THE 5 C’s

Someone in the neighborhood stopped by to ask Jet (my foster mom) why her flower beds and pots seemed so much nicer than most in the other yards. I’m a dog but even I noticed Jet’s flowerpots seem special.

Jet thanked the neighbor for the compliment and told her there is a secret to the special presentation of flowers. She calls it the 5 C’s. (Are we talking diamonds or petals here?)

The 5 C’s

• Color: A mix of different colors

• Contrast: An array of flowers that are very different in color so the
contrast of one against the other makes them all seem
brighter. Like red flowers against white flowers.

• Climb: A flower or plant that will be tall so there is something to
view in the flowerpot at different heights.

• Creep: A plant that spreads like lava to fill the pot and grace
it with an overflow of growth.

• Character: A special flowerpot or garden trim (brick or stone) that
looks distinctive.

Jet says a workplace is better when it uses the same 5-C dynamics.

Huh?

She says that great businesses know how to nurture the growth of all types of people. Each type of person offers something uniquely valuable in the workplace and the outcome is a mix of a collaborative creation everyone can enjoy.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… To a dog, a flowerpot or flower garden may just look like a bunch of growing stuff to pee on or dig up but in truth, I guess it is a metaphor for synergistic (word of the day) diversity.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Klarkson who asked: We just moved to a new home. I really miss my doggie daycare but even a visit a few times a week to a dog park would be great. How can I help my parents find a doggie park for me?

Hey Klarkson:
You’re in luck! Simply take your humans to the link below. They can click on their state/city and find a doggie park near you. Have fun meeting new friends!
http://www.dogparkusa.com/

To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

A COLLISION WITH A CONSCIOUS

Some dogs learn faster than other dogs. Some dogs learn for different reasons than other dogs. I’m smart. It’s easy for me to learn new tricks (or words). I outgrew ‘sit’ – ‘stay’ – ‘shake’ within weeks of becoming a foster dog to Jet. Pleasing Jet makes me want to learn more. Nokona, my little buddy, learns for one thing: food. I learn through language, Nokona by watching me. Then there’s Piper. Jet calls her a little willful three-year old. She only learns when she gets in trouble. Basically she does something I KNOW she KNOWS she shouldn’t do and gets punished (no treats and verbal scolding) when she gets caught. It’s like Piper thinks learning is for others and only applies to her if she feels like honoring a rule she’s learned. Piper always gets caught. (I think moms, even foster moms, have 360-degree sight.)

Humans don’t seem much different than dogs about learning. Some love learning, some struggle with it, others need to be especially motivated in order to learn. Then there are people like Michael Vick, the dirt bag (nicest word I can think of) that horribly abused my canine kind for dog fighting tournaments at one of his properties. I won’t tell you the details about what this despicable man has done. Suffice it to say (I’ve always wanted to use that phrase in a sentence) the man is like Piper, he thinks the rules don’t apply to him. Like Piper, he learns by doing something bad and getting caught. In prison, Vick had to think about the hours of tortuous treatment he forced on his dogs all for human pleasure and greed. He lost his good name, his job and his freedom (deservedly so) to learn.

Now, these poor dogs learned how to fight, to survive. Stringent punishment and mean treatment were their teachers. Some cool humans that rescued them, used love, tenderness and loyalty to help these poor dogs learn how to feel safe. If you don’t believe me, watch this inspiring video below of how some of Vick’s abused dogs have learned new lessons including how to love again.



So, here’s my lesson of the day… dog or human, you shouldn’t have to have a collision with your conscious to learn.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Bessie who asked: I heard there’s a new dessert for dogs called PETA PIE. Where can I get some?

Dear Bessie:
P.E.T.A. pie is a special dessert served by one human to another (in the face). PETA, which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals often have followers that serve the pie to other humans that hurt animals.
You can view one of these recent incidents on the video below.



Truth is, I’d rather eat the pie than see it wasted on a human’s face. On the other hand, poop on the bad humans that hurt critters.


To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

STYLE VS SUBSTANCE

Ever watch show dogs? It’s as if they KNOW how handsome, how special they really are; they seem to know they possess an exceptional rating in the world. The boy show dogs hike their legs the same way as any other dog; the girl show dogs squat the same way as any other dog so why are they so
extraordinary?



I shared this observation with Jet (my foster mom). She said some humans are the same way. These humans are called VIPs or celebrity. Jet says they function just like us. If you cut your finger, you bleed red blood; if a human celebrity cuts their finger, they bleed red blood too. We are the same, yet different.

Jet calls this the donut phenomena (word of the day). She says donuts are yummy. (I concur. I managed to devour one I snatched from the kitchen table one day.) She said, that you can eat a fresh, warm plane cake donut and it will be yummy. If you put icing, sprinkles, chocolate, cinnamon on the yummy cake donut then it will also be good. Both donuts are made from the same dough with the same ingredients. They just look different on the outside.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Donuts are better for eating than studying but to make sure you get something out of this blog here’s my opinion of the donut story. Be it dough or dogs, we’re the same beneath the coat or coif. All the stylish additions (fancy leashes on a dog or sprinkles on a donut) won’t make a donut or a dog any better, just different.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Banjo who asked: Is it safe to spray me with mosquito repellent? My mom uses it and it works great.

Hey Banjo:
NO! Do not let your mom spray you with human mosquito repellent. If they nasty insects are making you crazy, talk to your vet about a pet-safe spray so you can get some relief – safely.




To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

THE POWER OF PUPPY VISION

Ever listen to the old generation and the new generation talk? We’re different. Even in the dog world, we’re different.

Old dogs, despite conventional wisdom, can learn new tricks, they just don’t want to. (I suspect humans are not much different.) Mature dogs want to guard their alpha dog position and take care of their family. (I’d say honorable male humans are similar.) Teen dogs think about food and sex. Not necessarily in that order. (I suspect human teens are pretty much the same.) Puppies are special.

Puppies have baby vision. They are entranced with…everything. The littlest bug, a fluttering butterfly, a leaf lifted by the wind that skips away in front of them. – Fun to chase. Their first site of or first touch of snow is hilarious. Their eyes get big with wonder as they take it all in. A puppy’s first walk outside in the grass is a never-to-be-forgotten moment. They gingerly lift their puppy feet higher off the ground when they walk as if touching the funny surface is paramount to safely exploring it. Watch the little Saber puppies in the video and you’ll see what I mean.



Turns out human babies are not much different. Jet, my foster mom, says years ago she was picking up toys in a room while babysitting an infant who was safely lying in a crib. She looked up to the crib to check the infant to make sure she was asleep only to witness the baby discovering her feet for the first time. Jet said she froze in place (not sure why you have to be cold to watch such a thing) and stared at the baby who realized, for the first time in its life, that – eureka, there were appendages at the end of its own chubby body. Jet said the look on the baby’s face mirrored that of a scientist that realized they had just found the cure for some disease or a miner who just found a giant chunk of gold. The baby lifted its feet and Jet said it was mesmerized with its own toes, holding them, tasting them (yuck) as seeing them for the first time was the most amazing event – ever.

This is what we (the dog kind) call puppy vision and Jet calls baby vision. It’s having a sense of adventurous amazement at the discovery of the life around you; it’s feeling grand pleasure in the simplest moments or smallest events. Jet says that this is also a great example of why some humans are business types and some are entrepreneurs that make great business owners. She said successful entrepreneurs never lose their baby vision.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… True vision to do anything is something we’re all born with and it fuels innovation, progression, and success. To truly experience all that life has to offer and fulfill all our potential, we need to hold on to our baby vision.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Spencer who asked: My neighbors are cats. Weirdest creatures I have EVER seen. Are they on drugs or just naturally strange?


Hey Spencer:
Had to laugh at your comments about cats. (No offense cat lovers.) Like you, I’m a dog and fail to understand the amusements and antics of feline types. However, I do find them entertaining. If you don’t believe me, watch the ENTIRE video below. Cats are weird but hilarious!





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Where There’s a Will There’s a Way

My friend Lucky has a vertical jump like a pro basketball player. Being a dog, that might not seem important unless you compete in jumping competitions. However, if you like to eat – anything that humans prefer – then an impressive vertical jump can come in handy.

Case in point: lucky has managed to eat a plate of cookies, my leftover dog food, five pies (and Lord knows what else) simply by applying his ability to jump high up on to tables that NO ONE imagined he could reach. One day I had the pleasure of witnessing one of Lucky’s jumping escapades to a high top table where he ate two donuts.

First, I want you to realize that everyone knows this human food is bad for lucky and now food is placed at the height of a giant’s reach to keep Lucky from the food.

My point of sharing these observations with you is to make it clear that dogs, like humans, can be motivated to achieve almost… anything. Those motivated by love, will rescue their owners; others like Lucky that are motivated by food, will jump beyond higher than the imagination can fathom. Still other dogs, motivated by freedom and independence (much like entrepreneurs) will escape an enclosed space despite the odds. View the video below for proof.



So, here’s my lesson of the day… Motivating humans and dogs is important. Canines and their people companions can accomplish almost anything when they are properly inspired to do so.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Marty who asked: What is pet friendlee hotel? Will I like? Mom and dad will staying in one when they take vakashun.

Hey Marty:
It took me a few reads of your note to understand your question. Tell your mom and dad to work on the spelling dude. When humans want to play, they go on vacation. I’m not sure why but humans can’t seem to play at home or just anywhere like a dog. In any case, vacations are good when we get to go along but humans stay in guesthouses called hotels and some don’t like dogs. Pet friendly hotels like dogs so you will get to stay with your parents. Cool huh? If your humans are looking for pet friendly hotels, they can go to: http://www.petswelcome.com/



To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

QUICKSAND

So I’m watching this cool sci-fi show on TV… (Yes, some dogs do like watching TV.) The creepy monsters are chasing some humans and I’m thinking the last human (a cute guy) is a gonner just like the rest of his pals who bit the dust earlier in the show.

Then, the guy gets an idea to swim to another (nearby) island where the monsters didn’t like to go. He lured them across a swamp to a quicksand pit where they all fell in and got gobbled up by the sucking sand. Sounds gruesome but its silly sci-fi so no big deal.

I shared the details of the TV show with Jet, my foster mom. She laughed and said to go outside and play because too much TV makes for a dumb dog. I made it clear that few dogs know about quicksand so how stupid could I be? By now, you’d think I would learn when to shut my barking mouth because every time I do, I have to learn a new lesson.

She quickly pointed out that I had to discern (word of the day) between pulp and fiction (get the joke?) about stuff I see on TV. Quicksand in real life seldom really sucks people in to its gut.

Oh.

Instead, most victims of quicksand are animals instead of humans and they die because they panic and struggle in the stuff too long, becoming tired, then dehydrated until they are over-come with exposure. The sand sucks the life out of them. If you find yourself in quicksand it’s better to float on your back until you can reach for something to pull yourself out. If you’re an animal, it’s best to relax, get rested and then pull yourself slowly to the edge to get out. (Easier said than done.)

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Don’t believe it just because you see it on TV. Discern, with your own mind, if it is true or not. Jet says that’s why humans have intuition and a brain. Use both. The other lesson I get from this is that anything that sucks the life out of you (jobs, people, quicksand) is a bad thing so avoid it.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Sysco who asked: I’m having a tough time picking up chicks. Do you think it could be my grungy smile or icky breath? Do I need doggie dentures?

Hey Sysco:
If you have a grungy (dull) smile and/or icky breath, it’s more likely to make it hard to pick up a good human than another dog. In fact, four out of five dogs over the age of three have gum disease that can create bad doggie breath. (So says the TV commercials but you need to discern if this is true.) You don’t need dentures to fix the problem plus you would look ridiculous. – Proof is in the video below.



Consider gnawing on veterinarian approved chewy treats designed to clean your teeth and keep your gums healthy. Your humans will love your fresh breath so you get more kisses from them and if you share your chewy goodies with your fellow dogs they will appreciate you too.



To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

Networking or Bonding?

Three of my pals (Sebastian, Miles and Lacy) came over the other day. We are all pumped up because it’s time to go play with all our other four-legged friends in the neighborhood. It’s a dog-day party. Think of it as a private doggie daycare event held in a big field behind our neighborhood homes. The humans fence off the area with this flimsy wire that we pretend will hold us in the area and let us run loose for a few hours. It’s great fun.

The humans sit around, sip on wine, laugh and tell stories. My pals and I go crazy. We fetch, jump in a mini plastic pool, tug on toys, and smell stuff. When we get too tired, we rest, drink water and then start all over. It’s the life of riley (even if your name is spot.) We like it even more than traditional doggie daycare (see video below) because we all know each other and it’s outside.



After four hours of this zaniness we all go home. After our most recent doggie day out party, Mom and her friend Cindy were talking about how much they enjoyed the evening except for one thing they found frustrating. It turns out that one neighbor brought a guest to the get-together who couldn’t stop ‘working’ the crowd. Jet, my foster mom, says he was networking instead of bonding. I was a bit confused by the terms so she provided details for me.

Jet said that some humans get fixated (word of the day) with mingling with other humans for the sole purpose of doing business with them or getting customer leads from them. Why is that so bad? Jet says that ‘work’ is in the word network for a reason. Networking is a form of socially being on the job, talking shop (company stuff) to build business. Bonding is socially interacting through storytelling and personal sharing to build relationships.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… People should know, just like a dog, that there is a time to bond (play, visit) and a time to work (network). Both are essential, like a well-balanced diet, to live fully and happily.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Rex who asked: Is the remote box my dad is always clinging to the same as remote monitoring me?

Rex:
Human men are not much different from human baby boys. They cling to a pacifier when they are young; they cling to TV remotes when they’re older. (Okay, that’s supposed to be funny but if you don’t understand humans you may not get it.) To answer your question, there are services your humans can install in their cell phones in order to watch you at home when they are at work. That’s remote monitoring. It’s a great idea for humans that are anxious about leaving you alone all day because they miss you or because they are afraid you might eat the couch.

To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

What’s the Big D?

I turned my blog copy in the other day to Erich. He inserts the copy into the page and properly formats it into the column. Erich called Jet (my foster mom) to say that I had not labeled the photos I wanted to use with information about their source. My response?

What’s the big D? (- As in what’s the big deal?)

Holy macaroni! Jet had a conniption (word of the day).

She made it ABUNDANTLY clear that I should write and say what I’m implying. In other words, I should say, “What’s the big deal?” Why, I asked is this so important?

She said shortcuts like ‘D’ instead of deal breed all sorts of problems. (Breeds? Now who is confusing my readers? Isn’t breeding about dogs having more dogs?)

Anywhooo, Jet provided some specific examples about what happens in a situation when there is a lack of clarity:
• it confuses humans
If I mean to ask what is the big deal but just use a ‘d’ then I’m less likely to make my point if the reader doesn’t know what I really mean.
• it opens the door for misinterpretation
Different people from different cultures and countries may think the ‘d’ means different things
• it sends an impression that you’re lazy or dumb
Too many abbreviations and slang might make a person just sound too lazy (or dumb). If you want to live like a bum in a box you’re whole
life then who cares but if you aspire to greater stuff (like being a
famous dog columnist) then making an effort to be clear is important.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… It’s okay to chum around with your closest friends (sometimes) by way of an inside language that isn’t well understood by others. However, too much of this behavior can create all sorts of communication problems and that is a big deal.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Shrimp who asked: I scooped up a tiny little white candy the other day and my dad had a cow and made me spit it out. As you would say Parker, what’s the big ‘D’?

Shrimp:

As Jet would say, ask what you really mean. What’s the big deal? I’ll tell you. The little candy you licked up was called medicine. People take it to get rid of pain. It’s very dangerous to dogs and cats so don’t assume that just because it looks like a white M&M candy that it is a candy. One regular strength ibuprofen (200 mg) could cause stomach ulcers in a ten-pound dog.



To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

DEVOTION

Jet (my foster mom) insists I learn a new word every day. Not an easy thing to do when you are a busy dog and dogamist (dog columnist).

Today, my new word is devotion. Devotion (noun): committed love, dedication, enthusiasm.

I started to talk about devotion in my blog but Jet says humans and dogs remember and describe things better when they experience them. She said I would get a better feel for the real definition of devotion if I watched the video. It’s about an elephant and his dog. Take a minute to view and listen the video.



The dog and the elephant are devoted to each other. They like each other’s company – constantly. They enjoy eating together, walking in the fields together, playing together. The true depth of their devotion is clear in other ways.

For example, they are gentle with each other. This was evident in how the behemoth elephant gently pets the dog’s tummy when he could easily squish him. Another example of how dedicated they are to each other is how much the elephant missed the company of his dog when he was temporarily paralyzed or how quickly the dog began to recover once he could visit his elephant friend.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… True devotion is a verb not a noun. It’s the actions we take towards someone special born out of the feelings we have for someone special. Humans and dogs don’t just feel devotion; they see it. Think of a human and creature in your life that you’re devoted to right now. Do others see your devotion in what you do for them? How does it look?

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Crackers who asked: Are we being invaded by giant bees that only eat plastic flowers?

Hey Crackers:

I read the rest of your letter and it sounds like you have just spotted your first hummingbirds. Take a look at this video of some hummingbirds drinking ‘nectar’ or sugar water from the fake petals of a feeder.



If the video is what you are seeing in your neighborhood, then you can relax. You are just seeing hummingbirds. If not, get indoors until your mom and dad can be sure you are not being invaded by giant bees.


To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

HAIR

It’s hot and I want a haircut. I talked to Jet about it. She’s my foster mom. I told her she has short hair (for a human) and I should be able to have short hair too. It’s cooler.

Jet laughed and said in the old days (that’s like yesterday for a dog) most humans, including the guys, wanted long hair. – Even in the summer. She said it was the 60’s and long-haired humans called themselves hippies. Then Jet starts humming a tune and dancing around the room.

I inquired about the song and she said it’s a song from ‘HAIR’. I’m confused. The song comes out of hair?

Instead of answering me, she had me watch/listen to the video below. If you want to understand today’s lesson, you need to watch it too. Be sure to turn up the volume on your computer first.

HAIR: THE MUSICAL


Let me get this straight: humans made an entire musical about… hair? - And people call dogs dumb.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Just because some humans think long hair… ROCKS (so to speak) it doesn’t mean my dog pals and I feel the same way. It’s summer, quit messing around and give us a haircut!

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Jigsaw who asked: My friend is sick. My mom says he can’t come over to play because he has pancreatitus. What’s that?

Hey Jigsaw:

It’s actually acute pancreatitis. The condition is a sudden onset of pancreatic inflammation. Typical symptoms in dogs include painful abdomen, abdominal distention, lack of appetite, depression, dehydration, a 'hunched up' posture, vomiting, diarrhea and yellow, greasy stool. Ick. I’m glad your letter confirmed your friend is already getting treatment from the vet. This is bad stuff and more common than most humans realize. Since your friend got help so fast, he should be just fine.

To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

You Can’t Fix What You Can’t Measure

Jet is my foster mom. She’s a businesswoman. She said most of the best business lessons she ever learned are the lessons that dropkicked her company into overdrive. Jet also said these lessons (which she calls the School of Screw Ups) are usually painful.

One of the most valuable lessons she ever learned was that you can’t fix what you can’t measure. Jet said that once this light bulb concept went off in her head that she practically walked around every part of her business with a measuring tape. She thought this was funny. – Not sure I got the joke.

In any case, Jet shared this life-changing concept with me and I was perplexed as to what the correlation (word of the day) was between measuring what you want to fix and my attempt to rescue animals through my dog blog.

I got the warmest smile from her and then she said that we will never get people to adopt more pets and abandon fewer of them if we (which means me) don’t help humans understand how to measure the impact of ignoring the problem.

Sorry about the cartoon. I couldn’t resist.

Now, back to the blog and the point.
I dug up some facts and statistics that all humans need to know. (Source: www.animalworldnetwork.com:

• An estimated 52 million dogs and 57 million cats live with U.S. families
• .For every human born, 7 puppies and kittens are born
• One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in 7 years
• One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in 6 years
• More than 12 million dogs and cats are euphonized in shelters each year
• Millions more are abandoned in rural and urban areas
• Approximately 61% of all dogs entering shelters are killed
• Approximately 75% of all cats entering shelters are killed

So, here’s my lesson of the day… WE ARE MEASURING THE PROBLEM but we need you – humans – to fix it.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Gorgon who asked: My dad and mom and I were kicking back at a family picnic the other day. I overhead one of their friends say they would never own a dog because they are too expensive. I don’t feel expensive, just lucky to have a good home. Am I expensive?

Hey Gorgon:

Interesting name. You are lucky. So many animals (especially dogs and… even icky cats) do not have a nice home. Sometimes it’s because humans don’t think about the lifetime cost (yes humans, if you’re honorable, we are yours forever) of taking care of us. Have your mom and dad share the document below with their friends who are considering adopting/rescuing a pet.

You can also download as Pet Care Costs (pdf) or Pet Care Costs (doc) version.

Costs	Notes	Small Dog	Medium Dog	Large Dog	Cat	Rabbit	Guinea Pig	Small Mammal	Small Bird	Fish
Annual Costs
Food	1	$55	$120	$235	$115	$190	$105	$50	$75	$20
Recurring Medical	2	$210	$235	$260	$160	$70	$70		$85
Litter	3				$165	$415	$415	$210
Toys/Treats		$40	$55	$75	$25	$40	$30	$25	$25
License		$15	$15	$15
Health Insurance	4	$225	$225	$225	$175
Misc.		$35	$45	$65	$30	$15	$15	$15	$15	$15
Annual Total		$580	$695	$875	$670	$730	$635	$300	$200	$35
Capital Costs
Spay/Neuter		$190	$200	$220	$145	$160
Other initial medical	5	$70	$70	$70	$130
Collar/Leash		$25	$30	$35	$10
Litter Box					$25	$25
Scratching Post					$15
Cage						$100	$70	$40	$70
Carrier Bag		$40	$60		$40	$40
Crate		$35	$95	$125
Aquarium Eqpt.	6									$200
Training Class		$110	$110	$110
Capital Total		$470	$565	$560	$365	$325	$70	$40	$70	$200
Special Costs
Long Hair Groom		$264	$320	$408
First Year Total		$1,314	$1,580	$1,843	$1,035	$1,055	$705	$340	$270	$235

1. Premium brand dry kibble
2. Exam, vaccinations, heartworm preventative & topical flea/tick preventative
3. Scoopable litter for cats, scooped daily; hardwood shavings or recycled paper products for rabbits, guinea pigs and small mammals, changed at least weekly
4. Insurance coverage varies: some policies cover spay/neuter, vaccinations and heartworm medication. The annual deductible will also vary depending on the policy.
5. Deworming, basic blood tests & microchip
6. Basic twenty gallon set up with light/hood, outside filter, undergravel filters, air pump and gravel. Does not include fish.

Okay, I’ve shared the cost for caring for a pet. However, it is also important for every human to know that there is no chart big enough with numbers high enough (even higher than the national debt) to properly measure the love, devotion and joy a human will get from owning a pet. Smart humans know the value always exceeds the expense. Bet you humans can’t say that about half of the junk you buy or stuff you invest in at work.


To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

THE LIGHT

There’s a weird show on TV called…The Ghost Whisperer. (It’s got its good points but isn’t near as good as the Dog Whisperer.)

The way the show works is a human girl on the show can see and talk to dead people. Her goal in each show is to help the ghost that is hanging out with her (creepy!) to go in to the light. – Guess that’s the show’s name for heaven.

In any case, the idea got me thinking of something Jet (my foster mom) recently said about a video. I overhead Jet say she finally found the song and choir she wants to sing at her funeral. Yikes! Is something wrong I inquired?

Turns out that Jet is fine. She was just moved by a very special video. I listened to it and she’s right, the music and lyrics will move any human to start raining. I think humans call it crying.



After listening to the entire song about ‘going home’, I felt peaceful, safe. – Just the way I felt after Jet rescued me and brought me home to her house.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Whether it’s heaven or a house, a human or a dog, there’s no place like home.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Kingsley who asked: My ears hurt. What should I tell my humans so they will get my ears feeling better?

Hey Kingsley:

If you are not groomed regularly and/or have floppy ears, you’re likely to have an ear infection. Dog’s ears are elongated (word of the day) and horizontal so moisture tends to settle in them rather than drain out. Plus, if you have ears that flop down, air doesn’t get inside to dry out your inner ear. If you’ve noticed a funny (not ha ha) type of smell from your ears, if they are a little red, if the wax is reddish-brown or you feel like scratching your ears all the time, get to a vet.

To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.

REARVIEW LIVING

Dogs are kind of like men… simple. If it’s not in front of us, we’re probably not thinking about it (despite what women humans think). We’re a lot like three year olds, if we want it, we go after it; if not, we tend to ignore it.

This brings me to the point of rearview mirrors. Human women tend to use the rearview mirror to see what’s gaining on them whereas human men look at it as a way to confirm they’ve passed something. For a man, it’s gone. Out of sight, out of mind. Simple. - Like a dog. For a woman, if she can still see it in her rearview mirror, it’s still present in the mirror and in her mind.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… If you’re driving a car, a rearview mirror is a good tool. If you’re using the same method to drive your life, it’s probably (according to my foster mom) one of the best times to be man-like and let what’s behind, stay behind you.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Simpson who asked: Can you please tell my humans how to properly cut my nails? They are relatively bright about most things but relatively stupid about cutting my nails.

Hey Simpson:

I hope the information below, from Marion Herbertson will help. (See more details at: http://dogs.about.com/od/dogcarebasics/a/nail_trimming.htm
Per Marion, my new best pal:

First: understand the anatomy of a dog's nail. It is constructed of a hard outer cover, which protects the quick, the inner soft part containing blood vessels and tender nerve endings. In dogs with light-colored nails, the quick can often be seen as being faintly pinkish so it is easy to avoid cutting into.

Second, when you can’t see the quick, (in the case of black-nailed dogs) trim off little nibbles instead of large slices. Keep checking the clipped part of your dog's nail and look out for a dark spot in the middle of the newly clipped area, indicating the start of the quick. Do not cut too far into this.

Third: taking just tiny nibbles, you will then start to see a pale third inner circle. Stop there - or else you are likely to hurt your dog.

Four, don't forget your dog's dew claws. Growing on the inside of his legs and not in contact with the floor, these do not get worn away and will sometimes curl completely over causing your dog to get snagged in undergrowth, his bedding, etc. This can be very painful so keep them neatly trimmed.


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Be True to ThySelf

There’s something called the Social Contagion Theory. Sounds like a disease to me. Jet, my foster mom, says it is a term that means certain human behavior spreads (like a social disease) when one human feeds off the emotions of the group they hang out with all the time.

For example (as some recent study revealed), “humans with a divorced sibling are 22 percent more likely to get divorced than humans who don't have divorced siblings. Humans who had a divorced friend were 147 percent more likely to be divorced than people whose friends' marriages were intact.

… A divorced co-worker can increase the likelihood of another employee divorcing by 55 percent compared to an employee who works with non-divorced employees.”

Huh?

Humans get the insights and courage they need from the people they hang out with in order to make some of the greatest decisions in their life? Jet says that sometimes this is true.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… It’s okay to listen to other humans (or in my case to hang out with other dogs) but just remember that if you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas. The point being that humans obviously pick up stuff from each other just like dogs. So, humans should be sure the contagious behavior of their friends is something they want to catch.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Flipper who asked: Hi, I’m Flipper. No, I’m not a dolphin. I’m a dog so please don’t’ make fish jokes. …My mom got upset with me the other day because she thought I was still eating her flowers. I told her it wasn’t me because I promised to give up eating flowers if she would give up cigarettes. She kept her promise and I kept mine.

Dear Flipper:

I read the rest of your letter and based on your description of what remains of your mother’s flowers, I believe it is rabbits consuming her pretty blossoms. I might suggest she try DEER OFF or CRITTER RIDDER (see info below). My mom uses Deer Off to repel rabbits, squirrels and such and it works great (bad smell and taste) without hurting them.

http://www.havahart.com/store/animal-repellents/do64ms


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The Cone

It’s interesting how something simple can have so much power. Jet, my foster mom, says she knew someone that used to keep a cone in the trunk of his car. He would pull it out when he left the area around his home to protect his premium parking space. People drive up to the space to park, see the cone and then drive on, leaving the space empty.

Jet calls this the power of cone.

Interesting.

The cone itself actually has no power so I asked Jet had it seems to influence what people do. Her response was that Americans are taught from an early age that cones (used by police humans or highway workers) mean ‘stay away’ or ‘space reserved’. So it seems that people using cones have some type of influential power by association.

If a plastic, orange dunce cap gives one human the power to influence another human’s behavior (much like a policeman’s badge) then it stands to reason that humans could use heartfelt words to influence other humans to behave more kindly to animals.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Use words to create a cone zone – a safe space - for animals in your life and in your community.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Fudge who asked: I’m a black cat. (Thus the name fudge.) I get all sorts of flack for being bad luck because of my color. You’d think people would like me because I remind them people of that gooey chocolate stuff they like so what can I do to get rid of the bad rap?

Dear Fudge:

I’m a relatively bright dog but I’m not too savvy about all things cats. However, I did a little digging and found the following… Black cats aren’t REALLY bad luck. Its just superstition or make believe. Next time you see a human that thinks you’re bad luck simply add a big Cheshire grin to go along with those mysterious eyes. Smiles (for humans and animals) have magic that transcends silly superstitions and fear.

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First Steps

When I’m not chasing little rabbits, I’m salivating about it. Jet, my foster mom, says that I need to be cautious about chasing the baby rabbits.

Truthfully, they’re not much fun. They’re all scared about whether or not to venture in to the big bad world or simply stay in the safety of the nest thus they don’t create much of a chase challenge. Jet’s got this cool video (below) of a little rabbit that decided the adventure of life was just too scary.



People are the same way as rabbits sometimes. Let me explain.

Jet took me with her to visit a neighbor with a toddler. That’s the term they call humans who are miniature in size and stumble a lot like they’re tipsy.

Anywhooo, this toddler is reticent (word of the day) about walking. Each step seems to take a great deal of thought. Sometimes the kiddo just starts to take a step and then stops and wobbles back and forth like a teeter-totter. (The analogy won’t mean much if you never did the playground thing.)

My point of sharing the visual description of this moment is that it reminded Jet and I (we collaborate a lot) of how grown-up humans are sometimes reticent about taking first steps. Scary first steps could be leaving home to go to college, or asking someone you love to marry you, even something like leaving a job you hate (but know) in order to go to a better job you don’t know.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… It’s okay if you weeble-wobble a little when it’s time to take a first step towards something new and better. No matter what, take the first step!

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Ajax who asked: What’s a volunteer? I heard my mom and dad say they need to become volunteers at the animal shelter. Does this mean they won’t be a mom and dad for me anymore?

Hey Ajax:

Good news. Volunteers are humans that do work for no pay. They work to help others (or animals) just for the love of it (which Jet says everyone should do). Apparently your parents are going to help or volunteer (to be kind) at the local shelter. This means other dogs and cats will be saved and maybe they’ll even bring one home for you. Give your parents a big, happy sloppy lick on the face for their good behavior.


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The Hole

I’m not in to holes but the last dog my foster mom rescued (Miss Ellie) loved to dig them. Unlike most dogs that dig holes to hide precious cargo she liked to dig holes to get her out of the fence. Sometimes dogs dig to get attention or because they’re bored.

Jet says that people dig holes too. Some dig holes because of debt (kind of like our country); other humans dig a hole because they don’t know when to shut up.

If you have a dog that likes to dig, consider why they are digging before taking action.

• If they are bored, consider giving them one of the hollow balls (that you can fill with low protein, doggie treats). Dogs roll them around to get the treat out. Or give them a mini pool to play in outside.

• If they dig to hide a bone, ask your vet for chewie bones or teeth-cleaning jerkey (made for dogs) that they will enjoy but not feel inclined to bury.

• If they dig to burn energy, put them on a leash and take them on a nice long walk or play fetch with them at the local doggie park.

There are different solutions for different reasons but it’s important not to ignore a dog that has a habit of digging holes all the time.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Applying the wisdom of a famous TV commentator: the rule of holes (dog or human-made) is to stop digging when you’re in one.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Hinky who asked: How did the bone magically appear in my special hole in the backyard? Is there a bone fairy for dogs?

Hi Hinky:

I cannot honestly there is a bone fairy for dogs. I will say that the sudden appearance of a bone in your favorite hole is likely the result of reverse psychology (which works on humans too). View the quick video below and you’ll understand.



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TUNE UP TIPS

Jet, my foster mom, was talking about tune-ups the other day. She seemed a little frustrated so I asked her what the problem was in hopes that my dog wisdom might be of help.

She’s frustrated because humans are good about getting their cars tuned-up but forget to do the same for their dogs and cats. Jet explained that car care is almost sacrosanct (word of the day) to Americans. They fuss over the finish (washing and waxing the outside), check the fluids on the inside, rotate the tires… you get the idea. All these steps ensure the car runs safely and at peak.

So why don’t humans do the same for their dogs and cats? I can see the checklist now:
Shots? – Check!
Eyes? – Check!
Teeth? – Check!

Pet Depot has a cool, 7-point Doggie Tuneup service (see list below) for dogs to make it easy for you. Combine this list with an annual veterinary visit and your dog’s body runs well and at peak.

(1) Your pet is bathed in premium shampoo, blow-dried, thoroughly brushed and checked for ticks.

(2) Eyes checked for clarity and infection.

(3) Exterior ear canals cleaned and treated with either oil-based mite killer or anti-bacterial powder.

(4) Nails trimmed and paws checked for infection and foxtails.

(5) Your pet's teeth brushed with special pet toothpaste (you keep the brush!).

(6) Very important - Anal glands expressed to keep clear and prevent infection.

(7) Cologne. A wonderful fragrance applied to keep your pet smelling fresh for days!*

*Advantage® or Frontline® Flea control is available for an extra charge. Please request in advance if you want us to apply it. All services preventative only. Medical conditions noted for you to follow up with your regular veterinarian. Willing, non-matted pets only. Long hair extra. Hair cutting available for extra fee.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Humans need to keep their priorities in order. Making time for car tune-ups but not for pet tune-ups is just wrong. If the car runs down and dies it would be inconvenient but the loss of a pet is… Put our tune-up on your calendar and we’ll run for you and with you for a very long time.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Fluffy who asked: Where should my humans go to find out if a food is safe for me to eat?

Hi Fluffy:

It’s usually recommended that you don’t eat food unless it is AAFCO certified. Their name should be on the label. AAFCO oversees the entire pet food industry. They don’t endorse any particular food but will certify that the food meets the minimum requirements for nutrition. If you are in Canada, go to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

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FLEA FACTS & FICTION

Did you know?

Worldwide, there are about 3,000 different types of fleas, but the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the most common to be found on cats and dogs.

Adult fleas can jump 600 times an hour. Each jump, in terms of the flea’s size, is the equivalent of a person clearing a 50-story building.

The record jump for a flea is 13 inches.

In just 30 days, 25 adult female fleas can multiply to 250,000 fleas.
(Source: Medi-vet)

I love trivia. Even flea facts are fun but having fleas is a serious downer so it’s good for your humans to know that there are different methods for getting rid of fleas.

First, there is an ingenious product called Capstar that gets rid of adult flees within hours. Most dogs take monthly pills to prevent the infestation of more fleas by ingesting a pill that kills their eggs but Capstar kills grown fleas so both types are good products to know about especially in the summer. Note the lifecycle of a flea below:

About 90% of all fleas on a dog are dead and gone within 4 hours (and 6 on cats) after taking a Capstar pill. In fact, fleas start falling off within 30 minutes. If you rescue critters, this is great to know because one pill can get rid of the fleas before you take the dog or cat home.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… There’s no need for your dog or cat to suffer with fleas when a combination of a one-time Capstar type treatment and monthly meds can get rid of them quickly and forever.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Mimi who asked: I am a new mommy just rescued by a nice human. I also just gave birth to lots of little babies. Is it safe to take a Capstar to get rid of the fleas?

Oh Mimi:

Congrats on the birth of your little ones. Yes you can take a Capstar. Your vet will help. It is safe for you even if you are nursing.

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Cotton Tail Time

They are everywhere now: baby cottontail rabbits. In fact, you may be walking around or over their ground nests without realizing it. Stop a second and look at this video to make sure you know how to recognize a cottontail nest.



It’s so important that humans understand what to do if you stumble across a nest. Critters, be sure to pass this information on to your humans.

One: Leave the nest alone and try not to disturb the babies. If you do disturb the babies, they are likely to panic and run from the nest. The goal is to get them back to the nest and left alone.

Two: Don’t be disturbed if you don’t see the mother. Rabbit moms generally nurse their babies for about 5 minutes a day. They are usually with the babies in the morning and evening but may spend much of the day elsewhere. Mom rabbits don’t ‘sit’ on the nest but that doesn’t mean she has abandoned her babies so don’t try to make the mom stay in the nest.

Three: if you startle the babies, then back away to give them a chance to go back to the nest where their mother will look for them later.

Remember that these babies are very fragile and the best place for them is the nest made for them. View the videos below to make sure you know what a nest looks like so you are more likely to recognize one when you see it.



This is my favorite video. It’s a baby rabbit’s first time out of the nest. After looking around, he decides he’s not quite ready for the big bad world yet.



So, here’s my lesson of the day… It may seem like a good idea to move baby rabbits from their shallow, seemingly vulnerable nests, but it’s the safest place for them so do your best to leave them alone until they are old enough to venture out on their own.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Peaches the cat who asked: I recently read your blog about dog heart worms. Is this something my little kitty heart has to deal with too or is it just a dog thing?

Dear Peaches:

Heartworm disease is prevalent (word of the day) in cats too. The worms live in the heart and lungs and just one worm can cause permanent heart damage or even…death. Yikes! Signs of heartworks in cats:
- coughing
- vomiting
- breathing difficulties
- sluggishness

Products like Heartgard for Cats is 100% effective in protecting cats from this terrible little tyrant. Make sure you mom or dad (or both) are giving you monthly treatments.

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I’m Just Itching for Trouble

Jet, my foster mom, looked at Nokona the other day (after his teeth got cozy with a few pages of her book) and said, “Young man, you’re just itching for trouble.”

Hmmm.

I think this is one of those moments where Nokona shouldn’t respond in any way because no matter what he says (or barks) he’s probably going to make it worse. (Kind of like a man who is asked by his wife, “Honey, does this dress make me look fat?” Stop! Do not pass go! Do not say anything. It’s a set-up and a no win situation.)

Nokona was itching for trouble when he decided to ‘taste’ some of Jet’s book and he paid the price for scratching his itch. In the doghouse Nokona had to go. (- Dog version of time out.)

Speaking of itching… Did you know that the two most common reasons your dog may be suffering from chronic itching are parasites (fleas, sarcoptic mange) and allergies? Humans forget that dogs can have allergies. Some symptoms of pet allergies might include scratching, foot licking, chewing, and face rubbing. The chart below is probably something you and your humans should look at together. It will teach you about what other allergy signs to look for that shouldn’t be ignored.

Believe it or not, your dog might even have food allergies. (Boy that would be a bummer.) Be sure to talk to your vet about any signs of allergies that you might see and ask what can be done to help.

By the way did you know that there are allergy drops for humans now? (They are effective just like shots but without the needles, the pain, the daily doctor visits, … you get the idea). Jet’s friends swear by the drops.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Itching for trouble can be fun but itching because of allergies is just awful so be alert to the signs that your companion may be dealing with daily allergies and get them some relief.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Jitters who asked: What is being done to help the critters on the U.S. coast that are being attacked by the black glob monster my dad calls oil?

Dear Jitters:

The critters are given what is called the Bath of Life. Before cleaning the critters, they are fed and treated for dehydration. The black monster is real sticky so the critters (like pelicans) are bathed in warm vegetable oil. The next step is to use a toothbrush and dishwashing liquid for hand washing the critters. It takes time – may be 45 minutes or so. The animals and birds are finally dried, banded and placed in a safe place to recuperate (word of the day).

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