Tag Archives: animals

Jul26

Are We Keeping Our Pets Safe IN The Heat?

Posted on by
Image

Somehow it’s easy to forget how vulnerable our pets are. Whether our animals are big or small, they all need love and care. Heat isn’t good for them either.

I’ve had big dogs all my life, except for three. The big dogs ranged from Irish Setters, Alaskan Malamutes, Great Danes, and Pitt Bulls. In the more recent years it’s been Jack Russels, Bechions, and now a French Bull Dog. I have loved them all, and all needed my care especially in the extreme weather.

The big dogs are more durable, work harder longer, but they still need attention. Water, good food, exercise, well you get the picture. All of our dogs were indoor dogs because I believe they need a family to be around, and live with. Not everyone feels this way, and that’s your preference.

We now have rescued the sweetest not so little, Frenchie. She is white, has a loving personality, and wouldn’t harm a flee. Maybe a cat, but definitely not a flea.

I found a pearl necklace (collar) for her, and she loves it. How do I know you ask? Well, I took off her collar and put it on the table before putting on her pearls. When she saw the pearls, and was wearing them, she picked up the old collar with her teeth, and threw it on the floor. What do you think? Was that letting me know she didn’t want the old collar any longer?

To get back to the topic. French Bull Dogs, along with some other breeds like, all bulldogs, Boxers, and anything with a short nose have breathing problems. It is important to treat these dogs with care. I would imagine cats would be the same. They need lots of hydration, and cool places to lye down out of the sun.

For some reason cats seem to be more tolerant of the heat, and some have faces that look like they ran into a train. They need care also…..

Some have cooling jackets for the animals that really can’t and don’t do well in hot, humid weather. Just consider your pets as you would a baby, or the elderly. Love them and care for them, they give us so much in return.

Thank you for taking time to read my blog. Stay cool, keep your animals cool and all of you stay hydrated.

Karen

Sep17

We Are Now Simply, Daisy’s Mom & Dad!

Posted on by
Image
We Are Now Simply, Daisy’s Mom & Dad!

Previously, I blogged about the beautiful Dichondra lawn we had years ago living in our first home. My husband spent hours trimming, fertilizing, planting, pruning and, anything else the yard required. People would stop me in the grocery store and ask if I was the lady that lived in the “Yellow house on the corner with the beautiful lawn?” I was known some fifty years ago as the “Lady with the fabulous lawn!” Oh goodie, at a time when I’m looking for my own identity, I’m the lady with the lawn!

The other day my husband Les, and I were shopping in Trader Joe’s when a familiar looking lady stopped to ask us, “Aren’t you the parents of Daisy?” “Why yes,” we replied with curious expressions on our faces. “Sheryl” introduced herself as Charlie’s Mom! Charlie is a large Airedale Terrier we often see on our morning walks. Our dogs always greet each other, and act like they would love to just this once, romp and play together.

We rescued Daisy about four months ago from The Barking Lot Rescue in El Cajon. Our list of must haves were lengthy, and they were very patient with us. We had seen a picture of her online, and had previously looked at many other dogs that were either too big, not gentle enough, or didn’t like kids or cats, so we decided to check out just one more dog. Our list included being dog friendly, kid friendly, crate friendly, people friendly, cat friendly, not aggressive, and our list continued. They had many dogs up for adoption, but none were able to check all the boxes, and I was determined not to settle on this!

As we were introduced to our soon to be dog, she was a little ambivalent about us, and we realized how she had not only been abused, but shifted from a shelter to foster home just to get to this point in her life

“Daisy’s friend Charlie”

. We took her on a walk, and she walked perfectly next to my side – good sign! We double checked to make sure she had all the attributes we insisted on, and the girls assured us she was “NOT AGGRESSIVE!” Since she was a Staffordshire Terrier/Pit mix, it was really important she be a good role model, and easy for me to work with! It turns out she is gentile, smart, fun, has a cute personality, and a loving companion. We go to obedience classes every Tuesday, and we have had her camping with us over this summer. Daisy camped like a pro, and I’m pleased to tell you she continues to learn her commands!
.
So here we are in Trader Joe’s being asked if we were the parents of Daisy. We have officially lost our own identity! Les no longer is known for being PaPa to our Grandchildren, or his Fabulous Trumpet playing, and I’m no longer known as Karen the artist, or Grandma, Peek-A-Boo, or Nama! We are now simply Daisy’s Mom, and Dad!