Loss of a Furry Best Friend

I am sad to announce that earlier this week one of our lovable, playful furry friends left us unexpectedly due to a medical emergency. He will be greatly missed by us and all of his furry friends. In light of the situation it seemed like an appropriate time to discuss the seldom mentioned topic of losing a pet. A pet is a friend, companion and beloved member of your family and it is normal to grieve when you lose him or her. To help with the healing process you may want to perform a ceremony in memory of your fur baby. It can be a simple burial in the backyard or a more formal memorial service that includes extended family or friends. The important functions of the ceremony are to allow you to express your feelings, pay tribute to your pet and give you social support. There are a number of online support groups, such as petloss.com, which offer candle light ceremonies, chat rooms and other tips for dealing with the loss of your pet. If you have any further questions, would like help with a formal ceremony or would like to talk to someone about the loss of your pet feel free to give us a call.
  
                   "In the Candle's Glow"

Warm light coming from far below,
Twinkling, sparkling is the candle's glow.
All is well up on the ridge,
The place we know as Rainbow Bridge.
Furbabies sleeping in heaven's light,
Tended by candles in the night.
Peaceful dreams be theirs to keep,
As they slumber in this night so deep.
Hearts on earth that miss them so,
Take comfort in the candle's glow.
Watching for them in skies above,
Bound eternally by a cord of love.

Laura Hickman

 

Finding a New Home For Your Dog

Sometimes circumstances occur in life that we have no control over, such as a change in health or living arrangements, and you find yourself with the difficult task of needing to find a new home for your dog. If you ever need help finding a new home for your dog for whatever reason please give us a call. If possible we will keep your dog, care for him and find him a new forever home. If we are not able to keep your dog in our home we will find a safe loving temporary home for your dog until a new permanent home is found. 

Compost is Dangerous for Your Dog

 I didn't realize that consuming compost could be harmful to a dog until one of our dogs ate a micro amount of compost yesterday that was on the ground after our compost bin had been moved. CII came up to me acting confused, scared and trembling intensely like he had the chills. He was suffering from tremorgenic mycotoxin intoxication. The toxins from the decomposing food affect the central nervous system and can be fatal. The main symptom of tremorgenic mycotoxin intoxication is tremors. Other symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, hallucinations, and seizures. If you suspect your dog has eaten any compost or garbage and is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Early treatment is very important.  Today, after three doses of activated charcoal and some i/d canine gastrointestinal health canned food to eat, CII is feeling much better.   

Caring for a New Puppy

Since we have an adorable three month old puppy coming for daycare now I thought this would be a good time to mention two of the issues most people have questions about after bringing their new puppy home.  The first issue is housebreaking. When housebreaking your puppy take the puppy to the same area outside immediately in the morning, after eating each meal, after awakening from a nap and after playing for a long time. If the puppy has an accident inside do not punish the puppy by yelling at him, swatting him or rubbing his nose in any excrement. This will only teach the puppy to fear you and your objective is to teach the puppy the appropriate location to relieve himself. If you catch the puppy in the act of relieving himself inside calmly take him outside to finish. Make sure you praise the puppy immediately when he relieves himself outside. Remember that praise doesn't always have to be a treat. It can be a look or word of approval. Finally be consistent and patient. The second issue is chewing. One of the ways a young puppy explores his world is by sticking everything in his mouth and chewing on it. Your job is to teach him what he can and can't chew on. Every time your puppy is chewing on something he shouldn't be chewing on like your brand new shoes it is important not only to stop the unwanted behavior but also to direct the puppy toward an acceptable behavior such as giving the puppy a toy to chew on. I have covered the two most common issues people encounter when bringing a new puppy home. For further information about raising a happy healthy well balanced dog I recommend reading How to Raise the Perfect Dog Through Puppyhood and Beyond by Cesar Millan.