Pet Stories & Articles

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Fitness for Dogs

Emergency Plan for Pets

Hot Weather Hints (For Pet Owners)

The Overweight Pet

Fitness for Life

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William Cowper, from a letter to Lady Hesketeh, 1787

In Memory of Nome - A Story from the Almost Home Rescue Group

Morrie, Bedtime Story - A Story from the Almost Home Rescue Group

Fitness for Dogs

Article from iVillage.com

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Just like their human counterparts, pets need a fitness regimen to keep them on the path to good health. The key in any pet fitness regimen is you. As the owner, it is up to you to set the routine, find the motivation and get out there and exercise with your pet.

How do you find the motivation?
The secret is to build your pet's exercise routine into each week, just as you would an appointment to the vet, picking the kids up from school or going to work each day. If you schedule it like any other appointment, you're less likely to skip it.

What is optimal?
Most experts feel that a 30-minute routine four times a week is sufficient for a dog of normal health, although daily is even better if you have that much time to give. If you suspect that your pet has any physical limitations, you should consult your vet before beginning any exercise routine.

What Works?
You have several options. You can either break your routine into two 15-minute sessions, or if you and your pet are up to it, you can do the full 30 minutes all at once. Exercise options that work:

• Play a vigorous game of fetch.
• Go for a long walk
• Go for a jog
• Play a wild game of chase
• If you have a water-loving breed, such as a Retriever, go swimming

Any game you and your pet can play that will get her heart pumping will do the job.

Diet is a factor
Of course your pet's diet will factor into your exercise routine. A hardworking dog may need more nutrients, or if you are striving for weight loss for your pet along with your exercise routine, your dog may need a lower-calorie pet food. Either way you should check with your vet to find the diet that is right for your pet and her activity level.

What are the benefits?
The benefits you will experience for a regular exercise routine are endless:

• Pets who have had their bodies and their minds stimulated by regular play tend to act out problem behaviors less frequently
• Your dog will be gaining social skills by interacting with you regularly
• The bond between you and your dog will be strengthened, creating an even happier home life for you both
• You will get exercise right alongside your pet
• Your dog's health will be improved so that she can live a longer and healthier life

Emergency Plan for Pets

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All homes with pets should have an emergency and disaster plan and kit. Tragedy can strike without warning. Your pets depend on you for their safety!

What constitutes a disaster?

• Attacks
• Avalanche/Mud Slide
• Blizzard
• Broken Gas Main
• Building Collapse
• Chemical Spill
• Earthquake
• Fire
• Flood
• Hurricane
• Lightning Strike
• Long-term Power or Water Loss
• Volcanic Eruption

To assemble your own pet first aid kit, go to www.PetTech.net for ideas and/or information. Your overall disaster kit, along with the typical first aid supplies, should also contain the following items:

• Food and water for up to a week (1 gallon of water)
• Can Opener (for canned food)
• Leash / Collar
• Muzzle
• Extra I.D. Tag
• Proof of Rabies Vaccination
• Medications the pet needs
• Bowls
• Crate/Carrier and Bedding
• Clean-up Supplies
• Grooming Items
• Favorite Toys or Treats
• Transistor Radio / Fresh Batteries
• Flashlight
• Pet's Medical Records
• Pet First Aid Kit
• Current Photo (in case your pet gets lost)

If anything catastrophic happens, your pets will be taken care of in seconds. Just grab your disaster bag and be on your way! Always prepare for disasters and emergencies before they happen.

It is also important to give us (your pet sitter) at least one emergency contact that is within WALKING DISTANCE of your home. If there is a natural disaster or some other emergency that won't enable traffic near your home, it will be a lifesaver to have that emergency contact available so we can call and get the proper care to your pets.

Hot Weather Hints (For Pet Owners)

Information courtesy of Pet Sitters International (www.petsit.com)

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Summer days mean outdoor runs, fun in the sun and hot weather. This time of year can also be dangerous for our four-legged friends. Dogs and cats can easily become victims of overheating, dehydration, sunburn and parasites. Here are a few tips to prepare your animal friends for the "Dog Days" of summer.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE AND PLENTY OF IT TO DRINK!

• Always have a supply of cool, fresh water available for pets.
• Add a few ice cubes to a dish of water for a cool, refreshing treat.
• When on the go, keep a water bottle filled with cold, fresh water for your pet.

SUMMER EXERCISE

• Wait 30-60 minutes after meals before taking a pet for its run.
• Walk your dog in grass or keep pavement walks brief. Sensitive paws can quickly burn on hot asphalt; consider paw protectors such as shoes or booties.
• No doggy days at the beach! During extremely hot temperatures, your pet would prefer shade to sunshine. Excessive panting, raspy breath and discolored gums are signs of heatstroke. To treat, get the animal in a shady place, cool it with wet towels and call a veterinarian. Why not leave your dog at home with a pet sitter while you enjoy a hot day at the beach?

FAMILY VACATIONS

• Vacationing with your pet can be a great experience, but plan your route ahead of time and locate animal-friendly hotels or campgrounds.
• Allow plenty of travel time to include potty breaks and exercise for your pet.
• Double check collars and leashes. Don't risk losing your pet due to a worn collar or leash.

AUTO CAUTIONS

• Never leave your animal in a vehicle! Even with the windows open, the temperature in a parked vehicle can reach more than 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.
• Coolant/antifreeze leaks are sweet tasting and attractive to animals. But drinking coolant can be fatal. Use animal-friendly propylene glycol coolant rather than ethylene glycol in your vehicles. Never let your pet drink out of strange puddles.

FLEAS AND TICKS AND HEARTWORMS, OH MY!

• Visit your veterinarian in the spring, before the onslaught of summer bugs.
• Fleas and ticks are usually found during grooming or while petting your companion animals. During the height of the parasite season, check your pet at least three times a week and after any outdoor activities.
• Implement an effective flea and tick control program. This is a must!
• Effective control of external parasites involves treating the pet and the pet's environment. Always make sure that the product you use is appropriately labeled for the species it is to be used on.
• An early heartworm detection test and preventative medication will help you avoid "heartache" down the road.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER!

The Overweight Pet

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Fitness for Life

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William Cowper, from a letter to Lady Hesketeh, 1787

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"I must tell you a feat of my dog Beau. Walking by the river side, I observed some water-lilies floating at a little distance from the bank. I had a desire to gather one, and having a long cane in my hand, by the help of it, endeavored to bring one of them within my reach.

But the attempt proved vain, and I walked forward, all the while Beau having observed me very attentively. Returning soon after and passing again the same place, I observed him plunge into the river, while I was about forty yards distant from him; and when I had reached the spot, he swam to land with a lily in his mouth, which he came and laid at my foot."

IN MEMORY OF NOME

True Story from Almost Home Rescue Group

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In March 2007, a very special little dog named Nome graced our lives. At 8 months old, he was found running the streets of Detroit, searching desperately for love, friendship, and companionship - something we all struggle to find in life. An angel saw Nome running, being chased by aggressive dogs, and she rescued him. She took him in her arms and told him he was safe - nothing bad would happen to him now. Nome was shaking with fear, complete terror from his homeless experience on the streets. His angel comforted him and promised him a better life. She took him home, but sadly, she could not keep him. Nome's angel reached out to Almost Home to help her help Nome. We gladly took him in.

Nome smiled ear-to-ear at everyone - children, strangers, other dogs, cats - a contagious grin that could light up a room. He loved life and he loved everyone in his life. His eyes sparkled and told us how grateful he was to be safe and to be loved. Nome wanted only to make others happy, to be cuddled and adored. This was an easily answered request. Everyone who met him couldn't help but love him dearly.

Thursday, April 19, 2007, Nome left this world. He suddenly fell very ill for reasons our vets could not explain. Sweet Nome passed away in the arms of his angel. Ironically things had come full circle. The same angel that originally saved him also held him in her arms and sadly saw him off to a new life in another world - a better world where animals are treated with respect, compassion, and kindness, where they want for nothing and suffer no more at the hands of irresponsible and uncaring people.

Nome's time with us was very short, much too short, and we will all miss him dearly. But he reminded us that although we feel pain when our friends leave us, and even when their time with us is brief, it is so important to give what we can while they're here. Had his angel not stopped her car to rescue him, Nome may never have known even a month of safety, good food, a warm bed and, most of all, unconditional love, and happiness.

Almost Home is grateful to have known our little Nome. We are forever grateful to his angel who went out of her way to help an innocent, less fortunate creature in need - a loving animal who could not help himself and needed the kindness of a stranger and found it. We hope Nome's story inspires others to never turn their back on an animal in need - an animal lost and scared, an animal suffering at the neglect and cruelty of people, an animal that has no voice and cannot speak for himself.

The agony we feel at Nome's loss is worth every pain, every stab, and every sorrow to know that we gave him happiness, no more fear, even if only for a little while, because there is nothing worse than to never have known how to smile.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR NOME (NOMIE) July 2006 - April 19, 2007. He was just a baby.

MORRIE, BEDTIME STORY

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True Story from Almost Home Rescue Group

Morrie was rescued by Almost Home in summer 2006. He was at a rural, Ohio shelter - we don't know why or how. This rural shelter has a very low adoption rate and a very high euthanasia rate. Morrie was skin and bones and had a nasty injury to his back that looked like a knife wound. Morrie never had a chance since this shelter could not afford medical treatment to make him better. He was slated for their gas chamber.

However, someone at the shelter fell in love with Morrie and wanted to help him. She called every rescue she could think of to take Morrie. Word reached Almost Home and we told her, "We'll take him." We didn't have space so we boarded him in Toledo until we could take him. We treated the wound at a vet in Toledo. Although his physical wounds were healing, he had a long way to go emotionally. Morrie was in constant fear, and he would cower at the slightest glance. When we had space, a volunteer drove down to get Morrie and brought him back to Almost Home. We worked with him, nurtured him and showered him with affection. He grew into a confident, happy and affectionate dog. Everyone is thrilled that Morrie - one year later - has found his loving, forever home and family!

From Morrie's new Mom:

Before meeting Morrie, my husband John and I had 3 dogs and 1 cat. A few months earlier, we lost sweet Mugsy, my cat of 15 years, to renal failure. Jasper, my 15-year-old American Eskimo was visibly starting to slow down, and although John had mentioned getting another dog several times, I just didn't think we needed another animal in the house yet - I was not ready.

One Friday, I was home from work waiting for a contractor to come out and do some work on the house, and I saw the "pet of the week" on the news. The dog they featured was probably not right for us, but it got me to thinking about the possibility of another dog. I spent the morning on Petfinder.com looking at all the sweet faces and reading their stories. One smiling face in particular caught my eye and that was Morrie. As I read about his sunny disposition, I found myself getting more and more excited about the possibilities of meeting him.

When John came home from work that night, I showed him Morrie's profile, and asked him what he thought about applying for him, and he said, "Sure!" So I filled out the application, and I waited somewhat patiently for a reply. I must have checked my email a hundred times the day after submitting my application because I was certain someone else had seen that special something I saw in Morrie and he had already been adopted. I went back to the Almost Home website after I applied (just surfing) and saw Morrie on their urgent page. I couldn't believe that they were having a hard time adopting him, because he seemed so perfect for us. I couldn't believe a thousand other people didn't want him. Soon after that, I got the email that Morrie was available, and we picked him up that night.

Ever since, he has been "learning the ropes" at the Blanchard house and fitting in so well. He's so very sweet, and while absolutely full of energy, he just wants to do the right thing and learns lightening-quick. He and Flip, our 3-year-old, get along famously and spend their time outside chasing each other around the backyard and wrestling - once they catch up to one another. Morrie also thinks he is a lap dog, although I estimate him to be about 70 pounds. He loves to cuddle and climb up into our laps. While one part of me can't understand why he stayed un-adopted for so long, another part of me believes that he was waiting for us to be ready for him.

Morrie is special to us because of the sheer exuberance with which he runs through the yard and the joy with which he celebrates life. He greets us at the door with the rest of the dogs as if he's been there from day one. At a time when we are dreading our little Jasper getting older, he is a daily reminder that yesterday and tomorrow don't matter. Today is for living and loving. Of course it doesn't hurt that he has a sweet, soft, fuzzy head and ears, and that his white-tipped tail seems to wag constantly. And that the only evidence of his past is the scar on his back. He's a very special boy. He's our "Morrie, Bedtime Story."