Happy Howl-oween!

 

Happy Howl-oween!This is Carlos, the happiest Frankenstein’s monster that we’ve ever seen. Thirteen years ago as a tiny puppy, a crying Carlos found his person during a late night snowstorm on Christmas Eve, but he has been smiling ever since. What makes Carlos smile the most? Walks, car rides, snuggling, dinner, and singing ("Happy Birthday" is his all time favorite). He shares his good times with 3 other canine buddies, a rabbit and guinea pig. Carlos is a real character and keeps his family laughing all the time!

Happy Monday!

 

Attention-loving Queno constantly has a smile on his face. Whether it’s from running along his person’s mountain bike, riding in his cargo bin with the wind in his hair or gnawing on his favorite squeeky toys, his cheery disposition rubs off on his person. “My life is forever changed because of his graciously smiling face,” beams his faithful companion. Big smiles can come in small packages!

How many of you heard of puppy mills? Do you know what they are?

Puppy Mills are where dogs are kept in cramped cages, they arent allowed to go outside, socialize with anyone and are forced to breed litter after litter so the puppies can be sold in pet stores. The dogs are treated very badly, made to sleep and stay where they relieve themselves. Once they are unable to produce litters they are killed. It's a terrible thing and it needs to be stopped. Below is a piece I found from my favorite animal sanctuary where they are working to put an end to puppy mills. Please read and spread the word!!

Putting the bite on puppy mills!

As public awareness grows regarding the cruelty inherent in puppy mills and the pressure that puppy sales place on shelters, there is a welcome trend that is putting the squeeze on commercial breeding operations from both the supply and the demand side of this rotten business. Public sentiment is turning against the mills and their pet store outlets, pointing to the inevitable end of puppy mills.
Last November, Missouri voters passed Proposition B, which put previously unimagined constraints on puppy mills in that state. Passing such a regulation in the year of the Tea Party was an indication of how animal cruelty issues cut across all party boundaries. The proposition was reversed and replaced by compromised legislation under pressure from the agriculture lobby in Missouri, but the fact remains that voters in the state that is home to more puppy mills than anywhere else in the country stood up to say no to the abuses of commercial breeders.
Likewise, a Best Friends–sponsored bill in Nevada, the puppy mill bill (Senate Bill 299), has been signed by the governor.  This impactful piece of legislation sets in place a statewide breeder permit system that includes inspections and fees, and also requires all dogs to be microchipped and vaccinated.  Breeding dogs cannot be bred under the age of 18 months and are restricted to one litter per year.
While puppy-producer states are slowly making incremental improvements in their commercial breeding standards, consumer communities are taking matters into their own hands by banning the sale of puppy mill dogs in pet stores altogether in favor of shelter and rescued pet adoptions. The 2006 ban on the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has led to a huge increase in shelter pet adoptions and a decline in shelter killing. El Paso, Texas, passed an ordinance banning the sale for profit of any dog less than one year of age. To date, nine cities have passed such bans, including Austin, Texas; Lake Worth, Florida; Toronto, Canada; and most recently, Fountain, Colorado.
In Southern California, Best Friends has led peaceful protests against pet store puppy mill sales for three years, resulting in the conversion of several stores to a humane, “rescue only” model, while some of the most egregious promoters of puppy mill sales have shut their doors for good rather than switch to humane sourcing of pets.
Recently, following the public outcry against the sale of pets from high-volume breeders, the city of Los Angeles and the neighboring city of Glendale, California, have passed motions approving the drafting of ordinances that will ban the sale of mill-bred animals. Longtime friends of the animals Paul Koretz and Tony Cardenas put the L.A. motion forward (Councilman Cardenas helped launch Best Friends’ local Puppies Aren’t Products campaign in 2008 through several public appearances and press conferences).
Don’t get me wrong — we still have a long way to go — puppy mills still crank out around 4 million dogs a year, and in some communities 25 to 30 percent of shelter dogs are believed to be from commercial breeding operations. Mills are a huge problem both for the cruelty that takes place within their operations and because each puppy mill pet sold represents a home that might otherwise have adopted a shelter pet.
Still, the news and the trends are favorable. The public is waking up, and that’s what matters because public demand is what drives the very nasty business of puppy mills.
For a glimpse at a pet store in Glendale, California, that changed its business model to a humane sourcing of pets with the help of Best Friends, click here.
For more information on how you can help make a difference in your community please check out: How to Organize a Peaceful Pet Store Demonstration and join the Voices for No More Homeless Pets to receive animal legislative alerts. Check out the puppy mill initiatives from Best Friends for further inspiring stories, legislative updates and resources.

A little tid bit about what your dog feels when it is HOT out!

A little test that was done that I found on Petsit USA's page...

"Stormee used a temperature gun to help others understand what the animal feels outdoors and what the temps are on the ground the dogs pads walk on. At 4pm the drive way read 127 degrees, grass 111, and garage floor 95. She held the temp gun about "dog level", hoping this helps them understand to be careful with animals in this heat."

Please be careful with your doggies, they dont know when to stop so we have to be the ones to tell them, you need a break!!

Louie Louie oh no, me gotta go. Aye-yi-yi-yi I said Louie Louie, oh baby Me gotta go!

 

Meet Louie!!

 

 

Louie’s ecstatic expression is a result of his favorite activity, cruising down the open road in his person’s convertible, awaiting his next adventure. In fact, it was traveling from Mexico to Arizona that helped him find his #1 pal, who documents their road trips. This vibrant Miniature Poodle may be a free bird on the open road, but he also holds a job as a therapy dog. And with a smile like that, who would be surprised?

I hope Louie brings a smile to your face this Monday!!

Dogs 101 - Ever see the program?

Dogs 101 is a program that airs on Animal Planet and provides people a lot of information about breeds of dogs, their health, grooming, family friendly, easily trainable and much more. It is a great program that will help you if you are looking to adopt a dog. A lot of people will adopt a dog because of how they look and then find out that the dog doesn't quite fit into their lifestyle and then the poor dog heads off to the shelter.

A few examples of cute puppies that when grown up turn into a handful if you aren't expecting it!

Welsh Corgi - they are cute, small and look like a cuddle dog. I call them the "low riders" because they are a little longer and low to the ground. They fall into the breed category of the Herding Dogs. Did you know that these little  dogs were used to herd cattle? This breed was used back in the day and could very well still be used as herding dogs. They would nip at the cattle heels and drive them as far afield as desired. Since this was something that they did, people today bring these little guys home and wonder why they do the same thing to them! They have a bold outlook, but are kind. They are far from shy!

Jack Russell - What a cutie pie! They are a fox hunting breed. They are buoyant and intelligent, determined and relentless. They are endowed with an inability to quit and no capacity to feel fear, regardless of the odds or consequences. They are very independent and energetic and they require his due portion of attention. They can be aggressive towards other dogs. That sounds like a lot of work for such a cute face!

These are just a couple examples of dogs that are small and cute as anything but once you get the home, they are more than a couple hands full! So if you are looking for a dog to adopt, check out Dogs 101 and see what kind of dog would work for you! Too many dogs are brought home and then shortly brought to the pound because that cute face was more than people could handle. The dogs get older and are stuck in shelters not trained and then their time runs out. Do your homework before bringing your dog home and make sure that you can provide them their forever home!

Holiday and Summer Tips

Read Your Dog’s RightsCelebrate Independence Day by reflecting on your dog’s rights and freedoms. Dog Sense author John Bradshaw lends voice to our four-legged citizens with his “Bill of Rights for Dogs.” Read it—and Bradshaw’s book—for more insight into your dog’s mind

 

I haven't read Bradshaw's book yet, but a client of mine has and has good things to say about it!

 

 

Tips for Happy Trails
Looking to spend some quality time hiking with your pup? The Mountaineers Books helps you prepare for a day hike—or an even longer trek—with articles on safe and friendly interspecies hiking. Gather the essential hiking gear for you and your dog; then brush up on your  hiking trail etiquette.

 

 

 

 

Have a Safe Fourth of JulyFireworks and barbeques are fun, but they can also be hazardous to your dog’s health. The ASPCA reminds you to keep a special eye out for fire hazards and scary noises, and to watch what goes into your dog’s mouth during the Independence Day festivities.

 

 

Happy Fourth of July!!

Thumbs up for Florida!!

Victory for Victims

It’s a red-letter day! Dogs in Florida will no longer automatically be euthanized after they've been saved from dog-fighting busts. Instead, they'll be evaluated as individuals and given the chance to find great homes! It's all thanks to Senate Bill 722, spearheaded by Best Friends Animal Society and sponsored by Rep. Garcia of Miami and Sen. Norman of Tampa. It's just been signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott!

Here's smiling at ya!

Meet Georgie! This 3 legged dog was rescued from a shelter and is now living on a farm. He helps feeding the horses, riding shotgun in utility vehicles and playing big brother to his 3 other siblings. His favorite activity is running in big fast circles sporting an ear to ear grin.

 

Even with 3 legs this handsome boy smiles and warms everyone he comes in contact with. Maybe we should take lessons from him?

 

I just gave you a bath, don't roll in that!!!!

Wonder why after we give our dogs a bath they will go outside and roll around in the dirt or something even worse?

There are several theories why dogs roll in smelly stuff. One is that it's an instinctive behavior harkening back to pre-domesticated days when hunting dogs would bring back information about available food to the rest of the packs. The thought was that if they found decaying fish, perhaps fresher fish could be found nearby. Some modern-day dogs may have retained this behavior even though it has lost its once necessary function.

A second theory is that dogs roll in foul-smelling material to provide an olfactory disguise to improve their hunting opportunities. What better way to catch a rabbit say, then to smell like one, even a dead one, rather than like a dog? This canine camouflage technique also may be employed to hide their doggy scents from other predators.

Unfortunately we don't agree with our dogs with what smells good or what smells bad. We carefully shampoo our dog, rinse them, towel them dry and brush them. Finally our dog is clean and smelling sweet. To the dog, the shampoo is a dreadful stench that needs to be disguised immediately. That would explain why dogs will dash outside and roll in the dirt. Some will even roll in poop to cover that awful shampoo smell. It's their version of a high-priced perfume or cologne.

Maybe we should create a shampoo that smells pretty bad, not something that we cant stand just something that an incense would cover and then maybe our dogs wont throw a good bath out the window! Yeah that probably wouldn't work either...

A couple good websites to check out......

Morning!

I have come across a couple websites that may be helpful to you and also helpful to shelter dogs as well!

 

The first link is for a website that has all kinds of information pertaining to dogs. Here is a quote from their website.

"This site is a gathering place for pet lovers to share and enjoy articles, tips, columns, and stories ... some are educational, others heartwarming, and still others are published just to bring a smile to your face."

http://www.pawsperouspets.com/index.shtml

 

 

The second link is for the Animal Rescue Site. There are a lot of sponsors that you can click on and with every purchase that you make through any of their sites, a donation is made to local shelters. You can also set up an email reminder for yourself everyday to click a button and when you click all of the sponsors will donate .6 bowls of food for shelter dogs. How can you go wrong with that! It takes 5 seconds to click and a doggie is fed!

 

https://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/site.do?siteId=310

 

Happy Clicking!!

A smile to get your day started!

 

Meet Lucy!

 

She's smiling because she has found her forever home! Hopefully your home gives you a smile like this!

 

Have a great day!

 

A very blessed dog walker.....

I have always looked at some people and have thought boy it would be nice to have the life that they have!

I am not one that needs to have all the "bling". I don't need to have all the shiny things that are out there. I am very content living the simple life. I was walking my dogs this weekend and realized that I have that life that I wished I would have. No I don't have a lot of fancy things or a huge house to live in or a fancy car in the driveway. BUT I don't have to get up to the sound of that annoying alarm clock every day. I don't have to go into work and read 20 emails asking me to solve all the world's problems by 7am. I can sleep in and get up at 8 if I wanted to. It's a beautiful day and I get to spend it outside walking a dog or two. To me that is "that life"!

I didn't graduate from High School but I did get my GED a year earlier than if I had actually stayed in school. I had a few jobs in my life where I was working behind a desk, pushing paper and working for people who really didn't care about you, they just wanted to see the work get done. This was not what I call "that life". I have always loved dogs and wanted to do something with dogs. I had tried getting a job at a local SPCA or a vet's office but unfortunately I am allergic to cats so working at those kinds of places really wasn't an option for me. So I decided to start a dog walking / pet sitting business! I started the business 4 years ago part time so I could still keep my full time job for the steady income. I also thought it was a smart idea to start off slow, get my name out there and eventually make the transition of doing it full time. Well a little over a month ago that happened for me! I was really nervous about quitting my job, really didn't sleep that much for the two weeks that I had left, but something was telling me it was time.

I listen to Joyce Meyers who is a Christian preacher and one thing that is always in my head is you have to take that chance to get the life that God has planned for you. People tend not to take that first step because they cant see what's next. Well God isn't going to give that next step to you until you take that first step and trust that he will not let you fall and that everything will work out the way it's supposed too.

I feel I am very blessed because since quitting my job, I have been busy with the business, been feeling happy inside and out, I got back into going to the gym and getting in shape and enjoying "that life". I have awesome clients, have made friends with close to all of them. All of my doggies love me and my schedule has fallen into place to where 99% of the time, I can accommodate everyone that calls me. I am very grateful for everything that has come my way and look forward to what is to come! All this has happened to me because after 4 years I got enough courage to take that first step! I know I am a dog walker and not someone in a management position for some big corporation and that is A OK with me!

Is your dog not a fan of the fourth of July?

Does your dog get skiddish or nervous when they hear thunderstorms or fireworks? They want to hide in the farthest away corner or closet that they can find. I can only imagine what they are thinking when they hear these noises and not be able to see where or what it's coming from. Maybe that is why they are afraid because they aren't able to see the culprit? There are some dogs that along with fireworks don't care for the vacuum or the lawn mower, and then there are some doggies where those things don't bother them. A motorcycle or a firetruck screaming by doesn't faze them. What is that about?
I have read about doggies that are afraid of certain noises and wanted to share some of what I have found. Of course all doggies are different, so it may or may not work for your particular friend.

"Many dogs are terrorized by the sound of fireworks - or any other loud, explosive noises. Dogs run off and are never found again because in their panic-stricken flight they lose their bearings. If loud sounds startle your dog, there a chance he may react strongly to fireworks. Your best protection is to put him in a small space like a bathroom or even a walk-in closet (dogs often feel safe in a cave-like den) and close the door until the noise is over." 

For those of you in the San Diego area I have posted the link to the Sea World firework schedule so you can have a heads up for your dog and try to keep him as comfortable as you can.

http://www.seaworld.com/SitePage.aspx?PageID=115#FWSCHED

In the case of thunderstorms:

"Normally it takes years for this fear to develop and no one knows why. Many people have a dog who has not had any reaction to thunderstorms, and then suddenly one day becomes agitated and then unglued when there is thunder and lightning. The average age at which thunderstorm phobia begins is seven years old. Some dogs suffering from a fear of thunderstorms are also prone to being anxious in other situations. Which dogs suffer the most? Some breeds are more prone than others to experience terror around thunderstorms. Northern breeds such as Huskies and Samoyeds and some of the larger breeds such as Labradors, Retrievers and German Shepherds are prone to the phobia. No one knows why.

The worst thing you can do is show pity. It causes the dog to be more anxious. The more compassion you show, the worse it makes it for the dog. The best thing that you can do is show leadership and give him direction. Give the impression of confidence and take the dog's attention off of the storm by giving him direction. Give him clear direction with some obedience commands or try getting him to play his favorite games."

Unfortunately I don't have a schedule for Thunderstorms but thankfully we don't get them that often! :)

I have found this information in the book called The Dog Bible by: Tracie Hotchner. It has a lot of information on pretty much anything that you may have questions about. I found it in the library one time and then put it on my Christmas list. It was a book I wanted to have in my dog library!

Sebastian wasn't afraid of loud noises, but didn't mind hanging out under the blanket on a cool day! :)

Things that make you go hmmmmm?????

I am dog sitting my sister’s dog Diego, while she is underway with the Navy.  I watch him as he settles down for the night and he climbs on the dog bed and circles like 4 times before he plops down. Why do dogs that do that? Then after a few minutes, he gets up and starts “digging” a hole in the blanket rip and tear and then plop down again. Does it stir up all of the scents that have been lying there all day? Is it like what we do when we flip the pillow during the night, looking for the cool side of the blanket?

Why do you think a dog needs to change up his "greeting locations"? Currently Diego will be standing on the corner of the throw rug. He will be there for a few months and then he’ll find a new spot. One of his favorite spots will be sitting at the top of the stairs, wait for you to close the door and then he’ll fly down the stairs to give you what I call a high five. A few months later he is sitting on the corner of the couch. He has to change the location every few months! What's that about?

I love it when dogs have to get a toy before they greet you. They are the cutest thing to have a killed stuffed animal hanging out of their mouths as they come running towards you.  They won’t give it to you, it’s like “you can look ma, but you can’t touch!” Dogs have the thought of “What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is also mine!” J

 Now I’m not one to feed my dog table scraps or a lot of people food, but it has been a habit of both mine and my sisters to let the dogs lick the very last of milk from the bowl. Dogs are something else. They know what you have when you have the bowl, they usually lay down at a distance when you start eating and then it’s like music to their ears when that spoon hits the bottom of the bowl! They are up and know that you are almost finished and milk is coming their way. It amazes me that they know the peanut butter lid when it hits the counter! They know a snap of a container and that its treat time. They could be outside and all the way across the yard and the pealing of the dog food can lid opens, it’s like they cross their arms, blink their eyes, nod their heads and poof there they are standing looking at ya! Amazing what they can hear! (at times that is!) :)

Dogs are the best. They give us love, companionship; they are faithful and just the best company anyone could ask for.  The stories they give us to share. I am so blessed to have so many of them “in my life”. As a dog walker, I look forward to every day that I get to spend with my doggie friends and the smiles that they give me will last a lifetime.



Love when the Holidays come around!



Meet Roxie

I couldn't help to post this little pooch. Cutie pie! She's smiling at you!

You can find more smiling dogs like Roxie and other great stories and information on www.thebark.com

Have a smiling day! :)

Best Friends Animal Society

For those of you who know me, know that I am a huge fan of Best Friends Animal Society. They are the largest no kill facility in the country and are located in Kanab County Utah. The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Angel Canyon is at the heart of the Golden circle of national parks in southern Utah and is home to approximately 1,700 animals, which include dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, pot belly pigs, horses and much more. My recent visit was back in Jan 2011 for my birthday and it was the best time one could have.(if walking dogs, piggies and grooming horses is your thing!) The employees are the most friendliest and taught me so much about the animals that I volunteered with. This was my "vacation" and I had the best time "working" walking dogs, and even a pot belly pig names Squeaky. He was the office piggy and was very easily persuaded to take a walk with just a trail of almonds.  If you are a fan of animals and would love to volunteer helping out animals I suggest you visit Best Friends. They have cabins & cottages that you can rent and stay right on the property. They also have a spot that you can bring your trailer and camp out. The canyon is so surreal and peaceful, to me its the greatest place on earth.



Meet Squeaky



A Gem Called Sebastian

I sit here on a Sunday evening after being awakened at 5:30am for potty and breakfast, wondering what I am doing creating a blog and what I can possibly share with you. I have met so many dogs in the last 4 years and every single one of them has a distinct personality. Each one eats differently, walks differently, sniffs and sleeps differently. If dogs could talk, what stories we would hear and how many smiles and maybe tears they would bring.

Let me start with my boy Sebastian. Sebastian came into my life back in 1998 when he was just 6 months old.  Sebastian was an American Staffordshire terrier, didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Growing up Sebastian earned the name of Stinky Pink. For the reasons that he liked to play with skunks and roll in dog poop and in the summer time his underbelly, tip of his nose and his eyes would get pink. Sebastian didn’t seem to mind this nickname, he figured every day the sun would come up and go down, breakfast and dinner would be served and all was ok with the world! Treats were a must!

When I started my business, Stop! Doggie Time! and more doggies started coming into our lives, Sebastian would kindly make room on his bed, allow them to drink from his water bowl and share his mother’s time. I would get a look from him when I would tell him that we were going to have company and if he could talk he would probably say, ah ma, really? But once our friend got to our home, he put that aside and welcomed them with open paws (or most times, would leave the room and go outside for a bit!) Sebastian recently passed from cancer at the age of 13 ½, and how many people he charmed throughout the years with being such a sweet, gentle, loving dog. He was my boy and will forever be a part of me. Sebastian liked the simple life, lying in the sun, rides in the car and taking a stroll down the street to smell the flowers. Something that I am working on following…. With an armful of dogs in tow of course!

For those of you who has a dog or knows of a doggie friend that is dealing with cancer, a good website for information that can help is k9medicinals.com. Cool thing with this company is that they don’t charge for shipping.  Another good site is helpyourdogfightcancer.com. I wish you the best of luck!

The dog who broke the mold...

Morning Ritual

Welcome to my blog. My business is Stop! Doggie Time! and I am a dog walker/pet sitter. I am also a dog trainer and soon to be a dog groomer. A little much? Never! I wanted to start a blog to share stories that are created with my doggie clients. I hope they will have you saying... Yeah I know that, yep been there! With being around dogs mostly 24/7 of my life, I hope to also be able to share information that I learn and different things that will help you with your four legged kid. Here which I am sure a lot of you are familiar with the Morning Ritual....

It is Sunday morning and for anyone who has had a busy work week and up at 5am everyday, one likes to be able to sleep in past 5 on weekends. For a dog they are unable to tell time. (Proof of that is when we change the clocks twice a year, they are early and then late by an hour!)Once that little bit of sunshine peaks through the blinds, its time to get up and go! First you hear them shake which will ring their dog tags. Then through your eyelids, you can feel them stare at you like you are the only one in the world at that moment. If you try not to acknowledge them at first, you will then feel 30lbs of dog sitting on your chest and their tail going a mile a minute. You dare to open your eyes, (cause once you have made eye contact, its all over) but if you do, his nose is inches from yours and then you cant help but to laugh. You look at the clock, it is 5:30 am and your day has now started. Out to pee, in to eat and then before you know it, here at 6 am you are wide awake sitting there and you look over and your dog is taking a nap, really? Guess I will start laundry!

                                               I don't ask for much.....