Review & Discount: Calming Collar

Overall Spencer is a well-behaved, charming and easy dog. However, that does not mean he does not have his 'quirks.' He also has some anxiety and separation issues. I've tried many products to help manage those issues. I came across the Calming Collar in a magazine and reached out to see if Spencer would benefit from it.

(Image retrieved from the Calming Collar website)

In Honor of Belle, "The Great American Farm Dog"

In 1996, my father entered a contest through a farming magazine called "The Great American Farm Dog Contest." Actually, I should note that my mother 'encouraged' him to enter the contest about why he felt he could use a service dog.

Perhaps it would be best to give a little back story to why my father would enter such a contest. In June 1986, my father was involved in a motorcycle/car accident on his way home from work. A car failed to stop at a stop sign and ran directly into my father, who then flew off his motorcycle and into a nearby ditch. The accident left him a paraplegic. Never one to be told he couldn't do something or be held back from something he loved to do, he continued to farm once he got out of the hospital for the last time in February 1987. Through creating and adding various, and at first quite crude, lifts onto many of the farm machinery and equipment, he was back in the field within a year. Of course there were things he relied on other people to help him with but, for the most part, he adapted to his situation.

Chef Spencer

Buying pet costumes can be expensive and you can only use them once, maybe twice a year. Have you ever thought about buying children dress-up clothes, costumes, or outfits and use them for the your pet?

(Spencer is very upset that the pizza slices are not real...)

Mess Time

Spencer had a hard time deciding what he wanted for snack time.... 

I know that "dog shaming" was a fad months ago and, while some of the photos are kinda cute, it's not something I was totally sold on. Many of them said more about their human than about their furry selves. Some of the photos just screamed "TOO MUCH INFORMATION!" 

I guess this is the moment where you can point at me and shout "HYPOCRITE!" The photo below is what I first saw after work. The worse part was that Spencer was just so darn proud of himself. As if he was searching it for hidden poison or some toy at the bottom of the box. 

It was like he was standing on the top of a massive snow pile, banging his chest and yelling "I'M THE KING OF THE WORLD!" As if the crackers, two different kinds of cereal, peanut butter and fish batter was his Mount Everest.

In the end it makes for an interesting photo but the chances are good that he will have to be monitored for a few hours and have to have frequent trips outside if you get my drift...

Do you have any pictures of your dog getting into mischief? Or come home to a mess? Please share your pictures or stories so I don't feel quite so irresponsible!

Vaccination

Having been a nurse for almost 7 years now, I could tell you what shots you need and when you need them. But, vaccinations for you puppy or dog, I have no idea what they get and when they get them. The vet that I go to is wonderful about reminding me when Spencer is due for his next visit and which shots he needs. Below is a list of the vaccinations, what they protect and approximately when they should be given. If you are unsure or have any questions contact your veterinarian, they will ultimately be your best resource.  

(Spencer as a puppy taking a drive)

Poop Equals Pooped

Talking about poop all day sure made this dog pooped! We had a wonderful time today reading the numerous posts about being a responsible pet owner and Scooping That Poop!

(Spencer was so tired he fell asleep before he made it in our room.)

Due to poor internet connection, I hope to comment on some of the posts tomorrow. Until then, good night and sweet dreams to all the "Scooper Heroes" out there. 

#ScoopThatPoop: Being a "Scooper Hero" is Easy as 1-2-3

Poop Math

A dog drops on average poops 3/4 pounds of waste daily. That means if your town has 730 dogs that is approximately 550 pounds of dog waste is generated each day! Even if half of that was picked up daily that is still 225 pounds of poop! Yuck, that is a lot of POOP!!!

Being a Scooper Hero is Easy as 1-2-3:

1. Bring a Bag

2. Clean it up

3. Dispose of the waste

It really is that easy!