Tiny packages...

I met a tiny (and I mean tiny as in extra small, petite, miniature, miniscule, so-cute-I-wanted-to-squeeze-him-to-death) Yorkie puppy last week with a large name. Rockefeller was visiting Canine Companion for the weekend and in need of his first grooming service. Just a few weeks out of his proverbial nest, he was all of about 2 pounds soaking wet but took his bath and baby haircut like a trooper. On the same day, our giant friend Kujo also got a bath. I could not help but wonder at the variety that nature (or man) has provided us in canine friends to choose from.

Kiss Me Katie

We said goodbye to a beloved family member a few days ago. Her name was Katie and she enriched not only our lives but also the lives of countless families who visited Canine Companion in the past one and one half decades.

Katie was a beautiful Shetland Sheepdog with a Champion pedigree. She came to live with our family from a breeder when she was about 7 months old. She became a mother several times and she lives on today in her children and grandchildren who are providing joy to their families. One of her grandchildren will be competing in the upcoming AKC National Agility Championships on April 1, 2011.

It is always hard to say goodbye to a friend. Her eyesight was pretty much failed as well as her reasoning. She became confused easily and often forgot where she should go to the bathroom. Now, however, she is romping somewhere green and warm- and we will remember her as a superbly obedient little brown dog.

Winter Health Tips!

What animal lover hasn’t enjoyed watching a furry friend frolic in newly fallen snow? Many a heart has been melted by watching a puppy play and romp during his first snowy outing. Winter is upon us and with it a whole new set of challenges for the responsible pet owner.  Below is a checklist of concerns and hazards to avoid to make certain your favorite companion animal is safe, healthy and comfortable this season.

Cold Concerns:

Remember that pets exposed to the out of doors are affected not only by the temperature reading on your thermometer but also by wind chill. Indoor pets should not be left unattended outside for longer than 10 minutes when temperatures dip below freezing. All pets should have a dry, warm shelter outside which also offers adequate protection from the wind and elements.

Never leave pets unattended in your car. In a car which is left running, your pet may be subjected to carbon monoxide fumes. If your car is turned off, your pet may be subject to hypothermia in a short time in freezing temperatures.

Pets can become dehydrated quickly in Winter. Make certain that both dogs and cats have  access to fresh water at all times. Snow is not an efficient alternative to water.  

Also, be aware and use extra caution when walking or playing with your dog outside near frozen water areas.

Antifreeze may leak onto driveways and roads smells and tastes good to dogs. However it is highly poisonous and can be lethal if ingested.

Winter Grooming Tips:

If your dog gets wet while playing outside, towel or blow-dry his coat. Always wash your dog’s paws after a winter walk to remove salt.  Be sure to dry his paws well to prevent his footpads from cracking. If his footpads become dry, you can moisten them with petroleum jelly for a mid-Winter at home spa treatment.

Trim excess hair from footpads of longhaired dogs and cats. This makes it easier to remove ice and snow that can accumulate there. Be careful not to injure your pet’s foot when trimming hair. A mid-Winter visit to your favorite dog grooming professional is always a good idea. A coat that is well maintained is well insulated. Shorthaired dogs or those with coarse coats get cold more easily- consider purchasing a blanket, coat or sweater to keep your pet warm.

Your pet’s ears, feet and tail are highly susceptible to frostbite. Limit outdoor time, if possible.

Woodstoves, fireplaces and portable heaters can cause severe burns to your dog and cat. Be sure to monitor pets closely around these heat sources.

Following these tips will help your pet maintain optimum health throughout the Winter season. And remember, healthy pets are happy pets!

Training Tucker

Tucker is an adolescent Golden Retriever. Now, those of you who live with Golden Retrievers may argue that is redundant. After all, what Golden Retriever does not possess enthusiasm and joy for most of his lifetime? But, that noted- Tucker is truly an adolescent dog in every way.

He arrived at Petropolis last Friday mid-morning for an overnight stay. He is a recent graduate of the 3-2-1 Puppy Class here yet his owners professed that they were struggling to keep up with his lessons. After a 5 minute review in the lobby which allowed Tucker to show his true brilliant colors, his owners decided to think about his future education. On Saturday morning when they arrived to collect Tucker and his belongings, they announced that they were committed to giving their unruly golden-locked puppy an opportunity to attend higher education and improve his chances at being a delight in their home.

And Tucker began his 2 week in-house training program. During the past three days, he has howled, played, laughed, cried, pleaded, resisted, cajoled, and learned. The change in this 5 and one half month old pup is amazing. No longer a tousle headed slobbering menace, Tucker looks educated and refined of late.

I spoke with his owner earlier today and assured her that he was making grand progress- a great report for such a young dog going through his early paces.