Wednesday, May 21, 2008
TRUST by P.S. Gifford
I trust my best friend one hundred percent, without any question or doubt. I tell him all of my secrets, share my dreams, confide my fears and confess my sins. He listens without ever passing judgment. I always feel better after confiding in him and I feel that everybody should have someone they can talk to discreetly. It is cathartic sharing your deepest most private feelings. Trust me on this. I have told him things I would not dream in telling anyone else and I know that he would never betray my trust in a million years. Often times we enjoy walking as we chat, maybe along an isolated beach, or sometimes in the mountains. It is invigorating simply being outdoors with him and whilst sharing his loyal company I have been inspired to write many of my stories. Being with him is liberating for the mind. Talking openly seems to have a marvelously stimulating affect on my imagination. It is as if he is some sort of magical catalyst to my inner truer self. Being with him allows me to tap into my deepest feelings. He truly makes me appreciate the simpler things in life. He is not swayed by materialistic things. He does not care what car I drive, what zip code my house is in, or how much money I earn. He appreciates me for precisely what I am. Chester has been a part of my life for six years now. And, to be perfectly frank, I can not even imagine him not being a part of it. There is great comfort in knowing that Chester will never think bad of me, no matter what I tell him. I swear he is better than any psychoanalyst. I have no need to pay anyone one hundred dollars an hour to analyze me. He is watching me type this and looks most curious. I suspect he knows I am writing about him. I swear he knows me so well I swear that he can, on occasion, almost read my thoughts. I will read it to him before I hit the send key. He will get a good kick out of it I am sure. Then I will give his belly a good old scratch and take my beloved dog for a good hearty walk up the creek. Chester came from a dog shelter and had been terribly abused. But, he brings unconditional love into my life on a level that no person could ever compete. People are flawed. People can be vindictive, cruel and just plain mean. Dogs are loving. Dogs are forgiving, sweet and just plain needy. Yes, I have been blessed with a loving wife, a fantastic son, and numerous friends who I trust ninety percent of the time. With my wife it is ninety nine percent. But even then humans are prone to anger, and anger tampers with the rational part of the mind, and people often say things that they will later regret. I know that all my secrets are completely safe with Chester...-- P.S. Gifford
Dagney is now a Soccer Mascot!
Just a quick update on Skylar formerly known as Dagney. He is doing just great. He goes to the girls soccer games and meets and greets everyone down the line getting his scratchies. He is almost potty trained and Laura takes full responsibility for the few accidents he has had. She and I think a lot a like on that topic! She says he has a little stubborn streak in him when out walking. If he wants to stop and take a whiff at something nothing is going to keep him from stopping. She finds him comical! They are going to add a new rhodesian in the fall so Skylar will have a furbud. :)
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers
The APDT (www.apdt.com) is a professional association, founded in 1993, of independent trainers who focus on the relationship between pet and owner. They use reward based training methods. Please visit their website if you need to find a trainer where you live, or for more information about this group.
The Anxiety Wrap
I wanted to share indormation with everyone about the Anxiety Wrap. Owners with fearful or shy dogs have found it helpful, as have those with a dog who is frightened of thunderstorms.
Their website (http://anxietywrap.com/) describes the Anxiety Wrap as "A wonderful tool that helps animals to cope & overcome their past and present issues. It aids an animal's ability to focus & remain calm and compliments the use of gentle training methods."
The Anxiety Wrap uses the technique called "MAINTAINED PRESSURE" to aid in calming your animal thereby allowing him or her to redirect their focus. When used with gentle training methods, the Anxiety Wrap works with the animal's entire mind, body and spirit.
The Anxiety Wrap's creator is Susan Sharpe, who has over 20 years experience working with animals. After successfully leaving the owner/management world she went full time into working with animals. Susan's experience is complemented by her continuing education of staying current on the latest alternative training techniques and their related issues. She stays current by enrolling in specific courses, workshops, clinics and seminars that will enable her to work with animals as a whole being, while addressing the training and/or behavior issues that concern their caretakers. A couple of these specific courses have been Purdue University's "DOGS" Course Principles and Techniques of Behavior Modification. Susan is also Indiana's only certified Tellington Touch Practitioner. These combined with successfully attending and completing other various workshops, clinics and seminars continue to ensure that Susan remains updated and current when it comes to our animal companions. Susan is also a member in good standing with the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and of course she possesses a genuine love and respect for animals.
Go to the website to learn more about the Anxiety Wrap and it's creator Susan Sharpe. Also learn about Susan's training facility, All Dogs School and her vacation resort for dogs, Doggie Resort.
If you have a success story using the Anxiety Wrap, I would love to post it on this blog. Please feel free to send it to me!
Their website (http://anxietywrap.com/) describes the Anxiety Wrap as "A wonderful tool that helps animals to cope & overcome their past and present issues. It aids an animal's ability to focus & remain calm and compliments the use of gentle training methods."
The Anxiety Wrap uses the technique called "MAINTAINED PRESSURE" to aid in calming your animal thereby allowing him or her to redirect their focus. When used with gentle training methods, the Anxiety Wrap works with the animal's entire mind, body and spirit.
The Anxiety Wrap's creator is Susan Sharpe, who has over 20 years experience working with animals. After successfully leaving the owner/management world she went full time into working with animals. Susan's experience is complemented by her continuing education of staying current on the latest alternative training techniques and their related issues. She stays current by enrolling in specific courses, workshops, clinics and seminars that will enable her to work with animals as a whole being, while addressing the training and/or behavior issues that concern their caretakers. A couple of these specific courses have been Purdue University's "DOGS" Course Principles and Techniques of Behavior Modification. Susan is also Indiana's only certified Tellington Touch Practitioner. These combined with successfully attending and completing other various workshops, clinics and seminars continue to ensure that Susan remains updated and current when it comes to our animal companions. Susan is also a member in good standing with the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and of course she possesses a genuine love and respect for animals.
Go to the website to learn more about the Anxiety Wrap and it's creator Susan Sharpe. Also learn about Susan's training facility, All Dogs School and her vacation resort for dogs, Doggie Resort.
If you have a success story using the Anxiety Wrap, I would love to post it on this blog. Please feel free to send it to me!
Symptoms of Pet Illness
Bonnie shared this important write-up from the the Long Beach Animal Hospital in Long Beach, CA. If you like, you can sign up for their newsletter at http://www.lbah.com/.
With the recent Menu Foods scare it might be a good time to review some of the symptoms pets show when they are ill with an internal disease. In some cases these symptoms are subtle and require careful observation on your part. Also, when a pet has multiple (and busy) owners it is easy to overlook the early signs of disease in pets.
Some symptoms of internal disease are obvious, the primary ones being lackof appetite and persistent vomiting or diarrhea, along with lethargy and a strong odor. Lets look at some of the more subtle symptoms that might indicate an internal problem.
A pet that does not eat its food as vigorously as it once did could indicate a problem anywhere from the mouth, to the brain, to the internal organs. Panting more than usual, even during the cooler time of the year, could indicate an internal hormone problem called Cushings disease or even discomfort or pain from arthritis or an internal organ problem.
Laying around more often, or gravitating towards warm areas couldindicate another hormone problem involving the thyroid gland. Any eye or nose discharge that is persistent, and drains from only oneside could indicate a number of problems. Subtle behavior changesthat include a lack of recognition when your pet greets you,changes in sleep patterns, circling around a table in your house,staring into space, or wandering into a wall could indicate anything from an old age problem to a problem with a brain tumor or central nervous system infection.
A pet that drinks or urinates more than its usual amount is a potential symptom of many different problems. The same holds true if your pet experiences the opposite and drinks or urinates less. A significant change in the color of your pets stool, usually muchdarker or much lighter, is also a potential sign of many different problems.
One of the best ways to watch for any of these symptoms is to measure or monitor your pets drinking and eating habits. Use your calendar and mark your parameters down periodically. You can even weigh your pet monthly and write things down each time you weigh your pet. Any change that becomes apparent is an indication for a physical exam by a veterinarian.
Yearly Wellness exams that include a physical exam along with a fecal check for parasites and a routine blood panel go a long way towards identifying problems before they become well entrenched and difficult to treat. This is particularly true for our geriatric pets that commonly become ill but do not show any outward or apparent signs. Our Geriatric page at http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=9s0qq&m=9eB78XutNT9d5&b=2qyRWALvATSEgWzTuc5MXQ will give you detailed informationabout the common diseases of older pets.
3816 E. Anaheim St. Long Beach, CA 90804 USA
http://www.aweber.com/
With the recent Menu Foods scare it might be a good time to review some of the symptoms pets show when they are ill with an internal disease. In some cases these symptoms are subtle and require careful observation on your part. Also, when a pet has multiple (and busy) owners it is easy to overlook the early signs of disease in pets.
Some symptoms of internal disease are obvious, the primary ones being lackof appetite and persistent vomiting or diarrhea, along with lethargy and a strong odor. Lets look at some of the more subtle symptoms that might indicate an internal problem.
A pet that does not eat its food as vigorously as it once did could indicate a problem anywhere from the mouth, to the brain, to the internal organs. Panting more than usual, even during the cooler time of the year, could indicate an internal hormone problem called Cushings disease or even discomfort or pain from arthritis or an internal organ problem.
Laying around more often, or gravitating towards warm areas couldindicate another hormone problem involving the thyroid gland. Any eye or nose discharge that is persistent, and drains from only oneside could indicate a number of problems. Subtle behavior changesthat include a lack of recognition when your pet greets you,changes in sleep patterns, circling around a table in your house,staring into space, or wandering into a wall could indicate anything from an old age problem to a problem with a brain tumor or central nervous system infection.
A pet that drinks or urinates more than its usual amount is a potential symptom of many different problems. The same holds true if your pet experiences the opposite and drinks or urinates less. A significant change in the color of your pets stool, usually muchdarker or much lighter, is also a potential sign of many different problems.
One of the best ways to watch for any of these symptoms is to measure or monitor your pets drinking and eating habits. Use your calendar and mark your parameters down periodically. You can even weigh your pet monthly and write things down each time you weigh your pet. Any change that becomes apparent is an indication for a physical exam by a veterinarian.
Yearly Wellness exams that include a physical exam along with a fecal check for parasites and a routine blood panel go a long way towards identifying problems before they become well entrenched and difficult to treat. This is particularly true for our geriatric pets that commonly become ill but do not show any outward or apparent signs. Our Geriatric page at http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=9s0qq&m=9eB78XutNT9d5&b=2qyRWALvATSEgWzTuc5MXQ will give you detailed informationabout the common diseases of older pets.
3816 E. Anaheim St. Long Beach, CA 90804 USA
http://www.aweber.com/
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Homemade Diet Nutrition Analysis
Cheryl writes: My foster has both diabetes and pancreatic failure (so makes no digestive enzymes.) Her food has to be absolutely highest quality so she can have the best chance of adsorbing the nutrients. I've opted for human-grade homemade food. Have the Merck Manual of Veterinary Medicine that lists the daily requirements for dogs. Found an on-line site that allows you to look up foods, put them in your "pantry", then concoct recipes. You name the recipe and hit analyze and it calculates all the nutrients, gives the ratio of protein, carbs, and fat. Lists vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. It has a "completeness" graph to show what nutrients are missing and calculates a glycemic index (good for preventing erratic blood sugars.) It rates the recipe on a 0 to 5 scale for "fullness factor" and "nutritional density." Editing (add or subtract foods or adjust quantities) is easy. The site is www.nutritiondata.com
I hope this may be helpful to you!
I hope this may be helpful to you!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Shy, Fearful, and Aggressive Dogs
The title of this entry may seem contradictory unless we remember that we are talking about dogs, whose behavior is sometimes difficult to classify. Specifically, we're talking about Cairns, and those adopted from puppy mills where they were not socialized or taught appropriate behavior. So when they come to their forever homes, they may exhibit shy, fearful or aggressive behaviors.
This is the Post-Adoption Team's biggest challenge - helping families help their cairn kids adjust to their loving homes. So I am always looking for supportive surces to share with these wonderfully patient families.
Dogwise http://www.dogwise.com/ is a wonderful resource for "all things dogs" - great book reviews and discussions.
There is a lot of great information on shy/fearful dogs for "you and your dog" at: http://www.fearfuldogs.com/
Also there is a Yahoo list for Click to Calm.
This is the Post-Adoption Team's biggest challenge - helping families help their cairn kids adjust to their loving homes. So I am always looking for supportive surces to share with these wonderfully patient families.
Dogwise http://www.dogwise.com/ is a wonderful resource for "all things dogs" - great book reviews and discussions.
There is a lot of great information on shy/fearful dogs for "you and your dog" at: http://www.fearfuldogs.com/
Also there is a Yahoo list for Click to Calm.
Book recommendations from those who have worked with these problems include:
The Cautious Canine (short, sensible, not a ton of detail) by Patricia McConnell.
Help for Your Fearful Dog (long, detailed, thorough, mostly very accurate info) by Nicole Wilde.
Scaredy Dog by Ali Brown.
Click For Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog by Emma Parsons http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB825
Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt http://www.controlunleashed.net/book.html
How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong by Pamela S. Dennison Just recently she released an addendum specifically for the 'city dog'. Both these books also have detailed training & management strategies for helping a dog or people aggressive dog. http://www.alpinepub.com/product_info.php?ref=9&products_id=36&affiliate_banner_id=24
Also Pam's book Bringing Light to Shadow consists of extracts of her journal written while rehabbing a people-aggressive border collie, Shadow, who was a known anxiety/fear biter. It's an inspiring read but not a 'how to'. All her books are here http://www.positivedogs.com/pamsbooksndvds.html
When Pigs Fly - Training Success with Impossible Dogs byJane Killion's http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_id=1359
Focus, Not Fear, also by Ali Brown, the companion to Scardey Dog.Clearly written and very engaging, it follows her fear agressive dogclass through a period of time. Read Scardey Dog first. This is agreat follow-up to that.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
April Adoptions by State
Casatta in AR
Deuce now Gunnar in AZ
Mignonne in CO - little sister to CP kid Scarlett
Clyde now Skye in FL
Burnett in KY
Lindbergh in MA
Edison in MI
Shelalegh now Raven in MI
Poinsettia in MI
Nessarose in MN
Holke in MO
Marmalade in NJ
Gravel now Gracie in NJ
Nader in NY
Lassiter in OR
Giselle in TX
Achaius now Oscar in TX
Saxon in TX
Windway in VA
Eppie now Fiona in WA
Ceylon in WA
Deuce now Gunnar in AZ
Mignonne in CO - little sister to CP kid Scarlett
Clyde now Skye in FL
Burnett in KY
Lindbergh in MA
Edison in MI
Shelalegh now Raven in MI
Poinsettia in MI
Nessarose in MN
Holke in MO
Marmalade in NJ
Gravel now Gracie in NJ
Nader in NY
Lassiter in OR
Giselle in TX
Achaius now Oscar in TX
Saxon in TX
Windway in VA
Eppie now Fiona in WA
Ceylon in WA
Letty's Misadventure
Mary in Michigan writes:
My foster Letty was adopted in early February. Fortunately, her mom is very tuned in to her ... she sent this note yesterday (Saturday)
When I got home from work on Thursday, I knew Ms. Letty was not quite herself. After dinner she started throwing up...didn't seem to be able to get comfortable sitting next to me in the recliner. Off to the emergency vet we went. Once there she threw up a ball of string from a tug-of-war rope. I thought that had been the problem but she kept throwing up. A barium drink and x-ray showed the barium wasn't passing from her stomach on through her system. The surgeon was consulted,called in, and did surgery on her about 2 A.M. Friday morning. Ah yes,he removed more strings from the rope! I found what was left of the rope when I got home. We have no more of them! Letty came home this morning, and has been resting most of the day in her crate. Everyone at Michigan Vet Specialist thought she was just the sweetest little gal and a great patient. They were thorough and just wonderful throughout the whole ordeal. Thank goodness we're on the road to recovery.
Sounds like everything is A-OK now.
My foster Letty was adopted in early February. Fortunately, her mom is very tuned in to her ... she sent this note yesterday (Saturday)
When I got home from work on Thursday, I knew Ms. Letty was not quite herself. After dinner she started throwing up...didn't seem to be able to get comfortable sitting next to me in the recliner. Off to the emergency vet we went. Once there she threw up a ball of string from a tug-of-war rope. I thought that had been the problem but she kept throwing up. A barium drink and x-ray showed the barium wasn't passing from her stomach on through her system. The surgeon was consulted,called in, and did surgery on her about 2 A.M. Friday morning. Ah yes,he removed more strings from the rope! I found what was left of the rope when I got home. We have no more of them! Letty came home this morning, and has been resting most of the day in her crate. Everyone at Michigan Vet Specialist thought she was just the sweetest little gal and a great patient. They were thorough and just wonderful throughout the whole ordeal. Thank goodness we're on the road to recovery.
Sounds like everything is A-OK now.
Walter Finds the Perfect Spot for Napping
We've had Walter for almost three months now. He's very sweet and will give kisses if he's really excited and he likes to have his rubs, but so far he has shown no interest in lap time or cuddling or even sleeping with us. WELL - this afternoon I decided to lie down on the couch for a short rest. Immediately Chewy jumped up and positioned himself at my feet (as usual) and Scruffy, my mom's cairn who was visiting, jumps up and wedges himself by my legs. Walter looked at me and I invited him up not really thinking he would join us. Imagine my surprise when he jumped right up and snuggled along my body and laid his sweet little head on my arm. I wanted to cry! And it took all my self-restraint to just enjoy his snuggles and not "over" love on him. Thank you Col. Potter (and that means all of you reading this!) for saving this precious boy!
Kale - the SmileMaker
I think we have a match made in Heaven. I was prepared for Kale to be shy and fearful but he is so self assured and comfortable here. He rode in the car very comfortably, when we reached Norfolk he started to "talk" like he knew he was going to his forever home. He had a walk where he did everything and then explored the house. He is alert and playful, already playing tug and fetch with his "Daddy". He loved his dinner and just fits in like he was made to be here. I believe he was.
I cannot thank all the people in the Colonel Potter Network enough for making this adoption take place. We are all smiling.
In gratitude, Julia
I cannot thank all the people in the Colonel Potter Network enough for making this adoption take place. We are all smiling.
In gratitude, Julia
Gabby's in the Kitchen!
Bonnie, I had adopted Gabby about 2 years ago. You had helped me a while back get her microchip changed over to my name. During our email exchange, I had promised you a few pictures of her. I came across your email today while I was at my office. I don't have the best pictures of her on my work computer but, I did find these. You can see, there are some pictures of her without being "stripped" and a few with her being stripped. The pictures at the very bottom are very small (can't enlarge them or the get grainy). We had those taken by a professional. I also included a few pictures of her brother and sister....she is living large! Her favorite room in the house is the kitchen. You can see her sitting in front of the oven in hopes that a morsel of food will fall (as you can see, she is not missing any meals). She is such a great part of our family with her charming personality. It just wouldn't be home without her.
Norry's Very Happy Ending
Norry's Foster Mom recently received this email from Norry's forever parents:
Bonnie and Alan,
Today marks 2 years since you pulled Norry out of the basement that hadbecome his private hell. Steve and I are convinced that if you twohadn't been his angels, he soon would have been dead.We adore this little man and can never thank you enough for saving him!Heartfelt gratitude as we celebrate another year with our precious boy, Cheryl and Steve
Bonnie tells Norry's story:
In early April of 2006 we were alerted that there was an 11 y/o Cairn needing to be surrendered in a city not too far from us. We were driving somewhat past that area as we delivered a foster to his adoptive Mom. So we made our plans and arrangements and stopped at this place on the way home. The Cairn had been kept in the basement for about 6 months. His owner had had a stroke and he made her fall was the reason he was kept in the basement. So he was crated 24/7 with a neighbor coming around once or twice a day to feed him and let him potty. You can imagine what he looked and smelled like but he was friendly and happy to see us. All his doggie things were turned over to us. She showed us the nice plastic bin for his food. When opened it turned out to be totally empty. We drove home with the windows open as the little guy smelled terrible from urine and feces embedded in his coat. We dropped him off at a groomer to be shaved down and bathed before we ever went home.
For an older guy he sure wasn't in foster care long as his new mama-to-be spotted him and applied to adopt him asap. He's been spoiled properly ever since which thrills me to pieces. His Mom not only loves and spoils Norry but she also fostered and adopted a couple more CP Cairns so he has plenty of Cairn company at home and he's never alone now. She is also volunteering as part of my Tags Team. We can't thank her enough for loving my sweet boy!
See Norry's current photo sporting a full, healthy coat after months of good food and loving care.
Bonnie and Alan,
Today marks 2 years since you pulled Norry out of the basement that hadbecome his private hell. Steve and I are convinced that if you twohadn't been his angels, he soon would have been dead.We adore this little man and can never thank you enough for saving him!Heartfelt gratitude as we celebrate another year with our precious boy, Cheryl and Steve
Bonnie tells Norry's story:
In early April of 2006 we were alerted that there was an 11 y/o Cairn needing to be surrendered in a city not too far from us. We were driving somewhat past that area as we delivered a foster to his adoptive Mom. So we made our plans and arrangements and stopped at this place on the way home. The Cairn had been kept in the basement for about 6 months. His owner had had a stroke and he made her fall was the reason he was kept in the basement. So he was crated 24/7 with a neighbor coming around once or twice a day to feed him and let him potty. You can imagine what he looked and smelled like but he was friendly and happy to see us. All his doggie things were turned over to us. She showed us the nice plastic bin for his food. When opened it turned out to be totally empty. We drove home with the windows open as the little guy smelled terrible from urine and feces embedded in his coat. We dropped him off at a groomer to be shaved down and bathed before we ever went home.
For an older guy he sure wasn't in foster care long as his new mama-to-be spotted him and applied to adopt him asap. He's been spoiled properly ever since which thrills me to pieces. His Mom not only loves and spoils Norry but she also fostered and adopted a couple more CP Cairns so he has plenty of Cairn company at home and he's never alone now. She is also volunteering as part of my Tags Team. We can't thank her enough for loving my sweet boy!
See Norry's current photo sporting a full, healthy coat after months of good food and loving care.
An Update From Princess Nala to her Foster Mom
Hi! It's me Nala! I's having my new mom write you a quick note (my new uncle Pal is rubbing my tummy). Well, my new brothers are ok...me and Titan the terror get along great! Wes team up to chase Snowball! Me and Snowball had sum problems but we ok now. My new grandma is so funny! She sings to me and rubs my tummy and is teaching me Spanish (just like the boys!). She invited me to spend the summer with her and my brothers 'cuz she has a huge backyard. We're all moving over on June 14....my new mom has a BIG room and says my crate will fit just fine in there....unless I sleep downstairs with my brothers....I saw these weird little gray furry animals but I leave them alon, my brothers go crazy and want to chase them but I'm still deciding if I want to chase them too. It was raining yesterday and my new mom put on a pink raincoat on me before going out. I was nice and dry. Well, I's a Jerzie girl now but I miss you guys! Say hi to my former fosser siblings and tell the new guy that he'll get his forever home soon too!
Sloppy kisses,Nala
Hi Deb. Nala is settling just fine. She's adjusted really well and seems to enjoy all the attention she gets from not only the two legged inhabitants but also the four legged ones! My mom was ify on the whole insulin thing but has asked me to teach her how to give it in case she ever has to. As Nala told you, we're spending the summer over at my mother's house so that the kids can have the backyard to themselves...my mom will be home on vacation so she's looking foward to it. Anyways, thank you so much for Nala...she completes our family. I'll send some pictures as soon as my sister uploads them.
Sloppy kisses,Nala
Hi Deb. Nala is settling just fine. She's adjusted really well and seems to enjoy all the attention she gets from not only the two legged inhabitants but also the four legged ones! My mom was ify on the whole insulin thing but has asked me to teach her how to give it in case she ever has to. As Nala told you, we're spending the summer over at my mother's house so that the kids can have the backyard to themselves...my mom will be home on vacation so she's looking foward to it. Anyways, thank you so much for Nala...she completes our family. I'll send some pictures as soon as my sister uploads them.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Flea Halter Cookie Recipe
Found this recipe on a website this a.m. - actually it was a catalog website but it had this recipe - go figure. So my question is couldn't I just add the wheat germ and brewer's yeast to my dog's food and get the same "flea halting" ?? Of course my dogs wouldn't LOVE me the way they do when I give them home-made biscuits I have NOT tried this so can't say anything about it - use at your own risk... Any comments welcomed.
Susan in Vermont
Flea Halter Dog Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer's yeast (available at health-food stores)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil
1 clove garlic, chopped medium
1/2 cup chicken stock plus 3 tablespoons for basting
Directions
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Mix flour, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine oil and garlic. Alternately add 1/2 cup chicken stock and flour mixture in 3 parts; mix until well combined. Knead about 2 minutes by hand on floured surface; dough will be sticky.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out about 3/8 inch thick. Cut out bone shapes; place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, rotate baking sheet, and baste with remaining 3 tablespoons chicken stock. Bake 10 minutes longer. Turn off oven, leaving oven door closed. Leave pan in oven for 1 1/2 hours longer.
Susan in Vermont
Flea Halter Dog Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer's yeast (available at health-food stores)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil
1 clove garlic, chopped medium
1/2 cup chicken stock plus 3 tablespoons for basting
Directions
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Mix flour, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine oil and garlic. Alternately add 1/2 cup chicken stock and flour mixture in 3 parts; mix until well combined. Knead about 2 minutes by hand on floured surface; dough will be sticky.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out about 3/8 inch thick. Cut out bone shapes; place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, rotate baking sheet, and baste with remaining 3 tablespoons chicken stock. Bake 10 minutes longer. Turn off oven, leaving oven door closed. Leave pan in oven for 1 1/2 hours longer.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Hello from Walter fka Kahuna
Hi Colonel Potter kids & people! Remember me? The big Kahuna from Oklahoma? Actually nobody really called me Kahuna much before and now I'm just Walter, Walt,Wally, Wally Tamale and all kinds of silly names my humans keep coming up with. My new brother and best, best friend Chewy has even more silly names than I do! I have lots of family now - including fur-guys! There's my brother Chewy and James the Cat (I chase him sometimes, but mostly I give him the respect he thinkshe deserves). I also have a beagle cousin named Kenny (he's kind of a big galoot, buthis momma has the BEST treats & toys!) and a cairn cousin named Scruffy and Imight have a Westie cousin pretty soon! Momma says Christmas should be fun thisyear with four terrors running around - sounds good to me! I have two two-legged brothers and guess what? They both have red beards just like me!You can't even tell I was 'dopted cuz we look so much alike! Well, my momma FINALLY figured out how to take pictures and put them in an album. (She's not the brightest crayon but I love her) So now I can show you my new digs andyou can see for yourself how much I love it here. I keep telling Momma that even thoughI sleep under the bed and sometimes grumble when she tells me what to do, I really dolove it here. And I ALWAYS greet her at the door with lots of kisses - and that bruise onthe nose from my teeth really was an accident! Gotta go jump on Chewy for one last wrestle before bedtime! Chow! Walter PeeEss - Momma wants to give a big THANKS to my fosser momma Christy for takingsuch good care of me and loving me even though I showed my teeth and grumbled sometimes. And Daddy says "gee thanks" to fosser daddy Jeff for teaching me howto drive.
Marmalade's Journey
Late September 2007 I received an email from our Intakes Team asking if I would pickup and foster a dog from the Flagler County Shelter, about an hour south of me. So Dad and I packed the crate in the car and took off. Pulling into the newly built facility, I noticed the outside, drop-off cages and was horrified at the thought of "throw-away" pets! Inside, the shelter was open, clean and welcoming. Soon we were introduced to "Lucy" - a 30-lb cairn?? There was no fitting this girl into the crate, so she travelled quietly strapped into the back seat.
I chose her Col. Potter name as Marmalade before I ever saw her, but it described her coloring perfectly. Marmie came to us heartworm positive and she started the protocol as soon as possible, under the fantastic staff at the Mandarin Veterinary Hospital. She breezed through the treament and never complained about her endless days of kennel rest. We described her more as a cairn-chow chow mix, noting the blue-black tongue and close set eyes.
Marmie's strong personality emerged more every day. She started to snarl and show her teeth when Dad tried to feed her or give her simple commands. I took her to my groomer, who is also a professional trainer, for some pampering. She suggested I bring her back to the shop every day so Marmie could watch and learn trust. Patrick, who works at the grooming shop, talked with her and handfed her chicken jerky. Marmie took it with an emotional hunger. I took her to obedience classes where she loved trotting alongside me. However, following the "sit" and "down" commands were NOT to her liking. She eventually complied but more and more I realized that I was not a strong enough Alpha to continue fostering Marmie.
Ruth in the Orlando area offered to take Marmie. So in late December we met in Daytona Beach and loaded the leary Marmalade in Ruth's convertible. Well, truth be told, Ruth was a little leary too. But off they went.
In January, Ruth's update read: Everybody that meets Marmalade remarks what a beautiful dog she is! No exceptions! There is some Chow in her and her tongue looks like she just ate blueberries. She is OK with other dogs, but would prefer to be alpha; since I already have an alpha, Marmalade is content to be by herself inthe living room with the ability to watch household activity. She is generally quiet; when she barks, I pay attention. I do let her out in the back yard with the other dogs and everyone is fine, even with my alpha nipping at her heels. She presents herself as aloof but enjoys attention. Food is a BIG issue. She learned as a stray and as an alpha to growl, show teeth when there is food around. It is as if the Care Bear turned into a fire-breathing dragon! It is scary BUT she has to sit in her crate before she gets her food bowl. She has been starved in the past and we are getting much better; while frightening, she is wagging her tail--what an actress. She knows that her actions are intimidating and it is only around food that her behavior varies from a kind, Care Bear.
A few weeks later, thru no real fault of her own, Marmalde moved to yet another foster home in Virginia. While Ruth and I were concerned for Marmalade, knowing Ann & Wayne as extraordinary people and dog lovers calmed some fears. We just wanted Marmie, or Lady as Ruth called her, safe in an environment where she could blossom.
Well, as they say, the third time's the charm and Wayne reported that: Marmalade is very sweet but does have food aggression and warrants special treatment at the time of feeding. She's very sweet, playful, and ritualistic in her routine. She's smart, learns quickly and knows her boundaries not to mention she has never had an accident in our home. She is a mix with a great deal of Chow Chow...black tongue, large feet, square head, and a lot of loose skin behind the neck and shoulders. Her eyes are also set further back than a cairn....but she's adorable and will make a wonderful companion for the right person. She's healthy, happy, and getting along great with 5 other cairns at this time.
To me, this was incredible progress, especially since I originally thought it was men that Marmie did not like. Later, Wayne described Marmie's hip-butting play, even more evidence of her adjustment to busy households, like those who apply to adopt our kids.
I believe that for every furkid, there is a perfect forever family. And noone finds that family better that the Col. Potter Matchmakers! They don't rush it, but when the right application arrives, their magic starts happening. For Marmie, it finally happened in mid-April. And to my great surprise, it was a guy applying to adopt Marmalade - a chow-chow experieced guy!
Well, Marm has been in her forever home in New Jersey for several weeks now and the updates could not be better! Here is what her Dad says:
Marmalade is doing fine and adjusting well. Her personality is coming out as she gets
more comfortable and her tail wags everytime I talk to her. We take at least two walks
a day of 20 minutes plus, early morning and dinner time. She has gone with me to work twice and just loves riding in the Tahoe. Seems very content to have the back seat to herself and inhales the wind through the moon roof if she isn't just sleeping.
I was at Linda's house this weekend as it was her mother's 87th birthday and she had a
great party for her with many family and friends over. So Marmalade got to meet about
16 new people at at once and she handled the flurry of activity and the new smells etc and
attention very well. She actually barked at people when she wasn't getting attention or if
I was out of sight. For the most part she has been quiet and not barking, which is fine too.
She is a smart girl for sure. Something interesting I noticed at my house is that when I return
to my apartment house with her from a long walk , no matter what direction we return from, she knows what driveway to walk up since my entrance is in the rear of the house! I was anxious to see how she would behave at Linda's house after a walk. So the two of us took her for a long walk and we actually tried to walk past her driveway but Marmalade just turned and walked up towards her front door. Pretty amazing!
I gave her a bath before the birthday party and she is perfectly calm in the shower, nothing
bothers her with the shower spray or having the shampoos applied, etc. Her hair is very hard to get wet though, it must be scotch guarded genetically! Well, got to get back to work but wanted to keep you updated on "our" dog, since I think she is well adjusted from her time well spent with you and Wayne.
So thanks to Col. Potter, Ruth, Ann & Wayne, and some great folks in Jax Fla USA, Marmalade's journey is complete with a very happy ending. If you ever wonder why people foster dogs, just think of Marmalade.
I chose her Col. Potter name as Marmalade before I ever saw her, but it described her coloring perfectly. Marmie came to us heartworm positive and she started the protocol as soon as possible, under the fantastic staff at the Mandarin Veterinary Hospital. She breezed through the treament and never complained about her endless days of kennel rest. We described her more as a cairn-chow chow mix, noting the blue-black tongue and close set eyes.
Marmie's strong personality emerged more every day. She started to snarl and show her teeth when Dad tried to feed her or give her simple commands. I took her to my groomer, who is also a professional trainer, for some pampering. She suggested I bring her back to the shop every day so Marmie could watch and learn trust. Patrick, who works at the grooming shop, talked with her and handfed her chicken jerky. Marmie took it with an emotional hunger. I took her to obedience classes where she loved trotting alongside me. However, following the "sit" and "down" commands were NOT to her liking. She eventually complied but more and more I realized that I was not a strong enough Alpha to continue fostering Marmie.
Ruth in the Orlando area offered to take Marmie. So in late December we met in Daytona Beach and loaded the leary Marmalade in Ruth's convertible. Well, truth be told, Ruth was a little leary too. But off they went.
In January, Ruth's update read: Everybody that meets Marmalade remarks what a beautiful dog she is! No exceptions! There is some Chow in her and her tongue looks like she just ate blueberries. She is OK with other dogs, but would prefer to be alpha; since I already have an alpha, Marmalade is content to be by herself inthe living room with the ability to watch household activity. She is generally quiet; when she barks, I pay attention. I do let her out in the back yard with the other dogs and everyone is fine, even with my alpha nipping at her heels. She presents herself as aloof but enjoys attention. Food is a BIG issue. She learned as a stray and as an alpha to growl, show teeth when there is food around. It is as if the Care Bear turned into a fire-breathing dragon! It is scary BUT she has to sit in her crate before she gets her food bowl. She has been starved in the past and we are getting much better; while frightening, she is wagging her tail--what an actress. She knows that her actions are intimidating and it is only around food that her behavior varies from a kind, Care Bear.
A few weeks later, thru no real fault of her own, Marmalde moved to yet another foster home in Virginia. While Ruth and I were concerned for Marmalade, knowing Ann & Wayne as extraordinary people and dog lovers calmed some fears. We just wanted Marmie, or Lady as Ruth called her, safe in an environment where she could blossom.
Well, as they say, the third time's the charm and Wayne reported that: Marmalade is very sweet but does have food aggression and warrants special treatment at the time of feeding. She's very sweet, playful, and ritualistic in her routine. She's smart, learns quickly and knows her boundaries not to mention she has never had an accident in our home. She is a mix with a great deal of Chow Chow...black tongue, large feet, square head, and a lot of loose skin behind the neck and shoulders. Her eyes are also set further back than a cairn....but she's adorable and will make a wonderful companion for the right person. She's healthy, happy, and getting along great with 5 other cairns at this time.
To me, this was incredible progress, especially since I originally thought it was men that Marmie did not like. Later, Wayne described Marmie's hip-butting play, even more evidence of her adjustment to busy households, like those who apply to adopt our kids.
I believe that for every furkid, there is a perfect forever family. And noone finds that family better that the Col. Potter Matchmakers! They don't rush it, but when the right application arrives, their magic starts happening. For Marmie, it finally happened in mid-April. And to my great surprise, it was a guy applying to adopt Marmalade - a chow-chow experieced guy!
Well, Marm has been in her forever home in New Jersey for several weeks now and the updates could not be better! Here is what her Dad says:
Marmalade is doing fine and adjusting well. Her personality is coming out as she gets
more comfortable and her tail wags everytime I talk to her. We take at least two walks
a day of 20 minutes plus, early morning and dinner time. She has gone with me to work twice and just loves riding in the Tahoe. Seems very content to have the back seat to herself and inhales the wind through the moon roof if she isn't just sleeping.
I was at Linda's house this weekend as it was her mother's 87th birthday and she had a
great party for her with many family and friends over. So Marmalade got to meet about
16 new people at at once and she handled the flurry of activity and the new smells etc and
attention very well. She actually barked at people when she wasn't getting attention or if
I was out of sight. For the most part she has been quiet and not barking, which is fine too.
She is a smart girl for sure. Something interesting I noticed at my house is that when I return
to my apartment house with her from a long walk , no matter what direction we return from, she knows what driveway to walk up since my entrance is in the rear of the house! I was anxious to see how she would behave at Linda's house after a walk. So the two of us took her for a long walk and we actually tried to walk past her driveway but Marmalade just turned and walked up towards her front door. Pretty amazing!
I gave her a bath before the birthday party and she is perfectly calm in the shower, nothing
bothers her with the shower spray or having the shampoos applied, etc. Her hair is very hard to get wet though, it must be scotch guarded genetically! Well, got to get back to work but wanted to keep you updated on "our" dog, since I think she is well adjusted from her time well spent with you and Wayne.
So thanks to Col. Potter, Ruth, Ann & Wayne, and some great folks in Jax Fla USA, Marmalade's journey is complete with a very happy ending. If you ever wonder why people foster dogs, just think of Marmalade.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Saxon - A Happy Ever-After Story
Saxon was a stray found roaming the streets of NY. He went to a Foster home in CA, but seemed to have some problems and had to come to boot camp. It seems that Saxon has been kicked because when you stick your foot out in front of him, he will bite it. Otherwise he is a sweet boy.. He knows that when he comes in from his last potty before going to bed, everyone gets a treat. So Saxon comes running in from the outside, stops at the kitchen counter and looks up to the treat jar. He will stay there until he sees me picking up a treat, then we will run to his crate and wait for me to give him his goodie.
After a few months working with him Saxon was made available for adoption. Enter one of CP’s great adoptive homes (they've adopted 3 cairns from us already). The match was made when I noticed that something is not right with Saxon’s eyes. I spoke to the possible home and asked them to hold off until I can take Saxon to an Ophthalmologist. Their responds was No Problem. We found out that Saxon had Uveitis – OU and his retinal is detaching. In short; he will be blind soon.
While you would never know that he has a problem with his eye I sent all the info to the adoptive home and told them that there is no pressure and if they choose to not adopt him, that is fine. After talking to their own Vet, the adoptive home came back and said "We Want Him".
Because of timing issues with me (Tax season and CRAP) we opted for the adoptive home to pick Saxon up this week. When I got back from CRAP last Wednesday I noticed a knot on Saxon’s tummy. I took him to the Vet on Thursday just to find out that he had a Mast Cell Tumor.. I once again informed the adoptive home of the situation and once again they where very good and just said; let’s see what the pathology report says. My Vet removed that tumor on Friday and now we where waiting on the pathology report to come back. This Wednesday I got the news that his mast cell tumor was a stage 2 and was NOT actively dividing, meaning it was not aggressive.
I informed the adoptive home of the good news and they have decided to pick Saxon up next week. It shows that no matter what curve ball life throws at Saxon, he deals with it, and so does his Adoptive Family.
Very happy and proud Foster mom Monika in South Carolina.
After a few months working with him Saxon was made available for adoption. Enter one of CP’s great adoptive homes (they've adopted 3 cairns from us already). The match was made when I noticed that something is not right with Saxon’s eyes. I spoke to the possible home and asked them to hold off until I can take Saxon to an Ophthalmologist. Their responds was No Problem. We found out that Saxon had Uveitis – OU and his retinal is detaching. In short; he will be blind soon.
While you would never know that he has a problem with his eye I sent all the info to the adoptive home and told them that there is no pressure and if they choose to not adopt him, that is fine. After talking to their own Vet, the adoptive home came back and said "We Want Him".
Because of timing issues with me (Tax season and CRAP) we opted for the adoptive home to pick Saxon up this week. When I got back from CRAP last Wednesday I noticed a knot on Saxon’s tummy. I took him to the Vet on Thursday just to find out that he had a Mast Cell Tumor.. I once again informed the adoptive home of the situation and once again they where very good and just said; let’s see what the pathology report says. My Vet removed that tumor on Friday and now we where waiting on the pathology report to come back. This Wednesday I got the news that his mast cell tumor was a stage 2 and was NOT actively dividing, meaning it was not aggressive.
I informed the adoptive home of the good news and they have decided to pick Saxon up next week. It shows that no matter what curve ball life throws at Saxon, he deals with it, and so does his Adoptive Family.
Very happy and proud Foster mom Monika in South Carolina.
Update on Penny (fka Persephone)
Penny is doing great. She has a nice little routine now and she seems happy and content. I still take her to my mother in law's house while we're at work and she enjoys the attention. She's very friendly and outgoing now. She greets strangers on the street when we go for walks. She seems to have a good sense for people she should avoid though. :-) Our neighbor commented on how different she seems. Before she would sort of cower when someone approached her but now she approaches them with her tail wagging.
We've found that she has some funny traits lately. She's not a fan of metal, squeaky objects. She attacks three hole punches and cookie trays in the cupboard. She goes crazy when I take aluminum foil out of the box. I think she gets bothered by the noise the metal makes. It's nothing bad, just kind of funny.
She's letting us know when she has to go potty now by sitting by the back door. She has an occasional accident but that's only when we don't get to her fast enough or if she's left alone. She's still doing her "spite poops" but not every time we leave now. Sometimes I can leave for 20 minutes and she'll go potty. Other times we've left for a couple hours and she hasn't done anything. I think with time it will probably decrease but it's not a big deal since she has an affinity for the linoleum.
For her third birthday we got her a doggie birthday cake and put candles on it.
We've found that she has some funny traits lately. She's not a fan of metal, squeaky objects. She attacks three hole punches and cookie trays in the cupboard. She goes crazy when I take aluminum foil out of the box. I think she gets bothered by the noise the metal makes. It's nothing bad, just kind of funny.
She's letting us know when she has to go potty now by sitting by the back door. She has an occasional accident but that's only when we don't get to her fast enough or if she's left alone. She's still doing her "spite poops" but not every time we leave now. Sometimes I can leave for 20 minutes and she'll go potty. Other times we've left for a couple hours and she hasn't done anything. I think with time it will probably decrease but it's not a big deal since she has an affinity for the linoleum.
For her third birthday we got her a doggie birthday cake and put candles on it.
Lindy in Her Forever Home
Lindy's Foster Mom writes: "I have had many phone calls since Lindy went to her forever 2 weeks ago today. Here is an email they sent this morning - she really has the best home ever! Oh - and Sushi is their Westie."
Lindy is doing so well! We took her to Angell Memorial Hospital yesterday..an excellent training veterinary hospital here in Boston. She saw an ophthalmologist. He examined her and said that the corneal ulcer is due to an eyelash which is growing backwards, into her eye. He removed the eyelash in the office (she was so good!), but expects that it will grow back. So she may need to go under anesthesia in order to remove the follicle. we're going to see him on Monday for a follow-up. we have taken her on a few hikes to a nearby arboretum, a large park with lots of trees and trails. She loves this! She is thrilled to get out of the car and be there! At first she follows Sushi but then you can see her confidence grow and she finds her own pace.
Lindy is doing so well! We took her to Angell Memorial Hospital yesterday..an excellent training veterinary hospital here in Boston. She saw an ophthalmologist. He examined her and said that the corneal ulcer is due to an eyelash which is growing backwards, into her eye. He removed the eyelash in the office (she was so good!), but expects that it will grow back. So she may need to go under anesthesia in order to remove the follicle. we're going to see him on Monday for a follow-up. we have taken her on a few hikes to a nearby arboretum, a large park with lots of trees and trails. She loves this! She is thrilled to get out of the car and be there! At first she follows Sushi but then you can see her confidence grow and she finds her own pace.
Baby Dumpling's Fetish
Baby Dumpling, one of Blondie & Dagwood's pups seems to have a serious problem. Her Mom says: "HELP! lol! My lil girl has a foot fetish! She loves feet especialy SOCKS! I have signed her up for the Secret Sock Society because she up to 5 and 6 pair Habit a day! I warn you this picture may be disturbing to some!"
Baby D, who is 9 months old, went to the REAL groomer for the first time and got a Big Girl Hairdo! Looked soo pretty for 10 minutes and then proceeded to roll in duck poop! Just Ducky!!
Baby D, who is 9 months old, went to the REAL groomer for the first time and got a Big Girl Hairdo! Looked soo pretty for 10 minutes and then proceeded to roll in duck poop! Just Ducky!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)