Squeeky toys make a lot of noise, but this one was really loud!

There is a site called www.greenpaws.com where you can research which pet products are safe for humans and which ones are not.  There is also information for Natural products available.

A side note if you have toddlers: You may choose Not to use flea collars at all since we know Everything ends up in their mouths!

♥ We want to protect our pets, but we need to be sure to protect our family too! ♥

We now have Josh, and Pet n’ Vet Support Services.  I first met Josh when I was going to see Dr. Teague when we were caring for Jordie during renal failure and her last few months.  Josh was one of the knowledgeable techs that I came to know and rely on.  When I call any doctor office (people or pet) I would like to talk to the doctor, but as we all know they are not always available.  Being able to have confidence with the support staff is crucial.  I remember the first day that Josh came on my radar.  I called in because Jordie had just had some sort of seizure and I didn’t know if this was the time to take her in and put her down.  I got Josh on the phone.  I was annoyed that I didn’t know who he was and I was having to explain things all over again to him.  He kept asking questions that I felt he should have known since I had been bringing Jordie in for several of month.  After I rudely answered all of his questions, he was able to calmly explain what he beleived Jordie had just experienced.  By the time I got off of the phone, I was calm and felt confident with what Josh had told me, and yes, I did apologize for being so rude (after all, how could anyone be expected to know every case.  I was being unrealistic, thinking Jordie was the most important cat in the world).  Several visits later, I was telling Dr. Teague I was worried about our upcoming cruise and leaving Jordie.  She said that Josh did in home care.  I was so releaved!  By then, I had seen Josh several times in the office and had come to know and like him.  I did not want to put Jordie in a kennel while we were gone and knowing we could leave Jordie in her own house and surroundings while we were gone was a great comfort.  This was the best I could hope for and offer to my loyal pet. Below is the testimonial I wrote for Josh:

“We hired Josh to come to our home and take care of our terminally ill cat while we were out of town for a week. We didn’t want to put Jordie in a kennel, and Josh was recommended to us by our Vet. At the time, we new Josh from visiting the vets office and liked and trusted him, but we did not know he could provide us with in home care. We don’t usually let people into our home while were gone, but we were totally comfortable with Josh and I believed that Jordie would be well taken care of with love and compassion. Jordie needed daily medication, including IV fluids. We had been worried for weeks as to what to do when we needed to leave for that week. You couldn’t believe the relief we felt when we found out Josh would come to our home to take care of her. I will forever be greatful to Josh. He took good care of Jordie and made our leaving tolerable. I have recommended Josh to other friends and would do so, without hesitation, to you or anyone else. Your pet, house and belongings are in great hands.  March 9, 2010″

I hope that in every city there is a service like the one Josh provides,  In-Home Pet Sitting and Medical Treatment.  If you are in San Diego, I highly recommend Pet n’ Vet Support Services where your “Pets Health is their Priority”.

(The picture and words below are from a dear friend who had to endure such a loss.)

Be sure to visit her site Small Dog Training, etc. for wonderful information and some great pet products!

“Dogs are more a part of our families than ever before. They eat with us, sleep in our beds and even vacation with us. Be sure to take LOTS of pics so you can put them in a pet memorial frame now or when their time with you is up. It’s tough to say good-bye, but a nice collage for your wall or desk can help. It helped me a lot last year when I lost my canine traveling companion in a tragic accident, but I wish I had more pictures”.

Small Dog Training, etc

I have had to “put to sleep” and gone through the pain and Pet Loss Grief with three of my furry friends in the last eighteen years.  Chuck our “Spotted Dog” as we called him because he had diabetes and went blind.  Noche, our long haired gray Persian cat that had cancer.  And  then Jordie, our most beloved and precious cat that developed renal failure.  Jordie loved me so unconditionally, and I her.  I have never  had a pet love me like she loved me.  She was such a special cat.  It is hard enough to “put to sleep” the one you love because of failing health… and in an act of compassion, but why should we “euthanize”  a helpless furry  animal just because there is not a loving homes to be found for them?

You know what I mean.  Anyone that has had to put down a loved one knows exactly what I mean.  We would give almost anything to have them back and have an opportunity to give them a second chance that the thought of needless euthanasia because of over population is intolerable.

There are so many dogs, cats and other small animals that are ready to be loved.  To spay and neuter our little ones is the only humane thing to do. Did you know that just two stray cats can produce over 100 offspring in only a few years?

If you think about wanting a little puppy, kitten or a well behaved mature animal, just go to any local animal shelter and take a look around.  There are literally hundreds of puppies, kittens and older animals wanting a good home.  It’s not their fault that no one wanted them.  How sad. That’s why the Humane Societies around the country offer free spay and neutering with all adoptions. They know that there are too many animals that are put to death for no other reason than that there are just  not enough homes to place these needy animals in.

So, even if you get a young dog or cat through a private party, please give considerable thought to having your pet spayed or neutered.  If your pet were to get out during “heat”, or as so often times happens some stray pet jumps your fence, the world does not need an unwanted litter.  How would you feel if one of these little pups or kittens had to be euthanized because you couldn’t find homes for them?

So please, won’t you consider following the Humane Societies lead to Spay and Neuter.♥

When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest. A photographer from the Charlotte, North Carolina Newspaper, noticed the dog in the distance looking at the fireman.

He saw the Doberman walking straight toward the firefighter and wondered what she was going to do.

As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had just saved her life and the lives of her babies and kissed him just as the photographer snapped this photograph.

Who among us can resist a cute puppy?!?!?!?

There was an article in it by Mark J. Stickney, DVM a WebMD PET HEALTH EXPERT called "Barking Mad" that I thought I would share (in part).

Q→ How can I get my dog to stop barking so much?

A→ Training your dog to bark less will take work, practice, and consistency.  It won't happen overnight, but with proper techniques and time, you can see progress. Here are a few tips: Don't Bark.  Shouting stimulates your dog to bark more because he thinks you're joining in.  So the first rule is to speak calmly and firmly, but don't yell.

Cesar Millan also has some great training techniques.  Cesar has a show on NGC Channel called "The Dog Whisperer" that I absolutely love.  Try to catch it sometime, I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I do!

  "You  can not do a kindness too soon,
 for  you never know how soon it will be too late." 
–  Ralph Waldo Emerson~