Black and White Sunday

It's raining so no running outside AND I got a clipping and a bath booo :(
Last Sunday was a bit better.

Hope YOU'RE having a better Black and White Sunday!

Grateful

Love My Murray

Last night was rough.  Around midnight I tossed Murray his usual bedtime Milk-Bone half that he splits with Piper.  He knows this is his signal to get off our bed and settle into his dog bed.  He happily started munching away.  A few minutes later, chaos set in.  He was climbing on me, pawing me and looking very much like he was struggling.  I quickly deducted that part of the bone must have become stuck in his throat.  He was breathing, but not real well (on and off gulping/swallowing air), and he was in a panic for sure.  It was very difficult to keep myself calm.  As I have written before, when I get nervous, Murray gets frantic, so I did my best.  Jamie and I were up until 2am searching the internet about what to do.  Murray drank some water, but the gasping, choking thing he was doing just wasn't stopping.  When he went outside he gulped grass.  Every scary scenario went through my head.  I massaged his throat, rubbed his back and Jamie even (sorta) tipped him upside down.  I was not sure whether we wanted to get the bone pushed down or brought up by making him vomit.  I ended up giving him a Pepcid (he has had that before with past stomach issues) and we tried to settle him in bed with us.  When he relaxed a bit, he seemed to breathe better.  So, from 2am to 4am we rested.  At 4am he got up once again in a gasping panic.  Again, we got some water, went out and ate a bunch of grass, and tried to quietly settle down again.  Thank GOD this was the last of it.  He slept soundly from 4am on.  Me?  Not so much.  I was up regularly checking his breathing (and hugging and kissing him).  Now let me say at this point that our emergency vet is at least an hour drive away, and my local vet opened this morning at 9am.  I couldn't imagine getting him overly ramped up and making him ride all that time the way he was.  I was ready to be at our local vet's door first thing in the morning if need be.  Luckily, we got up at 9am and everything was back to normal.  No more grass eating, no more choking noises or gulping air.  He did get a scrambled egg breakfast, which he loves, to help ease his throat.  He has been thoroughly exhausted today, but all seems to be good.  He may have to sleep in bed with us one more night :)  I still don't know if the bone got partially stuck or just scratched the crap out of his throat on the way down, but either way, I am so very grateful he's his happy little self tonight.       

Wordless Wednesday

Black n White SUNDAY

Thank You

A little late but still wanted to post this in honor of the dogs (and all) who were the heroes of September 11, 2001. 

 THANK YOU

Check Up Time!

I really like the waiting room, but this exam room stresses me out!  I love my doctor, but I could do without the needles he pokes me with.  Luckily, all went well and other than my usual skin allergies, I am a happy, healthy 5 year old pup!  Maybe I will get to go visit one of my favorite dog stores for a treat since I was so good  :)

Monday Mischief

I like to steal my brother's food and toys

Black n White SUNDAY

Action Shot!

 

Homemade Diets

Sure you can do this, Mom?

I keep coming back to a topic in my mind...making my own dog food.  Over the years I believe I have learned a lot and also like to believe I have become a more aware dog owner.  Years ago we made the switch to a high quality dog food.  As I learned more, we have further adjusted our dog food to what seems like the "proper" high quality dog food for our specific dogs and their needs.  Now, however, as I read more and more about how much junk goes into commercially prepared dog food, no matter how high the quality, I am interested in how to properly feed a dog through a homemade diet.  I am not looking for a "raw diet", but a diet that is balanced and healthy, with human grade food items.  Does anyone out there currently do this?  How is it going?  Do you see any overall health improvements?  How are you sure everything your dog needs is included?  I will take any advice at this point as I weigh my options.  My biggest fear is that I will not be giving my dogs all that they need nutritionally through my homemade meals, but if I do learn how to properly do this, I think they would be healthier for it.  THANK YOU in advance!

Priceless

In any economy, never mind this one, the cost of owning a dog and taking good care of it can be shocking and often times difficult.  It absolutely breaks my heart when I hear a pet has been given up to a shelter because the family could not afford it any longer.  I can't even begin to imagine how that feels.  So, I got to thinking about ways I could suggest for people to help cut some costs when it comes to their dog care...even just by a tiny bit.  Hope these help!

Estimated costs range depending on the size of your dog:

Recurring Costs Per Dog (yearly)
Food (high quality)- $50- $300
Recurring Medical (exam, basic shots, heartworm and flea/tick meds)- $200- $275
Toys/Treats- $50-$75
License-$15
Insurance (varies greatly)- $225
Grooming- $275- $400
Misc.- $50- $75

One Time Costs Per Dog
Spay/Neuter- $175- $225
Beginning Medical (worming, blood work, micro-chipping)- $75
Collars/Leashes/Tie Outs- $25- $50
Crates- $25- $125
Dog School- $100

First Year Estimated Total: $1500- $2000

Cost Cutting Tips:

• Sign up for a Pet Perks card at PetSmart.  You get savings when you shop and use your card.
• Compare prices and regularly be on the lookout for coupons http://dogfood-coupon.com/index.html
• Check your vet's price for flea and tick meds against online stores.  We save 50% ordering the same exact meds online.
• Look for toys, treats, beds, leashes, collars and so much more at TJ Maxx and Marshalls.  You will be shocked at the random dog supplies they have and how low the prices are!  The inventory changes all the time too! (my all time favorite tip!)
• Purchase some good clippers and learn how to groom your dog yourself.  The initial cost for supplies might be high, but will be far cheaper than regular groomer visits in the long run.  If I can clip, anyone can!
• Dog school is not a NEED.  There are tons of books and videos available to dedicated owners who are willing to take the time to properly train their dogs...for FREE

Some Deal Sites:

 https://doggyloot.com/deals

 http://www.fatwallet.com/pet-deals/

 http://www.mypetsavings.com/

Priceless

Thankful Thursday

Thankful it's almost Friday and almost Fall!
That's more time to play with my new ball!

Black and White Sunday

Play Date with Brooklyn!  LOVE my happy boy! :)

Fish Oil

Fish Oil

We started adding one fish oil capsule a day to Piper and Murray's food after talking to our vet about the positive affect it can have on a dog's skin and coat.  Piper has very few issues with his skin and coat, but Murray has ongoing skin inflammation that pops up from time to time.  We started giving fish oil about a year and a half ago, and I can say we did see small improvements after about a month.  There is a slight fishy smell to their breath, but it's nothing terrible.  One important side note...please talk with your vet before starting your dog on fish oils.  It is a blood thinner, and your vet will be able to tell you if this is safe for your dog, depending on other conditions and medications.  You will also want to be giving out the correct dosage for your size dog.  If given in too large an amount, it can cause diarrhea, so watch this when it is started.  My dogs are a little under 100 pounds each and we give a 1200 mg fish oil pill.  They seem to be doing well on that dosage and we are working on losing weight, so it seems to be the perfect dosage for us.  Here are some good guidelines to keep handy, but of course, please double check with your vet. 

Weight of dog            Daily fish oil dosage for dogs
5lbs                           100mg
10lbs                         200mg
20lbs                         400mg
30lbs                         500mg
50lbs                         1000mg
100lbs                       2000mg

It takes a month or two to really see anything improving with the skin and coat.  So give it some time.  Most of the benefits are actually unseen.  Those benefits are:

skin and coat improvement

helps treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and allergies

helps strengthen immune systems

helps decrease blood pressure

improves brain functions

helps weight loss

Very Exciting!

I came home from work tired and dragging, only to be uplifted and surprised by an award nomination!  Actually TWO award nominations!!  Thank you Raising Daisy!


The One Lovely Blog award requirements are:

• Thank the person who nominated you and link back to them in your post.
• Share 7 things about yourself.
• Nominate other bloggers you admire.
• Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know.

About me:

1. My favorite season is summer.
2. I'm and only child.
3. I want to visit Ireland one day.
4.I have a purse obsession.
5. I met Bradley Cooper last summer.
6.I love the show Modern Family.
7. I sing karaoke on my Ipad and I stink!




 The Beautiful Blogger Award requirements:

• Copy the Beautiful Blogger Award logo and place it in your post.
• Thank the person who nominated you and create a link back to their blog.
• Nominate 7 other bloggers for their own Beautiful Blogger Award.

I am also going to combine my nominations for these two awards and share the following great blogs!  Enjoy! 
The Clampets

A Coonhound's Tales

Sugar The Golden Retriever Dog Blog

Dachshund Nola

Susie and Sidebite

A Tale On Cotton The Rescue Dog

Murphy & Stanley

Once again, thank you to Raising Daisy!

Tasty Tuesday

Blue Dog Bakery All Natural Soft Dog Treats

We bought these at our local Pet Smart just for something new to try.  Okay okay, we quickly looked at the box and saw the word "bakery" with the blue dog carrying some fresh baked treats and immediately thought they were treats we could bring home and bake ourselves!  We weren't the brightest bulbs on the tree that day.  Anyway, I am pleased to say our mistake wasn't a bad one, because they were a pretty unique treat!  First off, I love that they are all natural.  No animal by-products, no artificial colors or flavors, and no preservatives.  If you notice the box says they are great for older dogs, and I agree.  They are small, soft, chewy bites (similar looking to a brownie bite) that would be very easy on an older dog's teeth. We got peanut butter flavor, knowing my boys already liked it, and they gobbled them up!  The boys just had one for having to stay at home without me today  I highly recommend these treats and will be going back to try other flavors myself!  If you want to check out their other products, click the link at the top!

Mischief Monday

 I trampled and drooled on my mom's goody bags for her students!  HAHA

Piper being proud of himself

Ways to Treat Your Dog

This weekend I have done a little extra spoiling of my boys since they are facing days without me starting tomorrow. Since I started thinking about ways to pamper them a bit, I thought I'd share.   I think simple things are the best!

• make or take them for a tasty treat like ice cream or a homemade sweet
• visit a dog park for a socializing run with friends
• go for a swim in a nearby lake
• go for a hike
• take an extra long walk around town
• browse a pet store WITH your dog
• bring home a brand new toy for the two of you to play with
• give a doggie massage
• go for a ride in the car 
• teach a new trick (dogs LOVE to learn!) 

YUM!

Black and White Sunday

Separation Depression

This is some more of what I face when I go out the door to work each day.  This will start again for me on Tuesday.  It breaks my heart each and every day!  I think he might love me!

Not a Morning Dog!

You know how they say people are either night people or morning people?  Well, I am a night person, and so is Murray!  I have never known dogs  to "sleep in", but he does!  There is no face licking or wet nose snooting from this guy in the morning.  Any work day when we have to get the dogs up, fed and out to the bathroom before we head to work early in the morning, Murray is as stubborn as a mule!  Jamie and I can both be up showering, eating and just generally getting ready, and Murray is content to lounge in bed and just watch and/or doze off again.  Most mornings he literally has to be peeled out of the bed.  Nothing is wrong with him, he's always been like this, he just likes to be in bed.  He even likes the word "bed".  When he hears it his ears perk up and his head tilts to the side.  I guess he's just a dog after my own heart :)

Not a "rise and shine" dog! (He blends in!)

  

Breakfast in bed on vacation..the LIFE!