Adopt a Pet and Live Longer!

Adopt a Pet 
Be Happy, Live Longer!

It's Been Awhile
Spring is almost here and I am invigorated so I think it is about time I started writing again!

Often during the Spring people think about getting a dog.  It is easier to deal with training (and walking) when you can go outside for longer periods of time. Well if you are thinking about getting a dog - why not adopt!  You can get puppies or dogs of all ages - some even already trained.  You might even want to consider getting a senior dog - they need homes too - to live out their golden years in a loving home.  Dogs are in Shelters for many reasons - and not necessarily for bad reasons.  Often a loss of owner, loss of a home, strays, rescued from hoarders, puppy millls...........  Dogs with behavioral issues are not offered for adoption until the situation is resolved. Often they go through a Foster Care program and are tested to make sure they are ready for adoption. If you ask the right questions you will get all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.

Adopt a Pet 
Be Happy, Live Longer!

Do you know that 94 percent  of pet owners say that their pet makes them smile more that once a day.  I know Kanji makes me smile EVERY Day, ALL Day.  Caring for a pet can make you a happier and healthier person - and this is especially true for older adults. According to the ARL, studies have found that pet owners over the age of 65 (not quite me yet but soon) make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors then those without pets.  From personal experience I know that pets ease loneliness, reduce stress, promote social interactions (check out our YAPPY HOURS and you will see Social Interactions at work!), encourage an active lifestyle  (definitely gets you out of the house) and provide you with unconditional love.

Getting a pet and especially adopting one can help you live longer - so why  not give it a try - and save another life while you are at it. Make your life more purposeful, too.  Medical studies have shown that pet ownership appears to reduce the risk of heart disease. Pets can add structure and purpose to your life - and they respond by showing their appreciation with an abundance of affection - this is especially true with adopted/rescue dogs/cat once they have their new FOREVER HOME.

Of course you need to find a pet that best meets your needs - Check out the various Shelters, Rescue organizations and online services.  Do your homework and you will be well rewarded in more ways then you could have ever imagined.

LINKS - just too name a few
Animal Rescue League of Boston
MSPCA - Angell Memorial
Sterling Animal Shelter
Petfinder
Shultz's Guest House
Northeast Animal Shelter

Having Trouble Training your New Puppy?, Your New Rescue? or Just a Dog that needs a Refresher? -  To  Let You know when they have to Go!

 

Why Not Give Poochie Bells a Chance!

RING RING - GOTTA GO!

 

 

Teach your dog to communicate with you. Poochie Bells can be a helpful tool. They are a dog training bell system on a ribbon that you hang by your door. Teach them to ring them and you're (and your dog) are good to GO!

 

PoochieBells have handy guide on their site but I will share their info with you here on my blog page.

 

1. First you need to INTRODUCE your dog to the bells

 

Hang PoochieBells inside the house on a doorknob or hook next to the door your dog exits to go out and leave it there so it is accessible at all times for your dog to ring

 

 

2. ASSOCIATE going out with the Bells - But be CLEAR

Every time you let your dog out to potty, bring the dog to the bells to sniff, ring them, and state a command such as “Outside, ring your bells!”, praise the dog, then take him/her out to potty. We do not recommend playing with or giving the dog a treat at that time. You want him/her to associate ringing the bells with potty time only.

3. PRAISE and REPEAT & Be Consistent

 

Throughout the training, continue your command, be consistent and praise your dog for their attention and wanted behavior. Consistency is key.

 

Repeat this training method until your dog begins to ring the bells on their own. - AND they Will!  Make sure to praise your dog on their newly learned behavior to reinforce the action.

 

I have sold a lot of them through the years and the feedback has been great but as mentioned above, consistency and praise are essential and you have to associate the bells with going out to do their business - not play or treat time.  The bells come on ribbons - you can choose a color to match your décor.  If you have a house with a front and back door we often suggest you get two to make it easier for your dog and you.

 

They also make great gifts for new dog owners - doesn't matter if they are a puppy, a new rescue or an older adopted dog.

 

 

 



 

Howl-O-ween Pet Safety

Halloween is a huge holiday for people and now also for pets. Cause to Paws is having our 8th annual Howl-O-Ween Pawty on Sunday, Oct 28th starting at 5 PM with judging at 6 PM. We have various categories of costumes for the pets - Best Homemade, Best Overall, Best Pet and Person Duo or Group, Best Pet and Pet Duo or Group, and of course Best Trick.  We're (the dogs) also bobbing for discounts and dunking for hot dogs.

When considering dressing your pet in a costume there are a number of things you need to keep in mind. If you have dressed them before in sweaters or coats this should not be an issue but if this their first experience with clothing your pet may not be all that receptive to the idea. Be considerate - you might be stressing them, so just be aware of their reactions. Masks are a definite no no and things on their heads may also be an issue (make sure their eyes/nose are not covered.)

If you are having your own Halloween party or will be answering the door all night, you might want to consider putting your pets in a separate room. Large dogs with big wagging tails can be especially problematic - especially when they get excited  - things can go flying - burning candles, jack-o-lanterns bowls of candy......... Curious cats need to be looked after, too. Keep them behind closed doors, provide food, water and toys/chew things to keep them occupied. You might also want to put on the TV or radio as an added distraction.

Halloween candy, especially chocolate can be deadly - there is a chemical that interferes with their nervous system. Wrappers, especially foil ones can get stuck in their intestines which can cause sickness and possible death if not immediately addressed.

It's Hot Out There - Be Aware Be Safe

Been outside lately? If so you know how hot it is - I can only make it a few blocks before I need to dart inside somewhere and cool down. The Town of Brookline has annouced a Heat Emergency and opened up Cooling Centers. If you're hot imagine how your dog might feel. If possible, I suggest you leave your dog home. NEVER NEVER NEVER leave them in a car - even for a few minutes - the car is like a glass hot house, with temps much higher then the actually outside temp - cracking a window is NOT ENOUGH. Walk your dog early in the morning before the heat starts to build and later in the day when it begins to dissipate,  minimize any exercise, provide lots of water.

Hot sidewalks/asphalt can actually burn dogs paws. You can put on a salve on the paws, like Mushers Secret, to protect their pads. Some people, especially if you live or hang out at the beach ofter use PAWZ rubber boots to protect the pads - for short periods of time - to protect the paws from the heat and grit - REMEMBER - dogs sweat through their paws (and by panting) - so you don't want to keep them covered for long.

Little dogs can be lifted up and put into carriers - like a sling - especially if they get tired - and you want to walk faster. AND HYDRATE< HYDRATE< HYDRATE - not just the dog but you, too.

BE Smart, BE Aware, BE Safe - Your dog will appreciate it.

Dog Shows - Like to watch but....................

I have to admit that I did watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show but .......................

I like to watch this show to see all of the different breeds but then I realize that this whole event is contrary to what I believe in. There are so many dogs out there that need homes that are combos of all sorts of breeds - I call them "love children" - (I have one - Kanji - a combo of Shitzu and Cockapoo,  who is a wonderful "accident" between neighbor dogs, not  designer breed (see Kanji's puppy picture).

Dog Shows support the concept that pure bred dogs are the way to go and that the more exotic the better. Although I am sure that these dogs come from loving homes and are treated like family,  they perpetuate a culture of "perfect" dogs - with qualities not necessarily healthy or good for the animal.  Also people fall in love with some of the breeds that are not necessarily  meant to be house pets - those that need lots of exercise and activity - those meant to be "working" dogs - not house pets. When this happens you end up with not only an unhappy family but an unhappy dog.

So watch the show and be happy for those dogs but when thinking of getting a dog - go the rescue route - you'll be happy you did.

That's my vent for the day.

Top Ten Reasons Why to Shop Local

Been gone for awhile - trying to keep my head above water - considering there isn't any snow - otherwise I would be trying to dig out of a snow drift like last year. Actually I would prefer to have last year back. This has been a really weird Winter - some people are thrilled there hasn't been any snow - I'm not, my dogs are not and neither is my business. I do better when it snows - people are home - but out and about often walking the streets of my town - therefore business goes up - selling winter coats, sweaters, boots and wax for the dogs. Needless to say that has not happened this year. My dogs love to jump and play in the snow - rain just doesn't cut it - they sniff the air and go back into the house - refusing to walk when raindrops are falling on their head. Kanji loves to try and catch snowballs - trying to catch raindrops on his tongue is not his game of choice. AND I still have a ton of Winter inventory left - that's not your fault - I blame that on Mother Nature but there are other things you can do to help in general.

All this leads me to the real reason I am writing today after such a long absence

Shop Local & Help your Local Economy & Neighborhood Shops:

Here are the Top Ten Reasons to Shop Local - I "stole" these from the Cambridge Local First Organization. (We are trying to start a similar organization in Brookline)


1. More Money stays in the local economy when you buy from a locally owned business

2.Most new jobs are created by small to mid-sized, locally owned businesses

3.Supporting the unique businesses that only exist in (place name of your town here...) helps make our city such a great place to live and work

4. Locally owned businesses are key supporters of local arts,education and social non-profits

5. Small businesses develop lasting relationships with customers, providing exceptional levels of customer service

6. Independent companies compete to provide the most diverse set of products and services

7. Locally produced material reduces the transportation costs and the impact on the environment

8. Community based businesses contribute to stability in neighborhoods and help provide for public safety

9. People's sense of community identity is tied to memories of things that are unique in their home towns, many of which are locally owned businesses

10. Local business owners buy from other local businesses, bank in local banks, eat in local restaurants, support local charities and keep our local economy strong

Thanks for listening (reading really) - Now go forth and SHOP LOCAL - My dogs and I would really appreciate it (and so would my Town, fellow shops & our local charities

Halloween - Fun for All but be Safe

Halloween is just around the corner. It is the second biggest holiday in the US next to Christmas. It is a fun time for all ages - and for PETs.

At Cause to Paws we are having our 7th Annual Howl-O-Ween Pawty on Sunday, Oct 30 from 5 - 7 PM. Every year it seems to get bigger and bigger - more pets, more people and more fun. If you haven't joined us before you should really try and make it this year. We have prizes in various categories - Best Homemade Costume, Funniest, Group/Duo, Overall Favorite and Best Performance or Trick. We have treats for you - and the pets - including my (in)famous carrot and peanut butter Pupcakes. There is Dunking for Discounts and Bobbing for Hot Dogs - or the other way around - seems to change every year. We use to use Rubber Duckies for the Discount Bobbing - but they didn't float - this year we have found actual Plastic Apples that float and you can put slips inside for the discounts - we will of course practice first.

We plan to have a ball this Howl-O-Ween - However there are a few things to keep in mind  - to make sure you keep you and your pets safe during Halloween.
Here are some tips I have gathered from a variety of others
thanks to RC Pets & the ASPCA:

• Chocolate in all forms can be toxic to dogs and cats — keep candies and chocolate out of reach from your pet. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
• Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them
• Pet costumes should not impede their movement, breathing, nor hearing and pets must be supervised to ensure that no part of the costume is accidental ingested.  For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress - just because you think it's cute it might not work for your dog. Use your best judgement.
• When greeting trick-or-treaters at the door, take extra care that your pet doesn't dart outside.
•  All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.
• If going trick-or-treating, make sure your pet is fitted properly for a collar and is leashed.  Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification
• Don't forget to clip on a Safety Light and/or pair your pet with a High Visibility Vest for added safety!

 

Socializing Your Pets - Yappy Hour/Ask the Trainer

Socialization of Dogs is very important - especially puppies.  Puppies need to meet people - all kinds - and other dogs - young and old. The ultimate goal is for them to avoid displaying fear or aggression. There are a number of different ways you can accomplish this - one is to find a situation where they can meet lots of people and other dogs.

One option is something like the Yappy Hours we hold at Cause to Paws. We push aside the displays and make room for the dogs (and people) to interact and socialize. These supervised sessions with other dogs is a good idea - you need to make sure to do this only after your puppy has received its full set of vaccinations.  We also have a couch area where you can sit with your puppy in a more private way,  where you and others can handle and pet the puppy/dog or allow them to "retreat" to an area where they can rest in case they get tired from playing with the other dogs. And it is fun. We test out new treats (for people and pets), toys and talk about our dogs - doesn't get much better than that.

Training your Pet - You can also attend socialization classes or a variety of training options - that go beyond just Puppy training.  Many trainers offer a variety of classes including Agility, Dog Park Behavior, Canine Good Citizen Training, and much more. At Cause to Paws we often have trainers come in to give free talks - including "Ask the Trainer" - where you can meet a trainer and ask questions (and remember no question is a stupid one) - about your dog's behavior, training or any concerns you might be having. It's a good way to know what is available before making a commitment . We have a new session coming up on Sunday, June 19th starting at 3 PM with Vera Wilkinson, from The Cooperative Dog.

In addition to classes - walk the streets, bring them to a park and spend as much time as necessary to ensure that you have a well trained, socialized and happy puppy/dog.  It is well worth the effort.

Pets, Sports, Clothing and Toys.......

Well Winter has come & gone - somewhere in there we have had Spring since I last posted on this Blog. I also think we had one day of Summer stuck in there somewhere & today it feels more like Fall. Hard to keep things straight - but that's New England for you.

Often I can tell what season it is by what Sport's Teams are in the News but with the Celtics & Bruins in their respective playoffs this year that has made it harder. Did do well with the C's & B's Tanks , Collars & Bandanas. As always we have a lot of Red Sox fans who show their pride all year round, although it was tough at the beginning of the season. Being only a mile from Fenway Park, we are often on the route home & we get a lot of happy fans (at least this May and June) who want to show that their dogs are part of Red Sox Nation, too.



Annie showing her Bruin's Pride



New England Patriots have their Pet supporters as well - but that appears to be very season oriented - a more Winter, TV watching item of clothing - goes well with the doggy pizza we sell!

And let's not forget the Cat Owners. We've decked them out in Sports clothing as well. Somehow dressing your dog or cat in sports/college teams does not qualify as dressing your dog among those squeamish with that concept. Seems these items don't count as clothing.

And Toys - as most of us know dogs (& cats) like to play with ball like objects - dogs have a thing for squeaky tennis balls & we also do a big business in small soccer balls (soft vinyl squeaking types - Kanji's favorite) - interesting that Footballs, Hockey Pucks and Baseballs are not high on the list of available (and likable) pet toys options.

Oh well.... I promise to be more communicative about the happenings in the dog world and Cause to Paw. Lot's of stuff happening. Like my Facebook Page and keep up to date on everything.

Off Leash Dog Parks

OFF LEASH PARK RULES

My town - Brookline, MA recently made the news - even National news, when they announced that they were thinking about (and then did enact) a fee for dogs to go unleashed in the approved parks in Brookline. as part of their Green Dog Program. This caused quite the uproar at a Town  Selectman Hearing with members of the community from, both sides of the issue, trying to voice their opinions. Selectman voted to charge $50/year per dog (residents - $100 for non residents) for the right to have your dog off leash during designated hours as well as a vendor fee to professional dog walkers.  The money is to help fund a  Park Ranger to help with enforcement/compliance as well as to improve the communication with dog owners about the program. Previously this was all done on a volunteer basis.  It was agreed that the cost was far greater to run the program then they will collect but the Town felt it was necessary to begin to add additional fees for use of the Parks (fees for organized Sports will also be charged).

I don't want to get into the pro's and con's of charging for the right to have your dog off leash - I can see both sides of the issue - what I want to talk about is what to do once you are at the park, basically park etiquette.

Brookline's Rules - which are similar or should be followed in all parks include the following:

• Aggressive dogs are not permitted on or off-leash. 
• Dogs who show continued aggression towards people, other dogs, or wildlife must be removed immediately.
• The number of dogs per person is limited to three.
• Dogs must be 4 months old to participate in the program.
• Dogs in heat are not allowed off-leash

 Before You Go to a Park

• License your dog and make sure vaccinations are current. Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated, and healthy (no contagious conditions, diseases, or parasites). Put license and identification on dog's collar.
• Make sure your dog is under voice control (dog responds to and obeys your verbal commands).
  
  
  
• Bring waste pick-up bags. Cleaning up after your dog is critical and one of the major issues when the discussion about the program is brought up - COMPLIANCE to hours and waste removal are the biggest concerns always discussed.

  At the Park

• Keep your dog on leash until you are inside the park. Keep your leash on hand at all times.
• Check for park closed signs, wet fields, crews working in the park, or permitted activities, all of which mean off-leash hours are suspended.
• Pick up after your dog and encourage others to do the same.
• Keep your dog in sight at all times and under voice control.
• Be mindful of your dog so that other park visitors, their children, and their dogs are not anxious about their safety. Many people do not like unfamiliar dogs — and sometimes other dogs don't like unfamiliar dogs.

To learn more about Brookline's program check out the following links
http://brooklinegreendog.com/
http://www.brooklinema.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=706&Itemid=1029

If you are bitten by a dog at the park or if your dog bites others - there are things you need to know:
Regardless of who is the biter or the bitten - both are equally responsible for the incident.  Check the injuries - if there are puncture wound these can become infected and need to be treated. Exchange contact info and get witnesses info as well.. In Massachusetts the guardian of a dog who bites a person may be held liable for civil damages. Check out dogbitelaw.com
(thanks to Tails Inc of this information).

KANJI's - New Years Resolutions

Came across this in an email and I thought it was definitely time to start writing and sharing again. This is so appropriate and could have easily been written by my dog, Kanji!

I hope everyone has a great Holiday Season - and a very Healthy one, too.

CONSIDER THIS KANJI's NEW YEARS RESOLUTION  OR HIS 12 DAYs of FORGIVENESS!

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good Dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.

3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.

4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.

5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.

7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying 'hello'.

8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table

9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.

10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt across the carpet.

11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.

12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise,
it's usually not a good thing.


P.S. Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back?

(I keep telling him that he looks better without them! and that he really doesn't need them to be a happy, healthy dog - but he's a guy and you know how that is!)