Time for Another Change

 Brad Smith Photography

My pet parent had a doggone great time at BlogPaws over the weekend.  She was in the company of pet bloggers such as Tom Collins, Ken from DogFiles and Yvonne who never stopped smiling.

Now "Mom" is on fire to change the format of my blog once again.  The first blog was eaten by a nasty virus and she doesn't feel this platform has all the bells and whistles that I deserve so there may be a hiccup along the way before you see our postings again.

I may be getting older but I am wise enough to learn new tricks to blogging for your benefit. It is time for another change. See you in my new blog, same domain.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

BlogPaws is for Pet Parents Who are Passionate About All Pets

BlogPaws is drawing my pet parent away from home for the weekend.  She is anxious to make new friends and learn more ways to make my blog fun and educational...do those two words really go together?

I have been told that there will be a lot of giveaways too so I have instructed my pet parent to take an extra suitcase to bring them home.  I am an excellent product tester. Watch for our pet product reviews when she gets back.

In the meantime, I will have to keep my pet sitter and my "dad" entertained. No sleeping on the couch this weekend!

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Pet Parent Panics When Dog Has Seizure

 Would your pet parent panic if you had a seizure?  Mine did, but only momentarily.  I have not wanted to write about this because it happened to me.  But since this blog is all about you, I thought that I better share some information so that your pet parent can respond appropriately.

From the description that "Dad" gave to "Mom" who was not present when the event occurred, she feels that I had a grand mal seizure.  It's the first time for me and hopefully the last.  

Dad reacted by cleaning the froth away from my mouth and massaging my chest.  He thought that he was losing me.  Once back on all fours, I ran around the house like a buzzing bee flies and barked and howled, frenzied and disoriented. After 15 minutes, I settled back down.  Mom arrived home and took me out into the dark night to cool down.


It's been a little over two weeks now and Mom says it is like my electrical button has been reset. I am calmer, more focused and no longer wash my legs down to my skin. She wonders if I could have avoided this with more regular visits to the holistic vet that lives over 3 hours away.


Mom is using a holistic approach with nosodes and the healing codes at this point.  We may never know what triggered the seizure. Hopefully, that trigger will never be pulled again.


Have your pet parent comment on their experiences with pets that have seizures.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Scent Training for Dogs - Step by Step Mind Game

Scent training for dogs can be  as simple as a step-by-step mind game.  The weather outside here in the Mid Atlantic states is heavy downpours with flood alerts.  My pet parent just gave me a bath so I am not about to get muddy again so soon.  


Fortunately, a positive pet trainer, Pamela Johnson, has come to the rescue with this game that we can play even after the sun starts to shine again. This is a great excuse for your pet parent to reward you with treats! Do you think you can get them to play this game with you? Let us know whether you thought this was fun.


Enjoy this pet video:

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Let's Bark at Cars!

Let's bark at cars!  The Pet Safety Lady Christina Selter of Bark Buckle UP published the 2010 Top Ten Pet Safe Awards after attending the Chicago Auto show.


I have used seat belts and occupied crates while traveling with my pet parent. An unrestrained pet can be a hazard in an accident in many ways.  Christina tells us that a 60-pound dog can cause an impact of 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, a windshield, or another passenger. Of course, rescue workers might be attempting to care for our pet parents first and our injuries or protective behavior would add to the drama.


My pet parent has seen posters of dogs that have been lost after their pet parents have been in an accident.  Some pets are never found or they may have been hit by another car.  It always amazes me to see pets still traveling unrestrained in the back of pickup trucks!

A little kitten climbed out of the cardboard box it was riding in and parked itself under the brake pedal of the car my then teenage pet parent was driving.  I am glad I didn't hear that squeal as the car was going down a long, steep hill with no braking power due to the little body wedged underneath the pedal.


A recent statistic shows that 50% of dog owners consider their pet's comfort when buying a car.  That's true in my case too.  I travel around in a Honda Element.  


Watch this pet video of why the Honda Element rocks!

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Have you Met This Celebrity Dog Trainer?

Suryia and Roscoe

Have you met Suryia, the celebrity dog trainer at the T.I.G.E.R.S. sanctuary in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? Well, the story is making the rounds around the internet.  I have not been able to sniff out the truth, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words so I will let you be the judge of  the accuracy of this viral story.

Apparently Suryia was not doing well at the rescue center.  He had no purpose in life.  His prayers were answered when an old, emaciated hound dog wandered in.  The staff named the dog Roscoe.

Suryia was drawn to Roscoe from the moment he arrived and stayed with him night and day while Roscoe regained his health.  Now the two are inseparable and really ham it up for the photographers. They play in the water together and hang out in the tree house...and just hang out. 

Hamming it up for the camera

They each have a purpose now in living for each other.  Does your pet parent make sure you have a "job" so that you don't lay around behaving neurotically, chewing your nails or chasing your tail? Have them leave a comment on how you impact other lives.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Napping Makes Our Pet Parents Smarter

 Photo from FunnyUnderline

The importance of people napping to become smarter is quite the buzz now. My pet parent loves to nap when he comes home from work and then again before he goes to bed...well, okay, I am exaggerating a bit. He doesn't do it every night. 

People all over the world have known the value of napping but here in the United States if our pet parents are "caught napping" they could suffer severe repercussions on the job. Dr. Matthew Walker, a Berkeley psychologist, claims that it all happens in a part of the brain which temporarily stores "fact-based memories." When pet parents nap, they clear out the memories so that they have room to take in more.  I wonder if that is the same as clearing the cobwebs from your brain which is the way our grand pet parents talked about the process.


So how does this memory stuff relate to us as pets? A writer for PetPlace reports that our memory banks need periodic purging and reorganization during sleep too. After we attend 5 weeks of training classes, our pet parents observe that we act like we have not learned anything at all.  Actually, our lessons are just going from short-term memory to long-term memory.  I wonder if the process would happen sooner if we took naps halfway through class...but then we would miss all the fun.


Does your pet parent feel that naps make them smarter? Have them leave a comment.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

The Secret to How a Yellow Lab Smiled Big at Westminster For a Fraction of the Campaign Cost

 Corey , handler Kathy Gertler and pet parent Ellen Moon

I featured Corey the Yellow Labrador in my last blog post. She and I have been playing together since she was a pup.  She is a diva like me and has a winning smile.  In fact, I am proud to announce that Corey made the cut in the ring at Westminster this year and was one of the top six bitches shown.  Way to go Corey!


Now, this is what my pet parent found out by reading Dr. Larry's blog about Westminster. Most of the cost of campaigning a dog on the professional dog show circuit goes towards advertising to let the judges know how popular you are and secondly, to pay  your handlers for caring for you on the road and showing your best points to the judge.


Corey's pet parent knows that nutrition also plays a huge role in the life force of Corey and how well she shows. However, instead of feeding Corey a big name-brand food, she chose to use a holistic pet food formulated by a veterinary nutritionist that she can consult frequently and personally.  She also has the food shipped directly to her rather than taking a chance on food that has been housed in warehouses for up to two years before it is on the shelf. Best of all, she is able to subsidize Corey's show career by referring other pet parents to these benefits. Even Corey's handler has earned money that she can now rely on for unexpected expenses or to set aside for retirement.


So now I have revealed the SECRET on how a dog can show exceptionally well at Westminster for a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent by other pet parents in the sport. Pet parents who are dog lovers first can still be competitive at dog shows without spending huge amounts of money campaigning. 


Encourage your pet parent to add their thoughts on kibble and show sense.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to Animal Lover Amelia

This Yellow Labrador Will Shine at the Westminster Dog Show

My yellow Labrador friend is on her way to the Westminster Dog Show.  Wow.  That is like competing in the Olympics of Dog Conformation!  Her registered name is CH GoldenMoon's Sunny Coreopsis, WC, CGC but I just know her as "Corey."


Corey will be leading her handler Kathy Gertler (of Kindred Spirits Handling) around the ring.  Kathy says that she and Corey are a team.  Corey is tough but a dream at the same time.  Kathy understands her the best and lets her do her own thing while she just tries to steer her in the right direction.  Corey can't be made to do things she doesn't want to... she is a free spirit....like me.

Also, like me, Corey has been raised on the superb nutrition and formulas developed by Dr. Jane Bicks.  We believe that has given us an advantage in our development as champions.


You can watch Corey compete in Labradors on Tuesday, February 16th at about 3:30 P.M. on streaming live video from the Garden.


You know who I will be cheering for.  Does your pet parent have a favorite entry?

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Business Savvy Veterinarians Use Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing sites such as Twitter and Facebook are now being implemented by business savvy veterinarians. Sheila Grosdidier is an on-site consultant for veterinary practices.  In a recent forum post on Vet Learn, she wrote about the trends in client service. 

My pet parent has seen veterinarians bend over backwards to please difficult clients.  She has also witnessed a veterinarian tell a client that if he did not like to pay the fees that she charged for her services, that he could take his business elsewhere.  Perhaps the second example may become the trend with the thinking that no matter what you do, you will not please the unhappy client so the valuable time should only be spent with "better" clients.


So what if that unhappy client gets on YouTube, Facebook or Twitter and shouts out about his experience? It may go viral.  On the other paw, veterinarians may want to encourage their clients to tweet about just how fantastic they think their vet is with their pets.


I wonder if my veterinarians have Facebook pages or YouTube channels. Perhaps I will find an email from them in my Inbox.  I am going to put my nose to the computer and do a search now...


How does your pet parent feel about veterinarians using social media as a way to gain the trust of their clients?

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Toilet Training is for Cats

Should pet parents train their cats to use the toilet? Pet parents sure go through a lot of cat litter.  Different cats like different litters so that adds to the expense in a multiple-cat household. To find out more about toilet training as an option, my pet parent bought the E-book Toilet Train My Cat. She found out that some breeds of cats learn faster...sounds like the smartest dog survey.


This book also covers constructing toilet-training contraptions...pet parents will have to be trained to do this part. Toilet training goes against a cats instincts so pet parents will have to be patient.  Since female pet parents expect the lid to be put down all the time, this will go against their natural instincts too. Going through the list of breeds, it would seem that a Japanese Bobtail owned by a male pet parent who never remembers to put the seat down might be the most successful cat to learn to use the toilet!


Did you hear about the cat that ran up the water bill by constantly flushing the toilet.  I'll bet that pet parent regretted the day he taught his cat to flush!

Watch this funny cat video:
 
Pawscript:  I only recommend products that my pet parent has personally used. I may earn some treats if you purchase the product mentioned above. 

 
Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

How to Tell Cats Apart

How do you tell cats apart? There are many breeds of cats but that is not what I am talking about here. I am not referring to skinny cats versus fat cats either. Say you are looking after a litter of kittens and they all look alike. Their personalities really aren't distinct yet so how do you tell those little furballs apart?

Let's play the ultimate detective. Humans have different fingerprints. We pets have paw prints. Have you heard though that cats can be identified by their nose pads? Each nose pad is uniquely ridged. 

Somehow, I think this "nose pad print" is the last method that will be used to identify a cat. The way we dogs get our noses caught in different things, our first nose print will be different from our last and I am sure the same will be true with cats!

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Safety of Veterinary Drugs Breaks Down Trust

Who should be held accountable when the lack of safety of veterinary drugs breaks down the TRUST regarding what we are treated with and who is treating us?

Our pet parents take us to veterinarians that they know, like and trust. They rely on our vets to do the right thing for us. But what happens when veterinarians are not informed about the safety of the drugs that they are using to treat us?


A Veterinary Information Network has been co-founded by president Dr.Paul Pion to keep vets informed of what is happening. Veterinarians are not being alerted to safety recalls.  The manufacturers are not taking responsibility for informing their customers. Pion believes that everyone who has the information, whether they believe it's their job or not, should share it. He goes on to say that any individual or company who has reliable information and doesn't share it should be held personally and corporately responsible for any adverse reactions that occur after that.


When you have an adverse reaction to a drug, as I did to a vaccine, who does your pet parent hold accountable?  Have them comment on this very important topic.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

FDA Drug Recall May Prompt Anesthesia-Free Pet Dental Work

Pet parents are usually the last to know about FDA drug recalls that may affect their pets. Teva Animal Health, Inc. was shut down in July 2009   At least two veterinary drugs manufactured by them had been recalled but few veterinarians knew about this, let alone pet parents.These drugs included butorphanol and ketamine.



Christie Keith, writing for Your Whole Pet, tells us about the seriousness of this recall. Let us focus on ketamine since it can be used prior to dental cleaning. On December 22, 2009, the FDA issued a press release about the recall. There had been an increased trend in serious adverse events associated with this product which included a lack of effect, prolonged effect and death. 

Teva stated that the distributors of this product were under no obligation to notify their customers, the veterinarians, about the recall. Christie goes on to reveal other facts about labeling regulations for drugs. Your vet may  have to dig deep to even know if the drug that he purchased from big pharma could have been manufactured by Teva.


On the other paw, Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM talks about the effectiveness of anesthesia-free dental work.He cites reasons why pets should have dental cleaning that includes removing dental calculus and infection above and below the gum line. With the aid of anesthesia, vets can also assess and treat dental pockets, odontoclastic resorpitive lesions and periodontitis and more.


My pet parent will continue to clean my teeth herself so that I do not have to undergo the risk of a serious side effect or death due to anesthesia. What does your pet parent think about all of this?  Ask them to comment here.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Time for Your Pet's Dental Check up.

 Picture credit to Mypetsdentist.com

Pet parents notice when we have bad breath and usually schedule us for a dental checkup at that time. If they don't do it sooner, they will  have to do it later after dental problems have appeared.


My pet parent takes responsibility for cleaning my teeth.  She really does not want me to have to undergo a stressful procedure at the veterinarian's office.Lucky for her, I comply with brushing and scaling.  I know that I will get a fantastic treat when she is done. Even so, she is wondering if it's not "that time."


Dental problems can be more serious than pet parents expect.  When we have mouth pain, we may not eat enough or groom ourselves properly. Four common problems require dental care.


Naturally, accidents can damage the teeth and gums.  My predecessor was kicked in the face by a pony and ended up with a broken tooth. Some pets have congenital or developmental disorders...they can be candidates for the ugliest pet contest. Unless we are great chewers in a moderate fashion, we end up with periodontitis which is basically yuck on the teeth and bloody gums. A problem that you don't want is tooth decay. That will lead to major problems when infection enters your blood stream.



Normally, you have to have a physical checkup before scheduling a routine cleaning.  They may want to do blood work first if you have had previous health issues. A basic cleaning for a forty-pound dog like me in my area costs about $275.00. My nephew is only three and lives on the East Coast.  His vet wants to charge $900.00 to clean his teeth.  Unfortunately, his mom is out of work and has not been able to get it done for him. 


Some pet parents go to the extreme with dental care.  Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA, writes about appropriate dental care on her PetMD blog. Some pet parents have psychiatric disorders that cause them to invent health conditions for their pets and get high on the attention and satisfaction that they receive from "caring" for them. 

Dr. Khuly admits that there are a few vets that take advantage of pet parents with this condition to benefit financially.  This is when we pets need to have a voice in our veterinary care!

Ask your pet parent to comment on your dental care.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Celebrity Trainer Victoria Speaks on Dogs and Their Owners

I am all for positive reinforcement training methods like the ones celebrity trainer Victoria Stillwell uses on It's Me or The Dog.. Some people think that my pet parent is spoiling me with treats, toys and fun rewards. My response is, if you love your job so much, then do it without receiving any payback.  Pet parents get a check for their work so we deserve a reward also.


The Associated Press recently interviewed Victoria.  This pet video shows the conflict and confusion in a house of young women and spoiled pets. I must admit, I would never do some of the things these dogs did... but I could teach them a trick or two of my own.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

National Train Your Dog Month

Woof!  The Association of  Pet Dog Trainers is making sure that pet parents start off the new year with their new pets in the best way possible. There are a variety of events happening this month.


"Everyday" dog owners are invited to visit the APDT web site to learn more about how positively reinforcing our behavior to enhance our relationships. Pet parents can see how easy and fun training can be and learn how patience, consistency, and a deeper understanding of our behavior can lead to happier, healthier and more harmonious households.


Pet parents are invited to learn more about dog park dos and don'ts, understanding different training methods, tips on how to choose the right dog for their lifestyle and family and how to find the best trainer for you. Have your pet parents pick up these treats now!

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Golden Retriever is Official Playmate of Bedford Springs Resort

 Had I known that my pet parent was going to meet Toby, who is the official resort dog at Bedford Springs, I would have insisted on going along to meet him too. Toby has play dates with other lucky dogs that get to stay at this Omni pet-friendly resort.


The story goes that Toby lived with a woman that got married for the fourth time. Her new husband did not want to have to compete with gentleman Toby so he said Toby had to find a new home. Apparently this has worked out well for Toby. He has lost six pounds on the job at the resort and gets all kinds of back rubs and belly rubs whenever he presents his smiling face. Click here to watch this television appearance.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Howl-O-Ween is Great Training Opportunity

As I rebuild my site, you will see some posts like this one about Howl-O-Ween out of chronological order...but you know we as pets just live in the moment so don't let your pet parents get goofy on you.


You have seen the neighborhood flyers telling our pet parents to hide us in the basement on Halloween night so that we are not scared by the Trick or Treaters or , heaven forbid, we scare the little rascals with our barking and lounging.


However, I find the night a delightful time to show off my socialization skills and experience new sights and sounds.  I think all pets of sound temperament should drag their pet parents out of the house and take us for a walk on that "frightful" night.


Watch this pet video that I created for you:


 Comment on your Howl-O-Ween nights.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Does Your Puppy Have What It Takes to Become a S.T.A.R.?

"Marjie"

I love puppies...especially S.T.A.R. puppies! The American Kennel Club has started a new puppy program that is designed to get puppies and their owners off to a great start. All you need to do is get your pet parent to take you to a basic training course.  The components of this program consist of Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner.  The Responsible owner component is the toughest. Sometimes puppies have to work extra hard to train them.

GoldenMoon's Misty's Spicy Marjoram ~ "Marjie" is the daughter of my show companion Misty.  I expect to see even greater accomplishments in her future.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

My Labrador Friend is going to Westminster!

I am pleased to announce that my friend Golden Moon Labs home-bred, raised, trained and owned CH GoldenMoon's Sunny Coreopsis, CGC,WC "Corey" will be privileged to compete in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show to be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 15 and 16, 2010.


You can watch Corey on the Westminster site as the class is posted. Corey is a diva, like me.  With that kind of attitude, I am sure the Judge will be looking at her!  Corey has also been raised on the same high quality products formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks.


Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

How to Potty Your Puppy at the Airport

My pet parent frequently gets asked about puppy potty training . Winter time presents its own roadblocks to getting the "job" done efficiently.  In snow country, we usually have a path shoveled through the deep snow to our bathroom. In other areas, raincoats are worn so that we don't come in soaking wet. But what do the traveling dogs do?  Pet parents can carry pee pads which we will use if we have been taught to use them at an early age.  Some airports do have potty areas which are nice for the pet that travels in the cabin with their companions.


Watch this pet video at the airport of this smart puppy using the potty:


Share your potty secrets with us by having your pet parent leave a comment.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Rabid Raccoon - "Leave It!"

Raccoons were the last thing on my mind as my pet parent and I were walking along a remote mountain trail by ourselves. Mom started to pray and praise out loud and sing, following a spiritual prompting.  I am so glad that she did.  We heard a rustling sound in a stream off to our right. It was a raccoon with its back to us...until it turned around and started coming our way...

I heard "Leave It" as I barked at the approaching creature.  I quickly obeyed and trotted on down the trail.  This was an afternoon encounter with a rabid raccoon. My friends at PawFun shared these tips from the New York City Department of Health website so that you and your pet companions can stay safe.

This is one time when a rabies vaccination is beneficial (because they may cut your head off if you don't have it). Make sure your pet parent feeds you indoors so that you don't encounter any snacking visitors on your last potty trip out in the dark. Leave the lids on the garbage cans and have your pet parents close any openings to the house where a wild critter may enter.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

American Eskimos are a Westminster Favorite

American Eskimos are a Westminster favorite...at least for me. My uncle Thor won an Award of Merit. My show days ended in the conformation ring after I earned my Championship.  Since then, I have put a few other letters behind my name but mostly I just blog and train puppies.


Sassy is going to Westminster this year.  I don't know her but she sure looks like she lives up to her name.  I am going to be cheering as I watch the show from home.  I just relived the American Eskimo dog breed judging at the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.


Get ready. Stockpile your treats and favorite beverage.  There are only a few days to go before the Show begins!

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Inventor Leads Dog Walkers to a New Solution

Napolean the dog has inspired companion Stephen Noble to invent a new solution for releasing a lead from the collar on a dog. Napolean and Stephen go biking together. Stephen would have to get off of his bike to release Napolean's lead from his collar. This frustration led Stephen to create what he is calling the Latch-a-Lead. This patented design allows users to release the lead using a device in the handle.


As a result, Stephen has been nominated to win the John Logie Baird Award which is a financial business support package. We will be looking foward to having the Latch-a-Lead available to dog walkers in the United States. 

Have you inspired your companion to create anything or do anything to help the pets in their life?  If so, have them share their comments.


Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia