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!)

October is Adopt a Dog Month

Haven't written in awhile and decided it was time to do an update. My last write up was on Why to Adopt a Dog - How appropriate that my new one is on adopting as well!October is Adopt a Dog Month.  I found the following on the ASPCA site and thought I would share it with you. 60% of dogs brought to shelters are euthanized. We should try and save as many as possible!

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog

1. What You See Is What You Get
Older dogs are open books—from the start, you’ll know important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. All this information makes it easier to pick the right dog and forge that instant love connection that will last a lifetime. If you’re not so into surprises, an older dog is for you!
2. Easy to Train
Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Hogwash! Older dogs are great at focusing on you—and on the task at hand—because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.
3. Seniors are Super-Loving
One of the cool parts of our job is reading stories from people just like you who have opted to adopt. The emails we get from pet parents with senior dogs seem to all contain beautiful, heartfelt descriptions of the love these dogs give you—and those of you who adopted dogs already in their golden years told us how devoted and grateful they are. It's an instant bond that cannot be topped!
4. They’re Not a 24-7 Job
Grownup dogs don’t require the constant monitoring puppies do, leaving you with more freedom to do your own thing. If you have young children, or just value your “me time,” this is definitely a bonus.
5. They Settle in Quickly
Older dogs have been around the block and already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. They’ll be part of the family in no time!
6. Fewer Messes
Your floors, shoes and furniture will thank you for adopting a senior pooch! Older dogs are likely to already be housetrained—and even if they’re not, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick it up really fast (unlike puppies). With their teething years far behind them, seniors also are much less likely to be destructive chewers.
7. You Won’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
There are those who yearn for a doggie friend of their own, but hold back because they worry what might happen in their lives in the years to come. And they are wise to do so—a puppy or young dog can be anywhere from an 8- to 20-year responsibility, which is not appropriate for the very elderly or those with certain long-term future plans. Providing a loving home for a dog in her golden years is not a less serious commitment, but it can be a shorter one.
8. They Enjoy Easy Livin’
Couch potato, know thyself! Please consider a canine retiree rather than a high-energy young dog who will run you ragged. Not that older dogs don’t require any exercise—they do—but they’re not going to need, or want, to run a marathon every day.
9. Save a Life, Be a Hero
At shelters, older dogs are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.
10. They’re CUTE!

Getting a dog - Consider Adoption.

I am constantly surprised by the number of calls I get a from people wondering if I sell dogs. I find it interesting that people still think that calling a retail store is the way to go to buy their new dog. With so many dogs, of all types, available for adoption I am saddened that people still turn to pet stores for their dogs when there are so many other options available. Many dogs at pet shops come from Puppy Mills and can bring their own set of problems.

My dog was given to me by a friend - Kanji was an "accident", a wonderful accident between neighbors dogs ( a true love child) -but I wonder if I hadn't taken him would he have gone to a shelter and found a home - I sure hope so. There are lot of good people out there trying to help loving cats and dogs find new homes. There are a lot of reasons dogs and cats end up in shelters and it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with them. All dogs are checked out first to make sure they are adoptable. I suggest to people that a local shelter is the first place they should look for their new pet. I see lots of adopted dogs in my store and all their owners are thrilled with their choices. Even if you are looking for a specific breed there are breed specific rescue groups that can help. Adopting an older dog may also be an option you should consider. They are often well trained and socialized making new dog ownership that much easier.

Some local options for adopting dogs include:

The Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling, Massachusetts is a non-profit organization (formed in 1988 - incorporated in 1994) and no-kill animal shelter with no time or age restrictions.

One of their great causes that they support is the Save A Sato Program – www.saveasato.org – Established May 1999 - this is a joint life-saving venture with animal rescue volunteers of Puerto Rico. Hundreds of homeless, starved, poisoned and tortured animals are rescued and rehabilitated and sent to the shelter in Sterling, MA each year. The volunteers in Puerto Rico (at their own cost) take these animals known as "Satos" (mixed breed street dogs) off the cruel streets and care for them until they are healthy enough to be flown to Massachusetts. They are bathed, re-vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and vet checked. To date this shelter has rescued and re-homed thousands of these amazing animals.

Animal Rescue League, Boston adoption@arlboston.org The Animal Rescue League is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect. Since 1899 we have advocated the philosophy of our founder, Anna Harris Smith, that “Kindness Uplifts the World”.

MSPCA Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center www.mspca.org/boston The MSPCA's animal care and adoption centers around the state take in as many as 1,000 animals per center per month during the busy summer season. They provide vital services such as adoptions, behavior training, humane-education programs and spay/neuter programs.

Northeast Animal Shelter http://www.northeastanimalshelter.org One of New England's Largest No-kill Animal Shelters. Since 1976 Northeast Animal Shelter has placed almost 100,000 animals in loving homes.

A great place to find a cat - The Gifford Shelter www.giffordcatshelter.org is a cageless, no-kill facility founded in 1884 and sponsored by Ellen Gifford. The shelter is a pioneer in creating an environment that does not confine cats to small, movement-restricting cages.

You can always check out www.petfinder.com for other options - a great resource.

Fireworks and Dogs

It's that time of the year - in addition to Thunder and Lightening storms the dogs now need to deal with Fireworks - which can not only be scary but dangerous for them. Many dogs react with fear when they hear the loud, unfamiliar sounds of fireworks.

Here is some info you might find helpful: 8 Tips for Keeping your Dogs Calm on July 4th
by Lisa Spector June 29th, 2009

1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day.
2. Keep your dogs inside during fireworks, preferably with human companionship.
3. Provide a safe place inside for your dogs to retreat. When scared of sounds they can’t orient, dogs often prefer small enclosed areas. (I once had a dog who climbed in the bathtub during windstorms.)
4. If possible, keep the windows and curtains closed.
5. Make sure all your dogs are wearing ID tags with a properly fitting collar. (Dogs have been known to become Houdini around the 4th of July.)
6. Leave your dog something fun to do – like a frozen Kong filled with his favorite treats.
7. Train with counter classical conditioning. Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB, has a very clear definition and tips here.http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/thunderstorm-phobia-in-dogs.html
8. Sound Therapy: Play Music to Calm your Canine Companion Vol. 1 and 2. It is most effective when you first play the music well before the fireworks start, at a time the dog is already peaceful and relaxed. He will begin to associate the music with being calm and content. Then play the music a couple of hours before the fireworks start and continue to play through bedtime. The music doesn’t need to be loud to be effective as it has been clinically demonstrated to calm the canine nervous system. Click here for free samples and downloadshttp://www.throughadogsear.com/music_compositions.htm

Other options include using calming therapies such as:
D.A.P. is a "dog appeasing" pheromone that will help calm your dog's nerves. This pheromone is similar to the one mother dogs use to soothe their new born puppies.
Rescue Remedy: Bach Flower Remedies has an all-natural Rescue Remedy product for pets that you can apply directly to their skin or add to their drinking water or food to help soothe them through stressful situations. Rescue Remedy can be used in conjunction with other therapies - including Lavender aromatherapy foam or treats like Mellow Mutt from Dogswell that contains chamomile, clover, lemon balm and linden flower. We carry these options at Cause to Paws.

I believe you should do whatever necessary to give your dog comfort. Be your dog’s advocate – do whatever you can to make her feel better during the storm.

Another Spring Health Tip

As a follow up to my last Blog where I talked about never leaving your dog in a car - especially as the weather heats up - here are some other Tips for keeping your dog fit, safe and sound during the warm weather months.

We all seem to become more active in the Spring and Summer with lots of activities - primarily out door ones with our dogs. Many of you go hiking with your dogs on trails in the woods, hills or even a long sandy/rocky beaches.

Things you need to think about include:
1. Start early in the day when it is cooler, morning air is the best and this also helps to prevent your dog from overheating.

2. Dog's noses, ears and other sensitive areas need protection with sunscreen much like humans do - they can burn. Sunscreen is especially important in light skinned dogs - especially white ones. There are even naturally dog and tick sprays that contain a sun screen. We carry Mad About Organics - their spray contains Jojoba Oil which is a good natural approach.

3. Always be conscientious of your dogs breathing patterns - it is important to avoid over doing and causing exhaustion in your pet. Keep in mind the rule about going only half as far as you think you can because you have to come back that same distance! Your dog may need to build up endurance early in the season.

4. Just like in humans - Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Make sure that you have fresh water with you. There are many types of portable water containers available - including one that is simply a roller ball that fits on the top of any water bottle - It is called Pet Tops and we have carry these a long with other options.

5. Be sure to check your pets paws for wear, damage and injury. Rocks, sticks, sand and other debris can cause injuries. You can use boots on your dog if necessary especially if you are doing a lot of trail hiking in the woods/mountains. Waxes like Mushers or Paw Wax can be used to soothe as well as protect the dogs pads from wear and tear and abrasions.

Have fun but be safe!

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR!

We had a very scary experience last week in front of the store. There was a dog left in a closed up car when the temperatures outside were close to 80 Degrees. Everyone on the block went on a search for the owner to no avail. The dog began to look stressed. The police were eventually called and an animal officer showed up (but to be honest he didn't seem to concerned or to even know what to do). Someone was about to use a hammer to break the window when the owner finally showed up. She seemed very unconcerned and said the dog liked warm weather - trust me if it is warm outside it is HOT in the car - even if the windows are open. The good news is that the dog survived, but the woman left in a huff and I am sure she will do it again AND the Brookline police did nothing. This surely must be a crime.

In Watertown a similar incident happened that a friend told me about. In this case the police did break the window just as the woman showed up, gave her a $1500 ticket for cruelty and took her and the dog to Angell Memorial to be check out - this is the way it should have been handled. Thank you Anne Conklin - my hero!

Bottomline - NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. Even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven - temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage - or even death - can occur.

Understanding and Preventing Hyperthermia By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide says if you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.

First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body - especially the foot pads and around the head.
DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).
Be smart, Be safe!

Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs on the Rise

Just read an article posted on Pet Health Care about the rise of Xylitol poisoning in Dogs and I thought it would be a good idea to share some of it with you.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is primarily used as a substitute for sugar in a lot of diet and confectionery products.

Xylitol negatively effects dogs as it is quickly absorbed through their digestive tracts. Xylitol in tiny amounts can potentially cause significant toxic poisoning in dogs. Even just one to two pieces of regular sized chewing gum that contains Xylitol can be potentially toxic to a dog that weighs less than 20lbs. In dogs who have ingested Xylitol, the symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of coordination, pale gums, liver damage/failure, and even seizures. If these symptoms are not immediately treated, Xylitol toxicity may eventually lead to liver failure, blood clotting abnormalities, and possibly death. Therefore it is of extreme importance that you take your dog to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect that he ingested any Xylitol containing product, especially if it has been less than 2 hours as a veterinarian will have better luck in preventing your dog’s body from absorbing it.

As a dog owner you can prevent Xylitol poisoning by removing all consumer products containing Xylitol from your home. Better safe then sorry.