DOGPATCH NEWSLETTER
ITS ABOUT TIME!!!
I promise and I promise and I promise, and then its 10pm, everyone around here is dog tired, and the web site waits another day, another week, another month. I had hopes of introducing Bentley as a pup, and he's now a wonderful almost full grown dog. The truth of the matter is, for all of you faithful Resort watchers, changing out the pictures was hard. Missing my lost friends. Oh but happiness is again running wild at the Resort, with all of the youngsters running amok and the seniors trying to control the mayhem. There are so many subjects to address now that I finally am taking the time to write.
I guess first on the list are the contacts I have been making while networking through Dogpatch. I have found the ULTIMATE pooper scooper, a wonderful charity or two (one "Chasing" away Cancer, the other fostering and placing companions) local dog lovers that are cooking up treats as well as meals for our pets. I have begun working with a transportation specialist for those who need to ship their pets with peace of mind, and I have found several artists commissioning portraits that are amazing. One of the best finds so far has been Rubi Sullivan, a massage therapist for pets. I couldn't believe the look on Coopers face (AND he was holding still). Those of you who know me know the importance I place on touch, and massage. Rubi has started giving classes to owners on massage techniques. Get her while you can, this young woman is going to be a popular commodity in the Portland area. Just a thought....for those of you in a dog-friendly work environment; I bet she could customize classes at your business. You should check out Kelley Callicoats website for pet portraits. She does an amazing job at capturing the personality. I plan on having one for the walls of The Resort very soon. I have found a huge array of fellow dog lovers that I am enjoying supporting. Please go to my LINKS page and support them as well. Running a small, specialized business has made my dream of "walking with the animals" come true. I plan on boycotting Big Box stores and seeking out others who are in it for the love. There's a lot of us out here. None of the featured links have any affiliation with Dogpatch, but perhaps someday the Resort will offer massage, pedicures, and gourmet meals, followed by a nice afternoon showing of featured fashions. That would be after I hose the playday mud from their exhausted bodies and wipe the slobber off of their noses. (that means you, Bruno and Norm)
With all of the media hype that is accompanying the pet food recall it is hard to pick out a product with complete confidence. I personally am not panicking about the pet food recall, although I am staying informed and trying to buy carefully. I have started adding no sodium chicken broth to the kibbles for my finicky eaters along with the ever popular yogurt, pumpkin and cottage cheese. Dogpatch Resort will not be feeding any canned food.
As much as we all love and cherish our pets, we need to rethink some of the calls to legislation that are happening partly as a response to the pet food recall. Our dogs are part of our family. I am more protective of them than most parents are of their non-furry children. Not one of them could ever be replaced, and I hate to think what torture I would think up for someone that would bring harm to them. Current laws state that dogs are termed "livestock" and that their value is only that of replacement and investment (training, etc.) That seems so wrong. REPLACEMENT value? The problems we as pet owners would face if the laws change would be unfathomable. My friend Dr. Lasley, the one who helped Jaxson survive over two years with cancer, would be forced to retirement. The young lady who helps me trim Tangos nails at such an affordable rate would no longer be in business. My costs for playdays and boarding would probably double. Who would groom our pets if there was a chance that a pet may have a reaction to the shampoo and an over protective owner takes it to court. Think the vet visits, shots, grooming, etc are expensive now? Consider the costs if legislation put animals on the same scale as people. The lawyers would thrive, we would suffer. On the surface, it would seem the right thing to do. Perhaps changing the criminal statutes to inflict stiffer punishment for abusers would be a better cause than having civil actions available. We all so often lead with our hearts when it comes to our pets that we don't think it all the way through.
With all of this beautiful weather that the pollen counts are high. Your pet may suffer with allergies, just as you are running to the medicine cabinet for your Clariton. Don't be alarmed with sneezing and runny eyes and perhaps some excess scratching. Make sure that they are current on their flea treatments, keep adding those omega 3s to their food, and have Benydryl handy. It works on dogs for a number of maladies. Not only allergies and excess itching, but also bee stings. They seem to be out early this year. Give your dog a benydryl if you notice any swelling, or if you actually see the bee sting. Keeps the reaction minimal. Benydryl is usually safe, but it goes without saying that I am not a veterinarian so just give yours a call to make sure that this would not be harmful to your particular pet.
Well that's about it for this time around...no need to overwhelm as I really do intend to get the Newsletter out more frequently. Please check out the photo page as well as the links.
As always as a form of shameless self promotion, forward this Link on to anyone who may be interested. I also appreciate any feed-back on issues you may want information on or how the website could be improved. I play with dogs, and struggle with the rest.
Thanks so much.....See you all soon
Sunni and the Pack
THE NEW GENERATION:
Introducing
As I spoke of last issue, this is the Year of the Dog. Perhaps I would have chosen our new king more wisely had I read further to find it is the Year of the FIRE Dog. Oh, young Cooper fits that to a tee. It’s been a long time since puppy paws tromped the flower beds of Dogpatch Resort.
I have chosen a purebred Labrador puppy. Oh, that brings me down from the pedestal that I preach from. You see, I truly believe in the all-American dog. My heart could not open any further than it does for Sammy the Weasel or Tango. (My own two rescue dogs). I admire and respect those of you who have the”just" Jakes, the Monas, the Henrys... I could go on and on for we entertain many purebred All-Americans here at the Resort. The world is so much better for the presence of people like Keica, who works constantly at finding match-ups for homeless dogs.( I know the secret of why she seems to come up with so many beautiful adoption candidates...Jake will someday have an adopted friend). I will soon be writing the complete story of Dixie. Loaded into a limousine in Kentucky for the first leg of her trip to Oregon. Joanne and Will adopted her with the help of a rescue organization. She was doomed. Now she is being loved and nursed to health. It is a true tribute to Jasmine that her successor is such a lovely creature.
I Really wish that all of you could meet. We have such a cast of characters here at "The Resort". Many of your dogs have met and even slept together here. I so often wish that some of you could walk in my shoes for a day or so. It really is a charmed life
I pay tribute to each of my clients who have made their companions such an important part of their lives. Its not always the easiest route, but it is the most rewarding. The challenging and the easy-going, I love them all. I welcome the new generation of youngsters here at Dogpatch, as much as I relish our old relationships. I feel lucky to be surrounded by all of you who know the love of a dog, and the joy to love in return.
When Jaxson was diagnosed with cancer two years ago I started thinking out what the next member of our family would be. When we lost Maxine and went down to 3 dogs, we talked of how sensible it would be to eventually bring the total work-force of dogpatch to two four-legged staff-members. Then, just when we thought we had beaten it, the cancer suddenly won the battle. Dogpatch was without a Labrador. Rick forbid a puppy, which was all it took to send me out on a mission. Cooper is the result of that mission. Picked carefully by the blood of his ancestors, and the love of his parents owners. As we comfort Tango, who is taking the loss of the King the hardest, I assure him that his place is secure. I remind him that his "mother" is a hypocrite, but that takes nothing from her love for him. Cooper is carrying on the tradition of Dogpatch, where a Lunker Labrador has always reigned as King. I dreamt of a herding-breed mix, an older dog in the healthy 50-75 pound range. I came home with Cooper.
Now, on to the news part of the letter. I urge all of you to visit this link: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
It talks about the dangers of a new kind of mulch that is currently popular (cocoa mulch). It could pose a danger to pets, and is worth reading over.
I'd also like to talk about Dog Parks. When we have Play Day here at the Resort, I monitor the play. There are no dominant activities allowed, nor are the dogs allowed to get into the "pack" mentality. It takes constant attention. Often one or more of the dogs get into a "discussion" and I need to be there to keep it from escalating. Most of the dogs here have long ago learned the rules, and tend to teach the newcomers that we all need to get along here. Time-outs are the most effective form of calming for the dogs we entertain. To a certain extent I allow the dogs to work it out if anyone gets out of line. The offending dog is expected to honor the request to be left alone or to back off. I can spot immediately when a dog is not enjoying the level of play and wants a break. I never punish a dog for letting another know that enough is enough, however I will reprimand the dog that does not take no for an answer. I am quick to make sure not to let it go any further than a short reprimand and I ensure that the pest goes elsewhere for entertainment. This method works in several ways. The main being that the dogs soon learn that I, as the pack leader keep everyone in line. The stress is off of them and they do not need posture, or take the reprimand further. The offending dog quickly learns that when he gets too obnoxious no one wants to play with him, and I am right there to remind him of that. I allow no alphas other than myself. When going to a dog park, it is best to keep your dog by your side for a short period of time before letting him loose into the pack. Have him sit calmly, with his attention on you. Easier said than done, I know, but the play should come as a reward. If necessary to achieve the first minutes of calm, a walk or exercise prior to arrival at the park is recommended. If, during play, you notice that there is a lot of mounting, barking, or too much frenzy, calmly remove your dog from the situation. Here at Dogpatch we seldom introduce toys during playdays. There is enough fun in playing with our friends without making it a competition for the ball. There are exceptions to this rule, but if I found myself with a group of dogs that I did not know, I don't think I would encourage keep away or fetch. They have always seemed happy enough here for hours and hours simply playing "tag, you're it". I keep the dogs moving continuously so that there are not tight groups because that is often where arguments start. If the dogs all swarm around me and start to play keep away with me as the prize, I simply move them out by waving my arms and saying "lets go" and they are off again. Dog parks are great fun for our pets. A mass of barking out-of-control dogs however is not fun can even be dangerous. It also can put training several steps backwards. Remember at the parks especially; never give a command that you cannot or do not enforce. Saying no no no no no only makes the dog immune to the word. The same as calling him to come when it is obvious he is not going to do so. If a fight does ensue, do not attempt to break it up. If there is a large object to put between the dogs, that can work, but never grab even your own dog by the collar. Ask any emergency room doctor about the results of that instinctive grab. You might also consult an emergency vet clinic or an animal behaviorist and find out how few of these "fights" result in serious injury to the dogs. The best thing is to really check out the activity before you let your pet join in. Make sure the other owners are paying attention to their animals, and that they are not just ignoring bad behavior. If your dog becomes over stimulated, give him a 5 minute time out sitting by your side and then let him go back out. We all want our dogs to be well socialized, but they should be expected to live by the same social rules they have at home. That means no jumping on people (or, for that matter dogs), no repetitive barking, and NO IGNORING YOUR COMMANDS. The distraction of all the dogs at the park is one of the most useful training tools you will ever find. Remember consistency and consequence (both positive and negative) in training and you and your dog will enjoy the park all the more for it.
Doggy Day Cares have become very popular. I recommend really checking these out thoroughly before leaving your dog there for the day. Visit without your dog and observe how the handlers interact with the dogs. Question if there are facilities besides the play area for elimination breaks. We have all spent time making sure our pets are house-broken and random soiling can set this training back. Also the play areas are often small, with no spots for a dog to go if they are seeking a self-induced time out. Some dogs find being in that close of quarters stressful. Make sure that the Day Care that you use allows owners to observe the play if even from a distant area. A dog can come home tired from a day of play, but stress will also exhaust them. I also recommend "nap time" if your dog is to be there for over 4 hours. At about that time a dog becomes overwhelmed mentally and needs a little down time to recharge. Even the most active pet will find this beneficial.
The best method for socializing your dog is small, monitored groups. Get together with some of your friends who have dogs for a long hike, or a picnic in a dog-friendly park. Better yet, an early morning walk at the beach, or along the river. So much easier when with friends and dogs you know. Teach your dog to behave well, walk on leash and down stay when around other dogs. Take him to a dog friendly, outdoor pub and have them wait while you enjoy a drink. Have them meet passing dogs calmly. Make sure play is low key and gentle. Only after your dog has this down should you move on to bigger groups. Believe me, it will make the dog park more enjoyable for both of you.
Another note, flea season is crazy this year. Dogs can live in a flea-free environment, take a walk to the park, and have the start of an infestation hitch a ride home with them. I cannot stress enough the importance of topical flea control products. They are the most effective control for dogs that leave home for any reason.
Since all of my clients are not only dog owners, but dog lovers, I realize that warning you of the dangers of the heat is redundant. We cancelled play day recently because of the heat. Even water play (hoses, pools etc.) for an extended period of time should be avoided. Excitement builds the core temperature, even if the animal is wet. It is best to leave our friends in a cool spot, and let them relax. Something for city-walkers to be aware of is the heat of the sidewalks. The pavement can be scorching and some dogs paws are more sensitive than others. If it would be uncomfortable for you to walk barefoot, save the walk for early in the morning or in the cool of the evening. A few ice cubes in the water is also a nice treat. For cooling a dog down, rather than an all-over wetting soaking their paws in cool water offers great relief.
I have had many requests for referrals for veterinary services. Our vet is located in Cloverdale Oregon. Dr. James Lasley. I trust him and only wish that I could get him to treat Rick and I as well as our pets. If any of you have on-going issues with health or treatments, I recommend a visit to Dr.Lasley. It is quite a drive, but worth the peace of mind. We are also adding vet and grooming visits to our services we offer. If you are unable to get your dog to the vet or groomer because of schedule restrictions, give us a call and see if we can help you out with the transporting. If you wish to have Dr. Lasley treat or see your pet, we can also work that in to a field trip for Dogpatch, so let us know.
By Friday the photo page will be updated with great summer pics. Remember to check back.
We are already starting to book for the Christmas Season... get your dates reserved ASAP. Thanks.
I CAN FIND NO WORDS OF MY OWN TO WRITE, MY HEART GETS IN THE WAY
THE MISERY OF KEEPING A DOG IS HIS DYING SO SOON. BUT, TO BE SURE, IF HE LIVED FOR FIFTY YEARS AND THEN DIED, WHAT WOULD BECOME OF ME. I HAVE SOMETIMES THOUGHT OF THE FINAL CAUSE OF DOGS HAVING SUCH SHORT LIVES AND I AM QUITE SATISFIED IT IS IN COMPASSION TO THE HUMAN RACE; FOR IF WE SUFFER SO MUCH IN LOSING A DOG AFTER AN ACQUAINTANCE OF TEN OR TWELVE YEARS, WHAT WOULD IT BE IF THEY WERE TO DOUBLE THAT TIME? SIR WALTER SCOTT
JAXSONS SILVER LINING
FEBRUARY 1997-JUNE 2006
IN LOVING MEMORY OF PACK-MATE JASMINE GONZALES
NOT THE LEAST HARD THING TO BEAR WHEN THEY GO FROM US, THESE QUIET FRIENDS, IS THAT THEY CARRY AWAY WITH THEM SO MANY YEARS OF OUR OWN LIVES
JOHN GALSWORTHY
APRIL 2006
FOR YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, AND I HAVE LOVED YOU DEARLY, MORE DEARLY THAN THE SPOKEN WORD CAN TELL
Oh...It is our year. The Year of the Dog. We welcomed it here at Dogpatch with a good communal howl, probably causing great alarm with the neighbors, but a party is a party here, and Sammy the Weasel was born to howl.
As some of you know by now, we here at Dogpatch base our spirituality on the answer given by the Dalai Llama when asked what he considered to be his religion. He answered simply: " Compassion". Somehow over the years that philosophy has ingrained itself in the actions and reactions of our "staff" as well and we have found ourselves with the most wonderful, adaptable, and kind four-legged companions that can be imagined. Our dogs seem to understand when one of our guests is uneasy or insecure. Even the jealous Tango senses when he needs to share lap time with one of the guests to help through the first visit at Dogpatch.
I thought I would pass on some thoughts on interactions with our companions, and some ideas that some of us never think of as we go about the daily chores related to pet ownership. I recently picked up an unlikely book for me; "Pets letters to God" by Mark Bricklen. That book, along with one of my favorites "The Other End of The Leash", and a text I have been reading on mindfulness has made me think of some very important lessons on keeping the dogs in our life well balanced.
One of the most enlightening things I have read was in The Other End of The Leash, when it brought to light the intelligence of an animal that can not only learn to do our bidding, but also to over ride generations of behavior to learn that gestures that would be interpreted as aggressive in their world are considered loving in ours. How many times have you reached your arm over your dear friends back and cuddled him close? He sinks into you giving a great sigh and goes to sleep, fully relaxed. Now go to the dog park and watch what happens if another dog dares to put either a chin or heaven forbid a paw over your dogs back. Nightly I gaze into my dogs eyes and as I wish them good night. They generally blink back sleepily, with their demeanor and posture remaining relaxed and loving. In the dog world, a stare is a dare and highly aggressive. These friends of ours have learned our language much better than we have interpreted theirs. We can barely tell if they need to go outside, or perhaps they are just hungry. They learn hand signals, body language and the meanings of many words. For those of us who enjoy having our dogs share a little time on the furniture with us Mark Briklin brings up how unusual it is for any animal to enjoy that kind of closeness with a dominant different species.
We have brought these wonderful beings into our circle. Much more compelling than the chicken and egg question is that of who benefits more from the relationship with our animals. We are the guardians of this wonderful circle of compassion that engulfs humans and pets alike. I am awed by that responsibility and take it very seriously.
Well, friends. I wrote the above half of the Newsletter several weeks ago and promise to finish it up with some further guides on mindfulness and our lives with pets. For now, please read on...
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MAXINE
???-APRIL 2, 2006
With heavy heart I inform you all of the passing of my dear Maxine. As my friend Kitty wrapped her arms and heart around me she spoke of "The Great Arranger" If I had planned the perfect weekend for Maxine's last romp, her last days at the Coast would have been exactly the same. Maxine was never sick a moment of her life. She had a massive heart attack and died in seconds. She was surrounded by her loving family and several friends of Dogpatch. Rick tried mouth to mouth resuscitation, but our vet said that her end was immediate. I have to mention the dedication of our vet, Dr. James Lasley. It was Sunday morning at 7:30. He was not the vet on call at the time. I was driving towards the clinic with Rick in back giving cpr. I dialed information for Dr. Lasleys home number. He got to the clinic moments after we pulled in. He was crying with us 10 minutes after Maxine's heart attack. He buried Maxine overlooking one of her favorite spots on the ocean, near her old friend Luke, the King of Dogpatch. Dr.Lasley has been our vet for almost 20 years. The Great Arranger put him there with us as we lost Luke, and now with Maxine. I hope you all are able to find a vet who you are able to trust and love as much as we do him. His compassion only serves to enhance is skill. His love for animals is so obvious in everything he does. He has not chosen an easy path, but it leads to a wonderful place I am sure.
Some of you will remember that I wrote of my vows for the New Year. I never pass by any of my four legged friends without a pat, scratch, or hug. I try to leave my human friends with a kind word or hug. Maxine's last morning was spent with a 10 minute "special time cuddle" on the bed with me and the "staff" of Dogpatch. I thank Kitty's' Great Arranger for that time. I thank my own Great Arranger that I kept my vow.
I have been thinking this last couple days of how I am opening myself up to so many tears as the number of dogs I bring in to our home as guests increases. I love each and every one dearly. I have come to the same conclusion here as in life itself: I would never sacrifice one minute of the love I live daily to save myself pain. The pain is brief and is a by-product of intense and exquisite love.
I thank all of you for this chance to share a bit, and remind you of the importance of that pat, hug or scratch. We are "The Great Arranger" for our pets. We have the power to make their lives heaven on earth, as they do ours. I will say it again: I am awed by that responsibility and take it very seriously.
Thank you all
Sunni
11/26/2008
Happy New Year. I just got back in from a walk with the "Delinquents", the wonderful twosome Nellie and Bailey who have been staying with us for the past month or so. Nellie is a personable little Boxer and Bailey is a kind and energetic Chesapeake. As Bailey headed for me at top speed dripping from his morning swim an urgency to head for the house to write this newsletter came over me.
Toys and Fun, Fun and Toys. Was your dogs stocking filled with healthy treats and new toys? Here at Dogpatch play is monitored at all times, and we limit toys to avoid arguments amongst the guests. We have found that the best toys are balls that are large enough to never be a choking issue, and yet small enough that there is no room for tug of war. Many veterinarians do not recommend tennis balls because even they can end up being swallowed inadvertently while a dog is in a full run. After consulting with my own vet, we find that risk to be minimal enough that we continue to use the tennis balls for play as long as we are out with the dogs. Keep in mind that many dogs enjoy shredding these balls: Not a real healthy alternative to greenies, and most pets don't require that type of fiber in their diet. The real advantage to balls, and the reason we use them here at Dogpatch, is that the dog that gets the ball HAS IT. The other dogs are unable to try to pull it away from the proud pets grasp. Eliminates alpha posturing and keeps the game fun. ANY BALL SMALLER THAN A TENNIS BALL SHOULD NEVER BE USED FOR LARGE DOGS. For dogs who are reliable to play well together, we love the rope knot toys. It is best to get a good quality product to avoid shredding. Wreaks havoc on a vacuum cleaner, as well as that dietary fiber situation again. The two games that dogs love best are chase (tag) and tug of war. Remember never to recycle items of clothing as toys (socks?) as it is hard for the dog to distinguish between toy socks and the ones we want to continue to wear.
The happiest dog during play is the one that has managed to become the leader for the chase. And it goes without saying how many hours a group game of tug or war can kill on a rainy afternoon. What we as the true alphas must remember is that when we engage the dogs in the tug game, we must always prevail as the ultimate winner. Also it is important that we are the ones that initiate the game. At any time we must be able to give the drop command and stop the game. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Winning at tugging will enforce a dominant dogs personality and make him feel superior to the loser. The human must ALWAYS be the winner. It is okay to give the pet a few small victories... It is such fun to watch them strut away with the rope...but you must be the one to ultimately win the prize, and they should always recognize and acknowledge the "drop" or "leave" command. The same goes for chase. We have all seen our dogs dart towards us, then tuck their tails to be tagged and run to and fro daring us to get them. This is fine as long as you have initiated play time. The first time your dog starts this in the pouring rain when you are trying to load them in your car you will see why you should always be the leader in this game as well. A good way to enforce this is to make sure that when you play this game that you are in play posture during the game, then stand to attention and call the dog to you in a commanding voice. At this time, play stops and it is time to be serious. Easier said than done I know, but a good and fun obedience exercise. One game that is great fun for us is the Frisbee toss. Poetry in motion to watch a Labrador leaping into full extension to catch the disc. Keep in mind that leaping is not good for the large "lunker" type dogs that are prone to hip problems. This landing on the two hind legs is very harmful to their joints. Lets leave that game to the slim, more agile breeds and keep all four feet on the ground for our larger breeds. We all know that there is few things more endearing than watching two dogs carrying a large stick towards us for another throw for them. At Dogpatch sticks are the ultimate "NO" toy. It sometimes is hard to enforce, since we live in the woods, and sticks seem to be the logical choice. I don't mind limited water retrievals with the sticks, but even then they can be quite dangerous. Bumpers with throwing ropes that are sold at most pet stores are a safer choice. We all can imagine the many reasons sticks should not be encouraged, (don't run with sharp objects), so I won't go into them here.
One fact that many dog owners are unaware of is dogs will not monitor their own activity level. Often with guests at Dogpatch we need to give "time outs". Puppies are particularly prone to playing too hard. If I start noticing manic behavior or they are not paying attention to me, I put them away for a quiet rest period. Many dogs are so excited by all the activity at Dogpatch that they play too hard and become exhausted, which is not good for them mentally or physically. Mainly this occurs in young dogs, but Sammy the Weasel is my worst offender, becoming cranky and disoriented when tired. This can also happen when you take your friend to the beach, river, or for hikes. Remember to watch for odd behavior. Dogs have been known to develop something similar to low blood sugar, so carry caloric dense snacks, keeping in mind that anything bulky is not good while the dog is still exercising. Water is also a necessary carry-along when on hikes or at the coast where fresh water is unavailable. A dog will not stop playing or running when exhausted. They will make poor choices and can hurt themselves. My big boy Jaxson will retrieve for hours, and many children are willing to throw for at least that long. I have had to remind some of our friends, as well as their children that after a few throws Jaxson has to rest. Just because he will chase something doesn't mean that he should. Hunting dogs have been known to run themselves to death. And dogs can and do drown. NEVER send a dog into the current, too far out into a river, lake or the surf. Do not play in the ocean on an outgoing tide or when the surf is rough. A dog does not understand currents, undertows, or going out too far to make it back safely. That is up to us.
I just want to add a note about treats. Perhaps exercise levels are down as the rain pours around us. It is important to remember that all treats have calories. Even as I find it difficult to rid the house of the last of my own Christmas chocolates, I take stock of how often and how much I am treating the kids. I intend to keep the staff of Dogpatch healthy and happy for many years, so we believe in treating often in very small amounts. Even dog food itself is a delicious treat if praise and hand feeding accompany it. Peanut Butter is often used in kongs, but is very high in sodium as well as fat. Zipper taught us the art of soaking dry kibbles in water, stuffing the kong and freezing for a great treat. Remember to count this as part of meal time though, or the calories add up. I guess what we have found here is the size of the treat is unimportant (Jaxson gulps his down so fast I think the taste is insignificant as well) its just the fact that we are getting treats. I only wish I could accomplish limiting my own intake as effectively as I do the dogs.
I hope that this New Year finds all of you well. We are spending quite a bit of time washing towels and wiping paws, sitting by the fire, then repeat. All for the good. Remember to call or e-mail about play days. They are a great alternative if you don't feel like sloshing through the rain. We play rain or shine, remembering a tired dog is a good dog.
Dogpatch welcomed many new friends in 2005. I want to thank all of you again for helping us to grow and build into a resort for myself as well as our guests. A rainy resort this year, its true.
A life filled with dogs. We should all be so lucky.
See you soon, Sunni
December 26
This Newsletter is running late...but as a lot of you are aware, Dogpatch has been running at full occupancy for the last few months, and I have been out with dogs rather than at the computer. Here it is Christmas and we have a very full house. Rick and I fall in love with each dog that visits us, and it would be inconceivable to send any one of them off to a kennel. We have found ways to make room for all that called and it has been a great holiday so far. The neighbor came to visit with a plate of goodies during our morning romp, and was hysterical at the play time antics of the kids celebrating Christmas Eve. Taking a lesson from these dogs (as we all should do more often) it is obvious that presents are low priority when you have a great bunch of friends, a warm bed, and a fun place to romp. Rick and I are happy to be part of the "pack" that includes so many good dogs as well as loving owners.
Dogpatch has become a dream come true for me. There are no plans for further expansion, as we refuse to take on more dogs than we can give adequate attention to. Play days have become popular, and January is still my target date to start with an additional day, with a central downtown pick up and drop off point. Please remember that Dogpatch is a "word of mouth" and "wag of tail" business, and we appreciate as well as depend on your referrals.
Jaxson is once again regaining his strength from the cancer surgery as well as the subsequent dosing of prednisone. About two months ago, I looked into his big, loving, green-shadowed eyes, and made a promise: never would I take him for granted and never would I walk past him without taking the time to cuddle or stroke his magnificent head. Unfortunately for my routine Jaxson soon caught on to this, and positions himself strategically at all times to be in-between me and where ever I am going. His only question for me seems to be when I will add a treat into the mix. I soon realized that this vow needed to be extended to all dogs I happen to be passing. So with this household that is always full of dogs, I spend a great deal of time scratching, petting, massaging or cuddling. Rough job, but a vow is a vow. I do not take lightly the love and trust that these dogs place in me, and taking it for granted would leave too much room for regrets. I want to thank each of you that have trusted us with your companions when you are unable to take them with you. I also recommend my vow as a New Years resolution to all of you...it enriches my day, and calms my spirit when things get hectic.
Maybe all of us should take it a bit further and remember to not pass a stranger with out a look in the eye and a smile. Small kindnesses come easy to us that live in households filled with love, its just that sometimes we forget to extend them. It is easy to forgive, or to forget frustration when you consider that the offender perhaps lives in a dog-less home. A handicap in any world.
I hope all of you are enjoying the Holiday as much as we are here at Dogpatch
Thanks again for your business, and your support
Watch the Web page as in January many new pictures will be added to the photo gallery...watch for your pet
Merry Christmas and a Great New Year
Sunni, Rick and the four-legged staffers of Dogpatch (Jaxson, Maxine, Tango and Sammy the Weasel)
I can't believe that it is already time to write again. So many things I want to share with all of you. Its hard to decide which I want to write of. You will find the past weeks news letters at the bottom of the current page. This issue I want to focus on the problem that seems to plague many of our clients...itchy skin, whether it is due to dermatitis, allergies or flea problems. The first, and for us the easiest to address is the flea. The only products that will work once you have found even a single flea are the topicals such as Advantage or FrontLine. The reason that we at Dogpatch have found this to be true is that there is no way to keep our pets from being exposed to the darned little pests. With so many people in so many places now owning pets, with them being so horrendously prolific, and with their ability to survive long periods just waiting around for a host to walk by, they are literally everywhere. This year the climate was especially suited to them. Without going into the specifics of how the topicals work (your vet or the endless literature on the internet can help you with that) THEY WORK. As far as some of the horror stories you will hear about reactions, we have used and recommended them for as long as they have been around and none of our clients have had any issues. In addition to this, my vet Dr. Lasley, reports that same statistic. The lower cost alternatives from the pet stores or feed stores have, however been known to cause local skin irritation and are only effective for repelling fleas not actually controlling them. Fleas find our dogs so appealing because of the warmth of their blood (dogs temperatures are almost 5 degrees warmer than our own), so you can be flea-free and your dog will be suffering. You can spray your home, bathe your dog, bomb your car, and 2 days later take your dog for a walk and the cycle has to be repeated again. I cannot emphasize enough the ease and effectiveness of topical flea treatment. While I am on that subject, DO NOT USE GARLIC as a nutritional aid or natural flea repellent for your dog. It has been shown to cause anemia in canines.
Now, on the subject of allergies, itchy dry skin etc. With most of our friends being inside dogs, the cooler evenings will expose them to the dry air from indoor heating. Also, as they spend more and more time inside with us, we tend to bathe them more which strips their hair of the natural oils. I am not a vet, although Dr. Lasley and I have spoken at great lengths on the following ingredients and agree on their effectiveness. When Jaxson was being treated with prednisone, his withdrawals included a host of problems, including dermatitis so bad that it became infected. I started doubling his dose of Omega Oils and could not believe the results. I have tried various combinations of oils and supplements and have finally come up with the following for a large dog. I buy ours at Costco in the pharmacy section. The results that family, friends and clients report back to me have made me a believer.
Here is a letter I received from a friend whose Golden Retriever was having issues:
Hi Sunni and Rick, Just wanted to drop you a note of thanks. We have had our Angel dog on the fish oil, flaxseed oil, and MSM since the day after we got home from the party. She has greatly improved. She bounces around like she did years ago. Just wanted you to know that your knowledge and willingness to share has made a difference in her, and our lives. Hope you and all of your family are well. Blue skies, Linda and Kory
I give the following twice a day:
1 flax seed capsule
1 fish oil capsule
a little canola oil
In addition to the oils, I include 2 msm capsules a day. This is a supplement that I believe in for any immune system related problem. It also is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. I use it myself for arthritis with great results. Again, I will use Jaxson as my poster child. Even with all of his health considerations, he plays around like a pup, and has a silky shiny coat.
I have used these on several dogs with severe itchiness with remarkable results. The price on these are all reasonable and worth giving a try. Remember to contact your vet if the itchiness persists, or the skin is becoming irritated or inflamed. Sometimes antibiotics are required to control the infection. Also, if your dog is having what seems to be allergen related itchiness and you are away from the veterinarian, remember that Benydryl antihistamine is effective for canines. 1 mg per pound of body weight, twice a day. Check this with your vet as well.
I'd love to hear from any of you that try this, and what your results are. Even with no problem itchiness I recommend the oils for a healthy coat on all dogs. The staff of Dogpatch agree.
If you would rather not receive newsletters, unsubscribe by writing me at dogpatch@cascadeaccess.com
Feel free to pass this on.
Thanks Sunni, Rick and the staff of Dogpatch:
(Jaxson, Maxine, Tango and Sammy the Weasel)
All of you that are familiar with us at dogpatch know how much we value our companions. I hesitated at the wording knowing that my own dogs deserve more than the title "pet", in fact, I don't know that there is a word in the English language that describes the relationship that we have with our dogs. Jaxson is the reigning King of Dogpatch. A kind and benevolent king he is. We recently entertained two very young puppies and Jaxson played nanny for most of the day. When the puppies crashed (as puppies do) Jaxson curled up next to them and started teaching them the art of snoring. Not that labs need much help in this.
For this first newsletter I mulled over the many issues I will be covering, including obedience, flea control, the new flu bug, and other issues affecting our dogs, as well as those of our clients. Jaxson gave me the answer to what this issue will cover.
As some of you know, over a year ago Jaxson was given 3 months to live. He had Mast cell cancer and it was a very high grade tumor. We chose prednisone, surgery, and lots of loving attention as our treatment plan. After 6 months we were able to wean him from the prednisone. It took another 2 months of struggling with side effects of that drug (things such as hot spots, gum soreness, joint weakness, etc) but then we started seeing the old Jaxson coming back. Our vet warned us that the chances for full muscle tone coming back were slim, but after a year I took him to the vet just to show him the beautiful picture of health that is Jaxson. With Mast Cell Cancer after a year with no symptoms, the animal is considered cured.
A year and three months after we had the first tumor removed I found another. We have just had it removed and it has tested as a much lower grade, but it is the mast cell cancer again. We will treat with a decreased amount of prednisone, for a much shorter time. But here is where the lecture for all of you begins:
At dogpatch we recommend FULL body massages for all of our clients. This includes places that many would not consider natural places to pet their animals. Jaxsons first tumor was near the penis. It came and went and was very small (the size of a nickel), His second tumor was where his testicles used to be. Our vet attributes the positive outcome of the first, and the good prognosis for the second on early detection. It is vital that we know the feeling of our dogs entire bodies when they are normal, so that we can detect disease or abnormalities when they occur. Many dogs are prone to fatty tumors, so if you find something USUALLY there is little cause for concern. If there is a problem however, finding it promptly is imperative.
Massage starts with deep circular motions from the shoulders, down the back to the hips. I then progress down the back legs and gently rub the paws (everyone but Tango is okay with this, Tango tucks his toes to hide them from me). I then rub the shoulders again and work down the front legs, using deep, but not too firm circular motions. I then go back along the ribs and belly, not usually rubbing as hard as I do on the back. I then am sure to run my hands lightly over the belly region and groin area. I keep my eyes open for any problems and also stay tuned in to the dog to see if there are any areas that are sensitive. We always finish with snout, eye and ear rubs. This is a definite bonding experience with your friend, and should be done at least every week. Before bedtime is always good, although not when they have a full stomach.
We massage our guests nightly, feeling that it helps them bond with us as well as adjust to the new surroundings. As in humans massage offers relaxation, stress reduction and relief from the tired muscles that sometimes develop from lots of play.
If you would rather not receive newsletters, unsubscribe by writing me at dogpatch@cascadeaccess.com
Feel free to pass this on.
Thanks Sunni, Rick and the staff of dogpatch:
(Jaxson, Maxine, Tango and Sammy the Weasel)