Category Archives: Dogs

A few weeks back, Oak Lawn opened its very first dog park. Obviously, Frasier and I attended, and despite some questionable policies, I think I can safely say there will be many visits in the future. There’s plenty of open grass space to roam around in, a water fountain for both the dogs and the humans, plenty of seating, free poop bags, and of course it’s all completely fenced in.

There are plenty of these statues situated around the park (notice Frasier creeping in the back)

But the best part? Watching all of the dogs interact with one another. So far, each time we’ve gone, every dog (and most of the people too) have been friendly and polite. And even though Frasier chooses to ignore the other dogs in favor of exploring on his own, while peeing over every square inch of the place, it’s still a good time for all.

Yes, those hydrants are purely decorative. Yes, Frasier peed on all of them.

Yesterday afternoon as I was pulling out of the parking lot at work, I spotted two tiny gray pit bull puppies, and couldn’t help myself from ogling their tiny, wiggling bodies bounding down the sidewalk. When I decided to roll down my window and admire them some more, which in retrospect could have been slightly dangerous given the decidedly thug-ish men who seemed to be the puppies’ owners (sorry I’m not sorry for stereotyping), I couldn’t help but think they would make the perfect friends for Frasier.

And then one of the owners offered the pups to me for $100 a piece.

For a split second I considered it, knowing that the aforementioned thug-like men were probably going to sell the little pooches anyways, effectively making them doggie slaves in the evil world of dog fighting. Again, sorry I’m not sorry for stereotyping; it’s your fault, Michael Vick. Either way, I hope the little guys end up in a good home.

[image courtesy of getty images]

Earlier this evening, I caught up with my friend Hanna who is currently living and teaching in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, she recently found out that her family dog–Jedi–who is back home in the States, has cancer.

I can’t imagine finding out that Frasier or Ginger has cancer, and even worse, being so far from home when your best furry friend is in so much pain. There’s nothing like coming home to a smiling, furry face who is so elated and full of joy just because you decided to walk through the door. If you don’t own a dog, well, you’re just missing out; this one for the dogs.

Keep Hanna and her pup in your thoughts. xx

With the weather finally starting to warm up a little in the Midwest (expected temperatures in the 30s this weekend notwithstanding), all I want to do is stay outside for as long as possible with my dog, Frasier. After the brutal winter we had this year, it’s almost like I’ve forgotten what the sun actually feels like.

For all you dog lovers out there, consider these tips from the ASPCA about how to make the most of your walk. A few of my favorite tips:

*Mix it up! Try taking your dog to new places. He’ll love experiencing the new sights, smells and sounds at a novel location.
*Choose fabulous destinations. If possible, walk to fun places, like friends’ houses or the dog park.
*Walk with buddies. If your dog likes other dogs, consider group walks. You can either borrow a friend’s dog to accompany you, or invite family and friends who have dogs to meet you somewhere.

If you’re feeling extra inspired by the warm weather, you may also want to consider offering a donation to this little guy, Braveheart.

Braveheart

Braveheart was found in a trash bin in Kentucky, and eventually found his way to One Starfish Rehoming Connections in Columbus, Wis. Due to his severe injuries (worm infections and mange) he ended up in the critical care unit of UW Veterinary Care.

Unfortunately, Braveheart’s care is expensive and One Starfish can use all the help they can get. Click here to learn more about Braveheart on Petfinder. And click here to help Braveheart through Facebook and receive updates on his condition. Help give Braveheart some spring in his step!!

[image via Petfinder]

On Saturday, I attended a pet nutrition talk sponsored by the Dane County Humane Society and presented by Michelle Longeran, pet nutrition specialist and owner of Tabby & Jack’s Pet Supplies and Grooming (locations in both Madison and Fitchburg).

While I do not consider myself a pet nutrition expert by any means, I was fairly surprised (and maybe a little skeptical) when Lonergan told the crowd that the majority of all dog foods sold at your standard grocery store are considered unhealthy.

The pet food manufacturing industry is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Center of Veterinary Medicine, but according to Longeran, regulations are often poorly monitored and very lax. Instead, Longeran offered her own tips for giving your pet the best diet possible. Here are a few:

-To easily analyze the main ingredients of your pet’s food, first identify the fat and all other ingredients listed prior.
-Once you’ve looked at the main ingredients, determine which one is the most prevalent. If a fresh meat is given as a main ingredient, be sure that the following ingredient is a specific meat meal and not a grain. If a grain is listed after the fresh meat, the grain likely weighs more than the meat.
-Avoid corn, wheat and soy because these are considered the top three allergens for dogs and cats. With many dog foods, these ingredients are often listed first, which means they could be the most prevalent ingredient in the food.
-Do not look for supplements in your pet’s food to treat one specific issue. Instead, consider adding the supplement directly to the food yourself.

Popular Supplements
Kelp: natural anti-inflammatory
Salmon Oil: omega 3 & 6 for keeping the skin and coat healthy
Probiotic/Enzymes: helps break down the food, improves the immune system

For Longeran, the best diet to feed to your pet is a fresh diet made up of raw meat, bones and vegetables because it closely mimics what a dog or cat’s ancestors would have eaten in the wild.

If you do opt to feed your pet a raw diet, it’s important that the diet is balanced with other vitamins, minerals, calcium and amino acids. One way to do this could be a diet consisting of 1/2 raw ingredients and 1/2 kibble. Two kibbles that pass Longeran’s test are American Natural Premium and Canidae.

If you’re not completely sold on a raw diet or are thoroughly confused on the proper diet for your pet (like me), consult your veterinarian.

Keeping your pet happy and healthy is a full-time job.