Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Dogs Today Think Tank: Searching for an Annabel-proof toy
The Dogs Today Think Tank: Searching for an Annabel-proof toy: "Our seven-month-old chocolate Lab/ Golden Retriever mix is a chewing machine! The first day we brought her home she seriously chewed through..."
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
goose poop; nom, nom, nom?
Suz, K and I went for a walk yesterday. I love when they take me on long walks or hikes in the woods. The track we do is about 1.5 miles with a quick walk through our apartment complex, then down a street, past a pond (which I got to go in last night, well, I don't know that I was SUPPOSED to go in, but I went in), through some bushes, then to another parking lot to a field where we get to play with a ball or something that Suz or K brings, and then we start our trek home.
Last night, when we went to the field, it seemed like there were treats, ALL OVER. There were these black, green and white little tube like treats all over that field... and obviously I started to eat them, I mean, weren't they there for me to eat? K said No, and then told me to "leave it alone", and then told me we'd have to leave the field if I didn't stop... but I was so confused! Why would they put these yummy treats out if I wasn't supposed to eat them. And then Suz, well, she seems really mad. She kept yelling my name, and while it did distract me a little bit, I kept on eating those yummy treats!
We left quite soon after that... I guess they were done playing. I still don't get why they would put out those treats if I wasn't supposed to eat them.... All I know is, I hope I get to back there tomorrow!!!
Last night, when we went to the field, it seemed like there were treats, ALL OVER. There were these black, green and white little tube like treats all over that field... and obviously I started to eat them, I mean, weren't they there for me to eat? K said No, and then told me to "leave it alone", and then told me we'd have to leave the field if I didn't stop... but I was so confused! Why would they put these yummy treats out if I wasn't supposed to eat them. And then Suz, well, she seems really mad. She kept yelling my name, and while it did distract me a little bit, I kept on eating those yummy treats! Friday, August 20, 2010
Favorite Toy...
I spend a good part of my day just chewing on things. I really like it. Sometimes I chew on things that maybe I'm not supposed too, but for the most part I behave.
When I was little K bought me a small, tennis ball looking toy that I chewed on and it squeaked. Last week, it stopped squeaking. They said I put a hole in it or something. Supposedly this toy lasted a good while, or so they said, I've had it since I was brought home. So they left the house and when they came home, they got me a NEW one and it's even bigger and louder and awesomer. I love it. I love it a lot!
When I was little K bought me a small, tennis ball looking toy that I chewed on and it squeaked. Last week, it stopped squeaking. They said I put a hole in it or something. Supposedly this toy lasted a good while, or so they said, I've had it since I was brought home. So they left the house and when they came home, they got me a NEW one and it's even bigger and louder and awesomer. I love it. I love it a lot!
Monday, August 16, 2010
busy...
Suz and K got me a new yummy treat the other day. It's called a busy bone and it was soooooooo gooooood. I gobbled it up in just a few minutes! I think Suz thought it would last longer, but it did keep me fairly busy, and I really did love the taste of it. She said something about it being expensive, but good thing we got to try it for free. I dunno, I wasn't listening too well, just playing with my noms!
Here are some pictures!
There is also one of Suz being funny and hanging out in my house with me! She's so silly!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Hot Dogs are Not Happy Dogs (so says the American Red Cross...)
The following is the second in a series of American Red Cross Dog Days of Summer stories to promote pet first aid. During the month of August, take the necessary steps to protect your pets and save their lives in the event of emergency.
Friday, August 13, 2010 — As we enter the final leg of summer, temperatures across the country continue to soar. Many Americans will flock to the beach, others might host a picnic in their own backyard. However we spend our summer days, pets are often included in the trips and festivities. The American Red Cross is using the Dog Days of summer as an opportunity to promote pet safety, and encourage pet owners to learn how to prevent and treat heat stroke in dogs, especially during the hot summer months.
Heat stroke (hyperthermia) occurs when a dog severely overheats- most commonly in the spring and summer months- when the weather turns warm. The good news is if the heat stroke hasn’t advanced too far (with body temperature of more then 104◦F), you can help your dog recover.
It is important to know if your dog is predisposed to heat stroke which is true of dogs with short snouts such as bulldogs, pugs and many other breeds. Other common causes of heat stroke include: a previous episode of heat stroke, dog left in a parked car, excessive exercise in hot humid weather (this may be exercise that your dog can usually handle but not in warmer weather), lack of appropriate shelter for an animal outdoors, thick-coated dogs in warm climates and underlying disease such as upper airway, heart of lung disease.
Never leave your pet in a parked car! Even with the windows cracked, your pet can quickly suffer heat stroke – and even die. Temperatures can exceed 120◦F in parked cars.
Unlike humans, dogs do not have sweat glands, so they can dispel heat only by panting and through the pads of their feet. Make sure your pet has plenty of cool water and shade during the hot weather.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include: collapse, body temperature 104◦F or above, bloody diarrhea or vomit, depression stupor, seizures or coma, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, salivation.
If you suspect heat stroke:
Even if you successfully cool your pet down to 103◦F in the first 10-15 minutes, you must take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because consequences of heat stroke will not show up for hours or even days. Potential problems include abnormal heart rhythms, kidney failure, neurological problems and respiratory arrest.
The American Red Cross offers Dog First Aid classes and materials for purchase. Visit http://www.redcross.org/ to contact your local chapter.
Friday, August 13, 2010 — As we enter the final leg of summer, temperatures across the country continue to soar. Many Americans will flock to the beach, others might host a picnic in their own backyard. However we spend our summer days, pets are often included in the trips and festivities. The American Red Cross is using the Dog Days of summer as an opportunity to promote pet safety, and encourage pet owners to learn how to prevent and treat heat stroke in dogs, especially during the hot summer months.
Heat stroke (hyperthermia) occurs when a dog severely overheats- most commonly in the spring and summer months- when the weather turns warm. The good news is if the heat stroke hasn’t advanced too far (with body temperature of more then 104◦F), you can help your dog recover.
It is important to know if your dog is predisposed to heat stroke which is true of dogs with short snouts such as bulldogs, pugs and many other breeds. Other common causes of heat stroke include: a previous episode of heat stroke, dog left in a parked car, excessive exercise in hot humid weather (this may be exercise that your dog can usually handle but not in warmer weather), lack of appropriate shelter for an animal outdoors, thick-coated dogs in warm climates and underlying disease such as upper airway, heart of lung disease.
Never leave your pet in a parked car! Even with the windows cracked, your pet can quickly suffer heat stroke – and even die. Temperatures can exceed 120◦F in parked cars.
Unlike humans, dogs do not have sweat glands, so they can dispel heat only by panting and through the pads of their feet. Make sure your pet has plenty of cool water and shade during the hot weather.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include: collapse, body temperature 104◦F or above, bloody diarrhea or vomit, depression stupor, seizures or coma, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, salivation.
If you suspect heat stroke:
- you should get your dog out of direct heat check for shock
- take your dog’s temperature
- spray your dog with cool water then retake temperatureplace
- place water –soaked towels on the dog’s head, neck feet, chest and abdomen
- turn on a fan and point it in your dog’s direction
- rub Isopropyl alcohol (70%) on the dog’s foot pads to help cool him but don’t use large quantities as it get be toxic if ingested take your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital.
Even if you successfully cool your pet down to 103◦F in the first 10-15 minutes, you must take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because consequences of heat stroke will not show up for hours or even days. Potential problems include abnormal heart rhythms, kidney failure, neurological problems and respiratory arrest.
The American Red Cross offers Dog First Aid classes and materials for purchase. Visit http://www.redcross.org/ to contact your local chapter.
Knowing Pet First Aid Can Save Your Best Friend’s Life (says the American Red Cross)
The following is first in a series of American Red Cross Dog Days of Summer stories to promote pet first aid. During the month of August, take the necessary steps to protect your pets and save their lives in the event of emergency.
Thursday, August 05, 2010 — Chris Thompson never expected to use lifesaving measures to resuscitate her swimming pup, while on what was supposed to be a fun trip to the water. Thankfully, she was prepared when a leisurely afternoon on the lake quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal.
Jade, her 17-year old cow dog and spaniel mixed breed is normally at home in the water; nicknamed “fish herder”, Jade swims with the agility of a puppy. He didn’t even start to wear a lifejacket until he turned 13, and only then as a precaution. Swimming is Jade’s therapy for his aging body. He takes a dip at least once a day in the local lake, which helps ease his aging muscles. He is trained to swim to the dock ladder and touch it with his paw when he is ready to get out.
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary about the swim on the Fourth of July. After swimming for about an hour, Thompson pulled Jade out of the water, took off his life jacket, and laid him down for his routine nap in the boat. When she left the boat and stepped onto the dock for a moment, Jade tried to jump off to follow.
Instead of landing safely on the dock, Jade lost footing and fell into the water. Slipping under the pontoon boat, which was next to the dock, Jade was unable to find the surface. Thompson jumped in to retrieve Jade but could not find him. She searched and searched and finally found a ball of wet fur that she quickly pulled to the surface.
Jade wasn’t breathing. As a veteran Red Cross volunteer, Thompson sprang into action. She knew she needed to clear his lungs of water, so she held Jade with his head lower than his back end, - squeezing his chest and administering First Aid until Jade coughed up water and began to breathe again.
Thompson knew that she could resuscitate Jade using the mouth to snout CPR technique but the primary issue was getting the water out of his lungs. He was under the water for approximately 20-30 seconds.
Chris recounts several lessons she learned from this nightmare scenario. “Just like a child, even if they are not intending to swim, pets should have a life jacket on,” said Thompson. She also added, “You actually can revive a dog if you react quickly enough. You just need to know how to resuscitate him. I am very grateful for what Red Cross classes taught me.”
Having volunteered for the Red Cross while she lived in Dallas, TX, Chris was trained in Red Cross First Aid and CPR. She also knew specifics of pet First Aid and CPR and had taken Red Cross water safety classes.
Jade has since put the scary experience behind him. After receiving a snack and taking a rest, he was back in the water swimming within hours. He continues to swim in the water at least once daily.
The American Red Cross offers Dog First Aid classes and materials for purchase. Visit http://www.redcross.org/ to contact your local chapter.
Chris Thompson lives in Boydton, VA. She uses the Twitter account name – RedCrossmom- which has been her nickname for 10 years. She became a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team on September 10, 2001 and the next day was deployed to help with Red Cross efforts at the Dallas Fort Worth Airport during the 9/11 attacks. She created her own non-profit, http://humanityroad.org and still uses Red Cross materials. She can be contacted at redcrossmom@humanityroad.org.
Thursday, August 05, 2010 — Chris Thompson never expected to use lifesaving measures to resuscitate her swimming pup, while on what was supposed to be a fun trip to the water. Thankfully, she was prepared when a leisurely afternoon on the lake quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal.
Jade, her 17-year old cow dog and spaniel mixed breed is normally at home in the water; nicknamed “fish herder”, Jade swims with the agility of a puppy. He didn’t even start to wear a lifejacket until he turned 13, and only then as a precaution. Swimming is Jade’s therapy for his aging body. He takes a dip at least once a day in the local lake, which helps ease his aging muscles. He is trained to swim to the dock ladder and touch it with his paw when he is ready to get out.
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary about the swim on the Fourth of July. After swimming for about an hour, Thompson pulled Jade out of the water, took off his life jacket, and laid him down for his routine nap in the boat. When she left the boat and stepped onto the dock for a moment, Jade tried to jump off to follow.
Instead of landing safely on the dock, Jade lost footing and fell into the water. Slipping under the pontoon boat, which was next to the dock, Jade was unable to find the surface. Thompson jumped in to retrieve Jade but could not find him. She searched and searched and finally found a ball of wet fur that she quickly pulled to the surface.
Jade wasn’t breathing. As a veteran Red Cross volunteer, Thompson sprang into action. She knew she needed to clear his lungs of water, so she held Jade with his head lower than his back end, - squeezing his chest and administering First Aid until Jade coughed up water and began to breathe again.
Thompson knew that she could resuscitate Jade using the mouth to snout CPR technique but the primary issue was getting the water out of his lungs. He was under the water for approximately 20-30 seconds.
Chris recounts several lessons she learned from this nightmare scenario. “Just like a child, even if they are not intending to swim, pets should have a life jacket on,” said Thompson. She also added, “You actually can revive a dog if you react quickly enough. You just need to know how to resuscitate him. I am very grateful for what Red Cross classes taught me.”
Having volunteered for the Red Cross while she lived in Dallas, TX, Chris was trained in Red Cross First Aid and CPR. She also knew specifics of pet First Aid and CPR and had taken Red Cross water safety classes.
Jade has since put the scary experience behind him. After receiving a snack and taking a rest, he was back in the water swimming within hours. He continues to swim in the water at least once daily.
The American Red Cross offers Dog First Aid classes and materials for purchase. Visit http://www.redcross.org/ to contact your local chapter.
Chris Thompson lives in Boydton, VA. She uses the Twitter account name – RedCrossmom- which has been her nickname for 10 years. She became a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team on September 10, 2001 and the next day was deployed to help with Red Cross efforts at the Dallas Fort Worth Airport during the 9/11 attacks. She created her own non-profit, http://humanityroad.org and still uses Red Cross materials. She can be contacted at redcrossmom@humanityroad.org.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
oh my belly...
I don't feel so hot today. Suz tried to feed me dinner, but I really didn't want it. Then she took me on a walk, and I threw up three times! What do you do when you don't feel well? Do your pets give you anything that helps??
Monday, August 9, 2010
dawg dayz of summer....
I am not sure my pets realize that I want to play outside no matter what the temperature is! They get all wet and weary looking though. Recently, they have been trying to find creative ways to keep me entertained while we stay in the house on those, what my pet's call, the "dawg dayz of summer".
Suz has tried "sit ups", which I do only because in the end I get my treat. She makes me "sit" then "down" then "sit" then "down"... it is quite annoying, but in all seriousness, I get kinda tired from it. It gets a bit old though, I wish they could learn some new tricks...
The other thing I LOVE is getting ice cubes in my bowl! Yum, Yum, Yum!
What do your pets do with you when it is very hot outside?
Suz has tried "sit ups", which I do only because in the end I get my treat. She makes me "sit" then "down" then "sit" then "down"... it is quite annoying, but in all seriousness, I get kinda tired from it. It gets a bit old though, I wish they could learn some new tricks...
The other thing I LOVE is getting ice cubes in my bowl! Yum, Yum, Yum!
What do your pets do with you when it is very hot outside?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Dog Park
A few times a week, my pets, Suz and K bring me to the dog park near our house. It's named Chandon Dog Park. We have been going ever since I was a little pup, all about 13 pounds.
Let me tell you, I really enjoy this park. Out of all the parks we have been to, which is quite a few, this is one of my most favorites. It is really big, and has a lot of space to run. Usually there are some really awesome friends that I can play with, and their owners are pretty cool too. Before I was able to play with the "big dogs", I was still even able to run around because there was a small part just for a little one like me... which was really nice, especially when that big rottweiler tried to eat me that one day... but now, that I am getting big and strong I can take him!
This park is better than most because it has soft grass and dirt for my paws unlike some other parks where they have that hot, rough concrete. How am I supposed to run on that?! I also really love that my friend's owners will play with me too. They also are really good about keeping the mean guys away from us! The park even has a little pool, so on those hot days, Suz or K fills it up with cool water, and we all splash around!
Oh, I can't wait to go again! Writing about it makes me exited! I'm gonna go beg them to take me!
Let me tell you, I really enjoy this park. Out of all the parks we have been to, which is quite a few, this is one of my most favorites. It is really big, and has a lot of space to run. Usually there are some really awesome friends that I can play with, and their owners are pretty cool too. Before I was able to play with the "big dogs", I was still even able to run around because there was a small part just for a little one like me... which was really nice, especially when that big rottweiler tried to eat me that one day... but now, that I am getting big and strong I can take him!
This park is better than most because it has soft grass and dirt for my paws unlike some other parks where they have that hot, rough concrete. How am I supposed to run on that?! I also really love that my friend's owners will play with me too. They also are really good about keeping the mean guys away from us! The park even has a little pool, so on those hot days, Suz or K fills it up with cool water, and we all splash around!
Oh, I can't wait to go again! Writing about it makes me exited! I'm gonna go beg them to take me!
This is my friend Muphy. He never lets me have the ball!
who writes this thing...?
You wanna know about me? Really? Oh, I am so excited!
First things first, you should know that I LOVE meeting new people. I thrive on it really. It is quite hard for me to go for a walk and not stop every few minutes. I am very, very outgoing and always have a grin on my face. My pets, say they are proud that I sit for new friends, although, that is really hard for me to do. I always want to just jump up and give them a big, wet kiss!
I live in Northern Virginia in an apartment with a lot of roommates. I adore some of them, but not so much the others. Suz and K, my pets, are great! We always have a great time together. Jezebel and Isabel on the other paw, aren't exactly my type, if you catch my drift... They are, well, I'll just put it out there, they're cats. Oh! and there's Jack... he's pretty cool, but he doesn't come out much, he's a fish.
Anyways... I have to go take a bath. Suz says after the weekend at the beach, it's a must... I hate it though, but don't tell her that.
Before I scamper off, here are two pictures of me... one is from when i was 2 months old and the other is from today (it's the day after my 6 month birthday!!!)
Paws!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)