February 24 is World Spay Day

Every day, thousands of healthy dogs and cats are euthanized.  Every day!  Most of these animals would make perfectly good companions if given a chance at a home.  So why are they being killed?  Simply because there are so many homeless pets, animal shelters simply don’t have the space or resources to provide care or find homes for them all.  Those that aren't killed end up wandering the streets as strays.  Many of these will die from diseases, starvation, or abuse and cruelty.  I know because we have several cats at my house and every one of them was a stray that showed up at our house and Mom took them in and cared for them.  Some of them were ill.  Some of them were injured.  All of them were hungry and skinny.  But not all stray animals are lucky enough to find our house!

 


Spay/neuter is an effective and humane way to save animals’ lives. Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are common surgeries veterinarians perform to stop animals from having accidental, surplus litters. Mom had me neutered shortly after I came to live with her.  It didn't hurt and Mom bought me ice cream when she picked me up.  The hardest part was being alone at the vet all day.  An FDA-approved technique for dogs called zinc neutering, also performed by a veterinarian but administered by a shot, is now available in many places.  I think I might have preferred that to the surgery! 




Preventing litters reduces the number of animals for whom resources are not available.  Most people support spay/neuter, especially once they understand how it saves lives.   However, affordable services are out of reach for many pet owners, and funding is always needed to spay and neuter feral cats and stray dogs.






That's where you come in!  You can make a big difference for animals by participating in World Spay Day.  Learn where there are underserved areas in your community, and raise awareness for the need for services—or of the availability of existing resources.  I know there are several low-cost spay/neuter clinics right here in Northwest Arkansas.  I'll be sharing them on social media tomorrow!  You can too!  Use social media to spread the word about the power of spay/neuter.  Help raise critical funds to spay and neuter those animals most in need.






Support World Spay Day in your community.  Help reduce pet overpopulation.  Let's be sure that every pet has a home. 

Dog Training Education

I am a good dog.  I don't jump on people or pee in the house.  I don't bark or run out of the yard.  But I also don't like to walk on a leash.  I have a big back yard to run in.  Why would I want to wear a leash?  And I don't always sit when Mom tells me to.  So I guess I'm not a well-trained dog.  Mom used to have dogs like me that she took to shows and they were well-trained.  But I'm not a show dog.  I'm just for play.  So I guess it doesn't matter if I'm well-trained - does it?

Actually, it does.  I am not leash trained because I rarely leave our house except to go to the vet.  And then, Mom puts the leash on me, but she always carries me so I don't actually walk on the leash.  But she still trained me a little.  She taught me to go outside to do my business.  She taught me that it's not nice to jump on people.  She taught me not to run out in the road even though we live in the country and there isn't much traffic.  And she taught me to sit still for pictures and to wear the silly things she makes me wear without fussing.

Learning to do all this may sound like hard work.  You're right.  It was.  But it was also fun!  I got to spend special time with Mom and she would give me treats when I did things good.  Who doesn't like treats?!  And Mom and I have our own special friendship now that she doesn't have with Dad's dogs.

You might think you don't need to train your dog.  But even if he is like me and doesn't need lots of training, you should work with him.  We want to learn.  We are eager to please you.  We just need you to show us what you want us to do and how you want us to behave.  And teaching us to follow simple commands like "sit" and "stay" may actually help keep us safe.

There are lots of different theories on how to train your dog.  Mom said we aren't going to discuss all of them here.  She said she was more interested in the "why" instead of the "how."  Too many dogs are taken to shelters because their owners don't train them and then get mad at them when they don't behave.  But we are no different than your children.  You teach them right and wrong.  Why don't you teach us too? 

Some people think training should only consist of rewards and positive reinforcement.  Others say it is not only okay, but necessary, to discipline your dogs when the misbehave.  Mom has never hit me but then I am a good dog.  Regardless of what training method you choose, it is important to teach your dog how to behave properly for your household.  You must decide what behavior is desired and teach it to your dog.  For example, Mom has a friend who thinks we should not be allowed up on the furniture.  Her dog is trained to stay off the couch.  But Mom says the couch is for me to sit on and look out the window when she is not home.  She has a cover on it that protects it from getting dirty.  She does not care if I jump up there to sit or sleep.  In our house, that is acceptable behavior.

There are lots of places to learn how to train your dog.  So go to the library and get a book.  Buy a DVD.  Look online for information.  Enroll you and your dog in training classes.  But do train your dog in the basic things he needs to know.  You'll both be happier.

Adopt a Rescued Rabbit

You know that one of Bob's passions (yes, we dogs have passions!) was to help as many homeless animals as possible find the same type of happy home he had.   And in his memory, I have decided to carry on that mission.  While I do spend most of my time promoting dog and cat adoption, there are those Moms and Dads who just aren't cat or dog people. Hard to imagine, I know, but it's true. But I have a solution for them. How about a rabbit?

February is Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month.  This is the time of year to get the word out about rabbits.  Why?  Easter is just a couple of months away.  And that means many people will be considering buying rabbits for Easter presents.  But often, these families don't know how to care for or interact with rabbits.  The kids grow tired of them, and the next thing you know the parents are dropping them off at already crowded shelters.  There are thousands of rabbits in shelters around the country waiting for homes; many of these rabbits were babies purchased as a whim during last year's Easter season.

I don't know much about pet rabbits. All the rabbits at my house are not pets. I see them hopping around in the field sometimes and I think it might be great fun to chase them but Mom won't let me. But The House Rabbit Society knows all about rabbits. They told me that rabbits can be wonderful indoor companions, get along with many other companion animals (including cats and dogs), are intelligent, affectionate and inquisitive, and can readily be trained to use a litter box. That's pretty smart. Even I don't know how to use the litter box! However, they can also be destructive. The ideal "rabbit person", in addition to being gentle, patient and eager to get to know a rabbit on his or her terms, must be willing to rabbit-proof their home to prevent destructive chewing. (See Mom - I'm not the only one who chews on things they're not supposed to).

Like the ASPCA, HRS says rabbits can and should be spayed and neutered - both for health reasons and also to help put an end to the animal overpopulation problem.

HRS also tries to teach people that rabbits are not always a good pet, especially for children. Even baby bunnies tend to be willful and independent, and do not enjoy being picked up and carried. HRS also cautions against buying or adopting a rabbit as a gift, or on impulse, as the novelty of having a new pet usually wears off. When a family realizes how much day-to-day work is involved, the rabbit is, unfortunately, often turned loose or surrendered to a shelter.

Also, this month, in honor of Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month, for each purchase from the Travels with Bob shop, Mom make a donation to the Petfinder Foundation.  And if you purchase an "Adopt a Rabbit" themed product, she will also make a donation to the House Rabbit Society!

Make some bunny happy!  Adopt a rescued rabbit!

January is Train Your Dog Month

Of all the dogs at Oak Valley, I am the only one that Mom actually paid money for.  The rest of our family came from various shelters. 

Mom expected some behavior problems from me when I first came home.  After all, I was only a few weeks old and didn't know any better.  But the dogs from the shelter were all much older.  You would expect they wouldn't be too much trouble.  Not so!  In some cases, they misbehaved worse than I did when I was a puppy! 

According to the Humane Society of the United States, between six and eight million dogs and cats are turned in to animal shelters each year, and about four million are euthanized for lack of good homes.  If the behavior of our shelter dogs is any indication, I can understand why!  Who wants a dog that isn't housebroken, or constantly chews things, or is too aggressive?  What is really sad is that most of these behavior problems could be solved with a little training and socializing.  Fortunately, Mom and Dad understand this and take the time to work with us.  Not all dogs are as fortunate.

Training doesn't have to elaborate to be effective.  All we need are the basics.  Almost any of us can learn to sit and stay.  And once we have learned to do this, we are less likely to jump on people or be a nuisance.  Now we can truly be part of the family!

Of course, if you want to teach us more, some of us are eager to learn.  We dogs can be taught to do all kinds of things.  Gypsy can dance.  Ginger used to herd.  Dusty was a hunter and pointer.  There are dogs that play Frisbee.  Mom and Bob even told me about dogs that can surf.  I don't do many tricks but I do know how to sit and stay.  I'm so cute, apparently that's enough to make Mom happy!

January is Train Your Dog Month.  That makes it the perfect time for dog parents to learn how to train their dogs.  There are lots of ways you can learn.  Books, DVDs, and even online videos are available.  Please remember that we want to learn so any training should be humane.  Most of us will do anything to please you for some praise and a small treat.

If you don't want to learn to train us yourself, you can always attend a training class or hire a professional trainer.  This will cost a bit more than doing it yourself, but takes less time than doing it yourself.  But the time spent training your dog personally will be time well-spent.  It will give you and your dog a chance to bond and play.  If you do hire a trainer, remember there is no certification required.  That means anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, even if they don't know what they are doing!

Take time to train your dog.  We'll be better behaved.  You'll be less stressed.  And we'll both live happily ever after.

For more information on dog training, contact the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, who have proclaimed January as Train Your Dog Month.

Safe Toys and Gifts for Pets

There are still a few more Christmas shopping days to get that perfect gift for your furry family members.  There is such a big selection, I know it's hard to choose.  You want to get your dog or cat - or other pet - a toy they will love.  But you also want to be sure that what you get them is safe.

Not all toys and treats are created equal.  Some are healthier than others.  Some are downright dangerous!  So to help you choose the right gift for your pet, here is a list of healthy and safe toys and treats for dogs and cats.

Treats make excellent gifts!  None of us hear at Oak Valley will turn down a treat.  Mom makes most of ours.  I shared some of our favorite recipes in an earlier post (Recipe Greetings For Christmas http://dld.bz/d3uur).  But if your Mom or Dad doesn't have time to make them, there this wonderful thing in the store called "Greenies"!  Greenies are delicious!  And they help keep our teeth clean.  They have Greenies chews for me and the other dogs.  And they have Greenies cat treats too!  The cats love these almost as much as Mom's tuna balls.  And they are easy to find.  Mom just buys them at the grocery store or sometimes she will get them at the pet store.

If Greenies don't appeal to you or your cats, then make sure the treats are healthy and safe.  Make sure they are sourced and made in the U.S.  Remember the jerky-treat scare a few years ago?  Lots of dogs died.  Well that jerky was definitely NOT made in the U.S! 

Make sure they are high quality treats.  High quality treats will not contain grains or unnecessary fillers, rendered animal by products, added sugar (sometimes hidden in ingredients like molasses and honey), chemicals, artificial preservatives, or ingredients known to be highly allergenic to pets.  Unfortunately, this means most of the treats on the market.  Which is why we get Greenies! 

Toys are always fun.  We like toys that are interactive and make us move.  They also need to be durable.  Nothing that we can chew up and swallow pieces of.  Think Kong - for both cats and dogs.  My favorite is the  Extreme Treat-Dispensing Dog Toy!  It gives treats when you play with it!  And they make a toy that cats love called a Kickaroo.  It has catnip in it which makes our cats wild.  They will try to sneak up on it and attack it like it is alive.  Maybe they think it is since it does have a sort of tail.  They sure are fun to watch!

Be careful of plush squeaky toys.  I can disembowel one of those in no time!  But we certainly don't want me to eat any of that stuff.  And the squeeker-thing inside can get caught in my throat and choke me.  Mom does let me have my plush weenie-dog, but only when she is able to keep an eye on me.  And when the cats have their catnip mice, she watches to make sure I don't try to eat any of them either.

Whatever you decide to get your pets for Christmas, take the time to be sure it is safe and healthy.  For more suggestions for gifts for your cat or dog - and even your bird or rodent, check out the list of Holiday Gift Ideas for your Pets from College Manor Veterinary Hospital.

 

Recipe Greetings For Christmas

It's that time of year!  The time of year that Bob loved so much.  The time of year that I wait for patiently - okay, not so patiently.  It's CHRISTMAS GOODIES TIME!!  Every year Mom spends a day or two (sometimes even three!) making holiday good stuff for everyone.  There's chocolate covered pretzels for Dad, an assortment of cookies for grandkids and friends, things in jars (she calls them mixes) for friends farther away.  And yes - there are homemade treats for us! 

Mom says that most of her recipes are family secrets and she doesn't share them with too many people.  But the homemade Austin and Bob treats are different.  She said they were shared with her and so I can share them with others.  So here are some recipes for our favorite Christmas goodies.  Why not make a batch for your favorite furry family member?

Bob's Favorite Christmas Cake

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup molasses
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup water
1 cup chopped apple

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan or spray with cooking spray.  Beat together molasses, oil, and eggs until well blended.  Add vanilla and water and mix well.  Add dry ingredients and beat until smooth.  Fold in chopped apple.  Pour into pan.  Bake approx. 35 minutes or until done.  Cool completely before serving.

Austin's Favorite Homemade Dog Biscuits
Mom said she got this recipe from someone named Martha Stewart.  Martha, I love you!!

 1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer's yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup low-sodium canned chicken stock, plus more for brushing

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, wheat germ, yeast, and salt; set aside
2. Place oil in a large bowl. Add stock and flour mixture in three alternating batches, beginning and ending with stock. Mix well.
3. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to about 3/8-inch thick. Shape biscuits using a dog-bone-shaped cookie cutter or by cutting around a store-bought dog bone with a butter knife.(Make biscuits that are appropriate for your dog's size.)
4. If desired, you can spell out your dog's name or a holiday message in the dough with a toothpick (wet the toothpick first so it won't stick).
5. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
6. Bake biscuits 10 minutes. Brush with stock; rotate baking sheets, and bake 10 minutes more. Turn off oven, leaving door closed. Let dog biscuits stand in oven to dry completely, about 1 1/2 hours. Wrap as a gift, or store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tuna Balls
Yes, even the cats get a treat

1 can chunk light tuna, drained
1/2 cup chopped turkey or chicken
2/3 cup dry cat food

Mix all ingredients until well-blended.  Roll into small balls.  Chill in refrigerator for approx. 1 hour.  Roll in bread crumbs.  Serve.

Mom serves our treats with a special Christmas drink.  She gets eggnog.  We get a Bow-Wow Martini.  It was created just for us by Bob's friend The Martini Diva.  It's yummy!  It's called a BOW-WOW Martini which means it's just for us dogs.  But I have caught a cat stealing a sip!  Maybe she needs to make a special Kitty Christmas drink.

Operation Santa Paws

Your help is needed.  During the holiday season, extra help is needed for the thousands of abandoned and abused animals in local animal shelters and rescues all over the world.  One grassroots organization from Long Beach, California, "Operation Santa Paws," is helping by spearheading a canine/feline toy/treat drive to benefit less-fortunate pets this season.

Operation Santa Paws was established in 2001 by Justin Rudd.  From there it has quickly spread to communities across the country.  Animal lovers are encouraged to purchase a new dog or cat toy, treat or supply to drop-off/donate at their local  animal shelter or rescue in time for Christmas.

Operation Santa Paws seeks donated pet toys for shelters and rescues to improve the health and demeanor of those pets while reducing their stress to increase the animals' chances of being adopted. The simplest toys can make the animals much more comfortable. Cats enjoy rolling toys, such as small plastic balls or other "batting" toys that can be hung from cage doors, while dogs tend to prefer items like the heavy-duty Kong rubber chew toy.

Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia currently host an Operation Santa Paws toy/treat drive.  If your community doesn't participate, 2014 is a great year to start!  It's really easy.  Simply place collection boxes in key locations.  Encourage all animal lovers to donate a toy by dropping it in one of the collection boxes.  At the end of the drive, deliver the toys/treats to your local shelter or rescue.  You can even get help from the original Operation Santa Paws organization.  They will supply you with downloadable posters, "wish lists," and will list information about your drive on their website. 

I'm lucky. I have a wonderful Mom and Dad.  I have other dogs to play with.  I even have a cat of my very own.  We all get good food and care and lots of love.  Once we come to our new home, we get to stay until we are old and cross over the Rainbow Bridge like Bob.  And on holidays, we get special treats and toys.  But not all animals are as lucky at I am.  They don't know love or security.  And toys or treats are a rarity.  Will you collect toys, treats, food and supplies for local shelter dogs and cats?  Let's give every shelter dog and cat a special day this holiday season.  Wouldn't it be great if there was a drive in your home town?  Let's make it happen!  Merry Christmas!