Traveling with your Pups by Car.

In about two weeks my furry children and me are hitting the road for two LONG days in the car as we are relocating to another state.  They love to go "bye-bye" car but I am still feeling a little unsure of how to keep them occupied for 24 hours worth of drive time.  As a result I did what I normally do when I want to know something - I Google it on the Internet to see what information I can find.  I thought I would impart some of my newfound wisdom for all of you as I am not the first person who took their dog on the road.

According to About.com traveling with your dog by car is the most successful way.  If they go places with you often they already have a positive association with the car.  However, if your dog only gets car rides when going to the vet then it is possible their association with the car will not be a positive one.  If this is the case make an effort to do short trips around the block prior to the trip.  If they go on short fun trips every day their anxiety level will decrease over time.

One thing I always try to do with my dogs when I know I am taking them somewhere unfamiliar is to know where there are dog friendly places in that area.  Before I leave I plan to research off leash dog parks near the freeway so I can ensure a place where they can get out and stretch their legs.  My SUV is always stocked with a water dish and a gallon of drinking water for them. It is so much easier to have on hand then depending on being able to find it in a bind.  The only other thing I plan to have on hand are new bones for each of them.  Nothing like a brand new bone to capture their interest for a few hours at least.

Personally I am not a fan of medicating my dogs unless I truly felt it was necessary.  I do imagine that some of you have a very high strung dog and it may be unavoidable.  Obviously that is something you would need to determine with your vet.  Other than that it sounds like they will be as bored as I will, however given their love for going "bye-bye" in the car the over all ride will be a success.  Check back in a few weeks.  Hopefully I will have a follow up story that includes minimal drama.

What is it about Puppy Love?

As we are headed into a month that is centered on "falling in love" it makes you wonder what it is that pulls on your heartstrings.  What it is that hooks each of us into years of shedding, drool, vet bills and sloppy kisses?  

Each one of my dogs over the years has taught me the value of true love in its rawest form.  Puppies have peed on me, thrown up on me when sick and I have spent a dollar amount I wouldn't disclose even if I had all the numbers added up in one column.  What drew me in each time to making the decision to bring that little fur ball home?  It doesn't help that they look like every stuffed animals I owned as a child.  I was a HUGE stuffed animal aficionado.  I guess I should have always seen the love for dogs forthcoming in my adult life.  

I guess I have to say that for me it is the look in their eyes and their personality.  Some of the strongest reactions I have experienced in life have been to animals in need.  If I am being honest though, when I am snuggling with one of my pups, I sometimes wonder who needs each other more? It comes from the deepest place in my heart and sometimes even in my stomach.  They can toss give you a look that will stop you dead in your tracks, not to mention the smell of puppy breath and their unconditional love is unmatched. 

Animals Using Natural Abilities to Save Humans

Often times we may see a dog out and about, fetching a ball at the park or being walked by their owner, without truly appreciating the gifts that nature bestowed upon on them and considered how they could change a human life.  Many people know that dogs can track the scent of another animal, or have heard stories of a dog that reacted to an earthquake prior to their owner feeling anything.  Did you know that a dogs sense of smell is 50 to 100 times greater than that of a humans?  Knowing that, can you conceive of the possibilities if one took the time to harness and train that sense what it could do to save a human life?  Here are some stories of people who have and the lives they have changed.


Dogabetics is a program that was created by Ron Pace, owner of Canyon Crest K-9 Training Center in Tacoma, WA, for the soul purpose of training dogs to be Diabetic Alert Dogs.  This means they are trained to detect the change in blood sugar levels in a diabetic child or adult.  “You can teach a dog to smell the difference between Pepsi and Coke,” says Pace. “When you’re teaching a dog to use its nose, it just depends on what you want it to find.”  Currently, Pace has a staff of volunteers that are currently working with 100 teams (owner/dog) to train the dogs to detect a change in their blood sugar levels and notify the owner in a way that helps him/her know they need to check themselves and take the necessary steps to get back within normal range.

For more information about Canyon Crest K-9 Training Center or the Dogabetics program please contact www.dogabetics.com or (253) 926-9200.  

Paws With A Cause is another program that trains service dogs to dial 911 when their owner is having a seizure.  Now the dog doesn't literally dial 911, however they are trained to remove the receiver of the phone and when they do this their teeth inevitably holds down the button that will speed dial 911.  Once they hear the operator the dog will whimper as if in distress or bark continuously into the receiver until help arrives.  Many people suffer from epileptic or grand maul seizure that can be life threatening. Imagine the freedom it gives people with these disabilities to live independently and without fear.

For more information about Paws With A Cause please contact www.pawswithacause.org or call (800) 253-7297.

Both of these organizations need dogs donated to them in order to give people with special needs a companion that will impact their lives forever.  In the future if you know someone that is able to donate a 6-18 month old dog (particularly a Labrador) please use the contact information above for each organization.  The key is finding a dog with the right temperament to bond with the owner, be adept to the training and able to withstand any environment (planes, escalators, concerts, etc.).  If you find yourself wanting to make a tax deductible donation in 2011 contact either of these programs to make the difference in the life of both a dog and a human.
 

Love at First Sight

It was early morning on August 18, 1993.  It was my senior year in college and I have no idea why I was up so early - other than fate.  I was watching the local news station and they had "The Feature Dog of the Week" coming up.  Expecting an average adult dog to come on the screen I melted off my chair when Barkley was passed off to the news anchor from the shelter representative.  He wasn't an adult either.  He was this little round ball of reddish fur and probably only 6-8 weeks old.  He was found roaming the streets of west Phoenix by himself.  I took one look at my Mom who conceded instantly, as even she knew I had to have him.

I went from half asleep on the chair watching the news to in the shower and on my way to the Rabies Control Shelter in Phoenix.  When I arrived I was taken to the kennel run in which he was curled up in the corner sound asleep.  He didn't even wake up when I picked him up.  He just stayed sound asleep cuddle into my chest.  I told the shelter representative I wanted to adopt him.  She made me put him in the kennel until I was done with the paperwork.

At the front desk I was told the adoption fee was $40.  Opening my wallet I had $37 on me in cash, no credit card and they didn't accept checks.  I did however have an ATM card, but now more people were showing up to see him.  He was a TV star after all.  I asked the shelter folks if they could hold him with my $37 while I ran to the ATM and she said no.  Floored by her response and in a panic I turned to the people behind me and begged them not to adopt him while I going to the ATM.  They said I had 30 minutes.  I found an ATM and withdrew $20 headed back to the shelter with time to spare.  When I returned the people waiting to adopt him told me I seemed to excited about him and it was obvious we were meant to be together.  I filled out the remaining paperwork and then off the kennel runs to pick him up and take him home.

We went straight to Petsmart to pick out a collar and other necessities.  Standing in line waiting to check out and customer in front of me turned around and said, "I just saw a puppy that looked like that on TV this morning."  I told her he was one in the same and she said she asked her husband if he thought those dogs ever got adopted.  Then she asked me his name.  I had tossing some ideas around in the car but without hesitation I said, "His name is Barkley."