Dr. Jacki Dr. Jacki, D.V.M. ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com  For more information on Dr. Jacki and her practice, you may find her at  4 Paws House Calls. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog and your specific questions. Dr. Jacki's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.  Enter your email address: Delivered by FeedBurner Follow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook

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The Dog's Life Dog-a-Blog

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2009 Fido Awards Posted: 23 Nov 2009 02:57 PM PST G'day Dog Lovers, Everyone knows about the Oscars - the Academy Awards that recognise excellence in the film industry each year. But have you ever heard of the Fido Awards, which honour canine excellence on the big screen? The third annual Fido awards were held over the weekend in London, and a few well-known canines came out on top. 2009 was a bumper year for dog movies so this year's awards were fiercely contested. Winners included: The "Romcom Rover" category was won by Marley & Me, or rather the 14 labs who played the title role. The "Comedy Canine" gong went to Beverly Hills Chihuahua "Blockbuster Bowser" went to Dug, the talking dog from Pixar animation, Up. For all the stories and gossip from the 2009 Fido Awards, check out this link.

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