Special Dog Days

This year, February 14 to 20 is Random Acts of Kindness Week. To inspire you, here is a true story about a series of random acts of kindness.

Seth, who lives in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Oakland, had just pulled into his driveway one evening when he noticed an unfamiliar vehicle parked near his house. As he got out of his car, the driver came running up to him. He told Seth that he had seen a black Labrador Retriever running across the street and he was worried that the dog might get hit by a car. He asked Seth to help him catch the Lab, and the two men set off.

At one point the driver said he could no longer stay around, so Seth followed the dog by himself. Meanwhile, Seth’s wife told their next door neighbors what was going on, and their teenage granddaughter joined in the pursuit. In the end, the Lab came into Seth’s yard and they closed the gate. The dog was awfully frightened at first, but calmed down after a while and became very friendly.

Later, the driver came back to Seth’s house to see if they had found the Lab. He gave Seth his name and phone number in case they wanted to contact him for more help. He also provided a list of places they could call to locate the owner from the number on the dog tags.

Seth’s next door neighbors decided to take the Lab in for the night. The next morning, they called around to see if the dog could be traced by his tags. One of the animal shelters provided the name of the possible owner. The owner, who had been in contact with the shelters as well, arrived to pick up his dog that afternoon. Needless to say, the Lab was extremely excited to see his owner.

Fortunately, the lost Labrador was taken care of by good people who made an effort to locate his owner. Thanks to the random acts of kindness by the worried driver, Seth, and Seth’s neighbors, dog and owner were reunited.

January 14th is National Dress Up Your Pet Day! If your four-legged friend has an impeccable sense of style, then what better day to show it off than this one?

Here are some of the many fun things you and your pet can do to celebrate National Dress Up Your Pet Day.

* First of all, think about your dog’s personality. Is he a ball of energy or more laid back? Dress him up according to his characteristics. If your pet is outgoing and playful, try a loud tie, a clown costume, or even a tutu. If he’s calm and relaxed, how about a hoodie or a hip hop style outfit? Also, don’t forget the accessories! Attach faux jewels or pearls on your pet’s collar and leash.

* Wear matching outfits with your dog! This can be a little trickier, but if you know how to sew, you can make the garments yourself.

* Throw a party and invite all the pets from around the neighborhood. Don’t forget to serve all their favorite snacks and treats. An event like this can get a little messy, though, so it’s best to have it in the backyard or at a local park.

* Organize a pet dress up parade with your fellow pet owners. This is a great way for proud fur parents to display their “children”! It can be chilly in January, so make sure that all the animals are dressed warmly.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you dress your pet in an outfit that’s not only stylish, but also comfortable and warm enough for these cold winter months.

My personal experience with last year’s National Dress Up Your Pet Day was really fun! I had my French Bulldog wear a sweatshirt with bunny ears on the hood, and we went to a nearby park where there was a party with games and activities for the animals, which of course included a best costume contest.

I highly recommend taking lots of pictures as well as some videos so you can remember this day and how adorable your pet looks in his outfit!

National Veterinary Technician Week is the third week of every October. Founded by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, this event pays tribute to all the veterinary technicians across the country who play a significant role in the health of our pets.

Aside from taking care of animals, a veterinary technician’s day-to-day responsibilities include obtaining and recording patient histories, assisting in  procedures like surgery and x-rays, getting animals ready for surgery, preparing equipment and operating rooms, administering medications, inducing and monitoring anesthesia, taking radiographs, collecting specimens like urine and blood, performing laboratory duties, advising and educating owners, managing the clinic, instructing other clinic staff, and overseeing other clinic personnel like veterinary assistants. They also work in biomedical research, education, sales, and the military.

To become a veterinary technician, one must complete a two or three-year course from a school that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Many technicians take extra classes to specialize in an area of pet health. They must also acquire continuing education credits to stay updated on the most recent developments in veterinary medicine.

National Veterinary Technician Week has been celebrated every year since 1993 to recognize the important contributions of veterinary technicians to society. During this week, there are programs and activities intended to educate the public about the role of vet techs, provide an opportunity for technicians to applaud one another for outstanding performance in their work, and reinforce the professionalism and value of technicians to both veterinarians and the public.

If you work in an animal clinic with veterinary technicians or if you are a pet owner who knows a vet tech, here are some ways to salute them during National Veterinary Technician Week.

* Submit an article to your local newspaper honoring your vet tech.
* Bake them a homemade cake or cupcake with their name on top.
* Take them out to a nice dinner.
* Get them a vet tech T-shirt.
* Give them a new pair of scrubs with a funky pattern.
* Cook and bring them lunch at work.
* Give them a new pair of orthopedic shoes.

Recently, it has been reported that more than 700,000 pets in the United States were given birthday parties by their owners. This pet party trend is not unique to America and has reached other countries such as England, China, and Japan. If you’re planning to throw a party for your dog, here are some tips to ensure that all attendees, both canine and human, have a barkin’ good time.

* Only invite dogs that your pet already knows and likes so as to avoid any possible fights. If your best friend has a dog that doesn’t get along with yours, it may be a good idea to exclude them from the guest list. If you want to invite a pooch that your dog has not met before, set up a date between them prior to the actual party.

* All dogs should have at least one human companion that they are comfortable with at the party. If a dog’s owner cannot make it to the celebration, then it is recommended that the dog does not attend either. You will be busy enough hosting the party and watching your own pet.

* Only serve food that is safe for dogs, as there are plenty of people foods that can be poisonous to canines. If you’re unsure about a certain food, consult your vet. Also talk to the other owners before the pet party to check if their dog has any allergies.

* See to it that every dog gets his share of the food, and let the owners feed their own pets.

* The length of a pet birthday party depends on how long you want it to be, but keep in mind that dogs can become restless over time. Don’t be afraid to end the party earlier than scheduled if you notice that many of the four-legged guests are getting fidgety.

* Have poop bags on hand in case the other dog owners do not bring their own. This is a must especially if you are having the dog party at a park or any other public area.

* If you will be throwing an outdoor dog birthday party, prepare a contingency plan as well, so the fun doesn’t have to end in case of bad weather.

* Make sure that the dog party area is secure and that there aren’t any openings that smaller dogs can slip through.

* If you invite dogs that have yet to be spayed or neutered, ask their owners to watch their pets, and let the other owners at the party know about this as well.

Unfortunately, a worrying number of pets have inflammation and infection in their mouths, but are not getting the dental treatment they require. The infection doesn’t just stay in the mouth, however – it can spread to the rest of the body. Giving your pooch a chew is not enough. Vets throughout the country agree that dogs with dental problems need a combination of preventive measures, which usually includes brushing, after an appropriate prophylaxis and cleaning session.

If oral hygiene and health are important to us, having good teeth and gums is essential for our canine companions as well. Dogs use their teeth to chew their food and play their favorite fetching games, among other activities. Guard and police dogs especially need a strong bite to do their job properly.

Maintaining healthy teeth is a must as dogs grow older. These days, pet owners can choose from a wide variety of teeth cleaning products that are available on the market. However, the best solution is still the natural method – that is, give your dog a bone to chew on.

Bone chewing helps clean your dog’s teeth; not only does it scrape the plaque off from the teeth surface, it strengthens the gums as well. You can let your pooch chew on a bone every other day or three to four times a week. If you’re giving him raw bones, you can let him have one per day.

The good news is, most dental diseases are treatable and preventable. We’ve all heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this certainly applies to our canine friends’ oral health as well. Take your pet to a dental checkup this month. Your dog will love having stronger teeth and gums, and the benefits will make both you and your pet happier.

National Dog Week is celebrated from the 22nd to 28th of every September, with the tradition dating back to 1928. Captain Will Judy, a distinguished dog judge and former publisher of Dog World Magazine, founded the event to educate dog owners and organizations about their role and responsibilities as such.

National Dog Week also acknowledges our canine friends all across the country and recognizes the important roles they play in our daily lives. Aside from providing humans with comfort, delight, and safety, dogs have generously assisted the disabled, participated in search and rescue operations, sniffed out bombs and drugs, and helped law enforcement officials, among others.

This year, the theme of National Dog Week is “Man’s Best Friend,” which is exactly what we consider our canine companions to be. The term is believed to have been coined by Senator George Graham Vest of Missouri. Vest, who was also a lawyer, once represented a man who was suing his neighbor for shooting and killing his dog. Vest won the case after delivering his famous speech Tribute to the American Dog, which can now be seen inscribed on a monument in Warrensburg, Missouri.

The success of National Dog Week mostly depends on the time and efforts of selfless volunteers. If you would like to participate, you can contribute to and/or volunteer in your local animal shelter. You can also invite dog groomers and veterinarians to give talks to your community on topics such as neutering and spaying, obedience training tips, and general dog care and grooming.

Other activities that you can organize are dog shows at your local park, and donation drives to benefit an animal shelter or dog rescue group of your choice. If you have a canine companion, you can throw a party for your pet and other dogs in the neighborhood – it’ll be a great chance for them to socialize! You can also give a pooch a home by adopting one.

Whatever you do during National Dog Week, get your friends and family members involved. Volunteer together, and plan events as a group. Above all, don’t forget to have fun while you’re making a difference for your furry friends.

Responsible Dog Ownership Day is Saturday, September 18! The American Kennel Club and 400 organizations across the United States come together to celebrate the joys of dog ownership, help educate the community, and have some fun!

Visit The American Kennel Club to find an event in your area!

This Sunday, September 12th is National Pet Memorial Day.  Some great suggestions were shared on how to remember your “best friend” and companion who have passed away:

1.  Write a letter to your pet expressing feelings you may be struggling with, tell them how much you miss them, or thank them for the wonderful memories you have.

2. Share photographs and stories with family or friends.

3. Create an online memorial, in can be on a pet memorial website, a blog, or even a Facebook page.

A Time to Remember  – By John Quealy

They come into our lives for such a short time

A time we wouldn’t trade not even for a dime

Then before you know it the years have flown by

And then all of the sudden we’re saying good-bye

It wasn’t that long ago we said our good-byes

We held on to you tight as you closed your eyes

Your spirit has flown home on the wings of a dove

Into God’s loving arm’s; in heaven above

Over the days we’ve shed many tears

But the memories we have will live on for years

We feel your presence and we know that your near

You’re keeping us safe and calming our fear

We think about memories from years past

When you were young and strong and ran so fast

We remember all the great times that we all had

How you always made us happy never made us mad

They were the best and happiest years we had

We’ll always look back on them and never be sad

We look forward to the time we’ll be together again

And we thank the Lord for such a great friend

Now you run and play up in Heaven above

Cradled in God’s arms covered with his love

Playing by the Bridge waiting for the day

We come down thru the meadow to the bridge to stay

The love that you showed us we’ll never forget

Because to us you’re one very special pet

You’re like a star in the dark of night

Always watching over us with the Lord’s light

So now we take time to remember our best friend

Who will always be with us even to the end

We’ll always remember you the way you were

One big lovable huggable pile of fur

This Sunday is National Pet Memorial Day –a day set aside so we can remember and celebrate the pets that we’ve lost in our life.

While many of us on the Porch Potty team currently have a four-legged family member, many of us have experienced losing a furry loved one that meant the world to us.

Some things you can do this Sunday, September 12th to celebrate and honor your pet’s memory:

1.  Focus on the good times.

I know there are many.  Remember the joy, the antics, the fun times, and those times that just made you giggle.  If you focus on that even for the moment, it will make you giggle again!  Spend a few moments reflecting on these pleasant memories – and as much as your pet was there for you, you were there for them, too.  There’s magic in remembering those moments!

2.  Contribute to an animal protection, rescue, or support group in their honor.

We can make a contribution in the honor of a pet and keep their memory and name as giving as they were to you!  There’s great joy in knowing that you and your pet did “one more thing” together.

3.  Create a flower garden in their memory.

You don’t have to have a huge yard or a backyard at all to create a memory garden.  It can be a large terracotta pot in your apartment, or a small one on your window sill. It can even be one that you help take care of for your local Keep America Beautiful Days or Make a Difference Day.

It can be a tree you plant in their honor or a shrub planted at a local nonprofit’s location.  The where doesn’t matter.  It’s all the awesome memories that you’ll nurture as you nurture and care for this plant.

If space is really tight, it can be a memory garden in a terrarium.  The size or breadth of the garden doesn’t matter – it’s the size and breadth of the memory that does.

What other ideas do you have to reflect and enjoy the memory of your pet?

Last week, we asked our readers for their Natural Holistic Resources and Remedies in preparation for today, National Holistic Pet Day!

Here are some sources:

• American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association at http://www.ahvma.org/
• 5 Goals for Developing a Holistic Health Care Plan at http://www.petcarenaturally.com/articles/5-goals.php
• The Holistic First Aid Kit at http://www.petsynergy.com/firstaid.html

And this resource comes from another reader:

Another basic part of the plan is to develop a holistic first aid kit. This should be an accessible kit available for emergency situations. You would want to include some of the following items: Bach Flower Rescue Remedy for Pets (calming flower essence), calendula ointment (speeds healing), hydrogen peroxide, gauze, bandages, blankets, water, and extra food. If your pet becomes stressed, try treating him/her with flower essence before using prescribed medication.

In fact, a great list of treatments exists – click here to access!

Here’s a snippet from that site…

Fur Balls

Feeding a good natural diet, will deter this problem as they will shed less fur and their digestive system will have acids for lubricating. To help a cat straight away for the first week, add 1/2 teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to their daily meals, which lubricates the system to help elimination through the digestive tract etc. Homeopathic Remedy for Fur Balls.

Tooth Plaque prevention & removal

Once again, feeding your pets with a preservative free and RAW meat diet, helps prevent plaque. The sugars that are added to the commercial foods actually cause the plaque bacteria. When sugar is combined it will form the hard plaque, which forms an acid – and it is the acid that eventually causes the decay.

Ear Mites / Infections

Mix 5% or 3% volume of hydrogen Peroxide with 1/2 teaspoon of wheat germ oil and add about 3 mls of water.
(Warm the mixture, by placing the small bowl onto a larger bowl of warm water)

If your cat or dog has an ear infection you may need to use a homeopathic treatment drops as well, if the infection is chronic.

For Ear Mites – use either a cotton ball or eye dropper, fill an eye dropper and gently trickle mixture into the ear canal (approx. half a teaspoon), let it run down into the ear for a few seconds. Then from the base of the ear gently massage it (hear the squishing sound). Massage for 2 to 3 minutes then let the cat or dog shake their head, do this procedure each day for 3 days then repeat same the following week.

For Ear Infections – do the same, except treat the ear every day until no more brown fluid is present or the wax has been cleared. It is important to put your pet on a natural raw meat/veg diet and food vitamin supplements, as many ear infections are caused from poor quality food/food allergy/low immune system.