A Breed of Dog For Everyone!

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Dog Files Viewpoint: A Breed of Dog For Everyone!

By KatyBeth Jensen For The Dog Files

A few days ago, I was mingling with strangers when a heartless friend introduced me as “someone who knows a lot about dogs.”  Naturally, one of the strangers was thinking about getting a dog. I took a sip of my coke, looked at the inquiring face staring expectantly at me and thought, “Here we go again.”  

Smiling, I inquired what kind of dog he was thinking about. For the next twenty minutes, he talked about the family Lab that had been an integral part of his childhood. “I want my kids to have a dog like I grew up with. He was great. Of course, I’m divorced and only have the kids on the weekend.” I then casually asked if he remembered who took care of the family dog. He gave me a what-does-it-matter look and said, “My mom.”  I asked if his childhood dog was physical and active.

“Oh yeah!” he exclaimed. Our Lab would play ball for hours and hours and wanted to go everywhere we did.” 

Still smiling, I said, “Well then you want an active dog that loves to play ball and go on long walks.”

“Well, sure … on the weekends, with the kids.”

After countless conversation like this one, I have learned to cut to the chase. I looked right at him and said, “Well, if we can convince your mom to move in with you, and find a Lab that only wants to play ball on the weekend, we will have found the perfect dog for you and your children.”

I don’t think I offered the kind of help he was looking for, and yet, if he heard me at all, I offered the kind of help he needed to hear. 

The average life expectancy for a dog is 12.8 years. There is a big chance the dog you bring home will live with you longer than your kids will. One of the most important questions to consider when deciding what type of dog you want to bring into your home and heart is, “What is this dog bred to do?”

A Labrador Retriever lives happily-ever-after in a family that is prepared for a large, boisterous, energetic dog that retrieves everything that’s not nailed down. A Lab is not going to be happy only playing with the kids on the weekend and being left alone for long periods of time. A Lab is going to want to be your best friend even when you go to the bathroom.

An older couple shared with me that they were considering buying a  Portuguese Water Dog. Curious, I asked, “What do you like about a Portuguese Water Dog?”

“Well, our last dog shed a lot and we were looking for a dog that didn’t shed.” Okay, that makes sense, I thought, as I waited for them to continue. We stood looking at each other awkwardly for a few seconds before they added, “They shed hardly at all.” 

“What else do you know about the Portuguese Water Dog?” I inquired, having pretty good idea of the answer. 

“President Obama’s family has one.” Yeah, well rumor has it that the Obama family had to hire three staff members and a full-time trainer to provide Bo with enough training and exercise to turn him into first dog material. The Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog. Their historical purpose was to assist the Portuguese fisherman to do a day’s worth of work. This translates to, “If you don’t want a very active dog, consider a different breed.” The couple considering the Portie was more inclined towards cruises, car rides, and parking spots close to the entrance of the places they were driving to. I smiled and shared with them that a Bichon Frise is another breed that “sheds hardly at all” but needs a more moderate level of activity. Bichon Frises were bred to be companion dogs, and well, Barbara Streisand owns a Bichon Frise! 

Dog breeds are not interchangeable. Dogs are bred to do a specific job. Today, few dogs do the jobs they were bred to do, but they still harbor the skills that made them successful in their original careers. There is a right breed for every family, and making the right match is important.

Profiling before contracting to provide a forever-after-home for the pup of your dreams is encouraged. Take some time and research dog breeds.  If you are considering adopting from a shelter, you have a better chance of a good match if you have in mind “something like a Lab” or “some kind of terrier. “ 

There is a breed of dog for everyone. With a little effort, you can find the right breed of dog for your lifestyle, fall in love, and live happily ever after.

The End.

Pats for your pups,

Katybeth

Katybeth is a professional pet spoiler, living in the Chicagoland area, running her own business, Camp-Run-A-Pup. Camp Run-A-Pup spoils other people’s pups, and they do it really well. Katybeth lives with and loves three dogs of her own, Rascal, a Parson’s Terrier (AKC recognizers her as a Parson’s; you might recognize her as a Jack Russell), Skippy, a Schipperke with a personality disorder, and Scooby, a beagle that might belong to a neighbor. Katybeth’s newest family star is Soquel’s Last Souvenire, or as they like to call her, Trinket, a show-stopping Doberman pup. Katybeth co-owns Trinket with her mom because she likes being on the winning side of the dog show arena and wanted the rights to tell the real unabridged stories of the oddities of dog showing. the movie Dog Show did not even come close to telling. Katybeth also enjoys writing her blog — My Odd Family. Dogs, dog people, dog shows and owning a dog business combined with hearth, home and family never leaves her at a loss for material to write about.

Katybeth Jensen,PPS
Professional Pet Spoiler
http://www.camprunapup.com/
http://www.deerantlersforpups.com/
http://myoddfamily.com/

My Dog’s Better Than Your Dog!

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, KatyBeth Jensen, News, Show Dogs

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Dog Files Viewpoint: My Dog’s Better Than Your Dog!

By KatyBeth Jensen For The Dog Files

All sorts of pups will come to camp this summer.  Crash, my rescue poster pup, will gallop through our gates. Howard, a Labradoodle who has never known a sad moment will come to play. Maggie, a Pitbull, will shyly join us while her people travel. The Bouvier des Flandres will summer with me. And then, of course, there is Joey, George,  Dakota, Tucker, Theo, Lily, Buddy, Chelsea Chatham, Radda, Skelly, Sophie and, last but not least, Sullivan. Just to name a few…

Why do we insist that a rescue dog is more valuable or more loved than a purebred dog with a pedigree full of champions? On the other hand, why wouldn’t a mixed breed or a rescue pup be just as valuable as a purebred dog? 

The other day, I heard someone offer the opinion that people who bought purebred dogs were snobs. Really? Well maybe a little and it is true that people who show dogs are a bit on the crazy side. I know, because I co-own a champion Doberman and own an AKC-registered Parson Terrier that was ridiculously expensive.  I also own a Beagle that mostly isn’t, and a Schipperke rescued from a pet store. Who cares. What’s important is that my dogs are all loved and will live with me forever-after.  My clients who own the well-bred, pricey Bouviers, Vizslas and Boxers don’t love their dogs any more or any less than my clients who adopted mix-breed dogs from shelters. 

Whether you want to adopt a pup, rescue a pup, or buy a pup from a reputable breeder, what does it matter as long as you are willing to love them and give them a forever-after home? Helping to find forever-after homes for the abandoned, abused dogs that overpopulate and overwhelm our shelters and rescue groups is a noble thing to do. Adopting is a wonderful option. Preaching the value of spaying and neutering dogs that aren’t going on to the show arena is helping to grow responsible dog ownership, and if we can shut down pet stores that display puppies in the windows, I think we can count on a ticket to heaven.  On the other hand, judging each other or standing superior because you own one type of dog over the other is just silly.  
 
Stand proud for your dog. Declare them the best, the most perfect, and of course, the most loved, and let your fellow dog owners do the same. Putting someone else’s choice down or standing in judgment leaves you less time to brag about your wonder-pup! If you want to promote rescues or shelters, you can point to your dog’s strengths, challenges and how far they have come, without ever declaring EVERYONE SHOULD RESCUE. If you want to promote purebred dogs, you can talk about the strength and beauty of a thoughtfully-bred dog.  

Let’s all be dog snobs together! Of course, its’ going to be hard to outshine my Doberman that just walked out of the show ring with her championship, or my goofy Schipperke that spins like a top, but go ahead and give it a try.  What makes your pup the best? 

Pats for your pups,

Katybeth

Katybeth is a professional pet spoiler, living in the Chicagoland area, running her own business, Camp-Run-A-Pup. Camp Run-A-Pup spoils other people’s pups, and they do it really well. Katybeth lives with and loves three dogs of her own, Rascal, a Parson’s Terrier (AKC recognizers her as a Parson’s; you might recognize her as a Jack Russell), Skippy, a Schipperke with a personality disorder, and Scooby, a beagle that might belong to a neighbor. Katybeth’s newest family star is Soquel’s Last Souvenire, or as they like to call her, Trinket, a show-stopping Doberman pup. Katybeth co-owns Trinket with her mom because she likes being on the winning side of the dog show arena and wanted the rights to tell the real unabridged stories of the oddities of dog showing. the movie Dog Show did not even come close to telling. Katybeth also enjoys writing her blog — My Odd Family. Dogs, dog people, dog shows and owning a dog business combined with hearth, home and family never leaves her at a loss for material to write about.

Katybeth Jensen,PPS
Professional Pet Spoiler
http://www.camprunapup.com/
http://www.deerantlersforpups.com/
http://myoddfamily.com/

Dog Files Viewpoint: When Being A Rat Is A Good Thing

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, Nadine M. Rosin, News

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When Being a Rat is a Good Thing

By Nadine M. Rosin For The Dog Files

Many years ago I heard that the behavioral science department of a major university did the following study:

They built a rectangular maze that consisted of one straight pathway (we’ll call “A”) with six straight perpendicular pathways or rows leading off of it (rows one through six). At the end of row number six only, they placed a piece of cheese. Everyday they’d put a rat in the maze at the point in pathway A where it opened to row number one. Everyday the rat would run up and down rows one through six until he found the cheese.

Eventually, the rat learned that the cheese was always at the end of row six and when put in the maze, would ignore rows one through five and go directly to row number six. The researchers let this continue for thirty days and then they moved the cheese to the end of row number two. They put their rat in the maze. As usual, the rat ran immediately to and down row number six but this time- NO CHEESE! The rat kept running up and down row number six but of course, the cheese was not there.

The conclusion of the researchers? The difference between humans and rats is that eventually the rat will try going down a different row in search of the cheese.  We, on the other hand, are far more subject to being stubborn creatures of habit, even when we know it is not in our best interest.

Through the years, I’ve done my best to remind myself of this story. It’s my way of trying to keep my mind open to cutting edge information, new ways of thinking about things and new paradigms. It’s helped me in many ways: moving on from situations like jobs or relationships that were no longer healthy or growing, changing eating habits or products I used – basically anything I knew I could improve but for the most part, was also comfortable with or used to.

It is with that in mind that I encourage you to embrace change when it comes to the food and products you use for yourself and your dogs. Just because something has been sold in stores for years doesn’t mean it’s safe. It is more likely to mean that the manufacturer has a huge advertising budget. It really is up to us as consumers to take the time and do a little research of our own. It’s not difficult.

For instance: take a look at some of the ingredients listed on your moisturizer. Does it contain methylparaben, ethylparaben, or propylparaben? Now Google any one of those. You’ll find that parabens are commonly used preservatives included in countless products since the 1920′s. Recent studies have found that repeated exposure can cause cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies, endocrine disruption, and organ system toxicity. Bad enough to be rubbing into your own skin on a daily basis, but how many times a day does your dog lick that skin on your face or hands?

Same goes with perfumes and colognes that are alcohol-based- they are full of potentially toxic chemicals. Ever notice how some people seem to be marinated in scent? It’s because many of the ingredients in those scents actually create addictive pathways in the brain and the “user” can no longer smell it in small amounts. It’s comparable to an alcoholic or drug addict needing more and more to get off.

So what are some alternatives? (is there cheese down a different row?) Clean is sexy. Pure castile soap also comes in peppermint, lavender and almond. Essential oils are wonderful, though some in large doses can be toxic to birds and cats, so again, a quick Google can help you out there.

For moisturizer, I use pure shea butter on my face. I buy it in a small tub. It’s scent-free, effective (use a little and rub in well to avoid it being greasy), inexpensive, and natural (make sure you’re buying pure shea butter not one processed with additives. It will say on the label. If it doesn’t- don’t buy it). As far as body and hand moisturizer, once I started eating more fruits, vegetables and omega-3 rich foods, I no longer needed any other moisturizer (and I live in the desert!). All of these items can be found in most natural markets and health food stores.

I hope this has encouraged you to take a few simple steps to becoming more ingredient conscious for the sake of both you and your pet. And by the way… all metaphors aside, as delicious as it is, I would never feed cheese to my dog. It’s extremely mucous-forming which is hard on the immune system and is usually made with milk full of growth hormones (BST) and antibiotics. Carrot sticks are a much better treat.

Nadine M. Rosin, Holistic Pets/Toxic-free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, author & speaker.

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The Healing Art Of Pet Parenthood
A book about the human-animal bond, healing cancer holistically, and a new take on pet loss.

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A blog with answers & information about natural healing, grief, and parenting our beloved pets.

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The Mission Behind the Book :

Helping pet parents realize we may be unconsciously contributing to the skyrocketing increase of cancer in our pets by unknowingly creating highly toxic environments in our homes.

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Helping to remove the words, “It’s just a dog/cat” from the lips of non pet parents everywhere.

Dog Files Viewpoint: Q and A with Dog Trainer, Lon L. Flewelling

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Q and A with Dog Trainer, Lon L. Flewelling

By Lon L. Flewelling For The Dog Files

Q and A with Lead Dog, Lon L. Flewelling of Lead Dog Services in Denver;
This month I address, 1.) Chewing woodwork 2.) Alpha dogs 3.) Dog attacking lawn mower and weed trimmer 4.) Introducing new puppy to household

1. Ashley asked:

Do you know how to get a dog to stop chewing on a door frame? My boy won’t stop, I need help. He is constantly chewing on things even though he has chew toys.

Lon L. Flewelling:

I have had success with a couple of methods/tools…One is a product called Grannick’s Bitter Apple, a few drops has the sour of about 10 Granny Smith Apples…VERY bitter. Some dogs, however have no problem with bitter, those often respond to hot, I steep some cayenne pepper powder and strain the liquid through cheesecloth. Either can be applied the spots where he chewed without staining, and should work. If and when you catch him doing it a stern, “AH! Leave it” will reprogram his thinking. Leave it can be used for anything, remotes, other dogs or cats, books, anything you don’t want him to get into. I also have a few squirt bottles around to get the attention before “Leave it!” When he stops reward with a “Good Leave It” and offer him one of his toys. Also reprograms his switches.

The result of this suggestion was that the hot wasn’t successful however the bitter did make Ashley’s dog avoid the woodwork, and her follow-up with the suggested commands improved the situation considerably.

2. Gina contacted me with the following:

Sherri of The Dog Examiner posted this. I was curious as to your thoughts about it.
　
“If you watch a pack of wolves move around in the wild; it is the Alpha who says where they are going. The top wolves decide which direction to go in but they don’t have to be out front; that is a fallacy. The members of the pack watch the Alpha and go where he goes but the lower members are all about, even out in front. When I take my… dogs for a walk in the woods and everyone is off leash they are following me; there is no doubt about it but they are like a pack of wolves, all around.

In my opinion having your dogs walk behind you is just not fun for me or my dogs. But keeping them back there to show them who’s boss defeats the purpose of why we are out for a walk.”

Lon L. Flewelling:

Having observed wolf and dog packs, I agree that the alpha wolves do guide the pack but not necessarily need to be physically in front of the pack. The members constantly check on the body posture and language of the leaders for their cues as to where to go. In fact, when they are relatively stationary or in a ‘camp’ so to speak, the alpha male often takes a high ground spot to watch for potential dangers, while the alpha female if in the middle of the pack and if all is calm and controlled she does nothing to interfere.

I have always felt that if there is a ‘problem child’ dog strong guidance like being in front, going through doors first, etc. will reset their mental switches but when they are truly following the alpha, and respond to commands they can go out front. Mine will listen when I call them back to me with a ‘check in’ so they are still in compliance with alpha leadership and the reward is being allowed to go ahead where I can watch and enjoy them, and use their protective nature to watch for possible problems. They trust me and I trust them.
　
　
3. Jeannine asked:

Why do dogs attack the mower? Buffy attacked my mower and her mom wants to eat my weed wacker.

Lon answered:

I’m certain it’s two things, one they only see/hear them after months of not having them present and two they are VERY irritating noise to dog’s sensitive ears. I have had a number of behavior clients contact me about just those things. I generally consult them to have the pups on lead at the very least, and away from the machines if at all possible.

4. Marni asked:

We’re getting a second dog to make our little Havanese happy as his companion just moved to Florida. Do you think we should lean towards a male or a female? (Our doggie is male, but seems to get along with almost all dogs we have around here). Also, any special tips on training a new puppy that has to be confined for housetraining, etc. when there’s already a grown dog in the house?

Lon responded:

Is your boy fixed? Often it doesn’t make too much difference which you get…some do better with opposite sex, but not too much of an issue. More important issue would be introducing them in a neutral place that is not his territory, like home. I have always had success meeting at a park, or green belt. I have started a ways away from each other and walking them on lead towards each other, making a few passes and making certain that they go to a calm and submissive mode before they actually meet nose to butt. They can then go home together and will likely just go into the home together without problems.

As far as the house training, very often the older dog will help train the newbie by the signals he puts off, i.e. whining, scratching at the door to go outside. He may have moments when he has accidents inside thinking he can get away with it also. I usually recommend two avenues, using a crate for any extended periods as they most often do not relieve themselves where they sleep. First action when allowing them out is to use the command “go pee outside!” and take or let them out and reward with a “good pee outside!” when they do. I teach to reward the action not the dog, i.e. “good pee outside” not “good boy!” Also utilized puppy pads as they have infused ammonia odor to attract them to go on a spot that already smells like a ‘used’ spot. You can use a few leading up to a door that you use to have them go out to relive and remove the pads one at a time until there is one in front of the door.

Lon L. Flewelling was born the middle and most charming of three boys in rural Minnesota where he spent many formative hours on family farms directly interacting with animals nearly from day one. Since his youth he enjoyed the gift and magic of close communication abilities particularly with dogs. Lon followed his gift into the world of wolf studies to further develop my passion and abilities to understand canines and their communications with each other and humans. He is a perpetual student of canines and sees no end to the absorption of canine knowledge.

“Lon L. Flewelling is the human owner’s manual on how to operate your dog in Denver!”
-Shasta Michaels-

Vacation Time? Tips For Leaving Your Dog Behind.

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, KatyBeth Jensen, News

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Dog Files Viewpoint: I’ll Be Back Soon!

By KatyBeth Jensen For The Dog Files

In several weeks, my son and I will head to Alaska on vacation.  My Jack Russell, Rascal, will be left behind for the first time with someone other than my husband or my mother.  After her initial shock at not coming along, Rascal probably won’t even notice I’m gone. Jack Russells are like that. On the other hand, I’m having terrible separation anxiety before I’ve even packed my first bag.  Rascal has slept next to me every night since we brought her home. On the rare occasions I have left her home overnight, she easily substituted my husband or mom as her sleeping partner. Jack Russells are like that. I, on the other hand, didn’t sleep worth a woof. When I tell my clients that I understand how hard it is to leave their pups, they know without a doubt that I do. 

As a professional pet spoiler and petprietor of Camp Run-A-Pup, I can share a few tips which might make it easier when you have to leave your pups behind.  

If you can find a reliable caregiver, your pups will be happiest at home. Here is the catch, though. Only leave your pups at home with your mother. Okay, if your mother is not available, then only consider friends you would trust with your car. 

Do not rely on the friend playing with your adorable Lab puppy in May when she says, “Oh, he can stay with me over 4th of July.” Your puppy will be bigger, splashing in his water bowls, turning your kitchen into a swimming pool, and using your work clothes as a beach towel.  Your friend will not be amused by these stories, and will suddenly be very busy. Have a back-up plan. 

While looking for the “next best place to home” for your pup’s vacation stay, here are few things to remember: 

Happy is not always possible. Safe and well-cared-for is. Your first consideration for leaving your pup when you travel is, “Will my pup be safe and well-cared-for?” 

It’s become common for boarding facilities to offer accommodations that include big screen TVs, water beds and music customized to your pup’s taste.  I don’t have a judgment about these a’ la carte offerings (ok, I do … I think they are silly) as long as you realize your pocketbook is being hijacked by guilt. Unlike people, a dog’s loyalty cannot be bought by big screen TVs unless buttered popcorn is included, and then only maybe. 

Take time to consider what will make your pup feel most secure while you are away.  If your pup is not social, don’t send him to spend ten days in a highly social environment, even if you think it sounds like fun to you. It won’t be fun for your pup. If your pup is a party animal and loves nothing more than to play with other dogs, a traditional kennel might be borrriiinnggg.  

Camp Run-A-Pup is not a crate-free environment. In my opinion, a crate-free environment would be like sending you to Las Vegas for three days without a hotel room. Every pup needs a special spot of their own. If a dog was crate-trained properly as a puppy, they will usually do fine in a crate in a new environment, even if it has been dog years since they have set paw in a crate.  When prospective clients make a reservation at camp, we discuss crating. If they are not comfortable with the idea of their pup spending some time in a crate, I offer them names of crate-free boarding accommodations.

Pups don’t have the same concept of time that we do.  Yes, I know your dog knows when it’s time to eat, go to bed or pick the kid up from school. This is based on routine, though, not the clock. Still not convinced, are you? Let me try again. If you go to the grocery store and are gone for one hour, your pup will greet you with unabashed enthusiasm. When you come home from being gone for the whole day, you are still greeted with the same unabashed enthusiasm. Why am I telling you this? To help you feel less anxious about the length of time you are leaving your pup. The most important thing is not that you leave, but that you come back. 

Skip the long goodbyes. Pat your pup, tell them you will be back soon, and GO. If you leave confidently, your pup can get his vacation off to a good start. If you are certain your pup is going to have a tail-wagging good time, he will believe you. 

Pups don’t forget their owners. I have campers staying with me for ten days, three months, and one camper from August through May. Never once has a pup forgotten their owner. True, your pup might love me, race to greet me, and be a happy camper, but trust me, he will always love you best. Always.

It won’t be easy to leave my pups when we head out on vacation, even for someone who knows without a doubt “they will be just fine.”  I will pack my bags, kiss their noses and announce, “We are going to have a great time!” Then I’ll tell them, “I’ll be back real soon,” shut the door quickly, and whisper to myself, “I’ll be back real soon.” 

How do you deal with leaving your pups when you go on vacation? 

Pats for pups!

Katybeth

Katybeth is a professional pet spoiler, living in the Chicagoland area, running her own business, Camp-Run-A-Pup. Camp Run-A-Pup spoils other people’s pups, and they do it really well. Katybeth lives with and loves three dogs of her own, Rascal, a Parson’s Terrier (AKC recognizers her as a Parson’s; you might recognize her as a Jack Russell), Skippy, a Schipperke with a personality disorder, and Scooby, a beagle that might belong to a neighbor. Katybeth’s newest family star is Soquel’s Last Souvenire, or as they like to call her, Trinket, a show-stopping Doberman pup. Katybeth co-owns Trinket with her mom because she likes being on the winning side of the dog show arena and wanted the rights to tell the real unabridged stories of the oddities of dog showing. the movie Dog Show did not even come close to telling. Katybeth also enjoys writing her blog — My Odd Family. Dogs, dog people, dog shows and owning a dog business combined with hearth, home and family never leaves her at a loss for material to write about.

Katybeth Jensen,PPS
Professional Pet Spoiler
http://www.camprunapup.com/
http://www.deerantlersforpups.com/
http://myoddfamily.com/

Dog Files Viewpoint: Caring For Your Senior Dog

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, Nadine M. Rosin, News

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Caring For Your Senior Dog

By Nadine M. Rosin For The Dog Files

My greatest wish, is that every pet parent is lucky enough to someday have to face the issue of senior canine care. When my own dog, Buttons, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 8, the vet referred to her as a senior dog. Not only was I unwilling to lose my beloved canine to an insidious disease, but I remembered as a child, dogs commonly living into their late teens. So, 8-years old… middle-aged? Maybe. But senior citizen? Definitely not!

How I implemented an intense holistic cleansing and nutritional regimen to successfully heal the cancer without the vet’s prescribed treatment of chemotherapy, radiation and amputation, is a whole other story. This article is about senior canine care. Since Buttons not only survived the cancer, but thrived for an additional 11 years, until passing peacefully of old age at 19, I am blessed to have some life experience with a canine elder.

Of course, regardless of age, a pure, clean diet and chemical-free environment are essential for a strong immune system. Dogs metabolize everything so much faster than we do-whereas our bodies can endure a certain amount of toxic abuse for 40 or 50 years before retaliating, a dog’s body will start showing disease in 5-7 years. In my experience, it’s wise to take note of what chemical exposure there is in your own home via often overlooked things as cleaning products, laundry products, and air fresheners.

Past a certain age, supplements start taking on an even greater role and I encourage every pet parent to do their own online research of the many available choices. Personally, I had a lot of success with Yucca Extract to ease any joint stiffness or swelling Buttons had. Yucca is a natural steroid with no negative side effects and is easy to mix in food. Also, after much reading on its use in Germany and Italy on human stroke victims, I began using Alpha Lipoic Acid to help with any symptoms of CDS (doggy Alzheimer’s).

The last 3 years of Buttons’ life, I was very careful to keep a steady routine, not move any furniture, and basically keep everything in her world as predictable as possible. When the time came, we experimented with different brands of diapers. For her 18th birthday I bought a cushy, fold-up baby stroller to take with us on hikes for when she got tired. At one point, due to her aging eyesight and cognitive function, I covered the sharp edges of our furniture with foam.

Ok. Now here’s the hard part- the one that isn’t so comfortable to read, but the part that is, in my opinion, essential. Take lots and lots of photos and video- they will help comfort you through the grieving process when the inevitable happens. When Butts was 17, I bought a bunch of disposable cameras. Every time I filled one up with pictures of her, I’d put it in a box in the back of my closet. It wasn’t until months after her passing that I began having them developed, one by one. What a comfort it was to have new photos of her even after she’d gone.

Take a day here and there away from your busy life to shut out the rest of the world and really connect deeply with your animal’s spirit- to consciously and uninterruptedly just BE with this unconditionally loving soul who’s been such a deep and delightful part of your life. Believe me, there will come a time when you will be so glad you did.

Do any research about what your choices are and how you will handle the details of your dog’s body after their passing. It’s so much easier to think clearly and gather facts well before the day you are thrown into that gut-wrenching grief.

Most importantly, as much as you can, treasure each moment for what it is- find the joy in it, rather than missing what was or fearing what’s to come. I mean, our dogs never stop teaching us how to do just that, right? Having a senior canine can be so precious and such a profound learning experience. Your canine may not be bounding along the beach or scampering up the trail any longer, but your relationship will be as priceless as a rare, old cognac, and by then, you’ll undoubtedly be finishing each other’s sentences, too.

Nadine M. Rosin, Holistic Pets/Toxic-free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, author & speaker.

Available for phone consultations, your next function or fundraiser

The Healing Art Of Pet Parenthood
A book about the human-animal bond, healing cancer holistically, and a new take on pet loss.

Pet Parenthood Blog
A blog with answers & information about natural healing, grief, and parenting our beloved pets.

Follow me on Twitter.

The Mission Behind the Book :

Helping pet parents realize we may be unconsciously contributing to the skyrocketing increase of cancer in our pets by unknowingly creating highly toxic environments in our homes.

Providing comfort, camaraderie, and validation for pet parents experiencing the devastating loss of a beloved pet.

Helping to remove the words, “It’s just a dog/cat” from the lips of non pet parents everywhere.

Dog Files Viewpoint: Introducing Dogs To Each Other

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, Lon L. Flewelling, News

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Introducing Dogs To Each Other

By Lon L. Flewelling For The Dog Files

I always enjoy the challenge and pleasure of success in introducing new dogs to each other in such a way that they understand there is no threat to territory or self. Toni wanted to do just that to ensure a happy, healthy pack.

Toni asked:

I want to have a pack. My dog Kid, my step-son’s year old female Bella, also a pit, and his latest rescue, roscoe, 11 month old pit. Lots of pits. Anyway, how do I go about making them a pack? Kid has met both dogs, not together. Loves Bella. Met Roscoe thru my fence, didn’t like. Fence is a problem I think.

Lon answered;

My best success has been to introduce on neutral ground so there are no territorial issues going on. The fence between dogs represents a solid territory line so in a park or open space that none of them ‘own’ works best.

Have them on leads and walk them past each other a number of times getting slightly closer with each pass. Reward and denial work here as with many things. The reward is to be able to be near and interact, denial comes into play if any of them growl, or start showing body language that is aggressive, stiffening body and tail, puffing up, staring…correct them immediately with a stern ‘leave it’ and if it persists, ‘denial’ would be to turn them away from the forward motion and walk away from the confrontation.

Give it a few minutes and try it again.

ONLY after both or all dogs are calm and in submissive mode, this may take a few passes, are they to be allowed the ‘reward’ of getting closer and closer until they can all sit near each other without any dominance or aggression.

If possible, when getting home take them for a walk together around the block in your neighborhood, side by side and never in front of you or your son…YOU are the pack leaders.

I would recommend plenty of water bowls side by side in and outside the home so there is no possessive/territorial actions there either.

Bring them into your yard or at least outside and repeat the walking and sitting near each other, making certain they are all calm and subdued. The house is your territory as pack leaders, not theirs, as subordinate pack members. If there is any body posturing or language from any of them, leash the perpetrator(s) and ‘deny’ them access to the others until they settle. Reward and denial…repetition of commands like ‘leave it’, ‘settle’ and consistency of commands will be your allies throughout.

Donna asked:

On the walk with my dogs – my romper kicks the dirt in the same spot every time. She will not do poddy anywhere but in her yard so it is not that she is covering up and there are no other dogs around that she is standing her ground. Is there another reason for this? I’m just curious.

Lon replied:

It is likely a spot that has some sort of odor or pee from another dog. Dogs have scent glands in their paws between their toes and the kicking is another form of marking to leave their scent on top of the last ‘contribution’.

Wolves in the wild will do the same thing on the spot of a kill and or over another’s urination.

Donna wrote back:

Wow, it is indeed a spot where many dogs pass by on their walks so many do relieve themselves nearby. I had no idea that dogs had scent glands in their pads, that explains a lot about when and where he has kicked before, thank you!

Lon L. Flewelling was born the middle and most charming of three boys in rural Minnesota where he spent many formative hours on family farms directly interacting with animals nearly from day one. Since his youth he enjoyed the gift and magic of close communication abilities particularly with dogs. Lon followed his gift into the world of wolf studies to further develop my passion and abilities to understand canines and their communications with each other and humans. He is a perpetual student of canines and sees no end to the absorption of canine knowledge.

“Lon L. Flewelling is the human owner’s manual on how to operate your dog in Denver!”
-Shasta Michaels-

Dog Files Viewpoint: The Dog Park Blues

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, KatyBeth Jensen, News

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The Dog Park Blues

By KatyBeth Jensen For The Dog Files

I was visiting with some new dog owners the other day, and they were worried.

It’s that time of year again. The weather is warming, and the sunshine is luring my campers’ owners to take leash in hand and head out to our local dog parks with their furry playmates.

It’s that time of year again. Concerned dog owners will call me with tales of their pup being bitten or biting a park playmate. Pups will be dropped off at camp with stories about the other dog owners that frequent dog parks. Owners who don’t care, are irresponsible, talk on cell phones, and bring toys and badly behaved children.

Some owners will wish for a more social dog. Others will wish their dog would share his toys, like the other dogs at the park. Owners will be beside themselves because they were yelled at when their larger dog ran over a smaller dog. One owner will cry when she shows me where her dog was “attacked” for no reason AT ALL. Another will cry when she tells me how her sweet dog seemed to attack another playmate for no reason.

I will hand out tissues, kiss owies, reassure everyone, and once again, curse the dog parks and playgrounds. However, since it’s doubtful I’m going to convince you that your pup would probably prefer a nice long walk with you for companionship, I’m going to share with you a few tips to consider before you open the gates of the local dog park and unsnap your leash.

Babies, toddlers, unruly older children? Leave them at home. Just do. If you bring them, don’t even think about snarling at the owners of dogs who run over them or jump on them. The odds of a bite are high. Read the sign on the gate: DOG park.

Before you enter the gates, dump all the treats out of your pocket. No treats. When you swim in the ocean, do you bring shark bait with you?

Toys. Leave them in the car. Dogs don’t share. They can’t be taught to share. Really. If a dog gives up a toy or allows another dog to take their toy, they are not “sharing.” They are showing social awareness. If they resist, they know the other dog will probably bite them. If your dog steals toys or refuses to share, they are not “selfish.” They are showing dominance. Leave the toys in the car. Okay, I see that purple eggplant in your pocket. Hear me sigh, but at least you know the dynamics. I’ll get the tissue ready.

Dog parks are stressful for your pups. Imagine you entered a party and twenty people descended on you, wanting to sniff your butt, jump on you, and snuggle up to your partner. Imagine knowing that at least a couple of “guests” had guns or knives. My guess is, you would hightail it out the door pretty quickly, or else head for the bar for a double. Giving up the human idea that dog parks are “fun” will help your pup have a better time and be less stressed.

When you enter the dog park, unsnap the leash, but please keep it in your hand. If you are sipping a latte and need a hand for your cell phone, put the leash around your neck.

Wait one minute. If you are sipping a latte and talking on the phone, who is watching your dog? Yes, the dog who is running amuck. Hang up. (I don’t have the heart to tell you to pitch the latte.) When your dog gets unruly at the dog park, call them to you immediately, and snap the leash back on, even if this means spilling the latte. Your dog needs your attention. Better yet, every few minutes, call your dog to you and have them sit. Your pup will feel more secure each time you reestablish that no matter what happens at the dog park, you are still his leader.

Along with your dog, leash, latte and purple eggplant, I hope you brought your sense of humor and goodwill with you to the dog park. Dogs will bite one another, get personal with one another, and sometimes accidents happen. Try to work it out. Be nice. If you can’t be nice, stay out of the dog park. I do.

Don’t stay too long, and for goodness sakes, shut the gate when you leave!

Now, take a nice calm walk home or back to your car. Talk to your pup about your day. Practice a few sits and downs. Look down and feel appreciation for the pup strutting beside you at the other end of the leash, wondering if the dog parks are really the best place for you and your pup to have a good time together.

Pats For Your Pups!!

Katybeth

Katybeth is a professional pet spoiler, living in the Chicagoland area, running her own business, Camp-Run-A-Pup. Camp Run-A-Pup spoils other people’s pups, and they do it really well. Katybeth lives with and loves three dogs of her own, Rascal, a Parson’s Terrier (AKC recognizers her as a Parson’s; you might recognize her as a Jack Russell), Skippy, a Schipperke with a personality disorder, and Scooby, a beagle that might belong to a neighbor. Katybeth’s newest family star is Soquel’s Last Souvenire, or as they like to call her, Trinket, a show-stopping Doberman pup. Katybeth co-owns Trinket with her mom because she likes being on the winning side of the dog show arena and wanted the rights to tell the real unabridged stories of the oddities of dog showing. the movie Dog Show did not even come close to telling. Katybeth also enjoys writing her blog — My Odd Family. Dogs, dog people, dog shows and owning a dog business combined with hearth, home and family never leaves her at a loss for material to write about.

Katybeth Jensen,PPS
Professional Pet Spoiler
http://www.camprunapup.com/
http://www.deerantlersforpups.com/
http://myoddfamily.com/

Dog Files Viewpoint: We Are Your Neighbors.

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, Hannah Powell, News

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We Are Your Neighbors.

By Hannah Powell For The Dog Files

Pit Bull advocates are normal people. We may not all own Pit Bulls, but that does not mean we do not support this misunderstood dog breed. We are not thugs, drug dealers or dog fighters. We are your neighbors and your friends; we love our children and our pets. We live in your city, even if there is a ban on Pit Bulls. We are involved in our communities, and we are out to prove that Pit Bulls are wonderful dogs! Here is what some of us have to say about them.

There is nothing not to like about pit bulls. They have every good quality a dog can possess, plus come in a colorful variety of coats and have unique and expressive ears. Laurel Ashley – Sacramento, CA: Laurel shares her home with two Pit Bulls, an American Staffordshire mix foster, a Rottweiler and a parrot

I love my two pitties because no matter how much I wrestle them to the ground they pop right back up and attack with kisses. Also, I love them because everyone is scared to break into my house, but little do they know my dogs would roll on their backs and show them to the cookie drawer. Nikki Johnson – Seattle, WA: Nikki’s family consists of her fiancé, a boxer, a Chihuahua/Chinese-crested mix, a miniature pinscher and two pit bull fosters

I live in a neighborhood with four Pit Bulls, and there has never been a single incident with any of them. Each of them is a sweet dog with a great disposition and a good pet owner. We have no breed bans in our city, and I see no need for them. I have yet to meet an aggressive pit bull. Julie Fowler – Issaquah, WA: Julie shares her home with her cat and American Bulldog

Pit Bulls are actually one of the best breeds. They are loyal and kind. The incorrect reputation of Pit Bulls is actually from the owners, not the breed. Gloria Lin – Issaquah, WA: Gloria lives with her two dogs, a Cockapoo and a Doberman mix


After walking several dogs at the local SPCA, I can honestly say that Pit Bulls are awesome dogs! They are so happy (and they have that GRIN!), when they wag their tails their whole butt shakes, and they just want to make you happy. They’ll do anything to please you. The look of love and eternal gratitude they give me when I scratch their ears and give them a kiss on the forehead melts my heart every time.
 Mandy Buhle – Media, PA: Mandy lives with her mom, dad and two border collies

I have never owned a Pit Bull, but I know they are amazing dogs. I would not hesitate to adopt one in the future. Evidence of this can be seen in any dog park that does not have breed restrictions as well as in any neighborhood. Pit Bulls are fun-loving dogs that are extremely loyal to their families. Anyone who thinks otherwise has never met a Pit Bull and is formulating their opinion from myths and skewed news reporting. Amy McHenry – Issaquah, WA: Amy’s family consists of her husband, child, two German Shepherds and two cats

My RubyDee is my heart and soul; she knows me better than I know myself. She is the most wonderful support and help that I could ever ask for. She reflects the best parts of me, and I do my best to honor her in the same way. My Rex is our protector; he watches over us with a loyalty that I have never seen before. He’s not very smart, but he knows that he owes us his life and does his best to show us constantly that he is a good boy. We are not your typical “easy dog” pack, but we work hard to show the world that every dog deserves a chance to have a place to thrive and shine. Sarah Witte – Issaquah, WA: Sarah shares her home with her two pit bulls

My sister had the best dog ever named Sasha. Sasha was a big part of her family and was dearly loved by my three little nieces ages 7, 5 and 2. She was the most loving dog ever! We lost Sasha about a year ago. My nieces still talk about her, and yes, Sasha was a Pit Bull. Elaine Smith – Conroe, TX: Elaine’s family consists of her husband and two children

I live in a neighborhood surrounded by Pit Bulls. My dog is actually part Pit Bull. She is the BEST dog on the planet, and her best friends and former boyfriend are all Pit Bulls. These dogs have a bad rap wherein their behavior is usually due to human involvement. Laura Reigel – Issaquah, WA: Laura lives with her basenji/pit bull mix and cat

Pit Bulls are great dogs, very loyal and smart.

They are high energy and need lots of exercise. They are willing to please, so I have found them easy to train. I was once terrified of this breed myself, but as I got to know them I realized that I love them. Mandy Reiner – Drexel Hill, PA: Mandy shares her home with her boyfriend and daughter, three dogs, one cat, four foster kittens and one foster Pit Bull puppy

My 55 lb Pit Bull plays tug of war with our 9 lb Italian Greyhound and lets the IG win! They LOVE tug with their stuffed Octo! Julie Russell – Seattle, WA: Julie shares her home with her husband, two pit bulls, an Italian greyhound and a lab
  
I started volunteering a few years ago for a small rescue group and had the opportunity to meet the much-maligned Pit Bull. I’ve never before met such loving, grateful, accepting dogs. The traits that make them such wonderful family dogs, unfortunately allow them to be abused by horrible people in the world. Adopt one today….you won’t ever regret it!!! Heather Enajabi – Auburn, WA: Heather shares her home with a Weimeraner, a Husky/Akita/Shepherd mix, a Great Dane and a Pit Bull

I use to be one of those people that believed the media about Pit Bulls. Then I met several Pit Bulls in my neighborhood, and it totally changed my perception. I’m now the biggest Pit Bull advocate there could be. Rosa Spitaleri-Castillo – Hackensack, NJ: Rosa’s family consists of her husband, daughter and hound mix

The Pit Bulls I’ve met are some of the nicest and well-behaved dogs I’ve ever met. Kristin Maloney – Redmond, WA: Kristin lives with her husband and they will soon share their home with a little Havanese puppy

I have fostered both dogs and cats for my rescue group here in PA; some of my best and sweetest fosters have been Pit Bill mixes. My opinion is that any dog can be trained to be a good dog, and any dog can be trained to be a bad dog regardless of the breed. Kim Butler – Upland, PA: Kim shares her home with many foster cats and one Pit Bull mix

Hannah lives in Issaquah, WA with her husband, two dogs, and a parrot. She runs a dog walking/pet sitting business and volunteers her time to local dog rescue groups. In her spare time she enjoys skiing, hiking with her dogs, and camping. The experience of pit bull ownership has been her motivation for writing about this wonderful and misunderstood dog breed. Please check out Busybark for more about Hannah and her love of dogs.

Dog Files Viewpoint: Questions Of Dog Behavior

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, Lon L. Flewelling, News

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Questions Of Dog Behavior

By Lon L. Flewelling For The Dog Files

The following are questions and answers posed to me via email. The first is from Toni questioning whether her dog can be taught to relieve himself in specified areas and deterred from eating droppings. The second is from Ditte asking about the reasoning behind her young Lab ‘sharing’ her bone.

1: Toni asked.

Hi Lon, I have kind of a silly question… Can I, or how do I teach my male dog to go to the potty in the same area?

Lon answered:

There are a couple of ways… dogs actually prefer to use the same area to relieve themselves so you can put a small post in that spot, if possible. You can purchase them with embedded smell to attract or you can pour some ammonia on a wooden one. When he goes on the spot reward him with a hearty “Good Pee”. You can also buy Pee Pads for puppies that have the same affect with embedded smells. Consistent and repetitive commands to ‘go pee’ and ‘good pee’ often work successfully.

Toni asked:

Will it work for his poo also?

Lon’s reply:

It will. It’s a bit gross but you can actually pick up a dropping from elsewhere with a glove or bag and place it there to entice. Always offer a big verbal reward when he does it right.

To deter cophragia, eating of droppings, for medium or large dogs mix approximately a tablespoon of equal parts of cut up cucumber and pineapple into his food. The acids in them react with the proteins in the food to make it less desirable.

2: Ditte, another client wrote to ask.　

I was just hanging out at home and my Lab, Molly came and gave me her bone. She just put it in front of me and looked at me. Then i pretend to eat a little of it and then give it back to her. She takes it and walks away but comes back after a round in the living room and gives it to me again. And then i have done the same or put it on the ground for her and she would just put it back up there…. What is she trying to tell me????? Or does she just want to share her delicious bone with me??

Its interesting cause she also seems so primal when she does it! I don’t know if i am totally of on this one but it seems like she is honorable to the bone…?? I hope you have seen it before.

Lon answered:

I have indeed seen this fairly often. It is primal and embedded in her DNA, I feel she is honoring you as her pack leader and offering food to you first. In wolf packs the alpha male and female ALWAYS get to eat first, the subordinates know and are just fine with this as they also know that the alphas will fairly provide and divide. She is absolutely proud of herself for having done the correct thing and respectful of you for rewarding her by ‘eating’ first and giving her the rest. In her young mind she is doing it over and over to wallow in the pleasure.
My Sheltie is doing a very similar thing now by coming to me from outside and wagging happily when I reward her with a “Good Come!”, she will wag and go back out, circle my deck and come back in almost smiling, getting squirmy when I offer her another “Good Come!” like she is SO proud of herself and respectful of me as a fair and just leader.

Ditte asked:

Should I be rewarding her in any way?

Lon replied:

You can feel free to simply take it and keep it for a while…she will understand if you do. You can even use it to do what is called ‘spotting the behavior’ in other words if you reward her with a “Good Bring it” you can then incorporate “Bring it” to have her bring you whatever she may grab in the future. I have taught Tasha, my Sheltie to do that if she picks up something I don’t want her to have i.e. cell phone, etc. She proudly brings it to me and gets the reward and is SOOO proud and happy.
　
Thanks to both Toni and Ditte for their great questions and I look forward to helping them and others with dog behavior issues!　

Lon L. Flewelling was born the middle and most charming of three boys in rural Minnesota where he spent many formative hours on family farms directly interacting with animals nearly from day one. Since his youth he enjoyed the gift and magic of close communication abilities particularly with dogs. Lon followed his gift into the world of wolf studies to further develop my passion and abilities to understand canines and their communications with each other and humans. He is a perpetual student of canines and sees no end to the absorption of canine knowledge.

“Lon L. Flewelling is the human owner’s manual on how to operate your dog in Denver!”
-Shasta Michaels-

Dog Files Viewpoint: Don’t Let Your Dog Become A Canary!

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, Nadine M. Rosin, News

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Don’t Let Your Dog Become A Canary!

By Nadine M. Rosin For The Dog Files

From Wikipedia: “Well into the 20th century, coal miners brought canaries into coal mines as an “early warning signal” for deadly, toxic gases. The birds, being more sensitive, would become sick before the miners, who would then have a chance to escape or put on protective respirators.”

Is it any wonder that with the “pre green” proliferation of chemical laden household products, building supplies, and monthly flea poison treatments, that our pets are developing cancer at such an alarming rate? In addition to protecting one’s animal from constant exposure to a myriad of possible household carcinogens, just negotiating the constant recalls and dangers of an unregulated, processed pet food industry can be an overwhelming and depressing nightmare.

But there’s also a deeper issue: when it comes to these everyday toxins that we have become so unconscious about and accepting of, have our cherished, innocent pets become our modern day canaries?

There are MANY things we can do to help prevent our beloved companion animals from ever getting cancer. When my 8-year old dog, aka: my adopted daughter, Buttons, was diagnosed with a virulent carcinoma and given 6 weeks to live, I launched a massive personal research campaign deep into the world of holistic medicine.

I soon came to learn that “holistic” didn’t mean symptom treating with natural remedies or herbs in lieu of pharmaceutical drugs. It wasn’t about squelching the symptoms or waging war against cancer with something other than surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Instead, it meant addressing the causes: food, treats, cleaning supplies, flea treatments, plastic toys, foreign produced rawhide chews, and the emotional environment we were living in, to name a few.

It meant clearing my home of all possible toxins, cleansing Buttons’ entire system, and then giving her the proper nutritional support so that Buttons’ body could do what an unburdened body does best: HEAL ITSELF.

It’s important to remember that our pets metabolize everything much faster than we do. Whereas our bodies can endure a certain amount of toxic abuse for 40 or 50 years before retaliating, a pet’s body can begin showing disease as early as 4-7 years.

I believe a holistic approach today starts with our being more conscious consumers. Just because something is sold off a grocery store (or even a health food store) shelf, does not mean it’s necessarily safe in the long run. We all know that money, not well-being, is the bottom line in our consumer market. Manufactured food and other products are not tested for a person’s, or even a pet’s life span, before being approved, advertised and sold. Think about Teflon, DDT, aluminum pans, Red Dye #2, lead paint. Now take a moment to google “dryer sheets toxic” or “parabens cancer” and then go read the labels on your skin care products, make-up, and laundry products. Please don’t wait for a devastating cancer diagnosis of someone you love to be your wake up call.

The next step in Buttons’ and my healing process was clearing her body of all residual toxins. To do this, I used a number of different homeopathic remedies, herbs, and tinctures. Buttons’ diagnosis came in 1992 when holistic vets were scarce. Today, that’s not the case. I would encourage you to find a holistic vet that adheres to a true holistic regimen of clear/cleanse/build, rather than just symptom treating with natural remedies.

Because a holistic approach means addressing one’s life as a “whole”, as part of our healing process, I had to also consider Buttons’ emotional environment. Not surprisingly, her cancer developed during one of the most painful times of my life. It was two days after I joyously accepted his marriage proposal that my fiancé abruptly ended our relationship with no explanation, and refused to continue any communication whatsoever. I was torn apart, hemorrhaging emotionally, and on a good day, horribly depressed. Although I continued to care for Buttons as devotedly as ever, I was doing it all with a shattered heart.

I have heard it said that our animals often shunt energy for us, and no doubt, Buttons was feeling my pain in every cell of her own body. When I refer to “our” healing process that is exactly what I mean. She’s the one who got the remedies squirted down her throat, and I’m the one who had to go deep into my heart, and for the sake of my beloved canine companion, do some hard, healing work.

The final third of our holistic protocol involved nutritionally fortifying Buttons’ own immune system. Remember, the body’s natural state is one of radiant health. When supported properly, that is where it will gravitate. I threw out the prescription dog food from the vet. I began home cooking pure, simple, organic ingredients for her meals and treats. I supplemented with a few natural superfoods. Within 4 months, not only was Buttons alive and cancer-free, she was a thriving, energetic, 9-year old puppy!

There are numerous web sites today where one can quickly educate oneself on the horrible, disguised ingredients in most commercial pet food including several brands that are advertised as “all natural” and “organic”. Spend an hour reading- it could translate into many additional years with your own beloved animal.

My sweet girl, Buttons, went on to thrive for another 11 years. Exactly 1 week before her 19th birthday, she died peacefully of old age, at home in my arms. My own toxic-free lifestyle and good health are only a small part of her profound and loving legacy.

Nadine M. Rosin, Holistic Pets/Toxic-free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, author & speaker.

Available for phone consultations, your next function or fundraiser

The Healing Art Of Pet Parenthood
A book about the human-animal bond, healing cancer holistically, and a new take on pet loss.

Pet Parenthood Blog
A blog with answers & information about natural healing, grief, and parenting our beloved pets.

Follow me on Twitter.

The Mission Behind the Book :

Helping pet parents realize we may be unconsciously contributing to the skyrocketing increase of cancer in our pets by unknowingly creating highly toxic environments in our homes.

Providing comfort, camaraderie, and validation for pet parents experiencing the devastating loss of a beloved pet.

Helping to remove the words, “It’s just a dog/cat” from the lips of non pet parents everywhere.

Dog Files Viewpoint: Less Worry… More Happy… Please!

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, KatyBeth Jensen, News

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Less Worry… More Happy… Please!

By KatyBeth Jensen For The Dog Files

I was visiting with some new dog owners the other day, and they were worried. 

Were they feeding them the right food? Did they buy the right crate? Was their pup getting enough of the right kind of socialization? Were the pup’s collar and leash appropriate? Had they chosen the right trainer offering the right kind of training? And by the way, at what age did I feel it was important for the pup and family to meet with an animal communicator? Their prime concern was finding ways to make their pup happy. 

Here is a suggestion for a happy, healthy pup: Stop worrying about their happiness and well-being, and let them worry about yours. 

My Jack Russell, Rascal’s purpose in life is to make ME happy and she does it very well. And the happier I am, the happier she is. I feed her steak from my plate because it makes me happy to offer her something she will enjoy. I insist she walk on a leash without pulling me because it makes me happy when we have a pleasant walk together. She sleeps with me because sleep would be impossible without her cuddled up next to me. I keep her safe and healthy because it makes me happy to take good care of those who matter to me. 

Buy the dog food you feel comfortable buying, and the crate that will work well with your household decor. Crate your pup so you can both be happy to see one another when you get home. Take your pups to the places you feel comfortable going. I have one client whose happiness does not include trips to parks or beaches, and I doubt she has ever picked up a slobbery ball. So what does she do? She snaps the leash onto her pup’s collar and they take off to window shop down Michigan Ave, where doormen enthusiastically greet her pup with biscuits and a handshake while my client murmurs pleasantries and sips her Starbucks. Owner and pup are happy. How do I know her pup does not miss the beach, chasing a ball, and hanging out with dog friends? Besides speaking fluent dog, I know that when a dog’s owner is happy, the dog is happy. 

Rascal has manners because happiness, for me, includes being able to invite friends over without having them pawed and jumped on. On the other hand, when she recently stretched out on the dining room table to sunbathe, I was both amused and happy. Trinket, my mother’s Doberman, counter-surfs with gay abandonment. When my mother offers only a mild, “No,” I know in my heart it’s only for my benefit. My mother forgives Trinket the stolen bagel because Trinket makes her happy and the bagel was mine.

By the way, I know I’m writing to the reasonable dog owner or perhaps even the reasonable “dog person.”  I know you are not going to comment, “Well, it makes me happy to fight dogs, so are you saying I should go ahead and do it?” or “It makes me happy to let my dog run free down busy streets, so he can fully experience who he is.” or “It makes me happy to let my dog outside to bark at midnight.” If you think this is what I’m writing about, I will have to doubt that you have the common sense to happily own a dog. 

A pup’s greatest pleasure is to make you happy.  What could be better than having a happy owner? Go ahead and let your happiness wag the tail of the dog, and if I’m wrong, you can always work it out with your dog communicator. 

Pats for your pups!

Katybeth

Katybeth is a professional pet spoiler, living in the Chicagoland area, running her own business, Camp-Run-A-Pup. Camp Run-A-Pup spoils other people’s pups, and they do it really well. Katybeth lives with and loves three dogs of her own, Rascal, a Parson’s Terrier (AKC recognizers her as a Parson’s; you might recognize her as a Jack Russell), Skippy, a Schipperke with a personality disorder, and Scooby, a beagle that might belong to a neighbor. Katybeth’s newest family star is Soquel’s Last Souvenire, or as they like to call her, Trinket, a show-stopping Doberman pup. Katybeth co-owns Trinket with her mom because she likes being on the winning side of the dog show arena and wanted the rights to tell the real unabridged stories of the oddities of dog showing. the movie Dog Show did not even come close to telling. Katybeth also enjoys writing her blog — My Odd Family. Dogs, dog people, dog shows and owning a dog business combined with hearth, home and family never leaves her at a loss for material to write about.

Katybeth Jensen,PPS
Professional Pet Spoiler
http://www.camprunapup.com/
http://www.deerantlersforpups.com/
http://myoddfamily.com/