Here we go!
For weeks, I’ve felt like I have a giant rock of anxiety sitting in my stomach. Which is sorta funny because yesterday doggy daycare told me that Emmett pooped out rocks. Actual from-the-ground rocks. Which is not funny. At all. Sigh.
Anyway, a smidge of backstory: It’s all about health insurance. I’m a freelancer, so I’ve always been on hubby John’s health insurance. In December 2011, I was diagnosed with cancer. John was finishing his stint at Indiana University in April 2012, so he needed to get another job lined up STAT so that we wouldn’t lose our coverage since I was in the throes of treatment. He found a job. In southern Louisiana. So on April 1 of last year, he moved down there to work while I stayed here to finish my year of treatment. I had my last shot on February 27 – wahooo!!!
Meanwhile…
John decided to stay on in Louisiana. After a hellacious year apart, and since I only have to be here in IN for quarterly checkups, we decided that the most logical thing is for me and the boys to move to Louisiana!
So that’s the big news. We’re moving waayyyy down south! Emmett, Lucas, and Cooper are headed to the bayou! (John assures me we won’t get any alligators in our backyard…)
Since we made that decision, we were frantically trying to find a place to live in LA – it’s not so easy to find a rental that will take 3 dogs (or, more specifically, 2 pit mixes… SIGH) and a cat. But, incredibly, John found one. We move in June 1.
Then we put our IN house up for sale. So for the last two weeks I’ve been frenetic, trying to clean, de-fur, landscape, pack boxes, de-fur, rush the boys out for showings, de-fur, and squeeze work in there somehow, too!
After the chaos of the last year, and now this, I’m looking forward to getting to LA and settling in to a routine. The boys have been neglected for the last year, so I’m going to set all new training goals, which is exciting.
More to come… like lessons I’ve learned from doggy daycare, the start of Lucas’ “reactive dog” class, my new “face full of treats” training plan, and strategies for combating allergy season. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a picture of what poor Emmett looks like after a day of doggy daycare:
A list
- Today is the first day of spring! Yay!
- But it’s snowing. Boo.
- Despite the cold, Emmett’s allergy season started with a vengeance. For the first time ever, he’s losing fur. Although, I’m relieved it’s just allergies – we feared something was wrong with his thyroid at first (blood and urine tests were perfect – phew). Have you gone through this? Does your dog struggle with allergies this time of year?
Poor cute Emmett!
- Lucas’ Reactive Dog Class starts this Sunday. The first session is people only. I’m excited to get this underway. I’ll keep you posted!
- Finally… Oh, boy. BIG changes are a-coming. Just when I think life is starting to settle down. I stumbled upon this Nietzsche quote yesterday, and this is what I’m focusing on, “One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.” Once I wrap my head around everything, I’ll fill you in.
Hope your start to the new season is a great one!
Positively Pit Bull: Meet Zeke, Bella, and Lucky!
Meet Zeke, Bella, and Lucky!
Location: Hanover, PA
Ages: Zeke – 8, Bella – 4, Lucky -2
Their story, as told by their person, Donna:
I first met Zeke when I met my boyfriend 5 years ago. Honestly, at first I was nervous around Zeke and nervous to have Faith (10) and Chase (5) around him, but that didn’t last long at all. I soon found out that the only thing Zeke was going to do was lick us to death. 
I don’t think people understand the true nature and kindness of a pit bull until they actually own one or are properly educated on the breed. It’s a shame that they have such a bad rep. A year after meeting Timmy (my boyfriend) and Zeke, we adopted Bella when she was 3 months old, and we fell in love with her right away! Zeke immediately took a liking to her and followed her around, like her protector. They became best friends and she was just as friendly with the kids as Zeke had been.
I think this is the sweetest pic I’ve ever seen!
Then along comes our little Lucky Ducky; Timmy actually found her on the side of the road! She had a messed up nose, serious nasal and respiratory issues, and her fur was falling out in clumps. We took her to the vet and had every intention of getting her better and then finding a home for her…well, needless to say, she didn’t go anywhere because we weren’t able to let her go. So then all of a sudden we had THREE pit bulls. Wow…
Some people hear that and they are like “aren’t you worried about them around your kids?” or “that’s way too many dogs, especially mean dogs like that breed.” I just tell whoever is so concerned to educate themselves before they speak about the breed. A LAB bit my daughter and a DALMATION bit my son. So, yeah…point made. Lucky sleeps with Faith every night. We tell Lucky to go to bed and where does she go? Right into Faith’s room and up on her bed; it’s the sweetest thing ever.
I just wanted to share a little about my pet pits and help to spread the word on what a wonderful breed they are. Hopefully one day they won’t have the negativity surrounding them and more will get adopted and taken into good homes. I love my dogs, and I couldn’t imagine a day without them.
Review: Pukka’s Promise
I can sum up my review of Pukka’s Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs in three words: Read this book.
Seriously.
The book, written by Ted Kerasote (Merle’s Door), touches on every major topic related to our dogs’ health, longevity, and well being – from the cleaning products in our home to the food we feed them to the shelter system and more. Each topic is thoroughly researched with expert interviews and tons of data.
But what makes Pukka’s Promise so entertaining are the stories about his dog Pukka, the dog after Merle, woven throughout the narrative. With every avenue he explores, he relates his findings back to raising his own dog. That context makes the research come alive.
While I loved the book, it’s not to say I agreed with everything he proposed. One thing he advocates is allowing dogs to make their own decisions by letting them explore off leash. He may be able to let his dog roam off-leash in secluded Wyoming, but it’s just not practical or safe for most of us city- and town-dwellers.
Overall, though, I learned a lot from this book. It was the perfect mix of informative and entertaining, and it’s written in the clean prose style we’ve come to expect from Kerasote.
The bottom line? You’ll enjoy every minute you invest in reading Pukka’s Promise.
Disclaimer: I was sent a free copy of the book to review. But just because I got it for free doesn’t mean I’m going to give a good review – I just happened to really love this book!
Sponsored Post: Dog Supplies Online
Finding a great pet store is one good way to make sure you have the best dog supplies possible for your canine. But it can become bothersome having to travel out to the pet store every time you need something, especially if it’s very far away or if you’re busy. This is why buying dog supplies online can be so much more convenient.
Easier For You
Not having to get into the car and drive is, of course, the most convenient thing about buying dog supplies online. This not only will work better for your daily schedule, it can also save you money on petrol that could rack up throughout frequent trips to the pet store. There is also the potential, depending on the store you shop at, that shopping online for your dog’s supplies can also save you money. These are all benefits that can make you seriously consider doing your shopping online for all your dog’s needs.
Dog Flea Treatments
One of the biggest routine pet medicines that owners shop for is dog flea treatments. Finding good flea treatments is essential to not only stopping the fleas, but make sure they don’t come back. Advantage is a great brand of dog flea treatments to look into along with Frontline for Dogs and Ectoline. Beaphar also has an herbal dog flea shampoo, although this is more about keeping the fleas away than getting rid of them. Still, it is a great preventive measure and its natural extracts keep your dogs’ coat smelling nice.
Dog Wormers
Canine owners are also frequently looking for dog wormers. When buying dog supplies online, there are a few brands you could consider. Drontal for dogs is one of the most popular wormers. They offer tablets for large dogs, and worming syrup for puppies, as well as kittens. Johnson’s One Dose Easy Wormer is a very simple method of getting rid of your dogs’ worms. In just one dose, the product should get rid of both roundworms and tapeworms.
Dog Accessories
You want to look after your dog’s health but you also want him or her to look great. Ancol has a great line of dog coats available in various designs, patterns, and colors. Petlife also has a product that they call a thundershirt, which can help calm the nervous system of anxious, stressed, or frightened dogs.
There are numerous products that are offered online for dogs. Buying dog supplies online is the better route to choose. The convenience makes life easy for you while these great products make life easier for your dog.
Disclaimer: This is a paid, sponsored post. All opinions are the author’s and may not reflect the opinions of Oh My Dog!
Frosty Paws Giveaway… the winners!
I’m excited to announce the winners of the Frosty Paws giveaway! Using Random.org and selecting 10 numbers from 1 to 19, the following entries were winners:
- 9 – Valerie Jimenez
- 2 -Crystle
- 5 – Amanda Vuong
- 17 – G
- 3 – DearPru
- 16 – Holly Oyler
- 4 – Julie
- 11 – Carol
- 1 – Bren
- 6 – Kim B
If you’re one of the lucky winners, send an email to info {at} ohmydogblog {dot} com with your mailing address. Unclaimed prizes will be re-raffled off next week.
Congrats to the winners! I so wish I had one to give to everyone who entered, but don’t worry. There are more giveaways on the horizon!
My shame: My dog bit someone
I am mortified to even be writing this. Seriously, I am cringing with shame and embarrassment, but if I can’t talk to you guys about it…
Here goes: Lucas bit someone.
Or, at least, he tried to. He grazed the knee of her jeans but didn’t get her.
We were out for a Saturday afternoon walk around the park. Nothing out of the ordinary. There was a woman walking a pup a few blocks ahead of us, so I hung back because I always avoid other dogs when I’m out with Lucas because he’s reactive on leash to other dogs. Dogs. Never people.
We came around a bend, passing by an older woman. As soon as she was upon us, Lucas jumped up on her. He has NEVER jumped on a stranger before. As I pulled him back, he lunged and snapped.
The woman was pissed and upset, of course, but since there were no injuries (thankfully) she walked on after berating me. The whole time we were “talking” Lucas just stood there like nothing had happened.
I have no idea what got into him. None.
But I’m in a total panic. Is this a new problem behavior? Is he going to start reacting to strangers now? Are our walks going to turn into an even bigger gauntlet? Will this lady decide to call animal control and report the incident?
I’ve been obsessing for two days over this. I can think of a ton of excuses: Lucas, like Cooper, has become extremely protective of me since I got sick. He spent the last year stuck in the house, and we all know that if you don’t constantly work on problem behaviors, they can backslide. He’s always been a high-strung, reactive dog, and since he hasn’t gotten enough exercise, he’s clearly pent up. And so on.
But I don’t know.
The bottom line? I no longer trust my dog.
Can I walk him past strangers? What if it happens again? Chances are I’ll tense up, he’ll feel it through the leash, and that’ll cause him to react. But if I spend our walks avoiding people, like we’ve always done with dogs, there’s no way to work on it and it reinforces his idea that strangers are suspicious.
I’m completely mortified that this happened. And I’m really upset. As soon as we got back, I got online and enrolled him in a 5-week “reactive dog” class, but that doesn’t start until the end of March. I just felt like I had to do something, you know?
But what else? What else can I do?
I mean, other than panic and obsess, which is what I’m currently doing.
Sigh.
Positively Pit Bull: Meet Ruca!
Name: Ruca
Age: 4
City: originally Kenai, Alaska but now in Ashland, Oregon
Ruca’s story, as told by his person Breauna:
Ruca is a purebred pitbull that kind of fell into my lap when he was about 7 weeks old. I didn’t really know much about the breed, but I didn’t believe the negative stereotypes that I had heard. Originally, my ex-boyfriend got him, but as soon as we went and picked him up, it was love at first sight, and we decided he would be both of ours. I was only 17 when we got him, and was still living in Kenai, Alaska with my family. From then, we moved to Portland for two years, and then down south to Ashland for the next two years, and Ruca has been with me every single step of the way.
Every summer when I return back to Alaska from Oregon, I drive my truck the 3,000 miles back and forth again for the fall. Ruca has joined me every single time (when we embark on the mission again in a few months, it will be his sixth time!). I think of him as my little nomad dog. He is happy wherever we go, and we do travel quite a bit.
From day one, Ruca has proven to be one of the best dogs I’ve ever known. He was always loveable, great with children, other dogs, and other animals in general. With him, there is no back-story of overcoming aggression or being treated poorly. Pitbulls are raw proof that even those with a tough-looking exterior can be some of the biggest softies around. He is 95 pounds, but in his mind, he’s the size of a chihuahua; he is such a cuddler and a lap dog!
Ruca loves tennis balls, car rides, going on runs and hikes, swimming, high fives, but more than anything… he LOVES blankets (yes, that does mean that he sleeps in my bed with me — under the covers — every night. he’s too cute, I can’t say no!)
Almost every person who meets him that had previous reservations about the breed has changed their minds after meeting him. Anyone who sees that famous pit bull smile can’t help but smile back! He has changed my life forever, and I honestly don’t think I will ever own any other dog besides a pitbull again. He has even inspired me to pursue my dream of opening a non-profit pitbull rescue.
Ruca’s story is one in a collection of stories about our fabulous dogs. Want to share your dog’s story? All the details can be found on the Positively Pit Bull page!
Giveaway: Frosty Paws!
Let’s think spring, shall we?
As soon as the weather starts to (finally) warm up, my thoughts always turn to one thing… ice cream! I love ice cream, and I’ve discovered that my guys do, too. Of course, people ice cream isn’t good for them, but Frosty Paws is the perfect, dog-friendly cold treat. Emmett, Lucas, and Cooper recognize the blue box. When I pull it out of the freezer, they start dancing and jumping around until I set the little cups down for them.
I’m so excited because Frosty Paws generously provided me with 10 giveaways! So that means there are going to be 10 winners! Woo-hoo! Each winner will receive two coupons for free boxes of Frosty Paws, along with a darling little stuffie.
All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment on this post. Share: What are you most looking forward to with spring around the corner?
Rules:
- Leave a comment on this post by Monday, February 25. Only comments on this post will count.
- I’ll use Random.org to select 10 winners on Monday evening.
- I’ll announce the winners on Tuesday, February 26, and the winners have a week to send me their mailing address, otherwise I’ll select new winners.
- This time around, this giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. So sorry, international folks, but more giveaways are to come!
My agility AH-HA moment
Let’s set the scene:
It was Tuesday night around 8 pm. The warehouse where the agility classes are held was cold and dank. I was tired and grumpy, and I think that rubbed off on Cooper. We were in a bad spot already because the poor guy had the pants scared off of him when a tarp that separated the space fell. He lost his little head barking and had his hackles up. Then a dog ran right up to his face, which he hates, and he yelped, startling the trainer and the two other dogs standing near us.
The bottom line? We weren’t having the best night.
We had started a sequencing exercise where the dogs had to walk over a series of jump standards (the U-shaped part of the jump without the bar in the middle) with specific turns. We went and messed up, and the trainer had us redo it. I was frustrated, but we got it on the second try.
Everyone took a turn, then the trainer went with her puppy.
Who messed up. Big time.
She went the wrong direction then sort of wandered off then came back on the opposite side. And the trainer? Well…
She laughed!
For a split second I thought, “Why is she laughing? She messed up!” And then it hit me: Because this is supposed to be fun!
It seems so obvious, of course, but I realized that mistakes are part of it. I’m the kind of person who strives to avoid making mistakes in all things. It’s a very stressful way to live. But in that moment, when the trainer laughed at her dog’s silliness, I had my AH-HA!
Maybe I’m going to learn more from agility than Cooper is…