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8 Fun Fall Activities to Do With Your Dogs
8 Fun Fall Activities to Do With Your Dogs By Dorothy Wills-Raftery “Fur real, fall is the best season ever." - Unknown Autumn has arrived! When the weather turns cool, Mother Nature proudly shows off her stunning palette of colors bursting with reds, oranges, and yellows. Leaves begin to fall and lay a carpet for us to have fun playing in with our dogs! When they feel that crisp air and hear the crunching of the leaves, they know some fun is in store after a hot summer. Before you do anything, please be sure to do a thorough yard check to be sure there are no hidden dangers your dog could get into. Here's a few fall activities to enjoy doing with, and for, your dog: 1. Pumpkin is Nice ‘Tis the season for pumpkin picking and whipping up your dog some healthy homemade pumpkin treats. Whether you choose to use pumpkins you picked from a patch or the canned 100% pure pumpkin (NEVER pumpkin pie mix), this fruit is a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. You can whip up some homemade treats, like our FiveSibes Maple Pumpkin Cookies recipe below. Did you know… you can also add pumpkin purée to your dog’s diet as it is a great source of fiber and/or healthy filler? Pure pumpkin can be used to a) help calm a dog’s upset gastrointestinal tract and ease diarrhea and/or constipation, b) it can help with hydration, and c) “the pumpkin diet” can be made part of your dog’s daily nutrition intake to help them lose a few pounds. Note: Always start out with a little bit, then slowly increase the amount to where you want/need to be. Your veterinarian can help determine the right amount of pumpkin for your dog’s weight. 2. A Drink for Two While taking a nice autumn stroll or car ride with your dog, stop off at your favorite coffee shop to grab yourself a PSL and a yummy kiddie-sized pup cup of tasty plain cream for your furry best friend. Many coffee shops are dog-friendly these days and have special treats to offer your dog and even dairy alternatives if your dog is lactose intolerant. Just remember—no sugary or sugar-free syrups for your dog! 3. Gather ‘Round the Campfire Nothing says fall more than those first whiffs of the smoky cedar scent of a campfire. Whether you prefer a weekend getaway camping trip with your dog, or you are more of a backyard dweller who likes to kick back and relax with your furry companion, the sounds of the crackling of wood in the fire pit is so comforting and a great fall (non)activity to do! A word of caution, always be careful around campfires, and be sure your dog is with you and far away from the reach of any floating embers or flames. 4. Apple Picking There are plenty of wonderful dog-friendly orchards and farms where you can bring your K9 companion with you while checking out the acres of apples trees. (Note: always call ahead to be sure they welcome dogs). Many places also have put up some wonderful autumn displays of mums, scarecrows, apples, pumpkins, and gourds, so be sure to bring your camera with you for some colorful fall-tastic photos! Afterwards, you can whip up some yummy desserts, like this recipe for Apple Cider Donuts for Dogs from our friends at Gone to the Snow Dogs. 5. DIY Doggy Bandana With all the wonderful warm colors of fall, and Halloween being right around the corner, a fun seasonal thing to do is craft a homemade festive bandana for your dog. You can pick almost any kind of fabric design you like ranging from dog bones or pawprints to colorful leaves, pumpkins, or bats with styles that include tie-on or ones to slip over your dog’s collar. For a cute DIY Halloween pumpkin bandana, check out the instructions from the crafty folks over at Hound Hugger. 6. Paint a Purple Pumpkin Yes, a purple pumpkin! Be part of the Epilepsy Foundation’s Purple Pumpkin Project with its great message to bring awareness to help shatter the fears and stigmas of epilepsy. So, while you are out hunting for a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, pick one to decorate or paint purple and display on Halloween. Then, when someone asks, “Why is your pumpkin purple?” You can tell them that dogs with epilepsy can—and do—live happy lives. Be sure to take photos of your dog with the purple pumpkin and post them on social media so you can help spread the word. For more info on Canine Epilepsy, check out my free FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Online Resource Library. 7. Roll in the Leaves After raking leaves in your backyard, let your dog run free through the pile and watch the fun! Better yet, join your dog for a few dives into the leaf pile! The crunching of the leaves will add to your dog’s enthusiasm and the zoomies through the leaves is a fun way of exercising your dog! (Note: Be sure to do a tick check anytime your dog is outdoors). Here’s great video of a Siberian Husky dog having the best time enjoying backyard leaf piles! 8. Go for a Hike Toss on your sweater, grab your dog’s leash and head on out for an invigorating autumn hike on a trail. Breathe in the crisp, cool air, and enjoy some special bonding with your dog. Let him/her trot through the crunchy leaves, sniff the trails, and splash in that rain puddle! Carpe diem…seize the beautiful fall day with your furry best friend! Don’t forget water and poop bags! Did You Know? If you have a 4Knines seat or cargo cover, you’ll have nothing to worry about if your dog gets wet and muddy on the trails! Their premium waterproof, easy-to-clean heavy-duty covers for cars and trucks will protect your vehicle from any muddy or wet pawprints. Plus, they donate a portion from every purchase to charities that help animals in need. Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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The Journey of Crafting the Perfect Pet Products: A Decade with 4Knines
A Decade with 4Knines From Furry Chaos to Backseat Bliss (and Now Kid-Proof, Too!) Let me tell you a story—a story of fur, slobber, Goldfish crackers, and the relentless pursuit of a clean car. It begins not in the sweeping landscapes of the Alps or the Amazon but in the backseat of Jim and Maggie’s car, which, at one point, looked like a war zone where the only weapons were muddy paws, sticky hands, and the occasional juice box explosion. Jim and Maggie, proud parents of two very lovable but very messy dogs, just wanted to enjoy life’s simple pleasures: road trips, hikes, and the occasional fast-food drive-thru where their dogs could beg for treats. But every outing left behind the unmistakable evidence of chaos. Their car, once a sleek chariot of freedom, had become a rolling shrine to fur, mud, crumbs, and suspiciously sticky slobber. Then came their twins. Twin tornadoes, now nine years old, who could turn a clean car into a disaster zone faster than you can say, “Who spilled the yogurt?” Suddenly, the seat covers weren’t just a dog-proof necessity—they became kid-proof superheroes. Desperate to reclaim their dignity (and their upholstery), Jim and Maggie scoured the earth—or at least the internet—for a solution. But every seat cover they found fell apart faster than their dogs’ obedience when confronted with a squirrel. Frustrated but determined, they did what any normal couple would do: they started a company to fix the problem themselves. 4Knines: The Revolution Begins Armed with nothing but a dream, a couple of shedding dogs, and now two energetic kids who loved snacks way too much, Jim and Maggie created 4Knines. They didn’t just slap together some fabric and call it a day—no, they went full-on mad scientist. They tested materials tougher than their dogs’ determination to shed everywhere. They added waterproof layers because, let’s face it, dogs and kids both have a way of “leaking”. And they made it all look good enough that people would actually want it in their car. What they created wasn’t just a seat cover; it was a force field against fur, mud, juice, and crayon smudges. It was as if they’d discovered the holy grail of parenthood—a product that could handle whatever chaos their kids and dogs threw at it (sometimes literally). Adventures in Cleanliness Over the years, 4Knines has become the secret weapon for pet owners and parents everywhere. From golden retrievers who think every car ride is a mud-wrestling match to kids who think every seat pocket is a trash can, these covers have seen it all—and survived to tell the tale. Dog hair? It slides right off. Crushed crackers? Shake ’em out. Juice spills? Wipes clean in seconds. Mystery smells? Never even had a chance to settle in. And the best part? The covers look so good that you can still pretend you’re the kind of person who has their life together. Ten Years of Backseat Bliss Now, after a decade of protecting cars (and owners’ sanity), 4Knines is celebrating. Jim and Maggie look back on their journey with gratitude, though they’ll be the first to admit they didn’t expect their quest for clean seats to turn into a global mission. But here they are, ten years later, with a growing family of happy customers—and a growing family of their own. Their nine-year-old twins are now the ultimate test subjects for the durability of 4Knines products. Whether it’s post-soccer mud, mid-road trip snack attacks, or an impromptu art project with markers they “weren’t supposed to bring,” the covers have held strong. Jim and Maggie like to joke that if their seat covers can survive their kids, they can survive anything. What’s Next? Who knows what the future holds for 4Knines? Maybe they’ll develop covers for spaceship seats when we all start taking our dogs—and kids—to Mars. For now, they’re sticking to what they do best: creating products that make life with pets and kids easier, cleaner, and a whole lot more enjoyable. So, if your car has been taken hostage by fur, slobber, crumbs, and mysterious sticky spots, let Jim and Maggie’s story be a beacon of hope. There’s a better way, and it starts with 4Knines. Your car (and your sanity) will thank you. Because life’s messy—but your car doesn’t have to be. A Decade of Gratitude As we look back on these unforgettable ten years, we're filled with gratitude for the community that's helped us become who we are today. Your trust, love, and invaluable feedback have lit our path, encouraging us to continually strive for excellence. We love hearing from our customers and get an enormous amount of joy from the photos you send and post. These visual testimonials not only make our day but also affirm that we're on the right path. Seeing how our products make it easier for you to include your pets in your adventures serves as a heartwarming reminder of why we do what we do. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being an essential part of our journey. We promise to keep dreaming, improving, and crafting the best in pet products, all while nurturing the relationships that make it all worthwhile.
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October 2023 Spotlight: K-911 Paws Foundation
October 2023 Spotlight K-911 Paws Foundation K9 units serve a valuable purpose within local communities. Police need K9 units for many reasons, but perhaps the most important is to help protect the lives of fellow officers. The physical presence of an intimidating dog is likely to make a potential perpetrator think twice about running or committing another crime. K9 units are also used to search for narcotics, explosives, a hiding suspect, or even a lost child. K-911 Paws Foundation is an Arizona non-profit that exists to ensure K9 units get everything they need to protect and serve. Well-trained K9 will sacrifice themselves for their communities, handlers, and job while asking for nothing but unconditional love. K-911 Paws Foundation educates the public about the struggle for funding within K9 units and also provides financial assistance to K9 units for training costs, for training/safety equipment and medical needs, and to acquire new K9s. Shelly Marano, founder of K-911 Paws Foundation, is a former Sergeant with the Arizona Department of Corrections. She is also the widow of Fallen Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer, Chris Marano. Shelly's passion and love for K9s led her to a K9 handler position with a private organization and partnered her with K-911 Paws's Ambassador, K9 Millie (now retired). K-911 Paws Foundation is an Arizona non-profit that exists to ensure K9 units get everything they need to protect and serve. Well-trained K9 will sacrifice themselves for their communities, handlers, and job while asking for nothing but unconditional love. K-911 Paws Foundation educates the public about the struggle for funding within K9 units and also provides financial assistance to K9 units for training costs, for training/safety equipment and medical needs, and to acquire new K9s. Shelly Marano, founder of K-911 Paws Foundation, is a former Sergeant with the Arizona Department of Corrections. She is also the widow of Fallen Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer, Chris Marano. Shelly's passion and love for K9s led her to a K9 handler position with a private organization and partnered her with K-911 Paws's Ambassador, K9 Millie (now retired). From Shelly: “When my husband was killed in the line of duty, I realized just how much support families of injured or killed officers get. But the more research I did, the more I realized K9’s aren’t supported. Most departments do not have a specific budget for their K9 units. The money used for medical needs, training equipment, advanced training classes, etc. is usually raised by the K9 unit itself. They do little events, fundraisers and apply for grants to keep their unit operational. That’s where K-911 Paws Foundation can help! Any department can apply for assistance through our website and we will help as much as we can. But we can’t do it without the help of our communities! We conduct K9 events with help from the local K9 units to do demos. We sell merchandise and accept donations on location as well as online through our website and social media outlets. We also get involved with a lot of local events as a vendor to educate the public and sell merchandise. As a non-profit, all proceeds from our sales goes directly to K9 units in need and is 100% tax deductible.” Shelly founded K-911 Paws Foundation with the hope of helping K9 units all over the country. The K-911 Paws Foundation’s Board of Directors is strategically composed of survivors of fallen officers, civilians, and currently serving law enforcement officers with a shared vision of supporting law enforcement and K9 units by helping in ways others had not considered. Together, with the support of the community, these dreams are becoming a reality. Since K-911 Paws Foundation was founded, they have provided assistance to over twenty K9 units nationwide, helping in any way possible, even when funds are limited. Locally, they have provided assistance to multiple area agencies by providing medical kits for K9s, decoy suits for training scenarios, ballistic vests, and assisting with dental work. Please join 4Knines in supporting K-911 Paws Foundation to ensure Shelly and her team are able to continue making a difference in the Law Enforcement K9 community. You can become a sponsor, shop for some K-911 swag (shirts, jewelry, hats, water bottles, and/or an adorable plush K9) or make a tax deductible donation. Help 4Knines Give Back Want to see your favorite animal advocacy group featured in our monthly spotlight articles? Fill out the form at the button below and our team will reach out. As a pet-focused business, we feel that it's important to give back to the animal community. Learn about our Giving Back program ➜ Go to Spotlight Nomination Form
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Honoring the Work of Service Dogs
Honoring the Work of Service Dogs By Dorothy Wills-Raftery “The love of a service dog transcends beyond just companionship; they provide us with strength in times of need.” - Unknown Dogs are amazing animals. They are wonderful and devoted companions joining their humans in activities such as hiking, skijoring, mushing, swimming, or simply lounging together on the sofa. They can also be amazing working dogs; professionally trained Service Dogs helping adults and children with medical conditions be more independent and supported in their everyday lives. During September, National Service Dog Month, these skilled dogs are honored and celebrated for the important work they do helping humans each and every day all year long. There are several types of Service Dogs that perform many types of tasks. Before a person can get a Service Dog, however, they a) must be sure they have documentation from their physician and/or healthcare provider, and b) be sure they can properly take care of a dog or live with someone who can help with the dog’s daily care. What is a Service Dog? A Service Dog/Animal, defined by Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), states that a "Service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Tasks performed can include, among other things, pulling a wheelchair, retrieving dropped items, alerting a person to a sound, reminding a person to take medication, or pressing an elevator button. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA." According to the national non-profit organization Canine Companions that was founded in 1975, they “provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings.” Their “dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.” To date, they have placed over “6,000 assistance dogs with recipients free of charge.” How long does a Canine Companion Service Dog Work? “The first two years of a dog’s life are spent being trained and socialized before graduating as a Service Dog,” they state. “The average Service Dog then works for eight years. After that time, the dog retires from service and will spend its golden years as a pet." According to the national non-profit organization Canine Companions that was founded in 1975, they “provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings.” Their “dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.” To date, they have placed over “6,000 assistance dogs with recipients free of charge.” How long does a Canine Companion Service Dog Work? “The first two years of a dog’s life are spent being trained and socialized before graduating as a Service Dog,” they state. “The average Service Dog then works for eight years. After that time, the dog retires from service and will spend its golden years as a pet." Who needs a Service Dog? While there are many reasons why someone needs a Service Dog to help them in their day-to-day lives, but, according to U.S. Service Animals, “There are a wide range of conditions that may be benefitted by having a service dog. The only one who can ultimately make that determination is your doctor. The one key thing to keep in mind, however, is that service animals are not pets. While they may be comforting companions, they are working dogs who have been specifically trained to provide assistance that relates directly to their owner’s disability.” What types of Service Dogs are there? According to the United Disability Service (UDS) Foundation, there are many different types of Service Dogs performing important jobs to assist and help their humans: Allergy Detection Dog Autism Service Dog Diabetic Alert Dog Guide Dog Hearing Dogs Mobility Assistance Dog Psychiatric Service Dog Seizure Alert Dog These Service Dogs can perform so many different jobs. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “Guide Dogs help blind people navigate in the world. Hearing (or Signal) Dogs alert deaf people to sounds. Psychiatric Dogs are trained to detect and lessen the effects of a psychiatric episode. Service Dogs help those in wheelchairs or who are otherwise physically limited. They may open doors or cabinets, fetch things their handler can’t reach, and carry items for their handler. Autism Assistance Dogs are trained to help those on the autism spectrum to distinguish important sensory signals, such as a smoke alarm, from other sensory input. They may also alert their handler to repetitive behaviors or overstimulation. Service Dogs that are trained to recognize seizures and will stand guard over their handler during a seizure or go for help.” Who can qualify for a Service Dog? Canine Companions explain, “People with physical or developmental disabilities, adults who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as professionals working in healthcare, visitation, educational, or criminal justice settings who can demonstrate that a Service Dog will enhance their independence or their quality of life are qualified to apply.” In order to qualify for a Service Dog, it starts with one’s doctor. According to Mental Health America (MHS), “To qualify for a service animal, all you need to do is get written documentation from your healthcare provider that you have and are being treated for an emotional or psychiatric disorder or disability and require the assistance of an animal because of it. The work a dog has been trained to do must specifically relate to your condition.” There are programs now specifically designed to help our United States military veterans. According to American Humane, “For some veterans, coming home as a civilian is only the beginning of another daunting battle. Research shows that specially trained PTS Service Dogs can reduce stress and anxiety levels, mitigate depression, ease social reintegration, provide comfort and restore confidence in affected veterans.” Their Pups4Patriots™ is one such program where they “find dogs in search of forever homes and train them to be lifesaving Service Dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress or Traumatic Brain Injury. Waiting lists are long and the process is expensive, with intensive training costing upwards of $30,000 per service dog. But American Humane is here to help, training lifesaving service dogs, free of cost for veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury.” Canine Companions has also provided hundreds of service dogs to U.S. war veterans across the country. They state, “Dogs are trained to identify each veteran’s unique stressors and perform tasks that directly disrupt escalation of symptoms, thus enhancing their quality of life.” They proudly note that their program also “is the first Service Dog organization to be accredited by Assistance Dogs International and has provided service dogs to over 7,400 people with disabilities.” For more info on the Canine Companion veteran Service Dog programs, visit HERE. Although Emotional Support Dogs and Therapy Dogs are not recognized by the ADA as Service Dogs, some places may allow these types of dogs. The best thing to do is check with your own state and local government offices to see what their specific laws are for taking your Emotional Support or Therapy Dog out in public. The ADA also cautions that, “There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.” If you would like more information about Service Dogs, including Handler’s rights and responsibilities, visit the ADA National Network website. Ways to Celebrate a Service Dog Sponsor a Service Dog Puppy – The Canine Companions sponsor kit includes a certificate, fact sheet, and even a plush puppy! Download the Canine Companions FREE coloring pages HERE to introduce your children to Service Dogs. Volunteer for a variety of positions, including a puppy raiser, local volunteer, an aviation partner, or even a junior ambassador committee member! View the many other ways one can help, from donating to organizing a fundraiser. Check out all the ideas on the Canine Companions website HERE. Share posts from Canine Companions about their puppies and Service Dogs on social media! Have a friend or family member with a Service Dog? Do something special for them! Did You Know? 4Knines gives back? They donate a portion from every purchase to help animals in need. Their charities have included Phoenix Assistance Dogs, Summit Assistance Dogs, Pilots N Paws, Paws and Stripes, and Greater Good Charities. To check out their catalog of high-quality items ranging from vehicle seat covers to harnesses, dishes, dog beds, and more—all purchases from which they have made donations from over the past 10 years—visit their website HERE. Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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4 Expert Tips to Make the Most out of Traveling with Your Dog
4 Expert Tips to Make the Most out of Traveling with Your Dog Contributed by: Whether you plan to sleep under the stars, in a pet-friendly hotel, or at the home of a friend or relative, the inconvenience of leaving the comforts of home and traveling to unfamiliar spaces with your dog can be overwhelming. While careful preparations are essential, the following tips can help you streamline your travel plans and have a more enjoyable experience with your dog from beginning to end. 1. Find Dog-Friendly Accommodations With the rise of pet ownership, finding pet-friendly overnight stays has never been easier. Each option comes with a range of Pros and Cons you’ll need to consider to align with the needs of you and your dogs. Hotels Pro: With great online sites like BringFido, it’s easy to search for a range of options for any budget. Con: You may incur extra fees, and amenities (such as outdoor play areas) can vary based on the hotel you choose. Home Rentals Pro: Properties on AirBnB and VRBO may be more spacious. Con: Many hosts are not pet friendly, which can limit your search results. Properties are becoming more expensive, as this type of vacationing becomes more popular. Campgrounds Pro: Offers vast outdoor spaces and natural surroundings for a low cost. Con: Requires bringing camping gear. Friends and Family Pro: Often free, and comfortable environment. Con: Some loved ones may not be dog lovers. 2. Travel Safely When it comes to car safety for dogs, you’ll not only want to address the essentials — planning frequent breaks, monitoring for anxiety, and car training — but you’ll also want to invest in vehicle safety equipment. Dog car seat belts - Restrain your dog when traveling by car. Dog car harnesses - A versatile way to keep your dog secure in the car, which often doubles as an everyday harness. Dog Barrier - Acts as a deterrent for your dog, preventing them from leaping onto the front seat and causing distractions while you're driving. Dog car seat covers - Create a stable and comfortable surface that helps your dog avoid slipping in the car. When traveling by air, select an airline that has pet-friendly policies and make a reservation for your dog well in advance. Ensure your dog's crate or carrier meets airline requirements and label it with clear identification, including your contact information. Before the trip, consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog is fit for air travel and obtain any necessary health certificates or vaccinations. During the flight, stay calm and reassure your dog with soothing words and familiar toys. 3. Know Your Boundaries Upon reaching your destination, identify a secure area for your dog to run and play. Using a GPS dog fence system can help make this process a breeze. If you’re not familiar with this option, a GPS dog collar such as SpotOn GPS Fence will allow you to set a virtual fence and contain your dog with alerts and warnings that are issued by the collar, should your dog attempt to breach the boundary. All fences are created within the SpotOn App, so there’s no hardware to install - just a collar, plus your phone. It does not require a cellular signal and will have superior performance, even in remote or heavily wooded areas. 4. Have fun! The memories you make when traveling are less about getting from point A to point B, and more about the adventures you have and the sights you see. The same is true for your dog! When building your itinerary, be creative about your planning so your dog can take just as much enjoyment out of the trip as you. Here are a few activities to consider: Hiking Explore scenic trails and enjoy the great outdoors with your dog by your side. Many destinations offer pet-friendly trails; just be sure to leave no trace and align with local leash regulations. Beach Trips Research dog-friendly beaches that will allow your dog to romp in the sand, play in the waves, and cool off on hot days. Dog-Friendly Parks Visit local parks, both urban and rural, to give your dog the chance to socialize, run off-leash in designated areas, and burn off energy while you relax. City Strolls Explore pet-friendly cities and neighborhoods by taking leisurely walks with your dog. Discover dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, and shops where your furry companion is welcome. Pet-Friendly Walking Tours Look for pet-friendly guided tours in your destination, whether it's a city tour or a historical site visit. Some tours even offer special experiences for dogs and their owners. Wineries and Breweries Some wineries and breweries are pet-friendly, allowing you to enjoy tastings while your dog lounges by your side. Check in advance for pet policies. Scenic Drives Plan road trips along picturesque routes where your dog can enjoy the changing landscapes through the car window. Be sure to make stops for rest, play, and photo opportunities. Ready to plan your next trip? Whether you're exploring new destinations, hiking through scenic landscapes, or simply relaxing by the beach, your dog's companionship can enhance your travel experiences and create lasting memories. So, embrace the opportunity to explore the world with your four-legged friend, and you'll find that the inconveniences of travel are far outweighed by the joys of sharing your adventures with your beloved canine companion. Photo credit: @brooksnotbrook | Instagram
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8 Ways to Celebrate and Honor Your Dog’s Life
8 Ways to Celebrate and Honor Your Dog’s Life By Dorothy Wills-Raftery “The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be.” - Konrad Lorenz Anyone who has loved an animal knows the deep sorrow that comes with losing a furry best friend, and the difficulty it brings in moving past the loss and trying to seek solace in that they once were by our sides. Just because the sun has set on their lives and they are no longer physically with us, does not mean we cannot celebrate them and honor their very existence. By doing so, it not only keeps them near to us even after they are gone, but it is also cathartic for our grieving hearts. 1. Write About Them Whether you keep a personal journal, write a blog, or pen poetry, sharing moments from their lives can be so beneficial. For me, after the loss of each of my beloved dogs, I found myself working through the grief by sharing moments of their lives in my FiveSibes blog, and still do! There are so many wonderful memories of days spent with our pets, why not relive some of those wonderful memories and share with others? I host a weekly FiveSibes #FlashbackFriday Blog & Media Hop for just this purpose, where I invite others to “hop along” and share a moment and/or photo of their own. I have a saying for my flashback moments, “Memories are visits for the heart.” 2. Create a Memorial Space A memorial space can be a variety of things, indoors or out. You can create a special spot in your home where you keep cherished photos along with their collar and tags, and a favorite toy. It can also be an outdoor area; a garden spot with flowers, solar paw lights, and a memory stone that you can visit and quietly reflect on your life with them. 3. Design a Memory Wall Matte and frame favorite photos. Find a spot in your home where you can create a memory place. Or, you can choose your favorite photograph and commission an artist to create a portrait to hang up on a wall in your home. Then, each time you pause in front your memory wall, it will remind you of what a beautiful life s/he had and shared with you. 4. Have a Special Trinket Made Whether you make it yourself or purchase, memorial trinkets can be anything, including a piece of jewelry that in your own way represents your pet, to having some of their fur woven into an ornament or clothing accessory. Maybe it’s having a mug or mason jar candle with a design of your dog’s likeness, or even have a custom plush replica made. Whatever brings you peace and healing joy, go for it. 5. Get a Tattoo Maybe you always thought about getting a tattoo of your pet, but never did. This is a perfect time to get one whether it is a portrait or their name or whatever is symbolic of their life. Just before having it done, a) sketch out the design you wish to have; and b) ask around for recommendations for good pet portrait tattoo artist. 6. Foster a Shelter Animal So many dogs are waiting for their forever homes in overcrowded shelters, and, sadly, many never get a chance. Many of these animals only have a certain amount of time to be rescued or adopted before they face euthanization. Perhaps this is a good time to welcome a foster dog into your home, to not only help the homeless dog, but also help you through your grief. 7. Volunteer Maybe your heart is not quite ready to welcome another dog into your home. And that’s okay. We all heal in whatever time it takes to heal. Kamira Gayle, a pet grief blog writer at impurrfectlife.com, offers good advice on not only how to deal with pet loss, but also how to move past the grieving stage. “I learned to find healing after loss,” she says. And what did she discover through her own pet loss to help her overcome her grief? “Volunteering. Believe it or not, helping others, specifically helping pets actually helped me find immense healing.” 8. Make a Donation Another great way to memorialize your pets is to make donations in their name. It can be new or previously loved/gently used items or a cash gift to a shelter or rescue. You can also donate funds to a non-profit organization that specializes in what your pet may have passed from. Another special idea is to check with your local university to see if you can create a scholarship in your dog’s name for a student studying to be a professional in the pet world such as a veterinarian or veterinarian technician. Whatever it is you decide to do to memorialize, celebrate, and honor your pet is completely up to you. Remember, your memories are yours to keep and cherish, because memories truly are visits for the heart. Did You Know? A great place to purchase items to donate in your pet’s name is from 4Knines. From vehicle seat covers to leashes, harnesses, seat belts, blankets, and even dishes, they have it. Plus, 4Knines donates a portion from every purchase to help animals in need. To check out their catalog of high-quality items and to see what charities they have donated to over the past 10 years, visit their website HERE. Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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September 2023 Spotlight: Hope Animal Rescue
September 2023 Spotlight Hope Animal Rescue Hope Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer organization founded in 2013 by mother-daughter duo, Cathy and Ashley Threadingham. This all-breed dog rescue is committed to improving the lives of stray and abandoned pets by promoting the compassionate and humane treatment of all animals, regardless of breed, age, or species. Working alongside shelter partners, Hope Animal Rescue’s mission is to help the dogs who need it most including dogs with medical and behavioral needs, senior dogs, and breeds that are often discriminated against. In addition, Hope Animal Rescue helps community members care for their dogs and keep them in their homes. In June 2023, Hope Animal Rescue welcomed 49 dogs into their rescue. Many of these intakes arrived with challenges. 1 emergency medical case 3 puppies born with cleft palates (one of those pups didn't make it) 24 bully breed dogs 1 pregnant mama 2 heartworm positive dogs Serving the “Triangle Area” of North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), Hope Animal Rescue relies on foster families to house adoptable dogs and to teach the dogs in their care basic house manners, to help with house-training, and to transport adoptable dogs to events or vet visits. Hope Animal Rescue pays for all vetting and preventatives, and also provides crates, toys, and food when needed. Hope Animal Rescue offers rehoming tips and a Pet Assistance Program to provide affordable spay and neuter services and/or referrals to help with veterinary assistance, pet food and supplies, or other resources. Their vision is to create a community where every dog has a home, and every person who wishes to provide a loving home may do so regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Hope Animal Rescue relies on a dedicated volunteer force to implement their mission, and it is no secret that rescue work is expensive. Your donations will help Hope Animal Rescue provide resources to give compassionate care to hundreds of animals who enter their rescue each year. Please consider joining 4Knines in supporting Hope Animal Rescue with a tax-deductible donation. Help 4Knines Give Back Want to see your favorite animal advocacy group featured in our monthly spotlight articles? Fill out the form at the button below and our team will reach out. As a pet-focused business, we feel that it's important to give back to the animal community. Learn about our Giving Back program ➜ Go to Spotlight Nomination Form
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Why Holistic Care Could Be A Good Option For Your Dog
Why Holistic Care Could Be A Good Option For Your Dog By Dorothy Wills-Raftery “Food and shelter are only the beginning of the animal steward’s moral obligations. We owe our animals a good and meaningful life.” - Jon Katz Your dog has been experiencing some health and/or mobility issues. Maybe s/he is a senior dog with arthritis, or a younger dog who is displaying soreness in certain areas, or maybe has been diagnosed and being treated for epilepsy (Epi-dog). Are there additional ways to help your dog in addition to the traditional standard veterinarian methods? Yes. Having five Siberian Huskies, I have had times where my dogs required additional “help” in addition to their standard veterinarian care. My FiveSibes veterinarian team was top-notch. They treated my dogs with the utmost care and love and were always open to conversations with me about introducing alternative or holistic therapies that I believed my Huskies would benefit from. As a result, I’ve seen firsthand what adding some of these holistic treatments can positively do for a dog’s overall wellbeing. What exactly is holistic care? According to the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), “Holistic veterinary medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole patient–body, mind, and spirit–in its approach to achieving optimum health and eliminating the root causes of disease. The holistic approach is gentle, minimally invasive, and incorporates patient emotions and well-being. Holistic thinking is centered on love, empathy, and respect.” Some folks may balk at the thought of holistic care and think that it is simply giving an animal some funky crushed up berries and leaves. That’s a fallacy. In actuality, a holistic vet can a) discuss your dog’s case with your current vet, and b) work with a combination of traditional and holistic healthcare methods. Notes the AHVMA, “Holistic veterinarians often seek to blend standard therapies, such as drugs and surgery, with holistic methods. Holistic veterinarians stay current on the latest advancements.” What types of care is considered holistic? There are some wonderful therapies that under a veterinarian’s care you can opt to add your dog’s healthcare program, including (in no particular order): Massage Acupuncture Chiropractic Cold Laser Therapy Cold Pack Therapy (for Epi-dogs) Aroma Therapy (Essential Oils* & Plant Essences) Nutritional/Dietetic Conservative Care Management/Treatment Homeopathic Reiki Physical Therapy Hydrotherapy Stem Cell Therapy *Note: Some essential oils can trigger seizures in dogs with epilepsy. As always, consult your vet before introducing anything new to your dog. Does it really help? It can help. As with most things, there is no guarantee that a holistic treatment or a combination of holistic and standard traditional treatments will work for your dog. But it’s great to have a natural option to add to your dog’s care program. In treating my one dog who had epilepsy, I consulted with my vet team about adding some holistic therapies as he was already on much-needed anti-seizure medications. I was relieved we were able to add some alternative treatments that did not put more medication into his already much medicated system. Additions of massage, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, nutrition/diet (including supplements and vitamins), and Reiki were wonderful additional modalities I added to help with his overall health and to offset some side effects from the medications he was on. I also used some of these natural treatment methods for a few of my other Huskies for arthritis, hind leg weakness, and cranial cruciate ligament post-surgery care. Talk with your dog’s veterinarian. When considering adding a holistic therapeutic tool to your dog’s care, first have an in-depth conversation with your veterinarian to see what s/he thinks of adding holistic treatments to your current regimen. You can also reach out to consult a holistic veterinarian to share your dog’s health records with, consult with your own vet, and to conduct an examination of your dog. How to find a holistic vet in your area? Ask your current veterinarian for a reference, or use the AHVMA’s VetFinder HERE. Did You Know? You could win a $50 4Knines Gift Card simply by submitting a photo of your dog using a 4Knines product! And there’s so many awesome products to choose from! To enter and check out past winners go HERE! Good Luck! Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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It’s Back-to-School Time: 10 Tips to Help Your Dog Adjust
It’s Back-to-School Time: 10 Tips to Help Your Dog Adjust By Dorothy Wills-Raftery “Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.” - John Grogan, Author It’s August, which means in some areas of the country it’s already back-to-school time, while in other states, the leisurely summer days are quickly counting down as the traditional school-time month of September is right around the corner. No matter when your children go back to school, it’s a time of change and can be stressful for your family dog. According to Rover.com, “While some dogs handle these changes fine, for others it can be scary or frustrating to see the world they’d gotten used to in the summer months suddenly change.” So, what can we do to help our dogs transition more easily to the new fall schedule? 1. Start the new routine now, including early to bed, early to rise, breakfast with the kids, and a walk with your dog to and from the school or bus stop. Practice paves the way! And don’t forget praise as your dog adjusts to the new routine. 2. Do you drive your student to school? Let the dog come along! 3. Install video cameras to keep an eye on your dog when no one is home (some even have treat dispensers!) 4. Play music or leave the TV on low for background noise to keep your dog company. (My Huskies loved the weather station–a mix of voices and music!) There is even a subscription DOGTV channel with 24/7 programming designed to help pass the time and ease canine anxiety. 5. Hire a dog walker or have a trusted family member or friend come and let your dog out for some exercise and a little playtime while everyone is at work and school. 6. Enroll your dog in school! There are classes available for agility, dance, and even tricks! Or, how about having them meet some new canine friends by attending doggy daycare, or a visit to a nearby dog park for some fun socializing with other dogs. 7. When your children come home from school and have a snack, let your dog join in and have a special treat with them so it becomes a favorite part of your dog’s day. 8. Dogs make wonderful study partners! While your child is doing homework or studying, let the family dog be nearby for belly rubs and petting (does wonders for both dog and child). 9. Are your children away at college? Let them FaceTime with your dog! Afterwards, to help chase away any blues, leash up your dog and go out for a nice walk together, and maybe even stop off at a dog-friendly café for a treat. 10. If your dog seems really sad, it might be a good time to think about getting him/her a fur buddy (if your dog is open to it) by fostering or adopting a dog from a local rescue. We can’t keep change from happening, but we can be creative in finding ways to keep the family dogs occupied and happy while the children are in or away at school. Then, when the kids are back home and greet their waiting dogs, the reunion will be such a happy one! Did You Know? 4Knines carries not only car seat covers, but also covers for the doors, truck seats, and even cargo liners? What a great way to protect your vehicle when bringing your dog along to bring/pick up the kids from school! Walking with your dog to meet your kids at the bus stop or school? 4Knines also has dog seat belts, durable slip lead dog leashes, and no pull/no choke design harnesses with quick release buckles, and reflective straps (all the better to see them in the dark and stormy weather!) 4Knines is a USA-based company and, as always, all their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! They also donate to multiple animal advocacy groups, as well as groups that help veterans with service dogs. Check out all the great items for your dog’s needs HERE. Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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August 2023 Charity Spotlight: Service Dogs of Distinction
August 2023 Charity Spotlight Service Dogs of Distinction Service Dogs of Distinction was founded in 2015 by two dog trainers who wanted to use their passion for service dogs to make a difference in the lives of veterans suffering from PTSD. Nearly 20% of all veterans suffer from PTSD, and there is an estimated shortage of over 200,000 service dogs. Service Dogs of Distinction recognized that some service dog providers were taking advantage by charging veterans enormous sums of money for inadequately trained dogs. In contrast, Service Dogs of Distinction provides all services at no cost to qualifying veterans. Service Dogs of Distinction utilizes dogs from shelters and from individuals who are looking to rehome young dogs with the desired demeanor and characteristics. Their goal is to understand the unique needs of each veteran and to find and train a dog that will best meet his/her needs. Dogs-in-training live with a professional trainer as a family member and part of an existing pack. The dogs are never isolated or disconnected from the social structure of the household. Before dogs are paired with a new client, the trainer spends a few months teaching the dogs important lessons about boundaries and socialization. When dogs-in-training are introduced to new veteran clients, this is where the magic happens! The Service Dogs of Distinction team likes to say they “let the dog do the picking!” Once a pair is matched, they complete 12-15 months of weekly training together. In essence, the veteran is trained to train the dog because this approach creates a solid service team that will continue to do well together, even after graduation. During training, they will pass the Canine Good Citizen Test and the Public Access Test. The remainder of their training consists of exposure to many different public scenarios and honing the three specific behaviors the dog will need to mediate his veteran’s disability. Service Dogs of Distinction serves the areas of Arkansas, southern Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma. They are a hands-on organization that stays focused on their clients’ needs. In addition to serving veterans, Service Dogs of Distinction offers reasonably priced training services to civilians who need a well-trained dog or service animal. The cost of training a service dog is approximately $20,000. 4Knines is proud to shine a light on the work of Service Dogs of Distinction, and we hope you will consider joining us in supporting their work by making a tax deductible donation.
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Tips For Keeping Your Dog Hydrated
Tips For Keeping Your Dog Hydrated By Dorothy Wills-Raftery “A well-hydrated pet is a healthy pet. Make water their best friend.” - Author Unknown Whew! The hot weather is here in the northeast, and July is National Pet Hydration Month, as declared by PetSafe. The purpose of this awareness is to drive home the importance of keeping our pets well hydrated all year round, and especially during the hot summer months. “Keeping pets hydrated is a simple habit that can be an after-thought for many of us. Our pets need 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. Most pets don’t get enough water, especially during extreme temperatures,” states Robin Rhea of PetSafe. Translated, that means if you have a 98-pound dog, s/he will require about 98 ounces of water a day, while a small 10-lb dog will need approximately 10 ounces of water per day. Ways to Keep Your Dog Hydrated: Have fresh water available for your pet at all times at home and in a take-along bottle for car rides and walks. Be sure dish is clean. (Please, during the hot weather, only walk your dogs in the during early morning or in the evening, and watch out for hot blacktop! And NEVER leave a dog in a parked car on a warm or hot day!) With vet’s approval, give pet moisture-filled foods, such as moist dog food. You can also add in a little bit of water, organic plain yogurt, summer fruits, such as pureed watermelon (remove the seeds), organic berries, and pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) to your dog’s food. Let your dog chomp on cool cucumbers! Cukes are 95% water and are a great way to add a little hydration to your dog’s diet. (Read my FiveSibes article HERE for more info). For the picky water drinkers, you can add some bite-sized cucumbers pieces, crushed ice, a splash of unsweetened coconut milk, or low-sodium organic bone broth to naturally flavor up the water in your dog’s dish. *Some dogs on certain medications, such as bromides, need to be careful of salt intake. Again, always check with your vet before giving it to your dog. Whip up some healthy, delicious doggy smoothies in a blender using dog-friendly organic ingredients such as plain (unsweetened) yogurt, a little virgin coconut oil, fresh kale or spinach, strawberries or blueberries, water, and ice. Pour into their bowl or freeze for a cool treat. Stuff and freeze a classic Kong® toy with creamy organic peanut butter (be sure the ONLY ingredient is just peanuts) for a longer lasting cool tasty treat. Make some home-made frozen treats. Fill a large ring mold (or individual popsicle molds) with fresh water, add in a few treats like blueberries, homemade bite-sized dog cookies, bits of cucumbers, etc., and freeze. Then put the frozen ring out for a fun, long-lasting hydrating summer treat! 💡 A good tip to keep in mind is to always check with your vet before giving anything new to your dog. 💡 When you cut up any foods, fruits, or vegetables, always be sure it’s bite-sized that is appropriate for your dog. Watch Out for Signs of Dehydration According to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jerry Klein, who has expertise in veterinary emergency and critical care, the following are among symptoms of canine dehydration: Loss of skin elasticity Loss of appetite Vomiting (with or without diarrhea) Reduced energy levels and lethargy Panting Sunken, dry-looking eyes Dry nose Dry, sticky gums Thick saliva If your dog shows any signs listed above, go immediately to the veterinarian. Golden Rule: Just Keep Them Cool! Using common sense and keep your dogs hydrated and cool during the warm and hot weather days is critical to their health. If you feel hot, just think about how your dog is feeling, and they cannot sweat. So always keep their water dishes filled with cool, fresh water, get those hoses busy filling up kiddie pools, turn on your sprinklers and or oscillating sprinkler fans, and seek out shady spots when outdoors. In the hottest parts of the day, just keep them inside with fresh water and the air conditioner running! Dogs cannot say they are hot, but there are signs. So be vigilant, be caring, and be observant, so both you and your furry best friend can enjoy the summer days safely. Do You Have a 4Knines Stainless Steel Dog Dish? In addition to waterproof vehicle seat and cargo liners, 4Knines has an amazing large capacity stainless steel dog dish available in several cool colors. This dish holds 64 ounces/8 cups of food or water! The bowls are made of non-toxic, rust-resistant, 18/8 food-grade, double-walled stainless steel that is easy to clean and built to last a lifetime. Great for food and water. The non-slip bottom ring keeps the bowl from sliding and flipping, allowing your dog to eat or drink while minimizing spills. Keep your floor clean and scratch-free. As always, 4Knines is committed to giving back to the animal community. They donate a percentage of each sale to animal advocacy groups. Shop HERE for their dishes and all of their products. Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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Keeping Your Grass Green With Dogs
Keeping Your Grass Green With Dogs By Dorothy Wills-Raftery It’s that nice time of year when we spend a lot of time outdoors doing garden work and preening our lawns into lush green carpets. And what dog doesn’t love to roll around on the cool grass, or even swipe a few nibbles of the green blades? As you’re romping with your dog, you spy yellow or dead spots on the lawn from where your dog has been doing its business. Wait, are we talking about pee spots? Yes, we are! Are these urine spots normal? Yes! Urine spots on the lawn are completely natural, notes PDSA, the UK’s Vet Charity For Pets in Need. “Because dogs naturally have nitrogen in their pee from the normal breakdown of proteins, when it hits the grass it can ‘burn’ the area they pee on. A common misconception is that the grass is damaged because of the pH (acidity) of the urine, but this is not true. On the bright side, the grass surrounding this will get extra nutrients from your dog’s pee so will probably start to look greener!” Why does a dog’s urine ruin the grass? “As the water in their pee evaporates, what’s left behind is a high concentration of nitrogen,” states the American Kennel Club (AKC.org). “If left untreated, the grass will appear brown at the center and green at the edges where the nitrogen is less concentrated, which leaves those nasty yellow marks.” What are some ways to prevent these burn spots on grass? A great way to alleviate this problem is to give your dogs their own specific area as a “doggy bathroom,” and train them with positive reinforcement to learn that is where they can go to do their business. This is exactly what we did for our five Siberian Huskies, three females and two males. Some people may say it is easier to train a female dog, but it is actually just as easy to help train a male dog by understanding their needs. A tree, pole, or even a faux hydrant in the yard are all things that will appeal to a male dog to pee on. When they go, male or female, use positive reinforcement to drive home how happy you are they are going potty in their designated outdoor bathroom area. The use of pee pads can help puppies learn where to go when outside, just the same as indoors. For our Huskies when they were puppies, we would open our back door and say, “Potty off the deck,” the command they were taught, along with extending an arm pointing off our deck to their bathroom area of the yard. It didn’t take very long before they knew exactly where to go, and they ran back eager for their reward “prize” of a treat. Not everyone’s dogs free roam in the yard, but basically the same method of training can be used for leash walking. Simply walk the dog to the specific area you want to use as their bathroom area. Again, once they “go,” positive praise (and treats) will let them know they hit their mark! Either method, training your dog where they should and can go, keeps them off the lawn area you want to keep green. By being consistent and positive, they quickly learn exactly where their place is to go. Can what dogs eat or drink make a difference? According to Nandini Maharaj on AKC.org, in addition to your dog’s drinking water being good for their overall health, “The increased water consumption may have the added benefit of reducing damage to your grass,” as well as a more natural and less processed type of dog food, which “can reduce the amount of nitrogen in their urine.” In addition to keeping fresh, clean water available for your dogs at all times, to help aid in increasing your dog’s water consumption, you can a little bit of organic fruits to your dog’s diet, such as watermelon, blueberries, cantaloupe, and apple slices. Before changing or adding anything to your dog’s diet, always consult with your veterinarian. What about urine neutralizing supplements for your dog? You may have heard of products or supplements out on the market that claim to help neutralize a dog’s pee so it does not burn or ruin grass. However, an important message from Maharaj and AKC.org, is to “Exercise caution when using enzyme supplements that claim to prevent grass burns. These products can change the acidity or alkalinity of your dog’s pee, potentially affecting their health.” So once again, always check with your vet before giving any new product to your dog. Your dog has peed on the grass. Here are a few helpful tips: To help the lawn recover, many lawncare professionals will recommend watering down the pee area with lots and lots of hose water. Key is to be sure the urine spot is completely diluted, so don’t be afraid to flood it with the hose! According to the Yard & Garden Guru, baking soda can be used to help neutralize the pee spot. “A gallon of water and two tablespoons of baking soda are required for this procedure. Pour the sodium bicarbonate mixture over the spot where the animal has urinated. Since the ammonia and nitrogen in dog urine are neutralized by baking soda, the grass won’t turn brown and leave a damaged area. The added benefit of baking soda is that it is safe for animals.” Keep up with continued lawn care. “Maintain your grass,” states the AKC.org. “Reseed the dead patches and switch to a dog-friendly fertilizer that contains less nitrogen. Water your lawn regularly, ensuring the water penetrates deeply into the soil.” Also, the type of grass you plant can make a difference. Notes the Yard & Garden Guru, “Choose your type of grass carefully as ryegrass, and tall fescue grass grow slightly urine resistant.” Already have a ruined patch of grass? Dig it up and plant new grass. Is your yard stinky? To help get rid of dog potty odors, obviously always clean up after your dog. There are natural or “green” eco-friendly odor eliminators you can hook up to your hose and spray across the lawn (even plants, the deck, and patio) to help get rid of the odor. Some have citronella or oils in them, so be sure the ingredients do not adversely affect your dog (or trigger a dog with seizures). Naturally, wait until the application is dried before allowing your dogs back outside. Not sure if it a product is safe around your dog? Check with your vet. Did You Know…? 4Knines has stylish gray dog poop bag holders and extra-large 100% recycled poop bags? Click HERE to check out all their products. 4Knines is committed to giving back to the animal community. They donate a percentage of each sale to animal advocacy groups. Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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