Pet Tales

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for...Frozen Chicken Treats?

2009-06-10T20:13:36Z

Cold, tasty treats for your favorite fido.

By Beth J. Bates

Everyone loves chilly, tasty treats during the summer time. I'm not a big ice cream eater, but I do love it in the summer. You know who also loves cold treats? Your dog! Yes, it's true. On hot summer days, your dog would enjoy a frozen goodie just as much as you! Here are a few super easy recipes to make your dog's summer delicious!

]]> Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Treats

Ingredients
1 32oz. container of vanilla yogurt
1 cup of peanut butter

Directions
1. Put the peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and microwave until melted.
2. Mix the yogurt and the melted peanut butter in a bowl.
3. Pour mixture into cupcake papers and freeze.

Kickin' Chicken Freeze

Ingredients
2 cubes beef or chicken bouillon
chicken pieces
2 cups water

Directions
1. Dissolve the bouillon in the water.
2. Spoon some bouillon into an ice cube tray and put some chicken pieces in it.
3. Repeat until bouillon is used up.
4. Freeze for about 12 hours

Frozen Fruit "Pupsicles"

Ingredients
Pieces of various fruit
Fruit juice
Low fat yogurt
Honey
Cinnamon

Directions
1. Place any fruit your dog enjoys in a blender.
2. Add some unsweetened juice.
3. Add a little low fat yogurt for thickening.
4. Add honey for sweetening.
5. Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
6. Puree until well blended and smooth.
7. Freeze ice cube trays and serve.

See easy as pie to make and your dog will thank you for it! Enjoy your summer!

One Final Bark from Beth & the Bates Zoo

2009-06-10T19:26:52Z

Bidding you a fond farewell. It's been a howling good time!

By Beth J. Bates

Well, all good things must come to an end. It's time for the Pet Tales blog to hang up the leash. I've had a fantastic time sharing my insight, tips and stories about my favorite animals in the world - dogs. I hope that Pet Tales has inspired you to potentially start your own blog about your pets or has at least made you think about how important pets are in our lives.

]]>
While the Pet Tales blog is leaving WeTV.com, my writings will live on in a variety of different places. You can continue to read about my dog's exploits as well as get great pet product reviews at DoggieMayhem.com. I will also continue to blog about social media and blogging at my personal blog - BethJBates.com (aka Good Works Grapevine). And, please feel free to follow me on Twitter for daily musings about life, pets and social media.

Of course, you can see what we are doing to help homeless dogs at GoodDogz.org. Remember that your help is needed to care for and re-home homeless dogs in your area so please support your local shelter or humane society.

Many thanks to the folks at WETV.com for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts, stories and advice with you all and I wish each and every one of you the best in the future! Give your dogs a hug for me!

Beth.....out.

It's a Cool, Cool Summer

2009-06-04T02:31:04Z

Keeping your dog cool during the hot summer months.

By Beth J. Bates

Panting dogs. That's what I see when I look out my window into my yard. Big pink tongues wagging in the sun. My dogs, George and Rocky, love to be outside. We don't let them overheat and often bring them into the air conditioning to cool down, but they do love the outdoors. So I've been looking for new ways to keep them cool when they are outside on a warm day.

]]> huge, self-filling water bowl. This bowl is large enough for several dogs to use and is heavy when full of water. George can't dump it, pick it up and walk around with it. It holds 15 gallons of water, hooks to the hose and refills itself to the desired level. The dogs like it and we like it even more.

I like to give them a good spray down with the hose to cool them off. George loves it. Rocky runs away and hides. But when I can spray them both, it cools them down pretty considerably.

We are toying with the idea of getting them a kiddie pool to play in. Be sure to keep your kiddie pool in the shade to keep the water from heating up and change the water often to prevent bugs from breeding in it. Be sure that little dogs can easily get out of the pool and always supervise your dogs during pool playtime.

Try soaking a bandana in water and freezing it. When your dog heats up on his walk, cool him off with a frosty bandana.

Be sure that your dogs have plenty of shade when they are outside. Even if your yard is naturally shady, be sure that they have some sort of permanent shade to get out of the sun.

Nothing is better on a hot day than a tasty cold treat! Frosty Paws frozen treats are a great way to reward your dog and cool him down. Keep an eye on him when he eats it as some dogs will consume the treat AND the cardboard cup. Frosty Paws can be purchased at most grocery stores in the ice cream aisle.

There are also a few things to remember to keep your dog safe:

When walking your dog, remember that the pavement is hot. It can damage his paws.
Some pug-nosed breeds like Pugs and Boston Terriers can have breathing issues during hot months. Be sure to keep them properly cooled down.
NEVER leave your dog in a hot car, even with the windows cracked. Cars can heat up to 120 degrees within 10 minutes. If you can't take your dog inside, please leave him at home.
If you have a swimming pool, be sure to always supervise your dog while he is in the pool. Consider adding a life jacket to your dog's pool wear to be extra safe.

With a little ingenuity, safety and common sense, your dog can have fun and stay cool all summer long!

Photo used with permission from PKMousie under the Creative Commons license.

High Anxiety (Thunderstorm Phobia)

2009-06-04T00:55:43Z

Soothing your dog's anxiety during a thunderstorm.

By Beth J. Bates

Lately, here in the mountains of Virginia, we've had several pretty severe thunderstorms. Luckily our dogs (all five of them) don't seem to have any problems with thunder and lightning. When I was a kid, my aunt's dog had a fear of loud noises so severe that she had to sedate the dog during thunderstorms and fireworks. I used to think that there was little you could do for a dog that was afraid of storms, but I've come to find that there are a few tips to help him feel a little less anxious.

]]>

Panting
Chewing
Hiding
Pacing
Barking

My Chow, Sushi, used to just whimper, shiver and shake. I felt pretty helpless and wished that I could do more to calm her nerves.

Here are a few tips that will help make thunderstorms more tolerable and less scary for your favorite pooch.

Some dogs look for a safe place during a storm like a closet or under a bed. Make your dog's safe space more pleasant by putting toys or his bed in that spot. It will help him feel more at ease during the storm. Allow your dog to come and go freely from this space. This may help your dog to be less stressed during a storm.
Turn on soothing music. Sometimes soft, calming sounds will help your dog feel less anxious.
Give your dog some, but don't overdue it as you don't want your dog to act out during a storm just to get your attention.
Never scold your dog for reacting to a thunderstorm.
Be sure that you and those around you remain calm. Your dog feeds from your emotions so if you freak out, he'll freak out.

By keeping calm and giving your dog a safe place to retreat to, eventually he will be less stressed about storms and will learn to cope with the loud noises.

Here are a few more helpful resources for coping with thunderstorm anxiety:

How Do You Calm Dogs During Thunderstorms?
Storm Defender Anxiety Wrap
Dog Care: Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia

How do you help your dog cope with loud noises and thunderstorms?

Mutts It To Ya?

2009-05-04T20:20:36Z

Muttigrees.org gives a shout out to your mixed breed dog.

By Beth J. Bates

I love a mutt. I have two purebreds and two mixed breeds and while I love all my dogs, I do love my mutts. So much emphasis is put on purebred dogs having the proper confirmation and pedigrees that I've always wanted a group for mutts. Well, ask and ye shall receive! Enter the American mutt-i-grees Club.

]]> e registered with the American Kennel Club and it's unlikely that any breed club will have you. She's a beautiful dog with a great personality. Where do you go? The American mutt-igrees Club, of course!

Muttigrees.org was created to help change how mixed breed dogs are regarded and to showcase their wonderful characteristics and personalities. Muttigrees.org hopes to let dog seekers know that mutts in shelters have tons of love to give and can be great additions to any family. The American mutt-igrees Club also helps support animal welfare through funding from membership fees.

There are three levels of membership for mutt owners:

FREE Membership - unlimited access to www.muttigrees.org.
Pack Leader ($25/year) - same as free plus t-shirt and other goodies.
Top Dog Membership ($100/year) - same as free and Pack Leader plus dog t-shirt or hat and other goodies.

There is also an "Advocate" membership for non-mutt owners at $25/year.

Members are encouraged to sign-up as a paying member as part of the proceeds go to animal welfare organizations. Membership enables you to share information about your own mutt-i-greeas well as get discounts on travel and pet items. You can share photos and enjoy videos from celebrities like Law & Order Criminal Intent's Kathryn Erbe.

You can subscribe to their blog and also follow Mutt-i-grees Club on Twitter.

Our shelters are filled with wonderful mixed breed dogs that need a loving home just like any other dog. If you are thinking about adopting a new dog for your family, consider stopping by your local shelter or rescue organization and maybe you'll find your own loveable mutt-i-gree!

Canine Mast Cell Tumors - Not the End of the World

2009-05-04T19:30:04Z

How we are dealing with mast cell tumors and canine cancer.

By Beth J. Bates

As you may recall, back in January we adopted Hugo, a wonderful Cane Corso mastiff mix. He has become my best friend and, quite frankly, the best dog we've ever had. In late March, I noticed a large lump on Hugo's side. I didn't think anything of it since dogs can be lumpy and its usually nothing. Luckily, Hugo got an eye infection and I had to take him to the vet. Since we were there, I had the vet check the lump. In less than 3 minutes my world changed. Hugo had cancer.

]]>

Mast Cell Tumors (MCT) are very common in dogs.
The aggressiveness of the cancer depends greatly on the location of the tumor. When the tumor is in a fleshy area, its easier to remove the majority of the mass with surgery. If the tumor is internal (potentially attached to the spine or spleen) it is very difficult to remove and much more aggressive.
Some breeds are more susceptible to MCT than others.
There is no way to prevent MCT, although keeping your dog in good health is a good place to start.
The removed mass is graded in three stages. Stage 1 is the most common.:
Least aggressive. If all traces of the mass are removed, it is unlikely that it will return. Dog should be checked regularly for reocurring lumps.
Moderately aggressive. If all traces of the mass are removed, it is possible that it will return.Dog should be checked regularly for reocurring lumps. Your vet may choose to put the dog on radiation or prednisone.
Extremely aggressive. It is likely that the cancer will return and has likely entered the lymph nodes. Treatment will be required if it will help. In some cases, the cancer is untreatable.

Hugo's mass was removed and graded as Stage 2. To date, the cancer has not returned. Luckily, he loves to be touched so I give him a rub down to check for new lumps daily. At Stage 2, if the cancer were to reappear and we caught in time, the vet could treat it quickly. Our vet has opted not to put Hugo on prednisone yet since he is doing pretty well. He has shown no change in his diet, temperament or behavior.

Many well-meaning friends and colleagues have sent me a myriad information on diet and herbs for canine cancer. While I am still reviewing all the options, I would not recommend making any changes to your dog's diet or supplements without referring to your vet first.

I guess the important think to remember is that you are not alone and that LOTS of dogs get cancer. And there are many resources and support groups available.

Pet Owner's Crash Course on Canine Mast Cell Tumors
VetSurgeryCentral.com
Mastocytoma
National Canine Cancer Foundation

As we move forward with Hugo's treatment I'll be sure to keep you informed. I'll also make it a point to share any information that I have on MCT with you.

Pet First Aid is for Everyone

2009-05-04T19:00:05Z

These simple first aid tips may save your pet's life in an emergency.

By Beth J. Bates

It's happened to all of us. Our dog is hurt and our first instinct is to panic. But there are many actions that you can take at home that may solve the problem or at least make your dog comfortable until you can get to a vet. Please remember that any attempt at first aid should be followed by a vet visit for follow-up care.

]]>

My dog ingested poison or inappropriate food. If a toxic substance has gotten on your dog's skin or in his eyes, follow the instructions on the label for people exposed to the substance. If the toxin is ingested, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. Be ready to tell them the animal's species, breed, age, sex and weight. Tell them about any symptoms that your animal is exhibiting. Give them the name/description of the item ingested and how much, if you know. Try to have the container handy for reference.

My dog has a cut and is bleeding externally. Try to muzzle your dog first. The discomfort may cause him to bite. Press a clean non-stick gauze pad over the wound and apply pressure until the blog clots. Hold the pad for three minutes and then check it. If the wound is bleeding severely, apply a tourniquet (using an elastic band or gauze) between the wound and the body, and apply a bandage and pressure over the wound. Loosen the tourniquet for 20 seconds every 15-20 minutes. Get your dog to a vet immediately.

I think my dog has heatstroke. Move the dog to a shady, cool place. Place a cool or cold, wet towel around its neck and head (do not cover your dog's eyes, nose or mouth). Remove the towel, wring it out, and re-wet/re-wrap it every few minutes as you cool the dog. Pour or use a hose to keep water running over the dog's body (especially the abdomen and between the hind legs), and use your hands to massage its legs and sweep the water away as it absorbs the body heat. Get your pet to a vet immediately.

My dog ate a chicken bone. (I mention this because it happened to me today.) If the chicken bone is raw, keep an eye on your dog, but the bone(s) should digest normally. Raw chicken bones are porous and should breakdown like any other bone. Cooked chicken bones can be a problem because they are brittle and can break and splinter inside the dog's stomach and intestines. Once the bone(s) have been eaten, there is not much you can do. I gave my dog half a piece of bread (he's only 18lbs.) to help cushion the bones. Over two or three days, your dog should pass the bones so check his stool. If you notice that your dog it vomiting, drooling, has bloody stool or has become lethargic, take him to a vet immediately.

There are wonderful resources available online as well as classes nationwide for dog owners interested in being certified in pet first aid.

American Veterinary Medical Association
HealthyPet.com
American Red Cross
VeterinaryPartner.com
ThePetCenter.com

Again, I can't stress enough that even after you have applied first aid, you should seek medical assistance for follow-up care.

Dirty Dog Blues?

2009-05-04T16:21:12Z

How to keep your pup perfect during dirty summer months.

By Beth J. Bates

It seems like my dogs are dirty all of the time. They spend a lot of time outside and seem to find the muddiest parts of the yard to play. They roll in dirt and play in the rain. George, my mastiff, was covered in yellow pollen - so much that I felt compelled to hose him off.

How do I keep my dogs clean during the summer without bathing them every single day?

]]> Bark 'N Bubbles Dog Wash in Ashburn, VA. Bark 'N Bubbles makes it easy for dog owners to either bathe their own dogs in the giant, luxury dog tubs or drop them off for grooming by the expert staff. Hopefully her answers will help all of us better manage the doggie dirt this summer.

During the summer my dogs get really smelly. What can I do to help decrease the smell in between baths?

Brushing your dog daily will assist with removing loose hair which is often the cause of odor. You may want to try putting a little bit of baby powder on the brush which will help pick up the loose hair and leave a clean scent. There are also great products on the market to help freshen them up in between baths:

All Natural Pet Bath Wipes
All Natural Waterless Shampoos (similar to human mousse consistency)
All Natural Fragrant Spritz or Spray

If none of these things help you should consult your vet. There may be a health issue causing him to be so smelly.

How often should I bathe my dogs?

In the past, the generally accepted advice was that frequently bathing your dog would damage the coat or dry the skin however with the proper shampoo you can bathe without any negative results. As a general rule, it is recommended that dogs be bathed twice a month on an average, however frequency is largely dependent on the breed, coat type, size, age and activities of the dog. If your dog is itchy and scratching, that is a good sign that he needs a bath; and again, if this does not help you should consult your vet. Frequent itching and scratching could be due to allergies or diet.

Is it difficult for me to trim my dog's nails and clean his ears myself?

The ease of trimming nails and cleaning ears is completely dependent on the temperament of your dog. Some dogs do not mind having their ears and paws handled, however many do. Starting the process at a young age is a very good idea. Failure by owners to get the nails clipped can lead to pain in their paws, permanent damage and malformation. If the ears are not regularly cleaned painful ear infections can occur which could lead to greater issues. It is important for the owners to learn how to perform these functions or go to a professional if they are not sure how to do it themselves. Vets and/or groomers can give you lessons on how to improve your dogs health by having clean ears and nails of the proper length. If your dog is difficult to manage the professionals can do it for you.

There are so many shampoos, conditioners and spa products on the market. How do I know what to buy?

As a general rule, you'll want a mild cleansing shampoo designed for dogs, without harsh chemicals, perfumes or parasite control agents. Dog shampoos are formulated specifically to protect your dog's skin and fur. If you use human shampoos or soap, which are not properly pH balanced for dogs' skin and hair, or shampoos that use high levels of chemicals, you could dry the dogs skin and coat. There is also a chance your dog will be allergic to the scents that are added to human products. The shampoo that you choose should be free of soap, chemicals, perfumes or parasite control agents. It sounds strange, but shampoos that have detergents can further irritate your dog's skin. When choosing a shampoo, try to find one that conditions the skin. If you choose to have a shampoo and/or conditioner with a fragrance we suggest using an all natural or organic product.

If you are using a flea and tick shampoo or another type of medicated shampoo, then follow the directions on the bottle or the instructions given to you by your veterinarian. Sometimes, medicated shampoos have different directions for use. It's important that you follow these instructions to get your dog clean, itch free and parasite free. There are a lot of all natural and organic flea and tick shampoos on the market which may be best for dogs with sensitive skin.

Use products that are specifically designed for dogs, and are completely safe to use as often as you like; as a matter of fact, the more you use them, the better maintained your dogs coat will be.

Do you have any tips on managing excessive shedding?

Dog shedding is normal - and for some dogs they "blow" their coat seasonally. In the spring some dogs shed their winter coat. "Blowing" their coat is the natural process of a dog getting rid of the old hair and replaced by a new coat of hair. Shedding is all year round and there are some steps you can take to minimize how excessive it can get.

Regular grooming is one of the best ways to manage excessive dog shedding. Since your dog sheds why not brush your dog daily and help remove the hair?

Most dog breeds should be brushed approximately once or twice a week. Dogs with silky coats should be brushed three to four times a week to keep their coats looking their best. Regular brushing is also beneficial for stimulating blood flow.

Feeding your dog a high quality food with Omega 3 fatty acids also have a great will help keep him healthy and support in keeping his coat shiny.

Bark 'N Bubbles Dog Wash takes great pride in not only giving you the bathing and grooming tools you need to make your dog look and smell great; but the bonding experience is a plus as well. Our Jacuzzi size tubs avoid back discomfort and add ease to bathing. Many of our customers expressed they love this concept as they use to hurry through bathing their dog at home or out in their back yard. We have made it where bathing is a more pleasurable experience and they can leave the mess behind! For those busy dog owners who may not have the time to bathe their dog, we offer the service to bathe their dog for them. Bark 'N Bubbles is franchising in Virginia with a pending sale in Fairfax, Manassas and Leesburg.

Pet Lovers Gather on Twitter

2009-03-30T15:33:16Z

Stay up-to-date on animal welfare and pet issues ala Twitter.

By Beth J. Bates

For those of you who haven't caught the Twitter fever, here's the down and dirty explanation. Twitter is a microblogging tool that enables user to share information in immediate, short 140 character bursts. I think that Twitter is a valuable tool for networking with great people, keeping up on news and issues and keeping in touch with friends and family.

]]> Twitter catches on across different industries, animal welfare organizations and pet professionals are discovering the value of being a part of the Twitter conversation and are utilizing it to its fullest potential. With Twitter its easy to share your new blog posts, encourage readers to act on urgent issues or react to breaking news and show that you are active in the animal community.

I've heard that the biggest challenge with Twitter is cutting through the noise and finding quality people and conversations to follow. So, I've compiled this list of animal folks on Twitter to help you get started. And please feel free to follow me and ping me with your questions at any time! - @bethjbates

Animal Welfare
@MAGDRL
@ASPCA
@baltimorehumane
@MissionOrange
@gooddogzorg
@AnimalWelfareIC
@HumaneSociety
@okhumane
@World_Wildlife
@WWFUS
@SSPets

Pet Lovers
@RealtorsForPets
@wetnosewillys
@JohannTheDog
@PawLuxury
@dogster
@catster
@Lola_Eco_Dog
@TalkinPetsRadio
@AimeeRoo
@DogLiving
@AnimalPlanet
@y2vonne
@petsitusa
@fetchdog

Please add your favorite pet "tweeps" to the comments below so we can start building a comprehensive list!

Help! My Dog is Peeing in the House!

2009-03-30T14:49:40Z

How to work with an old dog with new issues

By Beth J. Bates

This question came directly from our own food blogger extraordinaire, Khalil Hymore, who's little terrier mix had a new problem with weeing in the new apartment. Stress as well as outside influences can sometimes cause your dog to take on new problems. Here's my take...

]]> QUESTION: I am emailing because I am having some issues with my 6 year old terrier mix (we think she is Yorkie/Cainrn terrier mix, but are uncertain since she was a rescue). My partner and I adopted her about 5 years ago from the Brooklyn pound and straight away we realized that she was house broken, because she would whine by the door when she wanted to go outside and she RARELY has accidents (almost never!).

We recently moved into a new apartment and all of a sudden she has been peeing in the house every single time we leave her alone, whether it is 20 minutes or two hours. Do you have any advice or suggestions?

ANSWER: We've had similar issues with our dogs after a move. Sometimes the stress of a move can cause dogs to exhibit behavior that has never been an issue in the past. Urinating in the house can be a problem - especially with little dogs (I have 2 Jack Russells so I feel your pain.) I would suggest crating her when you are not home. In order to get her used to the crate, you can feed her in her crate and if possible, have her sleep in her crate. Make sure that the crate is big enough for her to turn around in but small enough that she can't go to a corner of the crate to go "potty". Make sure that you take her out to go to the bathroom before you leave and as soon as you come home. Give her lots of praise when she goes potty outside.

She may also be smelling the urine of dogs that have previously lived in the apartment. You may want to consider having the carpet cleaned and then treating it with Nature's Miracle just to be safe.

It's really hard to correct behavior when you are not home, so deterring the behavior is usually your best bet.

The good news is - she's a little dog. So a crate isn't going to be a huge issue in your home. My pit mix had severe separation anxiety so we had to place a Great Dane crate in our bedroom for years. It took up half the room. It was the only size crate that we could get him to go into. But he was calm while he was in it, so we did what we had to do for our dog.

As a side note, if she starts urinating in the house when you ARE home, try tethering her to you. Buy or make a tether that is long enough so that you are not tripping over her, but short enough that she can't sneak off.

Let me know if this works or not. It's a pretty common problem (albeit a challenging one), but hopefully she will learn that in order to be out of the crate when you are not home, she has to hold it.

If you have any questions that you'd like to ask, please feel free to leave them in the comment block below and your question may appear in a future blog post!

Reston Pet Fiesta Helps Homeless Pets in Washington DC Area

2009-03-30T14:31:40Z

On May 2, the town of Reston, VA, celebrates pets and their owners.

By Beth J. Bates

On the first Saturday of May, the Reston Town Center turns into a huge party celebrating responsible pet ownership and the animals that we love so much. The Reston Pet Fiesta has become a foundation of the Northern Virginia pet community and brings animals and families together each year.

]]>
The day kicks off with the Tails on Trails dog walk. About 250 dogs and their owners take a fun stroll around the Town Center and neighboring communities. It's a great way to kick off a beautiful spring morning and you and your dog get some much needed exercise! Dog walk participants receive a t-shirt and goodie bag and can easily, securely register online. If you don't live in the metro Washington DC area and want to help homeless dogs, you can also ask friends and colleagues to pledge a few bucks to support the cause. It's easy and only take a few minutes to set-up a secure page through FirstGiving.com.

All proceeds from the event benefit GoodDogz.org and RestonDogs.

GoodDogz.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating potential dog owners on dog selection and care and supporting the efforts of rescue groups. We believe that by assisting with good dog-owner matches, we'll give each family the best opportunity for a life-long relationship with their new dog and help to keep dogs out of shelters.

RestonDogs, Inc. supports off leash dog parks in the Reston, Virginia area, promotes responsible dog ownership, and provides social activities for dog owners. We invite you to join our group to enjoy many benefits and exciting activities. We are the oldest dog park advocacy group in Fairfax County.

With overall giving down this year, nonprofits are looking for public support more than ever. If you think that you can support the Reston Pet Fiesta and homeless animals, please sign-up to help with donations above or contact GoodDogz.org for more information.

A Dalmatian Playing Flyball?

2009-03-30T14:07:40Z

Magnolia, the dalmatian, takes flyball to a new level

By Beth J. Bates

We've never had dogs that showed any interest in playing fetch, much less any kind of agility exercise. Our games generally consist of me throwing the ball and a dog snatching it and running away.

I've always thought of any kind of agility or flyball dog as a border collie or sheltie. But Whitney McKim and her dalmatian, Magnolia, are here to change that perception.

]]>

How did you get started training in flyball?

Actually we were referred to look into flyball from Magnolia's doggie daycare (Dog Day Afternoon) when she was just a pup. They'd noticed that she had the unwavering amount of energy that is so common to the breed and told me that life would be much easier if she had a "job." Shortly after that my mother and I went to the Beltway Bandits (our Flyball club) home tournament to check it out. The amount of fun insanity was almost too much to bear, but I walked out unable to quit smiling. I knew that this was just the thing for Magnolia to get into.

I typically see Border Collies or Jack Russells doing flyball. What made you decide to get Magnolia, the Dalmatian, involved?

As I mentioned before, Magnolia needed a "job." She's not a dog that can just sit at home and be content to sleep at your feet all day, occasionally lift her head and get a pat, and then return to the rug. A little black and white ball of energy, she needed to be able to get out, be active, and have a purpose in life. Also, the challenge of training a Dalmatian in flyball was too much for me to pass up! I'm not your typical dog owner; an easy dog is not for me!! I revel in being able to say that I've gone the hard road and been successful. Dalmatians are incredibly smart, and the difficulties that come in training them is exactly why they're so great at things. They're constantly thinking, working things out for themselves; that requires you to constantly stay on top of their training. If they see an "easier" way out of something they'll work the problem themselves and think they've triumphed, even if what they've done isn't in the "rules." Dals can also be incredibly independent. They're not working dogs like Border Collies and Jacks. Rather, you have to keep things interesting to keep their attention.

How is Magnolia doing in her flyball pursuits?

Here's a little known trivia fact about Magnolia: she is the 101st Dalmatian to register with NAFA (the North American Flyball Association) to play flyball!! And after 4 years in training and competition, I am proud to say that Magnolia has really blossomed in her flyball career! Magnolia's had to overcome her share of obstacles to get where she is today. First, she's a Unilateral hearing Dalmatian. She and "echoey" places don't mix, and quite a few flyball venues are full of strange echos! Being unilateral, it's difficult for her to tell where the sound is traveling from and harder for her to filter out the outside noise. Second, she's epileptic. It took some time to get her medication regulated to where she wasn't too spaced out from the anti-convulsants to focus on the game. Now we're using a combination of Western medicines, a raw diet, acupuncture, and Chinese herbs to control her seizures with minimal side effects. Also, it took quite awhile to train her to do her job, but now that she understands the game she is a rock star! She's just recently made her personal best of 4.7 seconds for the run down and back, and we're just a hair away from achieving her Flyball Master Excellent title. She's the only Dal racing on the entire East Coast of the U.S. and she's currently ranked 15th in North America. After some rocky moments (she's been known to be completely distracted by the smell of hamburger during racing) she's really found her groove in the game, knows it's a race, and is one of the most solid dogs on our team now! In 2008, Magnolia and the rest of her team won 3rd place in Multibreed Division 2 in Region 9!! I really couldn't be more proud of that little spotted wonder dog!

Why did you choose flyball over other dog agility sports?

To be completely honest, the original reason that I chose flyball over traditional agility is because all that equipment scares the beejeezus out of me! I can barely tell the difference between a tunnel and a teeter, let alone know what to do with an A-Frame!! I'm a total klutz and I could see myself tripping over my own two feet trying to keep up with Magnolia on an agility course. However, I would say that now I couldn't imagine doing another dog sport because I love the camaraderie that comes with flyball. We're really a *team* on Beltway Bandits. We all watch out for each other, help each other, and cheer each other on. I've never laughed and cried so much with a group of people as I have with the friends I've made on Beltway Bandits. It just feels awesome when you come off of the racing lanes having gotten a title or made a personal best and to have all your team mates reveling in it with you! And when things aren't going so great (i.e., Magnolia's gone running after her boyfriend the hot Cattle Dog named Saucer) the team is there to remind you that dogs will be dogs and that they'll have completely forgotten about it so long as you don't dwell on it. You can't get that from a sport where you're competing against everyone else on the field. And in flyball even the people that you're competing against are supportive. When a dog gets a big title, like an Onyx Award or a Flyball Dog Champion 70K, the whole arena erupts in applause! There's just a great spirit that comes with the game.

What advice do you have for folks wanting to get started doing flyball?

The best advice for flyball beginners? I have three jewels of advice. First, RECALL, RECALL, RECALL!! You have to have a reliable recall in the face of adversity to have a good flyball dog. So work it hard, but make it fun!!! A dog who thinks he'll get a fantastic prize is a dog that will come racing back to you no matter what he thinks is out there. A good place to get information on how to train a perfect recall is Jean Donaldson's book "The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs." The whole book is fantastic, but the last chapter breaks down training behaviors into different levels with really specific detail. Second, get out and work with your dog doing anything. It helps so much when training for flyball if your dog thinks you're the center of the universe. If your dog *wants* to work with you is much easier for them to adapt to a new training regime. There are some parts of flyball that are very similar to other things your dog may be familiar with, but there are other parts that will seem foreign and maybe even scary. If your dog trusts you, he will be more willing to try new things even if they seem strange and scary. Finally, don't give up!!! Sometimes it takes an eon and a village to get the job done. Don't be afraid to recognize that your dog needs more proofing. Tournaments and competition will come, I promise you! But a solid flyball dog is something that takes time, effort, and endless amounts of energy (in the beginning you'll wonder why no one told you that training a flyball dog requires just about as much running as training for the Marine Corps Marathon). Whatever you do, don't skimp on the training. The more proofing you do, the easier your first tournament will be!!

Photos courtesy of Swift Bennett Photography

Making the Choice: Dogs Instead of Kids

2009-03-05T00:31:40Z

I like my dogs. I don't like kids. It was an easy choice for me.

By Beth J. Bates

Very early in life I made the decision not to have kids. And I was lucky enough to fall in love with a man who also does not want kids. It was an easy decision for me as I really don't like children and enjoy the way I live my life. Some people may call it selfish and that's their right. But, it's not something that I feel bad about. Besides, how could I feel bad when I have four-legged fuzzy kids?

]]>
Here are some child vs. dog observations that seem to creep up on a regular basis.

They don't listen. Most of the time kids do what they want and don't listen to us. Why should they? What are we going to do about it? My dogs do exactly what they want to do, regardless of how much yelling I do. Run away. Pee on the floor. Just last week, Katie, our Jack Russell, peed on the seat of my office chair.

They cry when they don't get their way. We've all heard it - that baby crying in the movie because he's not getting exactly what he wants. Same with dogs. Just tonight,Hugo, one of my mastiffs, sat beside me at the dinner table and yelped because he wanted some "people food" and I wasn't giving it up.

They act out to get attention. Kids will look for the nearest thing to get into just to see what we'll do. And typically its something they know they aren't supposed to be doing. My mastiff, George, will desperately look for anything that he can find to get into if he feels he is being ignored. His personal favorites are opening the pantry door and heading inside to get into food or grabbing the first thing he can find and putting it into his mouth. Once obtained, he will play "keep away" just to get you to chase him.

Sometimes they need a time out. Let's face it. Kids get into trouble and sometimes they need to chill out. We hope that they will think about what they've done in order to understand they shouldn't do it again. But in reality, we just need them to calm down. Our Jack Russells are notorious for getting themselves in a tizzy over toys, food, each other - you name it. And when they get a little crazy, they get a time out which consists of spending some quality time in their crate. I'd like to think that they are considering what they've done in order to better themselves. But they usually just go to sleep.

As a side note, many people ask me if my mother takes issue with my choice to not have children. She actually has a lot of respect that I made a conscious decision to live my life the way that I want. And, she keeps photos of her "grand pups" on her mantle.

Kids are fine. So are dogs. To each his own.

I Have a Feral Cat Colony...Now What?

2009-03-04T23:59:17Z

Some cats just like to live outdoors

By Beth J. Bates

My husband and I were driving around town and found ourselves down by the Shenandoah River. When we glanced at the side of the dirt road we noticed a bunch of cat food cans.

]]>
My husband's instinct was to round them all up and take them to the pound, but I knew that wasn't the right thing to do. Feral cats actually enjoy living on their own in the great outdoors.

Many feral cats were pets at one point in their lives and were either dumped or ran away and have lived in the wild ever since. Feral cats have lived their lives not socializing with humans and typically cannot be domesticated. So, its likely that they will be killed in shelters. If you have a feral cat colony in your community, here are a few tips from Alley Cat Allies to help the cats be more comfortable:

Provide the cats with food and water year round. It's best to feed them during the day for your own safety and so you can assess the cats' health.
Buy or build adequate shelter for the cats to provide safety and shelter from the elements.
Monitor the health of the cats in the colony. Try to keep an eye out for cats that have left and new cats that may need to be spayed or neutered.
As the caregiver, be the advocate for the colony. Be open about your care for the cats. Be calm and cool when dealing with neighborhood issues. If the community doesn't know who speaks for the cats, their next call will be to animal control.
Have someone on call who can provide care for the cats when you are on vacation or are simply not around.

The spay or neuter of feral cats is critical to controlling the cat population. "Trap-and-Return" is the most common method of "catching" the cats, providing the necessary veterinary care and then releasing them back into the colony. Equipment and assistance with the Trap-and-Release program can provided through Alley Cat Allies.

At times, you may find that some of the cats are friendly and may be adoptable. Kittens born in a feral colony are likely friendly and can be socialized and adopted.Try working with your local rescue organizations to help find homes for animals that can be adopted.

Here are a few other organizations that help feral cats stay happy, healthy and safe.

Feral Cat Project
Feral Cat Coalition
The Humane Society of the United States
Best Friends Animal Society

Just remember that we made the feral cat issue, so it really is our responsibility to care for them if possible. Embrace your wild side and commune with the cats!

Credit Companies & Foundations Lend a Helping Paw

2009-03-02T21:05:52Z

Helping folks in financial trouble get medical care for their pets

By Beth J. Bates

There is no one who disagrees that times are tough and veterinary care is expensive. On the average, walking in the door of a vet's office costs between $35-$65. The average annual medical cost for a dog owner is about $785. I have 4 dogs, so multiply that by 4. You get the picture. Heaven forbid you have to make a trip to the emergency vet. Our last trip was $1500.

]]>
I started doing a little research and found that there are a few commercial companies and foundations that help pet owners pay for medical expenses. I'm listing them below. I have never used any of these services and cannot vouch for them, but its a good start for anyone needing help.

CareCredit - This is a commercial lending company that helps pet owners (who qualify) with financing for medical expenses. I ran a search for the emergency vet in my area and they were listed, so I would assume that most vets are accepted
IMOM.org - This federally recognized foundation was created in memory of the founder's dog, Magic. They will consider supporting 1) life-threatening emergencies or 2) the fundraising efforts of pet owners through their online community.
Labrador Life Line - This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization helps provide financial assistance for Labrador Retrievers in need.
The Pet Fund - This 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need veterinary care. They do not fund emergency medical needs.
United Animal Nations - This 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides financial assistance for pet owners, rescue organizations and rescuers with animals suffering from life-threatening emergencies. They offer several grants which are explained on their website.
Angels for Animals - This 501(c)(3) nontprofit's mission is to "assist pet owners in making animal care decisions based upon the needs of the animal rather than financial limitations. Helping pet owners in this way will go a long way to reduce unnecessary euthanasia."
The Mosby Foundation - This 501(c)(3) foundation helps pet owners whose pets are suffering from a life-threatening emergency.

Understand that most of these foundations and nonprofits work solely with your vet and have very specific guidelines for providing funds. Most are also managed by a volunteer staff who are very overwhelmed. They want to help, but can only do so much, so please treat them with courtesy and respect.

A word about pet insurance. I paid for pet insurance for many years for 4 dogs and when it came time to use it for a medical emergency it only paid 16% of the cost (total reimbursement - $250). I later calculated that I had paid approximately $2500 for the insurance over the years. So, I cancelled it. Some folks have found pet insurance to be a valuable resource. I did not. If you opt to purchase insurance for your pet, fully review the benefits and ask questions. Ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck.