TLC Pet Care Christmas Holiday Vacation

Just a quick reminder that TLC Pet Care, the Doggie Day Spa and Playground plus the pet sitting and dog walking service will be on vacation between the dates of December 23 and January 1. We will be resuming our services on January 2.

Please contact Gail with any questions or concerns. Thank you and enjoy the Christmas Season!

Doggone Christmas Season

I'm at my shop... there are 22 dogs here with me.

I decide (stupidly), that I am going to go into my storage room and drag out my 6' fake Christmas tree.. (it's green, not white or tinsel colored)..

I open the door, turn on the lights and 16 of the 22 dogs flood the room ... mind you, the room, is approximately 8 feet by 6 feet ... and my tree is standing in the corner behind some kiddie pools. I go to move the pools, and the dogs go ballistic.. they think it's pool time and I'm bringing out the pools to fill.. nooooooooooooo...

After I try to explain to them that it is winter.. (cocked head, tongues waggin', tails flicking)... they back out of the room when they see I have a tree that I am trying to drag... (I swear I heard one of them say, "Oh God, she is going to fill the hole I dug with that tree")..

So I proceed to drag the tree out of the room, with them all backing up.. (not turning around and walking out.. backing up as to not miss any movements I may make). I slide the tree on it's side so that it doesn't fall over and hit one of them... (good thinking.. so I thought)..

'Fido' yells "Tug of War"... and grabs the top of the tree and yanks it off.. (lights still attached, breaking the bar that will hold the top of the tree on). I say "LEAVE IT".. and thankfully, he let's go... (the dogs name has been changed to protect his identity)..

They had to figure it wasn't a 'good thing' to touch the tree that Gail has in her arms so they stand out of the way and watch... wait... and try to figure out how the heck I am going to get this through the gate and is this an opportunity to get through the gate too? All way to smart for their own good.

I get through... only one dog comes through with me... (not bad, I thought)...

I go to stand the tree top up straight.. nope.. broken. ..

The lights work... (most of them).. the tree is up... the top is straight, kind of .. (with a bright yellow broom handle zip tied to it for stability - my options were limited considering I don't get out much... X-Pen surrounds it .. figuring nobody can shoot pee that far...

I'm figuring by next year, the tree will look like a Charlie Brown tree... but I'll still like it, the dogs will still try to pee on it... ahh, tis the season..

Do you see what I see?

Here are some interesting facts about what your dog sees. This is written by Mark Plonsky, Ph.D.

Dogs are red-green color blind. They see a brighter and less detailed world when compared to humans. Peripheral vision is better than humans (dogs see more of the world), but distance is not judged quite as well. Dogs excel at night vision and the detection of moving objects. Figure 1 is a rough guesstimate of what a dog and human might see when viewing a color band (the electromagnetic spectrum).







Figure 1

These differences in visual ability make sense in light of evolutionary theory. Good depth perception and visual acuity are necessary for a primate (from which humans evolved) jumping from tree limb to tree limb. Good color vision enabled this primate to choose the ripest and most nutritious fruit. The canine, on the other hand, is well adapted as a nocturnal hunter of camouflaged prey.

Particulars

1. Color

   Dogs see something like a human deuteranope, that is, they are red-green color blind (occurs in 4% of male humans). Simply put, this is due to having only 2 cone types rather than 3 (light sensitive cells include cones and rods).

2. Detail or Acuity

   Since dogs have no fovea (or area with 100% cones), their estimated eye for detail is (roughly) 6 times poorer than in an average human.

3. Night Vision

   Dogs have much better night vision for 2 reasons:
   

   • The have more rods (which enable night vision).
   • They have a structure called the Tapetum Lucidum
     This is a reflective surface behind the retina (area including the light sensitive cells) that reflects light back through it (gives the eerie shine at night).

4. Sensitivity to Movement

   Dogs are better able to detect movement.

5. Depth & Field

   Figure 2 (below) shows the field of view of a human and a dog. Due to the placement of the eyes, humans have an overlap of the field of each eye of 140; in dogs, it is about 100.
   
   

   This results in the dog having limited ability to accommodate (focus on items at different distances), but a wider overall field allowing them to see more of the world.

Pet Toothpaste Recall

Below is an email I received from the National Pet Foundation. Please take note - This product is a PET EDGE product...

Pet product may have diethylene glycol

Please forward this information to
family and friends who have pets.

PetEdge is voluntarily recalling Top
Performance brand ProDental Toothpaste
with Toothbrush kit because the
toothpaste could contain diethylene
glycol.

For more specific info on this recall please visit:
http://www.nationalpetfoundation.com/foods/petedge.html

Get notifications within hours of new recalls and
save your pet's life. Sign your family and friends
up for the free pet alerts at:
http://nationalpetfoundation.com/pet-food-recall.html

The full list of already recalled food can be found at:
http://nationalpetfoundation.com/list.html

Please help get the word out and forward this email
to any pet owners you know. Our goal is to keep
our pets safe.

National Pet Foundation

NPF

*********
Please note that this is the compound that is in Antifreeze that would kill an animal. Why they have it in anything that can be ingested, is beyond me but as I have said before, it is so important to keep up with the recalls...

Here is some additional information about diethylene glycol

This compound is used in the production of polyurethane, unsaturated polyester resins and triethylene glycol. It is also used as a textile softener, in petroleum solvent extraction, in the dehydration of natural gas, as a plasticizer, in surfactants and as a solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, dyes, oils and many other organic compounds. It is used as a humectant for tobacco, cork, printing ink and glue. It is also used in casein, in synthetic sponges and paper products, in bookbinding adhesives, as a dyeing assistant, in cosmetics, in antifreeze solutions, in lacquers, in lubricants and in brake fluids.

Here are the Symptoms to ingesting this compound:
Symptoms of exposure to this compound include nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include headache, anuria, narcosis, cyanosis, tachypnea, tachycardia, hypotension, stupor, prostration, hypoglycemia and unconsciousness. Exposure can cause alcohol intoxication, muscle tenderness, pulmonary edema, convulsions and death. It can also cause degenerative changes in the kidneys and liver, central nervous system depression, nephrotoxicity, abdominal pain, weakness, respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, hypocalcemic tetany (rare), metabolic acidosis (rare), acute renal failure and brain damage. Somnolence has been reported in children.

Dog Rescue

Ahhh, Dog Rescue... (sigh) ...with so many dogs put to sleep on a daily basis just because they were not wanted anymore, it can be a tough vocation to get involved in, because you soon realize, you can't save them all. Anyone who has ever walked into an overcrowded Shelter knows exactly what I am talking about.

As most of you know, I have done dog rescue work for a number of years, with not only the Chinese Crested Breed but with other breeds and mixes also. A very rewarding but sometimes a heartbreaking job.

Within the last several month, a group of my fellow rescue people from several parts of the United States have come together to start a non-profit rescue organization. With several members on board and several more going through the process of coming on board, we are so extremely excited that we were able to put together a raffle to help us build a treasury in order to appropriately care for these unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs. With this treasury, we can properly vet the dogs and give them the necessary restart in life to get to a fine family to never be abandoned or abused again.

While I am not one to normally ask for money for any cause, I do hold this cause deeply close to my heart and there is always that chance with a raffle you will WIN something!

Crested Guardians, Inc. has already taken in 3 honorary foster dogs. These dogs are being fostered and cared for by several of our 'Guardians' with vetting costs and care coming directly from the foster parent. While this is great, we cannot run an rescue group without the help of the generous tax deductible donations from Companies and private individuals. So please help us, help them.

Please visit: http://www.crestedguardians.org/raffle.htm
and purchase a raffle ticket...

In addition, if you would like to become involved in rescue work, just ask .. the amount of help you do is in your hands... every bit helps. Thank you for your support... and buying those raffle tickets!!!

Pet Recalls...

It is important the people keep up with the pet recalls. The rash of them that happened in recent months seem to have lightened but they are still coming in. I receive an email from a watch group every time a pet product is recalled. It is easy to become part of their list that they will email if a recall is in effect.

The recall group's website is www.nationalpetfoundation.com -- you can sign up and be alerted to any pet recalls that happen.

Where we 'hope' the food for our animals is safe for their consumption, the fact of the matter is that the controls in place are not that good. We, as pet owners really need to be more aware of what products and by-products are being put into our dogs... the products that actually go into dog food would astound most people and would actually sicken you to know also.

Top quality dog food is not immune to problems. We, as consumers and our pets advocates, can easily find out what is in our dogs food by just doing some google searching on the ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. When I see that an ingredient has been known to 'kill' a human, it is really is easy to know that I don't want it in my dogs food.

In any event, I stopped purchasing commercial dog food and started to make the food for my dogs... simple recipe... basic food... 1 hour a week to make a weeks worth of food.

The basic recipe is brown rice, cooked turkey, frozen blueberries and blanched string beans. You can add Flax Seed oil and other things to enhance the antioxidants . I also crush up two One A Day vitamins in the morning and add it to their food as their vitamins for the day. The vitamin is split between all of them. Nothing special.. nothing crazy.. nothing that is hard to do. I have yet to have a problem with any of my dogs being 'finicky' (anymore). Considering they are practically chewing my leg off trying to 'hurry me up' when it is dinner time... I think it is fair to say they like their food.

Hartz has recalled it's Vitamins due to Salmonella... not sure why a pet product that is classified as a vitamin would have salmonella... maybe it goes back to the 'controls in place' to monitor this stuff. I have never heard of a human grade vitamin having salmonella, have you?

Halloween -- boo!

With Halloween coming up fast, a reminder that chocolate is toxic to dog... the worst being the dark chocolate. It is important that we take steps to insure our doggie friends don't get at the halloween candy. Additionally, as friendly as everyone's dogs are, when the little gobblins and ghosts come knocking on your door, friendly fido may turn into killer canine... Your dogs experiences with people at the front door should be pleasant, so possibly keeping the front door out of their sight during this unusual night may be something to consider. Also, careful of those candles that may be kept lower than usual, in pumpkins, etc. Dogs don't have a clue about fire.

Let's see, some more new kids on the block...

Milo, a German Shepherd mix who was slightly scared when he first came, now runs through the gate without so much as a wave of his tail to his Mom because he wants to see his friends. He is just a puppy and learning how to play well... his best friends are usually Brandy and Bailey but he gets along with all the others very well.

Willie, an Airedale just joined the Wednesday crowd.. particular about the way his fur is brushed but other than that, he is just a trooper and a good friend to all, big and small. Willie was an owner surrender back to his breeder and was fortunate to find a wonderful home with owners who are working on his obedience training constantly. He's a good boy, that Willie!!

Brady Bruno, a red Dachshund, hasn't been here in a blues moon but will be coming for a half week while his parents are away... We can't wait to see him again!!

Dusty, the Beagle, has been coming on a regular basis lately, and loving it!! He loves to get his brushings because he is still blowing his coat and it feels so much better to be rid of as much as Gail can get off!

Chopper, the Rottie, hates having his nails cut but Gail plays this game and is able to get a couple clipped each time he comes -- no muzzle required!! He's such a good boy and all the other dogs just absolutely LOVE him... licks his face to death and he just looks over at me with that 'oh, stop' look on his face! Funny...

Enjoy!

Things have been busy..

It's been a while since I posted.. Things have been busy at the shop with more and more interviews. We want to announce that three new doggie friends have joined.

Mr. Puckers, a 13 year old Cocker Spaniels who always sports the cutiest hair cuts is coming now. He tried another place and it appears he was picked on a bit. Now that he is coming to TLC, after learning the ropes, he is finding new friends and seems to be pretty content. His newest buddy who he can't wait to see is Dylan, a Welch Springer Spaniel (must be a Spaniel thing)... they are best friends and Mr. Puckers loves to play with him and follow him around -- cute. Mom's working late this upcoming Wednesday so Mr. Puckers gets his limo ride home from Cori...

Bode, a young Golden Retriever has arrive... greeted by all the dogs, he was a little cautious at first but has broken through that within a matter of an hour to blossom into a fun-loving, rompin' and rollin', ball chasin' goof. He is a great dog... and is a pleasure to watch.

Jessie, a Shelty mix is a beautiful little dog, very shy and cautious but over that last two visits I have seen a huge difference... there is a crack in that shell that Jessie has and a beam of an incredible light is shining through ... I see it... that desire to run and play and be a goof with the rest of the dogs, but she has to build up her confidence a bit more. The last visit she was more relaxed and knows this is a good place where she can have some good fun. We're watching Jessie... you are the sweetest!!

Buddy, an awesome beagle has made his way to the shop. Such a wonderful, playful and fun-loving dog. He loves the little dogs, big dogs, people and birds that fly over the yard. Not your typical beagle for I haven't heard him bark or howl or make so much as a peep at the shop... maybe his tongue is wagging too much and he doesn't have the time? Loves to be brushed, doesn't mind having his ears cleaned or his teeth brushed. Massage? Did someone say Massage? .. he's all over that. Did a trim on his nails... he was laying there thinking 'whatever'... Such a love.

Toby, a black lab that comes on Fridays doesn't want to leave when his parents pick him up. He runs into a crate and makes it very difficult for us to extract him to bring him over to his owners. When we finally get him over to them in the lobby, he lays down... almost anchors himself to the floor, then the fun really begins with trying to get him out of the building. I do have to say, I'd rather them fight to leave than to fight to go in!! See you on Friday Toby!!

Ms. Molly V, a Goldendoodle comes in weekly for her thorough brushing, socialization and so good ol' fashion TLC. Molly doesn't realize that she is a dog... she truly thinks she is human.... so I have to make sure we talk and gossip about this dog and that dog... Molly sits back and enjoys our little talks while I brush her... Molly's Mom treats Gail with treats every time she comes... Thanks Carol!!

Haley and Lancy, two Cotonde Tulears, have been coming all week while Mom and Dad prepare for the arrival of their new baby, WHO, just happened to be born last week... WELCOME Matthew!! A gorgeous baby born on October 3. I know Haley and Lancy will be a great big brother and sister for Matthew! Congrats Marvel and Danny!!

All the kids....

All the 'kids' have been playing so nicely. We have been so fortunate to have may new faces. Bella, who is owned by Maureen who is one of Billerica's Animal Control Officers, has come many times. Bella is the cutest little puppy... she is half Pug, half Shih Tzu.. I like to call her Putchu. Adorable, simply adorable. She plays so well with all the little (and big) kids.. so well adjusted.

Allie, a Basenji mix is a fire cracker... non stop play, play, play... Her owner thanks me for it has calmed her down tremendously! (Glad we could help!)

Maggie May is back for a couple extra days this week... and loving it! She has welcomed the new kid "Jib" who is a hairless Chinese Crested that was adopted by (my lawyer) Donna. Jib came into rescue back almost a year ago. He came from really bad living conditions and was extremely afraid and would bite a stranger out of fear. It was suggested that he was to be put down, however, between Donna and myself, we fought against the rescue group we were member of to save his life. Donna took Jib and had him in intensive training and behavior modification classes. Jib is still fearful of people in new situations but not half as bad as before... for the next week and a half he will be staying at my house... new situations with him, kids, dogs, etc. has been good exposure for him. He has warmed up to me and is starting to warm up to other members of my house. Way to go JIB!

Grace, one of the two Weimaraner's that come decided that she wanted to greet a client that came in so she jumped onto a crate then jumped over the wall. She surprised herself, the client and left me standing their wondering what their owners are feeding her? It isn't Alpo, that's for sure!!

Mason the Rhodesian Ridgeback came in to play this week... and was pretty smitten with Diva who just got fluffed and buffed over the weekend...

Dolly is being a doll... playing with all the new kids, old kids, kids... bugs... you name it, Dolly is playing with it!

Miss Oakley is enjoying the rain today... runs out the door, gets soaked and then comes over to me, gives me a look and a good shake -- thanks Oakley... I've missed the rain too.

Duchess is coming in sporting some new clothes... So stylish!

'Tis the Season

We are coming into what is normally seen as a Kennel Cough season. With the changing weather, just like us, dogs may develop kennel cough or other respiratory illness. While a sick dog is always something to worry about, working together to prevent the spread of any of these illness is important. Everyone doing their part to ensure a healthy environment for all the dogs that attend the Spa is important. Cleaning is an all day, on going process for us at the shop. If you think your dog is ill, please call and let us know and do not show up with him or her or you may be sent home. Let's work together to see if we can minimize this season's possible effects on all the dogs.

Something is in the air... BABIES!! Since opening we have experienced our own 'baby boom'. There have been a total of 6 babies born within the last year and more on the way. Ok, I know we are working hard to keep the dogs busy and poop them out so that the owners can enjoy a more relaxed dog at home, but I think the dogs are going home crashing on their dog beds are affording the owners more time with each other... hence, the "TLC baby boom". ...No need to name any of the children after us... BUT, just wanted to point out our part to keep the population growing for the next generation of puppy owners. :)

Warm Weather, Pools, Water fun... exhausted dogs!

In the heat of the summer, nothing is better for some of the dogs but a kiddie pool filled with water...

Brady Joyce, high energy Yellow Lab, will lay in a puddle if there was one... so when he comes, he heads straight for the pool... submerging his entire body and just laying there... sometimes he sloshes around, sifts positions, gets out to grab a ball and back in. Too funny.

Jasmine, a rescued German Shepherd will dunk her entire head in the water, while I have other that run through it stopping just long enough for their tongues to get wet.

Diva, Golden, well she tip toes through the water... very 'diva-like'...

Striker, Jack Russell, he likes when I am filling the pools. I'll drop a hose in the pool and he will pick it up with the water flooding his mouth, practically coming out of his ears!

Some of the dogs, like Dolly, a smaller Jack Russell, will touch the water with her 'toe'... decide whether she wants to get in but there is absolutely no splashing allowed or she is off like a rocket out of the pool.

Chopper, the Rottie, just looks at me as if to say, "Are you kidding me, do you honestly think I am going to get wet?? Totally not my gig, now if you toss a couple of those lacrosse balls, life is good."

Annie and Oliver, both Shepherd mixes, who's parents are on vacation this week, get the luxury of being picked up early and come to the shop every day, get pampered, play and go home exhausted after the shop closes.. they have LOVED this instead of sitting in a kennel. We even have been taking care of their little kitty who is home during our drop offs. this has worked out so well for these pets. Pet care at it's finest!

Pounds are Dropping, Fur is flying..

Left is Sparky - Gail's foster dog (a 10 week old Hairless Chinese Crested) HAS BEEN ADOPTED right here in Billerica... We will be fortunate to be able to see him from time to time grow up and become a great companion for his new owners! If you are considering a dog, consider a rescue dog first... I will be glad to help anyone find any breed or mix breed for their home.

'Tis the season for fur to be flying... and boy it looks like a snow storm around here when we start brushing some of the long haired dogs. Of course, Brutus, a 100 pound black lab doesn't help when he scratches himself along the chain link fence, depositing his fur everywhere!!

Cooper, a very long haired Golden with a thick undercoat gets brushed 2 times per day.. once in the morning and then again in the afternoon... we have even started to vacuum him, which he doesn't mind (I think he thinks it is part of the massage)... a noticeable difference in loose hair on him.

Little Miss Maggie May (a mini Schnauzer) got her summer cut and is looking particularly cute as she struts her stuff past the big boys. Tails are waggin', tongues are draggin' when she goes by. Too cute and such a sweety. She is still young, still learning and still thinks I am crazy for trying to brush her teeth, but we try.. Her and little Mia (Gail's Hairless Chinese Crested) really have a nice play style and have started to teach the little 10 week old Hairless Chinese Crested "Sparky" who is being fostered by Gail how to play nice... Good work girls!

Brandy (hound mix) is back after a little time off... playing great with both the big kids and little. Sporting freshing clipped nails and a colorful bow, the boys are howling!

Finnegan (a yorkie) and Mia (Finnegan's sidekick) is get pretty good speed as they tear around chasing each other. Gail is constantly saying, "hey, slow down..."

Miss Diva (another Golden) is coming 5 days for the next couple of weeks... she is loving that! Who wouldn't like a massage everyday!

Riley... (y. lab)... quote: wherz the ball... wherz the ball... ok, here it is, throw it... throw it... THROW IT... fast as fast can be... that ball is retrieved and back at Gail's feet ... over and over again...

This weeks BIGGEST LOSER... (of weight..) MOBY... a beautiful black lab who had dropped 15 pounds since he started coming here. (Man, I wish I did..) A little adjustments to his food intake and some heavy duty play time at the Spa, he is so proud of himself. Of course I think some of the pound loss is due to the bushel of hair I brush off him every time he comes, but don't tell his mom or dad I said that!

Back from Vacation!

Well, first week back from vacation.. dogs were VERY excited to be back too. A couple of new kids started this week... A new Puggle named Bailey started, now if I can just stop calling her Maya, maybe she would come when she is called!

The three musketeers usually consists of Owen the Corgi, Maya the Puggle and Dolly the Jack Russell, however, this Monday, Maya wasn't here and Bailey, Owen and Dolly were. Neither Owen or Dolly knew that Bailey wasn't Maya, they played with Bailey just like she was Maya (sorry Maya, no hard feelings, must be a breed thing)..

Also starting this week was Dylan.. Dylan is a Welch Springer Spaniel... very cautious, unsure of the other dogs so we let him hang in his own area for a while. His first buddy was Moby... a pretty good size (but dieting) Black Lab. Dylan wasn't sure of his new friend but before you knew it their was bum smelling and tails wagging... now they are best buds.. almost too close for Dylan was doing the 'humpty-do' with Moby.. Moby set him straight though, now it is purely platonic. By the end of today, he was playing with everyone!

Finn and Grace (Weimaraners) are back for more days of pampering. Finn went through a stretch where he was stressing because his Mom had a big exam at school. She passed (thank God) and Finn is back to his calm and collected self... His sister Grace is happy things are back to normal.

Little Charlie and Mia (Boston Terriers) were back for 2 days this week. No stopping them when it comes to playing ... big dogs, small dogs, they love them all!

Fur was flying with Cooper .. a Golden Retriever. I could have brushed him for 12 hours straight and he would have been still shedding. I am still pulling his hair out of my mouth from this past Monday!

Creation of the TLC Blog

Well, I am hoping people enjoy this new addition to the TLC website. I will be looking to update owners on tid bits of the Day Spa, Dog Walkers experiences and just general information clients would hopefully be interested in. While this is very new to me and even though creating it was easy, I am hoping I can figure a way to gain feedback from you, the client, also. So, sit back, and hopefully enjoy reading about the 'romances at the shop' and the quirky things the walkers notice about the pups we walk... Enjoy.