We’re expecting snow tonight, so I’m resting up so I can play in it tomorrow.
Let sleeping dogs lie
Sometimes at night, I like to pretend I’m sleeping so my hooman doesn’t push me off the bed.
Don’t spook the dog this Halloween
It’s that time of year again for trick-or-treaters, costumes and candy. All of which can be very scary for our furry friends. This Halloween take some precautions to keep your pooch safe from the spookiness.
No people treats for your sweets
Be sure to keep the candy jar out of reach as even the smallest piece of chocolate can be dangerous for your dog. Instead give him dog treats to celebrate this spooky day. Here are some of Bloo’s favorites:
No candles for the light of your life
Though candles can create ambience in your home, many candles reduce the air quality in your home and can be toxic for you and your dog, not to mention a fire hazard if your dog’s tail has a mind of its own. Instead try using spooky Halloween String Lights
Make costumes optional
Don’t force your dog to wear a costume. Though some dogs love the attention, it can be scary for others. Err on the side of caution.
You dog doesn’t have to be a trick-or-treater greeter
People coming to your door in costumes can be very upsetting to your pooch so keep them in a safe room while trick-or-treaters visit. It’s okay for your dog to be a party pooper as he might be happier in a quiet room away from the party. Their den or crate
Make sure your dog has an ID
If you’re out and about with your dog make sure he/she has a dog ID tag on in case they get spooked and run off.
Have a safe and spooky Halloween!
Happy Birthday Bloo
Three years today my little pupper was born. I’m so happy to have him in my life and I hope he’s happy to be in mine.
Happy birthday Bloo. This one’s for you:
Porch-sitting in summertime
Bloo porch-sits as he patiently awaits our resident chipmunk who likes to run laps across the street and back.
He taunts Bloo with his speedy moves as he dodges cars driving up and down our street.
We don’t know whether Mr. Chipmunk is teasing Bloo or just playing a serious game of car-dodge while he gathers food in preparation for the winter months.
Dogmageddon, a dog’s 4th of July
It’s the 4th of July weekend and a celebratory one for us humans. However, in a dog’s life it’s probably one of the most stressful. With lots of people, cars, dogs, fireworks, parades and all sorts of new and exciting noises surrounding us, you can’t blame them for being a bit stressed.
This past week has been a ruff one for the dogs (and their people) in my neighborhood. In two days, three dogs got off their leash and ran free on our busy street. One got hit by a car (and is doing fine now, thank God) and the other two decided to attack my little boy Bloo and in the process I got a big ole dog bite (or two) that is now sporting nice shade of purple. Luckily my leg will heal and all dogs involved are fine.
It’s just a reminder that this time of year can be a stressful one for our pets, it’s a time I like to call, Dogmageddon.
Teaching my dog loose leash
I’ve had my loving beast for almost two years now and we have learned so many things together. He has learned to catch a frisbee like nobody’s business, he’s learned to sit, stay, find it, leave it, touch, come, jump through a hula hoop and fetch a stick.
The one thing that escapes us is walking nicely on a leash. Walking Bloo is not only a work out on my legs because nothing less than hiking to a top of a mountain tires him out, but it’s also a workout on my arms. As soon as I open up the door to go out, he takes off like a bat out of hell only he has a person attached to the other end of the leash. If I don’t hold on for dear life, I fear I might find myself on the ground and being dragged like a draft-horse pulling trees.
So tonight, I have been doing some research on how to teach a dog how to walk with a loose leash and I thought I’d share in case you too have been working out your arms walking your dog.
A Poem for Bloo
To my reactive boy, Bloo
There is no need to lunge and bark
at another dog on a leash.
Because, trust me babe, I got this
I’ll protect you from that beast.
When a visitor comes a knocking
and stands at our front door,
There is no need for you to bark
Especially if they’ve been here before.
I know you’re trying to protect me
In every way you can.
Your love for me is deeper
Than any woman for any man.
But trust me when I tell you,
I love you more than words can say,
away from harm I will keep you,
every…single…day.
For you are my companion,
my love and my daily joy,
you bring me such happiness
my precious little boy.
So take heed my friend
And learn to seize the day.
Enjoy just running in the field
and pooping in the hay.
Relish in the life
of a dog that is care free.
Worry no more my little boy Bloo
’cause there is no need to watch over me.
The past is the past
As you probably know, Bloo is a rescue. I rescued him from a kill shelter in South Carolina and he came with a slew of issues as most shelter dogs do. I don’t know what happened before he met me but whatever it is made him a very frightened dog.
Most dogs learn to be fearful and reactive and are not born with it. There are some things we do as their owners that contribute to their reactivity and encourages them to continue their behavior.
For example, dogs bark when there is a change in their surroundings. One change might be the mailman walking onto our porch to deliver the mail. Bloo hears this and starts barking. In his eyes, his barking worked. The mailman came, heard him bark and left. A job well done. Continue reading
Buckle up
Make sure you buckle up!
Rhapsody in Bloo 