TLC Pet Care Blog

See you at the Bridge little Nakita

2009-03-17T21:02:00.001-04:00

May 10, 1997 – February 10, 2009

My little precious Nakita. Your family dumped you, your sister and your dad in a shelter for nobody to love. When you and your sister Tia came to me, you didn’t understand that I was there to nurture you, fix you, show you love so that someone would want you. But it became clear, that you were already home with me and my family. I miss so much your funny little antics, your rough little bark, your little tongue, the way you would spin around and bark when I called your name. I miss calling your name. I miss loving you. I remember so warmly the way you would push open the gate so you could rub your back up and down the couch, practically doing a head stand, you made us laugh so hard sometimes. You were a character; so funny, so cute and touched everyone’s heart. You were with me all the time, you loved to be carried in the Snuggli, you slept by my chest and in the crook of my arm. Everyone knew you because you had such an impact on them. I was so fortunate to have you with me at work all day and to spend literally 24 hours a day with you. I still listen for your feet to jump off your bed when I take out a bowl; I still wait to feel you scratch my leg because you want to be held. I still look for you. You were such a tough little girl with more illness than anyone should have to handle but you always pulled through, you had an angel on your shoulder. God saw you growing tired, He did what He thought was best. You died in my arms, in the middle of the night, even though I was trying so hard to save you, to keep you with me. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, you took a huge part of us the day God called you home. Our hearts will ache until we meet again. I love you.. I will always miss you and I will never forget you. My little precious Nakita.

Gail

Pet Store Pups Parents

2008-12-09T21:30:00.002-05:00

Don't forget about the parents of the pet store and on line puppies that people purchase. The only way to stop this cycle is to stop purchasing dogs through pet stores and over the internet. So many pets die in shelters.. we as a humane society have the power to make a difference...

To the parents of the puppies:

A tribute:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdcNl5FqcKY

Dog Auctions Exposed

2008-10-07T08:11:00.003-04:00

Please note:
Dog auctions are in business to sell dogs to breeders in order for them to supply America's demand for puppies. The puppies produced from the dogs that live through this ordeal then live in horrid conditions in very small cramped spaces on wire flooring. The puppies are sold to pet stores and other 'sellers' of dogs.

Dogs in this video are purchase to be bred by millers and sold to pet stores and back yard breeders (BYB).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG7bXi0xylY

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October is Adopt-A-Pet Month!!

2008-09-28T10:25:00.001-04:00

Thinking of adding a companion to your family... well this is a great time where there are many dogs in need in shelters, local pounds, rescues, etc.

http://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pa_adoption_aadm

Dogs In Danger of being put to Sleep

2008-09-26T15:45:00.005-04:00

Can't push adoption enough... Check out the poor dogs that are memorialized in this website because of overpopulation and the failure to adopt from a shelter or pound. Make a difference in a dogs life.. and make a difference in your own life.

http://www.dogsindanger.com/

Choose to Adopt than shop

2008-08-27T20:13:00.003-04:00

In a recent puppy mill bust, over 1000 dogs were taken into custody by authorities. When you purchase a dog over the internet or from a breeder which doesn't have the parent on site, you run the risk of purchasing a dog that has lived it's life in horrid conditions.

POSTED: August 25, 2008

Article Photos
Photo by Dave Payne Sr.
Maryann Hollis, executive director for the Humane Society of Parkersburg, holds a week-old Chinese crested puppy Sunday that was among a thousand dogs surrendered by a Parkersburg breeder.

PARKERSBURG - When Maryann Hollis left Philadelphia to start her new position as executive director of the Humane Society of Parkersburg three weeks ago, Parkersburg seemed to be a small, sleepy town.

That is, until a thousand dogs were dropped in her lap Saturday and she found herself in the midst of one of the largest animal-rescue operations in the nation and the largest in West Virginia history.

Luckily, she's had some help as organizations and volunteers from across the nation have pitched in to help move and care for the dogs.

The dogs were surrendered by Whispering Oaks Kennel Saturday, after officials executed a search warrant at Sharon Robert's Internet-based dog-breeding business at 301 Whispering Oaks Lane, Parkersburg.

The Wood County Sheriff's Department reported the owner's husband, Edwin R. Roberts, 73, of 301 Whispering Oaks Lane, Parkersburg, was arrested at 4:25 p.m. Sunday on charges of assault of a police officer and obstructing a police officer. He was scheduled for arraignment Sunday evening in Wood County Magistrate Court. Details surrounding the arrest were unavailable at press time.

It took two days to move all the dogs into a Parkersburg warehouse for temporary housing. There is much still to do: each of those thousand dogs has to seen by a veterinarian. Each needs its cage cleaned, fed, watered and perhaps an occasional scratch behind the ear.

The warehouse was a flurry of activity Sunday, with dozens of volunteers moving dogs, cleaning cages, feeding dogs, bringing in supplies and checking on puppies and pregnant dogs - which will soon be moved to where they can be better cared for - about to give birth.

Many of those volunteers are from Parkersburg. Others hail from all over the nation - from groups including the Humane Society of the United States, Best Friends Animal Society, The Humane Society of Missouri, the Tampa Bay Disaster Animal Response Team and United Animal Nations.

It's an effort of monolithic proportions, but Hollis said it's one of the most satisfying undertakings she's ever been a part of.

"Pennsylvania is well-known for its vast amount of puppy mills and people brought so many of those dogs in to us, but the mills kept going. To be able to see one of those close down instead of just taking dogs they've sold has been a dream come true for me," she said.

Some of the dogs were dehydrated, but most were in relatively good health. One dog, however, was initially feared to have had a broken pelvis, but Sunday's prognosis for the animal was far worse, said Carrie Roe, the Humane Society of Parkersburg's board president.

"The dog's pelvis is not broken. The bad news is, it is paralyzed in the rear legs. The good news is one of the organizations here - Best Friends Animal Society - has committed to taking care of that dog for the rest of its life," she said.

Roe said the dog's injury was not new.

"The dog has been in this condition for some time," she said.

The majority of the dogs aren't the puppies people usually purchased from Whispering Oaks for several hundred dollars each. Although there are many puppies, as well as some yet to be born, most are adults, Hollis said.

"These were the dogs that were breeding machines," she said.

The dogs were kept in wire mesh enclosures, most about three feet by three feet, resembling rabbit hutches, Roe said.

Roe said dogs who have lived their lives on wire mesh often have difficulty learning to deal with other surfaces.

"They don't know how to walk in grass. They get in it and they feel this strange sensation on their feet and they will stumble and fall over. You literally have to teach them to walk on grass," she said.

Hollis said the dogs can also have difficulty learning to walk on carpet and may avoid flat, hard surfaces, such as tile floors.

Applications for adoption won't be accepted until Saturday. Roe said finding homes for the dogs will be a complicated process.

"These dogs have had very little human attention, they fight for it. Dogs from puppy mills typically don't do well with other dogs. These dogs have never been on a leash. They have seen so many more people in the last 24 hours than they have seen in their entire lives," she said.

"It's like this," Hollis said. "Imagine you live your entire life inside your house - one room inside your house - and you never leave it. Once a week, somebody dropped groceries at your door. That's what life was like for these dogs - just one room, wire mesh, and you pooped where you slept."

In addition to the problems the dogs may have getting acclimated to human contact, they will also be difficult to housebreak, Hollis said.

"Most dogs have ample space. They can poop and get away from it. But if you've lived all your life sleeping in poop, it's difficult to learn any other way," she said.

On its Web site, which has been taken down since Saturday, Whispering Oaks cited a policy of not allowing people to visit the kennel because of insurance and liability purposes.

Not being allowed to see the conditions dogs were reared in should throw up a red flag to anyone wanting to purchase a dog, Roe said. She said there are numerous reputable dog breeders and those wanting to purchase a dog should expect some degree of transparency.

"If you can't see where the dog was born and raised, you simply shouldn't be buying that dog," Roe said.

The cost of the rescue operation could exceed $100,000 and the humane society needs monetary donations most of all, Hollis said. Volunteers are also in need of meals, she said.

To donate or volunteer to help with the dog rescue, call the Humane Society of Parkersburg at (304) 422-5541.

Pet Rock Festival

2008-07-11T14:53:00.002-04:00

If you have never been, it is something to see. The Pet Rock Festival is a rescue based festival located in Worcester on September 14 this year. Many, many rescue organizations will be in attendance with some of their dogs up for adoption on hand to view. Located on the ground of Quinsigamond College, it promotes kindness to animals and is geared to educating and promoting shelters, rescues and alike.

Gail, President of Crested Guardians, Inc. will be there representing Chinese Crested Rescue with her associates. This event is great for the kids, both two legged and the friendly, social 4 legged kid too!

check it out.... and mark your calendares.. It is sure to be a great family fun day!

www.petrockfest.com

I'm Alive - Rescue me..

2008-06-11T13:41:00.006-04:00

Make an educated decision..

When you purchase a dog on-line or from a pet store, you are 100% of the time purchasing from a Puppy Mill. These dogs parents lives are horrific... Know that when you purchase a dog from these outlets, you are supporting the people who do this to these dogs.

POSITIVE TRAINING METHODS -- PLEASE!!!

2008-06-06T16:43:00.003-04:00

Choke Chain? Electronic Collar? Alpha Roll? Pinch Collar? Is your dog hiding, giving you his paw when you approach him? Is he scared to death of you?

Positive Training!! Why make the switch to positive reinforcement training? You’ll get the best results! Teach the dog that he’ll be rewarded for performing the behavior that you want and that is what the dog will want to do. It is important to make sure that you are rewarding at the exact moment that the correct behavior happens and that is where clicker training is useful. Consistency is also necessary, all members of the household must used the same methods and only reward the desired behaviors. A reward for a dog can be treats, a ball, praise, petting, favorite toy or game or anything that the dog truly enjoys. Punishment teaches the dog not to perform that behavior in front of you or makes them associate it with certain stimuli in the environment at that time, which may be other dogs, cats, kids—all things that you want your dog to associate with positive experiences. If the scruff shakes and alpha rolls aren’t working—try the positive reinforcement training method, you and your dog will be much happier. And Remember: Every time you interact with a dog, you are training him, or he is training you. So, make it a good experience for both of you.

Dog and Cat Diary

2008-06-05T11:41:00.001-04:00

> > DOG DIARY
> >
> > 7:00 AM - Outside! My favorite thing!
> > 8:00 AM - Dog food! My favorite thing!
> > 9:30 AM - A car ride! My favorite thing!
> > 9:40 AM - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
> > 10:30 AM - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!.
> > 12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
> > 1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
> > 2:00 PM - Looked out the window and barked! My
> > favorite thing!
> > 3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
> > 4:00 PM - Chased a bird out of the tree! My favorite
> > thing!
> > 5:00 PM - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
> > 6:00 PM - Watched my people eat! My favorite thing!
> > 6:20 PM - Table scraps! My favorite thing!
> > 7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
> > 8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite
> > thing!
> > 11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
> >
> >
> > CAT DIARY
> >
> > Day 983 of my captivity.
> >
> > My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little
> > dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat,
> > while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some
> > sort of dry nuggets.
> >
> > Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly
> > clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to
> > keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me
> > going is my dream of escape.
> >
> > In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on
> > the carpet.
> >
> > Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless
> > body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike
> > fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates
> > what I am capable of. However, they merely made
> > condescending comments about what a 'good little
> > hunter' I am. Bastards!
> >
> > There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices
> > tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the
> > duration of the event.
> > However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I
> > overheard that my confinement was due to the power of
> > 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to
> > use it to my advantage.
> >
> > Today I was almost successful in an attempt to
> > assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his
> > feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow
> > -- but at the top of the stairs.
>
> I am convinced that the other prisoners here are
> flunkies and snitches.
>
> The dog continues to receive special privileges. He is
> regularly released and seems to be more than willing
> to return. He is obviously retarded.
>

Spring into Summer!!!

2008-06-05T11:35:00.002-04:00

Rounding the corner to the warm weather.. FINALLY!

New faces both 2 legged and 4 legged have come on board to continue the growth of the Playground! Pools are now out as the warm weather has hit and we (the humans) are constantly getting soaked by the dogs running through the water then rubbing up against us.. "Gee, thanks guys!"..

This the season for Ticks and Fleas so please make sure you use the preventatives to keep everyone bug free.

Vacations and vacation shutdown is fast approaching for TLC ... Please check the holiday and vacation schedule on the website ... http://www.tlcpetcare.com/HolidaySchedule.htm

Please note that June 19 and 20th, only the Playground will be closed. Dog walking and pet sitting services are going to continue.

June 28 through and including July 6, both the Playground and the Pet sitting / Dog walking will be closed for vacation. Both will resume on Monday, July 7th..

Catching up on January...

2008-02-02T07:14:00.000-05:00

The month of January seemed to fly by.. which, because of the weather, is a good thing!!

New dogs have joined and have added their own 'unique' personalities to the mix.

We have Popeye who joined, a former breeders stock who was rescued by Donna. Popeye is a cute little guy but never got the socialization he needed as a pup and we are working on that with him now. Four paws up for you Donna for rescuing a dog!!!!

Jakelyn, a Corgi came on just before the holidays. She was a cautious pup with concerns for some of the dogs that greeted her at the gate... Dad was worried about her but after receiving some pictures of her in mid air playing with another pup, concerns were squelched... now Jakelyn is just one of the kids...

Sadie came on, a black Lab cross. She has a cool spotted tongue and is an absolute nut. We seem to have 'black lab day' on Tuesdays, when she, Nouba, Brutus and Beorgie seem to all be there together. Makes me think about that theory who is crazier, black labs or yellow labs... the jury is still out on that.

Jacey, a lab cross... crossed with what is anyone's guess. I am 'almost' leaning on Shar Pei for the 'other'... Jacey is a pup full of pee pee and vinegar ... just passed her Canine Good Citizens test, she is a real zipper. She plays and plays.. don't think she knows how to pace herself yet. The other dogs have to let her know when it is nap time or she would go until she dropped. She is great with the brushing and trimming and pruning, loves to get massages, but is always looking for the action and will dart away is something 'better' happens. Moms are working on training and being very consistent with her. She's a nut, but we love her!

We have a new girl in town... April, a ridgeless Rhodesian Ridgeback came in November. Funny thing is that I kept on calling her Mason, the other Rhodesian Ridgeback that comes. There was such an uncanny resemblance between the two of them that you would swear they were twins. It seems however, that they came on opposite days... until one day... they came together and to look at them straight on, you could clearly see that they looked the same, except for the size where Mason was larger. They played with each other and it seems that there was some sort of bond but I just thought it was breed recognition... maybe?

Both parents happened to come in and started to talk about each others respective dog.... come to find out, they had the same breeder and, yes, they were born on the same day... THEY WERE TWINS!! What is even more amazing is that Mason's owner originally was going to take both Mason and April when they were pups but the breeder thought it would be wise to take one and if they wanted another one, they could come back later. I let each owner know what days the dogs are scheduled so that they can, if possible, come on that same day!!

Babies in the news... yes folks, it looks like it is happening again. People are bringing their dogs and I am working on pooping them out.. well, it works because apparently the dogs go home tired leaving Mom and Dad more time to get busy... Dolly and Moby's parents are expecting! Another small baby boom...

Looking forward to Spring...

TLC Pet Care Christmas Holiday Vacation

2007-12-09T17:13:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-11-18T12:48:00.000-05:00

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

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).
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.
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).
Sensitivity to Movement

Dogs are better able to detect movement.
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

2007-11-16T07:38:00.001-05:00

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

2007-11-09T10:26:00.000-05:00

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...

2007-11-05T08:36:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-10-25T12:58:00.000-04:00

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..

2007-10-07T08:28:00.001-04:00

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....

2007-09-11T13:43:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-26T11:41:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-08-10T07:37:00.000-04:00

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..

2007-07-23T12:09:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-07-11T14:57:00.000-04:00

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

2007-06-30T18:16:00.000-04:00

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.