Louie the Awesome

Hey, I’m Louie, many people and dog friends already know me, you see, I’m VERY popular.

So, popular in fact, that I’ve decided to start my own blog. I tried to dictate my ideas to the cat so she could do the typing, but she was totally wigged out on catnip and I need it done right!

Usually my Pet Parent has NO time to write the important stuff, and since I’m a take-charge kinda dog, I figured I’d help her out.  Now I’ve got some of my own ideas about what other Pet Parents need to know about to make me and my friend’s lives easier, but my tail would be waggin’ if you could send me any other questions you might have.  We’ll chat over the fence line and get you the best answers from those who actually know.

Today I’m just hanging in my play room with my girlfriend Kensie steaming up the window watching the squirrels.  I don’t like hanging outside for very long because of this weather and those squirrels LOVE teasing us.  Kensie and I have caught two and showed them who’s boss before but now they take revenge as often as possible.  Wait!  I think I hear mom coming to let me out…gotta go flush them!

Waiting for you in Pampurred Palace at ODAS

Looking for someone with a heart full or love and friendship? Look no further than Open Door’s adorable Ethan! Ethan is a brown tabby with beautiful, bright eyes and a demeanor that portrays his affectionate, cuddly self. You can usually find Ethan perched on the window sill watching the dogs play in the backyards, but that doesn’t mean he will not snuggle with you for hours! Our cute little man is the quiet, sensitive type that will melt your heart with his coos and purrs. Ethan is one-of-a-kind love bug and will be best friends with anyone who will give him a place to call home …please come and see if you fall in love with him!

Bowie is waiting for you at ODAS

Open Door’s Bowie is one remarkable dog. He has a lot of energy to go on daily walks and for daily play sessions and is willing to be anyone’s friend. Bowie is a retriever mix with a beautiful blond coat and a tail constantly wagging. Bowie loves having friends come out to visit him. He loves being brushed, pet and walked by anyone with a gentle approach to him. He is not shy by any means, in fact, he is an extreme extrovert. He definitely needs a family that will embrace his playful side and encourage his exercise and healthy figure. He is at a perfect weight and definitely needs a family that continues with his walking/running schedule. If you are looking for a spunky dog with plenty of charisma and positive energy, come to see Bowie now! His happy ending is awaiting…

Have you ever been totally on your own and had something COMPLETELY unexpected happen…we are talking about our pets, right?  Unexpected can be a daily occurance!

On my end, I’ve experienced cats knocking down vases on mantles and being greeted with little bloody pawprints, a dog eating pill pockets loaded with medicine for another dog, and many others.

What do you do?

Nope…911 can’t help.

Standard pet CPR can’t help.

What you need is a crash course in REAL pet first-aid…and that is what is being offered by Manchester West Veterinary Hospital on January 26th and February 4th at the Ellisville Bluebird Park Administration Building.  You will get the privilege of real training from a Board Certified Veterinarian, Dr. David Roberts in a host of real-life issues.  For participation you will also receive a take-home Pet First Aid Kit put together by Manchester West with YOU in mind.  Additionally hosting will be the Metro West Fire Department highlighting fire safety, prevention, and pet rescue. ($20 fee per person with all proceeds going to the future Ellisville Dog Park)

Our 4-Legged Kids Family will be there….will you?

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Winter is upon us….well, by calendar at least.  We’ve all been blessed by our unusually mild weather so far.

BUT…like usual in Missouri, things can change fast.  And we have to be prepared not only for ourselves, but for our pets.  There are many safety concerns during the winter in the care of our pets that might not be present during other seasons.  See if any of these are new for you:

General Pet Care Tips

• You might need to feed your pets a bit more, depending on the length of time they spend outside.  They can burn more calories in the cold, both to keep warm and because running and playtime can be more strenuous in the snow.
• If your pet has long fur you need to keep them groomed and free of mats.  Matted fur will create areas of exposure and decrease the insulating ability of long fur and undercoats.
• I always giggle at a dog with a sweater on, but we put on layers, don’t we?  Short haired dogs don’t have fur to keep them insulated so an extra layer in the cold will make them a much happier pup….and they can pee faster if they aren’t shaking all over the place.
• Dogs can’t get enough water from eating snow or licking the ice cube in their water bowl.  They need to have access to fresh water even during cold times and snow.  Plastic bowls are the best during the winter months…heard the term “I triple-dog-dare you!”?  Imagine your dog’s warm, wet tongue and a frozen stainless steel bowl…..hmmm, might be a thought.  Even better, for those dogs that love the cold weather make sure they have a heated water bowl…but make sure there is always an adequate level of fresh, clean water in it.

 Specific Outdoor Tips

• POISON POISON POISON  Do you take the dangers of antifreeze seriously?  Ever had a leak and not really pay attention to it…just keep adding more as needed?  Did you know that for dogs and cats it is like an open Hershey’s bar to a chocoholic?   A cat walking through the drips and then licking its’ paws clean could possibly die?  A medium-sized dog can die from just 5 tablespoons?  It completely destroys the kidneys and there can be a narrow window for successful treatment.  Call the vet, Call the vet, CALL THE VET!  This is not one to just sit around and see if the dog gets sick.  The dog has to be induced to vomit and needs medication to prevent damage.  Did I say call the vet?  Or better yet, keep the driveway and garage floor clean and keep containers out of the reach of curious noses.
• SO, unless you are one of those people that has purchased doggie snowboots (I giggle at those also) your dog’s PAW-dicure needs to be paid special attention after snowy playtime (or even walking).  When they are out they can pick up little icy balls, packed snow, rock salt, calcium cloride, etc., which can chap and crack their paws and some of the chemicals can even make them sick if they lick.  Make sure you wipe their paws clean when they come in.  There are even products on the market now that you insert each foot into for a bit of a “foot bath” to make sure all the nasties are out.
• And yes, your pet can get frostbite….with long or short fur.  The most succeptible areas are the nose, tail, and toes because of exposure.  Signs would be discoloration of the skin….it might be pale or even bluish in color.  The area might have a lack of sensation initially, but as it warms up it can begin to be painful…frequently a sign something is wrong is during this time of warming.  Apply a warm compress (warm only).  Do not rub or you can cause additional damage.  The vet is the best to assess damage and determine treament.

MOST of all….if you see any animal left out in the cold with out adequate shelter, please speak to its owner or notify your local animal welfare agency!

Miss Annie posing

Just a little something I wanted to pass along from a client of ours in Illinois.  Miss Annie and Miss Roxie use our fence and are just about the two most photogenic beagles I know!  This is a great fund-raising project to benefit the Monroe County Humane Society.  I put 50 on my girls!  Below is the letter Miss Annie and Miss Roxie sent out to “beg” to be your “pin-up girls”…Jane

Hi everyone, it’s Annie and Roxie! 

We both have a chance to be in the Humane Society of Monroe County 2011 Calendar! Mom volunteers at the shelter by loving, playing, and walking the dogs who are waiting for their forever families. She enjoys it a lot and says the dogs are so sweet! We both know how these dogs feel since we were in a shelter, they can’t wait for their new families! But until then, the shelter takes good care of the dogs and cats, but need some financial assistance. This is where you come in. Our pictures are up for voting and if we are voted one of the top 12 photos, our picture goes into the calendar where you can see our beatiful faces for an entire month! We both tried our very best to behave when our pictures where taken and we think our pictures are darling, so do Mom and Dad. We are asking you to vote for us, it is $1 per vote and all the money goes to the animals at the shelter.  The animals need forever homes and love, but until then, they need our help at the Humane Society. 

Here are the directions to vote for us: 

1. Go to the website: www.creativebent.net and click the “Pawtraits
Voting” button.
2. Click on the Gallery tab at the left and choose the Pet Pawtraits
gallery.
3. Find our pictures and click on the shopping cart under the image.
4. On the shopping cart page enter the number of votes you
would like to place for each of us. It is $1.00 per vote – a minimum
of 5 total votes please, because Paypal charges for each transaction.

The votes can go to one of us or you can split it between us.

5. Click Add to Cart
6. Click Proceed to Checkout.
7. Enter your email and your Paypal password. If you don’t already have a
PayPal Account, you may create one at this time.  (Paypal is a secure way to
make e-purchases).  

You can only vote until September 19 at 9pm

Thank you so much for looking at our pictures and helping the Humane Society. If it wasn’t for no-kill shelters like this one, many animals would die. We are glad they have a place to live and be cared for until they get their forever family!

Feel free to forward our beautiful pictures to your friends and family, the more votes we get, the better chance to get in the calendar.

Sending out doggy kisses and thanks to everyone,

Annie and Roxie

You can go online at www.GetMeRegistered.com … and click on the “Run to Remember – Wildwood MO link for additional information.

Try our Staycation B&B for your dog

Schedule your pet’s Staycation in one of our caring private homes. This service is perfect for those dogs that would appreciate the “home away from home” and socialization with other pets. During your initial call we will gather information about your pet: their schedule, their preferences, their medical history, etc. We match your pet with the best Staycation Location to match their home environment. You are welcome to visit your Staycation Location before your trip with your pet so everyone is comfortable.

We do require that your pet is crate-trained for those occasional times they can’t be supervised. Our private homes welcome anything that will make your pet comfortable. Some items we recommend you bring are:

• crate
• bedding/blankets/towels
• food with instructions
• medications
• toys
• treats

Standard medications are administered on your directions at no additional charge. Current vaccination records are required: Rabies (3 year accepted), DHPP or DHLPP, Bordetella. Titers within the past year are accepted. You can have your veterinarian fax copies to 314-414-PETS (7387). We do also require flea/tick application within the past month. If your pet hasn’t had this there will be a $20 application fee.

Visit our website at www.4leggedkids.com to read more about this service, view our rates, and make your reservation!

Buddy came to me the first of May – he was my son’s dog but once my son and his wife starting having children Buddy needing to be #1 was better suited to be with me.

After two weeks of adjusting to my home Chase started his training with Buddy and I. Our first day for the three of us was to get acquainted and review the operations of the collar/fence. Buddy did very well and quickly took to Chase’s lead and direction. Our second scheduled training with an increased intensity of the collar  Buddy tested the fence line and we realized he was a smart dog!   Since that day he has not tested that line again. This surprised my son and I since Buddy has always seemed to be a rather assertive dog when it comes to doing what he wants. There are two small areas in my yard that are not fenced and face the front of the property. I was for sure the site of a rabbit, squirrel or other dogs would stimulate Buddy’s interest and he would ignore the fence/shock but he has not tested it ever again.

I/we are very pleased with the fence, training (Thank you Chase) and outcome of this experience. Buddy, my son, his family and I thank all of you.

Carol

Buddy & Carol

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

…wasn’t that precious? Rescue is our heart and driving force. To see more about our rescue efforts and how we help rescue families with their new life-long friend visit our website at www.4leggedkids.com.

(ARA) – Pet owners understand extra cleaning is part of the deal when bringing a puppy into their homes and lives. Cleaning up after a dog is enough work in itself, so the last thing any owner wants is a pooch that is agitated by the sights and sounds of cleaning. There are several techniques that can help your dog stay calm when you reach for your sponge and Swiffer.

“Your attitude and approach to cleaning up after and around your pet is critical,” says Cesar Millan, renowned dog behavior specialist and host of the Emmy-nominated series, Dog Whisperer. “If you are stressed or frustrated when you pick up a cleaning tool, your dog can pick up on this negative energy and associate the cleaning tool with negativity. This can create instability and can result in problematic behaviors.”

Millan offers his top tips to create a pet-friendly environment, from combating pet hair to preparing for a new puppy at home:

* If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and recharge for five minutes before starting, and reconsider your cleaning tools. Tools that can do two things at once can make you more relaxed about the process – and dogs pick up on that.

* Cleaning introduces new smells into the environment, and a dog’s sense of smell is its strongest sense. If your dog gets tense or upset when you clean, pay attention to the scents you are using. Try cleaning products that are available in a Lavender and Vanilla scent, which can be soothing to your dog.

* Focusing on efficiency and multi-tasking can make cleaning chores easier and more expedient. Supplies that accomplish more than one task can save time and avoid agitation, especially tools that handle all kinds of pet messes. Try the newly redesigned 2-in-1 Swiffer SweeperVac, which tackles all messes, vacuuming pet food and clumps of hair, while trapping crumbs, dirt and dust to get floors thoroughly clean in one quick and easy step.

* When you first bring home a puppy, involve the entire family in the process. Even younger children can participate in the various responsibilities by making sure there is fresh water in the dog’s bowl or accompanying a parent on the puppy’s walks.

* One important part of the housebreaking process is cleaning up after your dog has an accident. If he’s had an accident in an area once, he’s more likely to go there again because of the odor. The best cleaning methods eliminate both the mess and the smell.

Find more tips on cleaning up after pets at www.swiffer.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent