“Puppies are the most trusting and joyous creatures on the planet. Oh, to be more like a puppy.”
~ Colleen Paige {founder of National Puppy Day}
Magical is synonymous with extraordinary, miraculous, magnetic, clairvoyant, uncanny and wonderful, and each of these words describes the incredible dog.
Five ways to keep your pup happy and healthy, even when times get “ruff”: Inspired by Claudia and Mac
At just over a year old, Mac is an adorable Toy Maltese who loves people, playtime and pulling apart his toys. In his free-time he likes to snuggle and play fetch with tiny tennis balls. On top of that, he will always appreciate a carrot when it’s time for a treat!
By Anjali
Image via Puppy Toob
Thinking of taking your fur baby on a vacation or extended road trip with you? Being on the road with Holly Elizabeth has made me realize it can be the most fun thing in the world to take your best friend everywhere you go — but it’s also not without its stress. So often, I see people toting around their dogs like they are accessories — and not realizing, or not paying attention to, the fact that dogs are pack animals, that value a strong leader, and also have needs and wants of their own.
Although I’ve obviously mentioned Holly Elizabeth several times on this blog and my YouTube channel, I’m not sure I’ve ever told you guys a lot about her! She’s a lab mix (mixed with what, no vet has ever been sure, the current guess is lab mixed with ridge-back), she’ll be approximately six years old in January, and she has liver disease. Because of her liver issues, she takes five pills a day and needs to stay on a fairly regimented food schedule. She was also likely abused before my adoption of her and therefore is very skittish and nervous (although much less so than when I adopted her five years ago).
Having a puppy with specific needs like that means I have to take even more care to make sure she’s comfy and happy when we’re traveling! Below are a few tips I’ve learned that can help the next time you are thinking of taking your fur baby on vacation with you!
1. Get a thorough vet check-up before you depart.
Before I headed out for this long adventure, I went to see my doctor and got some blood work to make sure all was well. It’s the same for the puppy! Before you take an animal on a trip with you, make sure they get thoroughly checked out by their vet to ensure they are healthy, happy, and nothing is amiss. Holly had her own blood work done to check her liver values before we left, as well as a physical to make sure she was in top puppy shape. If your pet is unhealthy or sick in any way, it is not a good idea to force them to travel, so make sure everything is A-okay before you leave.
2. Don’t go anywhere — ANYWHERE — without water and a travel bowl.
Holly and I are currently driving through the States, so we have the luxury of always having water and a pop-up travel bowl (this is our fave). Even when we go abroad, though, I am bringing two extra collapsible water bottles (and these are my favorite) to carry in my backpack, and I plan to always have her bowls on me. Hydration is immensely important for dogs, especially in unfamiliar or hot environments, so make sure you never, ever, ever leave your house without plenty of water for your pup, as well as a good travel bowl.
3.Bring a favorite puppy toy (or blanket or another familiar item).
Holly has a monkey toy that’s old and raggedy (and completely disgusting!) that she’s had since almost the day I adopted her. That monkey toy came with us from New York, moved to my parent's house, then moved to Orlando, and now, is on the road with us. Holly has had several toys over the years, but the monkey always seemed to be her favorite — so, I brought it on our journey. Dogs, just like people, value familiarity to some extent and it can be rough for them if they are thrown into a totally new environment with nothing they know except you. Make some space in your bag for at least one item that’ll give your pup some comfort.
4. Always have their collar and ID tag on.
When Holly and I had our own apartment, I would put her collar with her tags on when we went outside, but let her walk around free from it when we were inside. Not on the road, however — now, Holly wears her collar and tags everywhere. Since the environments and situations are unfamiliar to both her and me, I’m never quite sure who we are going to meet or where we are going to be. I’d rather be safe than sorry (despite the fact that I’m a helicopter parent and watch her like a hawk!) so I always make sure she has her collar, tags with appropriate vaccinations, and identifying and contact information for me on her.
5. Travel with a puppy-friendly first aid kit.
We know that it’s a good idea to travel with a person-friendly first aid kit, but did you know there are extra things you can put it in to make sure you are safe with puppy? For example, hydrogen peroxide is often given to dogs in small doses when they swallow something toxic to get them to throw up. I’ve had to use it in a few situations with not only Holly but with other dogs (like when one of my ex’s dogs ate several tablespoons of ground coffee out of the trash can!). It’s good to have with you in a pinch to make sure puppy stays healthy!
All in all, I would definitely recommend traveling with your fur baby — especially if you decide to do an extended trip or a big life change like Holly and I. It’s important to make sure you have all the tools for your fur baby to stay happy and healthy and comfy — and if you do, you’ll both enjoy the ride!
I am a cat person. Of course, not in the way that I don’t like dogs, because I LOVE dogs, but in the way that cats might need a special kind of person to really understand them: someone who is a little more patient with mood swings and knows how to be gentle, someone who likes to cuddle during cat naps but also totally understands when you need some alone time. Admittedly, yes, I am that person. I love all cats, and if they don’t want to be my friend when I meet them, I’d just about die trying to change their mind.
I’ve grown up with cats, me and my sister getting our first baby kittens when I was just about five years old. When we first went to pick out our little kittens I thought there could never be a better feeling in the world than holding such an innocent ball of fluffy love. How could anything be so cute? But this was only the beginning.
Years later, sadly after the passing of my first cat, I decided it was time to move on. In her honor, I decided that I was going to save a life. I knew that there were (and still are) millions of poor, traumatized, forgotten kitties, sitting in shelters just waiting for the right person to pick them up and take them home. So, when the time finally came that I was ready for a new friend to enter my life, I drove down to a local shelter.
I must have entered somewhat skeptically, not knowing what to expect and not ready for the massive array of homeless animals I was about to encounter. I must admit that the effect is overwhelming, seeing so many beautiful pets with endless love in their eyes. It seems impossible not to take each and every one of them home! But as I make my way around the shelter, my eyes fall on a gorgeous Himalayan cat. He’s young, about a year old, long hair swirled in a beautiful mix of light and dark grey, and the most piercing blue eyes I’d ever seen. The moment I saw him, I knew.
When I made it clear to the shelter’s staff that I was interested, they let me take him out and hold him. Now, to be honest, he was terrified. He did not take to me immediately, seeming skittish and clearly uncomfortable with human contact. When holding him I could feel he was shaking through his dirty, matted hair and when I felt his ribs through his stomach, I could tell he wasn’t eating correctly. But rather than let these somber elements deter me from my path, I told myself that this little guy was in need… in need of a safe home, a loving family and a best friend. I wanted more than anything in the world to be that person for him.
So, I proceeded to signing the papers. They hand off his information to me, making sure I’m going to keep him up to date with shots and vet visits, all before putting him in a small carrier case to take home. As I stepped out of the shelter that day, my heart was soaring. The sky would have been blue to me even if a hurricane was brewing. I happily drove home with my new buddy, blood jumping, ecstatic about being able to introduce him to his new home.
Hours later, I found myself laying on my living room floor, still waiting for poor, scared Aspen to come out of his box. He must have been traumatized at his past home, I thought to myself. I’ve got to do something to make this easier! So I brought the box up to my room, a sort of safe haven, and just started talking to him. I wanted him to know my voice and know that I was there to help him, love him and protect him from outside evils. When he finally came out, he sat in my lap for hours, just taking in the fresh dose of love he was being offered, only running under my bed when I had to leave him.
The process continued as such for about a month: me laying on the floor with him, occasionally kicking over the food and water bowls across the floor, startling him to the point where he would retreat back under the bed, and I would sit and wait for our next encounter. Although, little by little, we were making progress. I brushed the mats out of his hair and cleaned him, he started gaining weight and becoming more comfortable with me.
Then suddenly one day, I came home to find Aspen exploring the downstairs living room, sniffing the pillows, picking out the comfiest spots to enjoy his nap time. When I looked at him, shocked and surprised, he merely cocked his head at me, as if to say “What? I’ve belonged here all along, haven’t I?”
Ever since that day, Aspen has not only been my best friend, but a friend to all that approach him. He loves people and being played with. He never bites, scratches or rejects the love he is offered. He is happy and playful, patient and even caring! He will sit by my side on the darkest of days, comforting me with his cuddly aptitude and wide eyes.
I can’t imagine what my life would be like had I not gone to the shelter that day. I am proud to say that I was able to take on the responsibility of changing Aspen’s life, and he has more than courteously returned the favor.
For many families, the first thirty days of October are merely a countdown to the big event… Halloween of course!! The thrill of October comes with a mix of ghosts and ghouls, spiders and scary movies, tricks, and treats of the like until it finally comes down to the big day. People of all ages enjoy preparing with pumpkin carvings, spunky decorations and putting together elaborate costumes.
“Today is the day!” you wake up thinking, as a big warm stretch begins your day. The sun is shining, the grass is green — ah — a beautiful day for adoption! You are ready and committed to finding your perfect pooch. Or at least you think you are… It couldn’t be that hard, right?
You don’t realize until you’re making your way back home from the shelter, with a happy puppy slobbering all over the passenger seat, that you’re not sure where to begin! Well, have, no fear. It is common for people to feel frozen after following through the adoption process. Once the waiting is over, what are the first steps to giving pups a happy and healthy home?
Luckily, there are many easy ways to ensure that your new ball of sunshine will stay safe and comfortable at their new home while keeping you sane throughout the beginning stages. To help you get started, here are a couple tips on what to do within the first 30 days.
There are a few steps that should probably be taken even before you bring a new dog into your home. These include: knowing where your dog will be spending most of its time, dog-proofing the area and pre-planning training techniques.
Even older dogs in a new atmosphere may be prone to accidents, so — young or old — it may be a good idea to start your pup set up in the kitchen. That way, cleanups remain easy and in a concentrated area.
On to dog proofing! You will want to remove loose cables, shoes, things low to the ground that can be easily chewed or swallowed, as well as chemical cleaners that may be dangerous. Some people believe in setting up baby gates to teach their dogs to stay out of off-limits areas.
Training your new friend can sometimes be a challenge, but with a little bit of pre-planning, the task may not loom so large. It is helpful to know specific commands that will be used consistently throughout the training — for example: sit, stay, come, good, bad, etc. For the most part, these are just simple terms that the dog should become accustomed to over time. Just remember to be patient.
Once you’ve prepared your home, it’s time for the exciting part! Picking up your puppy will be without-a-doubt a stimulating experience, and it’s all in good fun, as long as you remember that this is a new experience for them too. There are many ways to keep the first-day situation as ‘underwhelming’ as possible.
Give them the gift of time and space! It may take them a while to get used to their new surroundings and they will probably appreciate some space at first. It is best to wait to introduce a new dog to children or other strangers until they have grown comfortable with the move.
Make sure you are stocked with the same food your dog was eating at the shelter. Keeping a regular diet is important! If you do happen to want to switch brands, do it over a week’s time, adding a little more each day.
After allowing some time to settle, direct your doggie to their new designated restroom area.
It will be helpful in the long run if the dog marks this territory from the get-go, so that in the future, even if accidents do happen, you can go back to this “bathroom area” and they are more likely to recognize what they should have gone there to do.
Even in this first day, it is important to get started on a sort of daily routine. You can implement regular bathroom breaks, feeding times, daily walks and most importantly…playtime! Training should be mixed in with playtime, but you will probably need to set aside a short time for just training as well. Make sure to reward them for good behavior! They’ll appreciate the gesture just as much as you’ll appreciate their progress.
A final thought on the matter, if you are crate training your dog, make sure there is a space set up for them. This should be their safe zone! Keep it open and available at all times.
In the next few weeks following the adoption, you will work on creating that special bond with your dog. The connection should come in no time! Dogs are incredibly loving creatures, and they want nothing more than to make YOU happy, so do the same for them.
Stick to your original schedule for meals, walks, and so on. It will help you keep track of the time you’re spending with your dog and making sure they are getting the attention they need!
Don’t be afraid to plan visits to the vet, in fact, it is encouraged! Every dog needs certain shots and vaccinations to keep them healthy, as well as distanced from pests like ticks or fleas. So, when in doubt… Check it out.
Group training classes are often very helpful when working towards behavioral goals with your new dog so it can be a very good idea to sign up. Just make sure that your dog stays happy and active the whole time, rather than being bullied by another dog, or even worse — the bullier itself.
Finally, keep in touch with a trainer. If your dog is having any behavioral issues, this would be the person to ask. They probably have some great tips for developing personal relationships too!
It is one thing to bring a pet home from a shelter, but there is an even more important layout behind providing a happy home for any animal. It doesn’t take much to give them the love and support they deserve. With these steps, anyone can be a first class pet owner in no time.
“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.” – James Herriot
For pet owners all over the world, the words of James Herriot ring inevitably true. It is often hard to find a human to match the ultimate love and loyalty of your furry friends, solely because of their simplistic and unconditional efforts to always be there for you. Not to say that there aren’t plenty of fantastic human beings out there, it is just that we have developed this special relationship with our pets: a pure bond that can somehow silence all evil. Dogs aren’t labeled as mans best friend for nothing!
But how did this happen? What is it that makes us connect with pets so brilliantly? Why do they make us so happy?
Well… it is no secret that having a pet is a significant source of emotional support. This applies to the majority of what we would call “everyday” people, as well as those with serious mental health disorders. Our animals can be just as close to our hearts as those family members or friends that we love most. Having a support system through a pet can make a big change in anyone’s life, considering that you will have someone always by your side, someone who can brighten your day even in the darkest of times.
Psychologists at the University of Miami and Saint Louis University conducted a couple of studies in which strong results were found that favored pet owners as generally happier and healthier people. Researchers concluded that, based on survey data, being a pet owner can be a huge upgrade to one’s quality of life. “Specifically, pet owners had greater self-esteem, were more physically fit, tended to be less lonely, were more conscientious, were more extroverted, tended to be less fearful and tended to be less preoccupied than non-owners,” said lead researcher Allen R. McConnell, PhD, of Miami University in Ohio. I believe most people would attest to this result, claiming that their pets have made them stronger people overall, with more genuine qualities and a brighter outlook on daily life. (This study was published online by the American Psychological Association and reported in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.)
In a second section of their study, they surveyed a large group of undergraduates to find that having a pet can help many young owners feel exceptionally less downtrodden after being faced with rejection. “The present work presents considerable evidence that pets benefit the lives of their owners, both psychologically and physically, by serving as an important source of social support,” the researchers wrote.
Furthermore, animal to human contact can be especially helpful for college students. It is becoming more popular for colleges and universities to bring in therapy dogs for their students to interact with when it comes time to take finals at the end of the semester. According to the National Center for Health Research, in a 2002 study, researchers found a correlation between a student’s test performance and having a pet in the room, based on lowered heart rates and blood pressure. “These findings indicated that having a dog or cat lowered the risk of heart disease, as well as lowering stress so that performance improved,” they concluded. To think that merely a supporting pet in the student’s testing area can drastically affect their ability to test well is…incredible! This idea even goes further than college students. Children of all ages have shown to have a decrease in anxiety when in contact with their pets.
The National Institute of Health seems to be in agreement that pet interaction has a multitude of beneficial effects, considerably in therapy situations for those with any range of mental disorder. “Banks and Banks (2002, 2005) showed in two controlled studies with patients in long-term care facilities that animal visitation programs reduced feelings of loneliness,” they concluded, as recorded online with the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). They continue to show findings that pet therapy has been able to reduce depression rates in animal therapy patients and improve mood balances for children and adults alike. “Children with psychiatric disorders showed better intra-emotional balance after only a single therapy session with a dog (Prothmann et al.,2006).” In summary, their list of positive outcomes for animal contact, to people with and without mental or medical conditions, is enticing and overwhelming in the best way possible. The list includes: “improvement of social attention, behavior, interpersonal interaction, and mood; reduction of self-reported fear and anxiety; reduced aggression; improved learning…” and more.
As innumerable new studies are executed, supporting the results that all people can benefit from having a pet of their own, I would expect that society itself would be in favor of the increased level of happiness, comfort and compatibility between each other. Who knew that it was our pets all along that help make the world go round? So why wait… become a part of the movement today!
#petadoption #opttoadopt
