finding homes for goldens in need

update-legislation-protect-pit-bulls-tenants-and-landlordsIf you have been following the news you know that the governor refused to let the bill to overturn the courts ruling on pit bulls be brought up at the first special session. There will now be a second special session and it’s time to call the governor again. This link will take you to a number to call and information.

Beautiful-Rescue-of-a-Stray-Dog-That-Looks-Like-a-Lion-1513.htmlIf you need a smile today watch this.

Goldens are going to play in the fun, and hopefully sun, this Sunday, May 20th, 1 pm at Stephanie Waikart’s home in Piney Point. Call for directions (301.994.0061) as we don’t want to post on the blog since this is a private residence.

Drinking water will be available for your dog and you, but you need to bring anything else you might need. There is a warm water shower to hose your dog off after playing.

If it is raining we will reschedule.

Dogs and chewing – sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Dogs have a knack for finding the worst things to chew on, be it your favorite shoes or a piece of important paperwork. It can seem like they’re just out to cause trouble but believe it or not, chewing should be encouraged when it’s done in a constructive manner.

“How could chewing possibly be good?” you might wonder. It’s simple—chewing is in a dog’s genes. Chewing is a natural way that dogs explore their world, whether they are a puppy or a senior.

Sometimes dogs chew out of boredom or anxiety, or because of sore teeth or gums. Your dog’s chewing behaviors can increase when he doesn’t get enough stimulation and exercise. Or she can just be seeking your attention…is your dog trying to get a little more of your time?

Inappropriate chewing – that is, chewing on things that he shouldn’t be chewing on — is a problem that most dog owners confront at some stage of their dog’s life.

Not only are chewing problems annoying to you, they can be dangerous for your pet. Chewing on the wrong items – electrical wires, poisonous materials, or objects that can splinter – can have disastrous consequences.

On the other hand, chewing on the right objects can enhance your dog’s health and well-being. The physical act of chewing helps relieve anxiety and boredom, and helps your dog feel secure and content.

How do you get your dog to chew on appropriate items?
1.First, clear your dog’s environment of things you don’t want him to chew on. That means picking up shoes, toys, and other objects you don’t want destroyed or that can harm your pet if chewed. Just because they’ve never done it before doesn’t always mean that they won’t ever start chewing. Keep in mind that your pet doesn’t chew to spite you, he’s just doing what instinct tells him to.

2.Always provide your dogs with tasty, safe chew toys. As you leave for work in the morning, leave him a toy stuffed with treats to help reinforce the idea of appropriate chewing.

3.When you catch your dog chewing something he shouldn’t, firmly tell him “No!”. Quickly replace the inappropriate item with a tasty chew toy. Lavish praise as he starts chewing the toy. Reprimanding your dog for inappropriate chewing MUST always be immediate and ONLY when he’s caught in the act-never after the chewing is already done, like when you find the remains of your favorite shoes upon returning home. This reinforcement doesn’t need to be severe! A raised voice is enough to send the message that this chewing is not OK.

So how can appropriate chew toys help your pet?
1.If the toy is designed for promoting dental hygiene, it can help support dental health by helping to scrape away plaque, tartar buildup, and help maintain healthy gums. The right ingredients can even help doggy breath.

2.A good chew toy can provide stimulating activity by challenging your dog’s mind and keeping him entertained. This is especially important for older dogs that may typically be less active.

3.A safe, well-designed chew toy can help satisfy your dog’s innate urge to chew and help avoid destructive chewing behavior from both puppies and adult dogs.

Taken from Dr. Jon’s Newsletter

I’m always looking for new chewies for my guys. Anyone have recommendations?

Link to Copperhead snake article

Protection Efforts

All native snakes in Maryland are protected by the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. This means that native snakes cannot be killed, possessed, bred, or sold without first acquiring the proper permit from the Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, Maryland requires a Captive Reptile and Amphibian Permit for the possession, breeding, and sale of native reptiles and amphibians in the state.

Remember, snakes are a part of our natural world and should be left there unharmed. They are fascinating creatures worthy of our respect and admiration. Please enjoy and help protect Maryland’s snakes and their habitats!

the-plot-thickens-clues-to-big-issues.htmlVERY interesting article about the FDA report on the plant where all the recalled dog foods were made. And these are suppose to be the good foods!Do you know what Animal Fat or Animal Digest is? I didn’t.

Meet Milo. He’s 18 months old and came to the rescue today after his second military family is being transferred. According to his recent owner, Milo is great with young children as he lets their 2 year old “climb all over him.” He is already neutered, so he will need a vet check and some vaccinations and as long as he is heartworm negative he will soon be available for adoption. He is being fostered by Barb and Tony B and their goldens Spice and Kramer.

Watch the blog for additional updates.

Amazing how info shows up just when you need it. We’re going to Maine next month with our dogs. ALL of our dogs which means “Runaway Ruby” who we adopted a couple of months ago.

This will be our first big trip with Ruby. Ruby is the pup that ran away not once, but TWICE last year. I’ve been having dreams of spending our vacation putting up “Lost Dog” posters.

We are going to be VERY CAREFUL. She has bonded with us, well at least me, so I think we’ll be fine, but it is doubtfull she’ll be off-leash hiking.

Anyway, this blog post has some good reminder tips. All of which we found to be true after our experience with Ruby last year.
Tips

recall