Furry friends need future leaders

 

Lexy Piehl from Critter Sitter in Gaylord MI

One of my heroes in life

My soul dog, Odin J., now at the rainbow bridge was my greatest teacher!

 

Odin was very afraid of children. He taught me much more than any other teacher I have had over the years. I believe he wanted me to continue to help others like him, live their best lives and educate in his honor. One of my biggest passions is to help children understand more about humane education and bite prevention. If more children and adults took the time to understand dogs like Odin, and approach with patience and kindness, more dogs would live happier lives and less children would be bitten.

 

Statistically over one million dogs are euthanized a year because of a biting incident.  Over 50% of those bites are face-to-face. What does that tell us?

 #1 We need to kindly educate, educate adults and children alike.

# 2 We especially need to educate children that are at face level.

Let’s save some lives by prevention!

 

I don't believe a pe should lose its life because we, as adults, have not talked with children about running up and shoving their face in the dog or cat’s face. I have heard many times, from people, “My dog would never do that”, or “Oh that dog better not bite, no matter what my child does, it shouldn't bite.”   I disagree, pets cannot verbalize when they are uncomfortable. What about the children? Shouldn't there be rules for them also? It is not fair to a dog to just let a child do as they wish. I believe, even the mildest of dogs, should not be left alone with small unpredictable children, that may fall or pull hair in sensitive areas and set our dog up to fail.

 

We should teach our kids, that every dog should be treated as a service dog. You, or your dog, do not, approach that dog without asking and then use our manners. Do not ride dogs like ponies, or do not use them as foot stools. It hurts my heart to see a photo of a child having their face right in a dog's face, when you can clearly see the dog is uncomfortable. I think it's important we tell the kids; stop running, but just like dogs, we also need to tell them what we would like them to do instead. Redirection is key. For example, instead of “Don't run when he the dog nips your pants”. Instead say, “Stop, hands up and ‘be a tree’.” Both dogs and children like to be told what they can do instead of constantly hearing Charlie Brown's teacher's voice no no no no.

I want to ensure our future leaders learn the respect they should have of the magnificent animals we are graced to have in our lives. I want them to experience the magic of working together with a dog, as team, with mutual respect and love and joy, playing fun sports or tricks and sharing the camaraderie with other dog parents, instead of always on their computer devices. I admire my friend Lexy at 17 (at the time this was written). She is not only competing but teaching agility. You can see the joy and the fun her and her dogs are having together. I hope our younger generation can experience the confidence and joy I believe goes hand and hand.  She takes in rescue kitties and bunnies and is supported by her family. Her dad built her, her own rescue room. I think the message her parents instilled in her of philanthropy should be taught to more of the younger generation. I would be happy to come share my message at local schools or through video to your schools. I also would be happy to chat with teachers or anyone else that wants to share that message around the world. One by one, we can make a difference. I urge you, in honor of Odin and all precious creatures of this earth to instill the magic, the compassion, and joy of working and caring for another living being. I hope we can bring awareness to look up from their devices and into the eyes of an animal.

 

 

Heart Journey, Food for thought

 

The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Jane Goodall

 

     I admire veterinarians. Sadly, at the current time there is a shortage of veterinarians in the industry and they have a very stressful job. In most cases, they are doing the best they can, and genuinely care. Now, more than ever, we need to be advocates for our pets. It is not humanly possible for Veterinarians to have the time to put into the research, that each animal deserves. Our pets cannot go on a computer or go to the library and do their own research. That it our job, as pet parents, to dig deeper.

I will give you examples of reasons to do this. A good friend of mine has an elderly dog with liver problems. The dog also has arthritis, so the vet prescribed a prescription for mobility. The label on the package for the prescription for mobility stated, “do not give to dogs with liver problems.” In busy times these things slip through the cracks, and we have to be hypervigilant.

     Recently I wrote about my dog Olaf’s journey with heartworm after being rescued and brought up from Louisiana. I just found out that heartworm preventatives, which contain ivermectin, are not always effective on the heartworm strain from down south. Guess what I had been using on Olaf?  I found this and other valuable information out because I did second and third opinions with different knowledgeable veterinarians, that had experience and integrative ideas. I did hours of research and am using a protocol from Canine Herbalist, Rita Hogan. I am doing this hand-in-hand with the slow kill Doxycycline and Advantage Multi. I have taken some knowledge from each professional, trying to be my dog's advocate to put together a protocol specialized for him, including green light baths, and infrared too. I have learned that a suggested dose for herbs may not be the right dose for your dog. With herbs you may have to experiment what the best dose is that works best with your pet. I suggest taking notes and journaling every day. Journal your doses, your pet’s diet, and all the details you notice, ie: did they have diarrhea, or are they extra sleepy?? For suggestions and a chart to do this and to help you detect little problems before they turn into big ones, we have designed, “ Dog Blessed Health Journal and Workbook.” It is available on Amazon.com  https://a.co/d/fIVXFEE and Must Love Dogs.

     Remember, no one knows your pet like you do. Every pet is an individual and their diet should be too. I like to compare most over processed, carcinogenic kibble to our dry cereal. Could we live on just cereal? Possibly, but would we thrive? No! Our body needs whole food. Preservatives cause inflammation. Inflammation causes disease in the body. I, passionately, believe in whole food diets. If you want to research, a suggestion would be to head to Grand Haven to Must Love Dogs and talk to the knowledgeable Tonya Christiansen and/or to purchase the “Forever Dog” book. As stated in that book, pet food was originated from an electrician that was also a salesman looking to make money from the rich and the elite. He was a salesman with no nutritional knowledge. Education is KEY. Make sure you read or consult a pet nutritionist or take a nutrition course. You pets will lack the vitamins and minerals they need if you don’t cook with the proper nutrients added in. I honestly can say that since I have put Olaf on an all raw, whole food diet, his coat is fuller and sheds less and I feel better giving him nutrients to support his heart. I combine a diet from Dr. Judy Morgan’s Yin and Yang cookbook and wonderful whole foods from Must Love Dogs and add-ins I learned about from the book, “The Forever Dog.”

I just read an article about the oldest dog in the world. He was a 30+ years old mid-size dog. The owner stated he ate table scraps. Whole food table scraps. Coincidence? Food for thought.

 

As Dr. Jane Goodall says, “It is our job to speak for them.”

 

BE PREPARED FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS

 

“AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE” ~BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

 

     April is Pet First Aid Awareness month. As a Pet First Aid CPR Instructor, I encourage you to educate yourself and be prepared with a plan of action.

     Did you know only ONE out of every ten pets won’t have some sort of minor or major emergency in their lifetime? I want to help change those odds by sharing education.

• Do you know by just doing ONE First Aid procedure 25% more  animals can be saved?

• Do you have a Pet First Aid kit?
• Do you even have a first aid kit for yourself?    

        Having a dog or a cat is like having a toddler, we need to baby or   pet-proof the house and the yard. I encourage you to get down on all fours and see what your pet can get into.

• What is poisonous and dangerous?
•  Do you know one lick of automatic dishwashing powder can poison your pet?

•  Do you know if you should make them vomit or would you give them yogurt if they swallow a caustic substance?

• Do you know how to make them vomit if necessary?
• Do you know how you would transport your pet if they were unconscious in an emergency?

•  Do you have an emergency vet’s number handy?

     If you are prepared and think about these things BEFORE they happen, you will stay calm during that emergency and be able to handle whatever happens more efficiently.

     I always knew that fertilizer and sidewalk salt were dangerous to our pets, but I did not know quite how dangerous until I became a first aid instructor.

     According to Dr. Karen Becker, “A recently published study conducted over a six year period by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University showed that exposure to lawn pesticides, specifically those applied by professional lawn care companies, raised the risk of canine malignant lymphoma – a progressive, fatal disease -- by as much as 70 percent.”

      Educate yourself on what is used in your community for sidewalks to prevent ice, better yet get booties.

     If you feel your pet was exposed to ANY chemical, sidewalk salt, etc, wash your dog's feet and rinse, rinse, rinse! If they lick their feet, they can become very ill. Take the proper precautions and use pet safe products in your home and yard.

     Why not make April (or even better, right now) your month to childproof or pet-proof the house!

•  Have you taken an obedience class and taught your dog or cat to  “leave it” so they don’t swallow something poisonous to them      like a pill or raisins?

• Write down a plan of action and have your tools ready. Start   purchasing items on sale for your first aid kit so you are prepared.

     During these times of limited veterinary care, I know of one dog that had to wait 6 hours to be seen at an emergency vet while the owner tried to keep bleeding under control. Another, the nearest emergency vet was too far, she did not know how to slow down the bleeding and sadly lost her pet’s life.  I tell you these accounts, not to scare you but to encourage you to be proactive.

     If you would like to go one step further, we will be having ongoing CPR First Aid zoom and in person classes or obedience classes, quite often. Keep posted at: www.dogblessedllc.com.  I can also schedule privately for your group. CPR and First aid is a 4.5 hour course. We learn what we would do to stop or slow down bleeding in these times of limited veterinarian care, until one might be available. Also, what to do if your pet stops breathing, has heat stroke or swallowed something they weren't supposed to, and so much more. I would love to help empower you to be even more prepared.

As Confucius said, “A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.”

Regardless of what steps you take, just take the first step. You can prevent accidents and be prepared to save a life.

 

NEW: For more furry tips and how to’s see Dog Blessed Show weekly on The Muskegon Channel https://muskegonchannel.com/ also on Roku and Firestick TV.

All walks of lives matter

 

“To that which you tame, you owe your life”.
― Stacey O'Brien

 

 

As I give my kitty, Raven Roo, her favorite treat on a saucer while sitting on her pillow throne, I think to myself, in a perfect world everyone would be treated the way I believe my animals should be treated. Oh, to be that cherished!

 

This column is somewhat of a continuation of my last column because it is my whole heart and I believe an important message. All walks of life matter.

 

I try to do my part and raise a few monarchs butterflies every year. This year I raised one, who I knew would never fly. Her beautiful wings were damaged. Others that raise butterflies may euthanize them in this case. If they are not suffering, I feed them and give them a beautiful garden and everything that could make their little hearts smile for the short time they are on this earth. It may be a short life, but it’s THEIR ONLY life. We all only get ONE LIFE, NO DO-OVERS!!

If you take an animal into your life, I believe you are obligated to make a commitment to do the best you can for them.

 

I recently had a client of an unknown name that kept calling her dog ‘stupid.’ She just wanted something magical to happen without putting any effort forth and ended up surrendering the dog to a shelter. Being on the board of Muskegon Humane, I see this happen way too often.

 

We are our pets only connection to absolutely everything. They cannot eat, drink, or go potty without us. Can you imagine what that would be like? Can you imagine spending every day waiting for any crumb of attention to be given to you?  If I were a dog or cat and I was not given the daily stimulation or food I needed to make me feel good, had an imbalance or allergies, I would act out too. There have been numerous studies done on how the imbalance of microflora (gut health) can affect behavior. Can you imagine how you would feel if you always had an upset tummy or were itchy?

 

As Christmas approaches, I often warn against giving pets as gifts or impulse buying a puppy for under the tree. It is so important to research your breed and be ready for lifetime commitment. If you don’t have time for daily LONG walks and enrichment, don’t get a Labrador puppy. If you cannot commit to that, get an older, senior, low energy breed or a kitty. However, they still require love and care.

 

Ultimately, if you cannot commit to give them your all, please don’t get a pet. A pet is not a purchase or a THING, but a LIFE of no less value than your own.

Research what kind of pet, and what age would be best for your lifestyle. Everybody thinks that puppies are the cutest, but what responsibilities come with those pooping, peeing, chewing puppies? What would happen if we didn’t research and couldn’t handle the energy that they require? We are creating a problem for someone else when that pet ends up in a shelter.

 

At any given time, 28,000,000 pets are suffering from cognitive disease because their minds are not engaged, they are not given the walks and the enrichment that is so needed. This being the only life that pet has, who are we to deny them the best?

 

If we choose fast food or unhealthy food, that is our choice.

Our pets don’t get to choose. If we don’t research the fresh whole food that their body craves, we are denying them. When feeding your pet, the inappropriate kibble that advertises omegas, when in all actuality there is barely a pinch, we are essentially allowing them to live on McDonalds. Their body craves what they need and cannot provide for themselves. We need to do our homework!

 

I believe it is our responsibility to read, research, and provide what that animal needs and they are lacking nutritionally, physically, and emotionally. They deserve the best to enhance their all too short of lives.

Watching a dog's brain work

 

“I just love watching a dog’s brain work.” ~ Paula Smith

 

As I tell Olaf, “It say”, he wags his tail and I laugh. I believe I can see the corners of his lips turning up into a smile as he anticipates the next game we will play together. I see confidence and joy in his eyes as a little bit of drool drips out of the corner of his mouth, waiting for whatever reward might come along with the game.

 

Why did I teach my dog the word sit in Pig Latin? As you may know, Olaf is a rescue dog from down south and I have no idea what his past was except that his owners didn't care enough and gave him up when he acquired heartworm. I am happy to say he is now a healthy happy boy. However, a few mental scars were left. When I told him sit, he would sit down, but his ears would sag and he looked like he was cowering. Not the kind of joy I wanted to see in my dog. Someone had most certainly said “sit” to him in a mean way. Why not change the word to something that makes me laugh and his tail wag? The difference between the words “sit” and “it say” is the joy in his eyes. That’s what I strive for, that joy and happiness.

 

I often refer to this analogy I’ve read by Susan Clothier, I could make you sit in a chair with a gun and you would, but you would not have my trust and would not be my friend. I could also make you sit in the same chair by offering you a pile of money and you might start liking me, or at least want to see me again. I do not understand ever wanting to be the gun, yell or use aversive training. 

 

When you were a child did your parents play games with you? Think back to one of your fondest childhood memories. Was it sitting in the middle of the living room with your head down, doing nothing? Well, of course not. We are our dog’s only form of entertainment. A bored dog may also use their energy, that was bred into them, in ways we don’t appreciate such as chewing, jumping etc, if not taught otherwise.

 

 Dog blessed buddies, Eli above , my Olaf below 
enjoying Speedway

Watch your dog's eyes as they follow you, hoping that this moment is the moment to do a job that makes their tail wag. Jane Goodall taught us and scientifically proved animals do have a thinking process and emotions. I have never had a better companion that gives unconditional love!

 

Recently Olaf I completed a specialty title; The Alphabet Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onEOa1xUnoE&t=14s

I can honestly say, I laughed while completing every single one of these activities for each letter. Both our hearts smiled, and our bond increased. I encourage you to seek out ways to find that joy with your dog. There are so many new fun sports out there, Speedway, C-wags ARF, and more. Check them out. Contact me, via the info below, I would be happy to encourage and suggest.

 

I recently earned my degree to teach Pet First Aid and CPR, to add to my certified professional dog training degree. I want to help dogs and pets live as long as they can, and I want to share my knowledge, encouraging others to seek out knowledge and reach out to people like me for more information. I encourage you to read, take classes, and just go out and laugh with your dog. Try to adjust your mindset that training can be FUN. Take the time with your dog to go jump in the lake together and teach them something new. You will be surprised the next time you tell your dog to “it say” how much their tail wags in anticipation of what adventure will come next.

Olaf's first Speedway ribbons

Odin J. (now at the rainbow bridge) Champion trick title we had a blast completing 

Olaf A. Snowman official Pet Safety Crusader assistant 

 

This is my mission in life, to pass on my Odin J.’s (now at the rainbow bridge) legacy to help all dogs and animals live their best life and to encourage others to find ways to create that spark of joy in their dog’s eyes!

 

Second Chance created with love

 

Sarah Dobbrastine from Second Chance Mushers with her rescue team 

"Most important is that you are out there with your 12, 16, 20 best friends—the dogs." ~Susan Butcher  (Iditarod racer who was the first to win three consecutive champions from 1986-1988)

In my eyes there is NOTHING better than spending time in nature with your furry friends accompanying you!

As the approaching 2021 Iditarod is getting ready to commence ,  sled dogs start racing through my head. (not that dog’s aren’t ALWAYS on this canine addicts mind) However, this year is the First time I can say I know what it's like to be the passenger on a dog sled. I did not race, of course, but the experience was still quite exhilarating.

My first sled dog ride 

I thought to myself a few months back, "What am I going to do on New Year's Eve during a pandemic?" 
I am going to keep looking up, smile and do something I've always wanted to do! I am going to go on a dog sled ride and support a rescue at the same time!  What could be better than that? The cherry on top of the sundae, was I invited a couple of my friends to do the same and they also ventured out  to support Second Chance Mushers.

I have followed and admired this amazing rescue for quite some time. They are located near Traverse City Michigan. They take working sled dogs that need homes and give them a second chance. These dog stay in the house with Sarah, the founder of this rescue, until the time they are rescued out or end up living with her. She helps to offset the costs of the rescue by teaching the rescues to pull sleds and provide the opportunity to educate and allow people like myself to experience  being on a dogsled.  I believe this idea is just ingenious. These dogs are so excited to do this! You can see the happiness and drive, in their beautiful eyes.

In a past interview I had with a great musher and Iditarod competitor Wade Marrs,  he affirmed what you can observe by watching them, they love to race. "You can't push a rope, they have to want to do what they are doing. I do it because I love to spend time with my dogs, the sport is just a bonus."

From a certified professional dog trainers point of view I can also affirm what a innovative idea this is. The huskies and northern breed dogs have so much energy, stamina and drive. If they are not given the proper outlet, such as mushing , for this energy, they can find other destructive ways to release it.  

National Geographic published an article in June 2020, by Jason Bittel that talked about findings that affirmed, “Humans and dogs have been sledding together for nearly 10,000 years.”
Sarah, the founder of Second Chance Mushers has taken that love the dogs have to race and made miracles happen. When I was fortunate enough to go on my ride on the last day of January 2020 in the afternoon  I asked the woman behind this amazing rescue if I could share some of her words and I am very thankful to pass them on to you.

Sarah Dobbrastine wrote,  “Why do I rescue? I rescue because the amount of unwanted northern breed dogs continues to rise.  They are a demanding breed that many do not realize when they get them.  What they are missing out on is their amazing personalities, their ability to love, and their drive for life.  Northern breed dogs are not for everyone.  They are independent, strong, and clever but there is a side to them that makes them irresistible.  When you share a bond with one of them it is magical.  They become so in tuned with you, it builds so much trust.”

Sarah also share her wishes, “My dreams for Second Chance Mushers Rescue are to grow, evolve, and to help more northern breed dogs find a home.  I hope to one day have property to allow dog sledding, hikes, swimming, and a building that could help promote education on the breed along with rescuing.  One day, I will get there, and I will be able to help more dogs in need.”

As I said, I have followed this rescue for awhile. I have seen them stay diversified. fun and happy, especially over the past year. You can see the true joy in the fun Christmas Grinch videos, the renovated school bus with comfy dog beds, and the love shared in photos. This rescue is phenomenal and should be commended and appreciated!

To see more about Second Chance Mushers. their sled rides or to donate go to :
https://www.secondchancemushersrescue.com/  

https://www.facebook.com/Second-Chance-Mushers-158638287630412

 

The Greatest Gift

Most of us remember the wise words from  Dr. Suess,

"Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!"

"Well, in Whoville they say - that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day. And then - the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of *ten* Grinches, plus two!"

 I believe, our pets often share the same message, gifts from the heart mean so much more; it is the laughs, homemade gifts, and the things you did to give back that will resonate most in your memory. Our pets don't care about the price of things, for them it's about the love and fun.

There is something about Christmas that puts that sparkly fairy dust in the air. We bake, we wrap, we want to give and make merry.

My furry friends and I would like to encourage you to share just a smidge of that magic in your heart and merriment and remember to give back in any way that resonates with your heart.

Giving back can be not only rewarding but fun. I really enjoy heading up charity pet photos with Santa. It is an evening of laughter, joy and giving back. Even this year, with the pandemic we found a safe way to continue the tradition. Sometimes you have to do a little creative thinking and stay diversified but when you are a jolly elf, doing Santa’s good work for those who need it, a way will present itself.

The greatest gift I ever received, I sadly lost at the end of January after 15 ½  years, my dog Odin J.  I am so grateful for all the years we spent together, teaching each other, increasing our bond and enjoying the never long enough journey. I write this article to continue his message to “Help all dogs (and pets) live their best lives”, in his honor. The love I received from the little rescued boy found freezing in the snow was something I hold in my heart forever and ever. Odin knew I could never replace him. He also knew I was lonely and sent me a gift from heaven above to help my heart heal. He sent this gift via Louisiana to Muskegon Humane, a furry white dog with Odin marking both his sides in the shape of a heart so I knew his message was clear.  This goofy silly boy, named “Odin J.’s Heavenly Sent Heart” ‘Olaf A Snowman’”, keeps a smile on my face and my heart lighter. I KNOW Odin J. will always be my guardian angel and is making sure I am being taken care of.

Another of my most treasured gifts, I was given right after Odin J. passed. A gold bone that hangs on a kennel at Muskegon Humane. This bone was given as a gift from my good friend and business partner, Paula. She generously donated this bone and paid to sponsor a kennel for one year in Odin’s name. The sponsorship pays for a dog to eat in the kennel for one year. I cannot think of a greater honor to a loved one than to sponsor this in their name. I plan to continue this sponsorship for as long as I am able. I go into the shelter to visit and take photos and try to find homes for all the dogs, but I feature the dogs in his kennel on social media in his honor, in hopes they can find their furever family even faster.

One by one we can all make a difference. What way would make your heart smile? What time, talent or gift can you afford to give? Shelters are struggling now more than ever.

“Saving that one dog (one cat or one horse) will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever."

Angel Odin, Olaf, Raven kitty and I make a Christmas wish that all the homeless pets and those in shelters will have their world changed for the better. We hope they find their perfect fur-ever home and never feel lonely again.