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(c) photo copyright 2009

Flower Child or Happy Hippie?

While surfing the web recently, I came upon Happy Hippie, which includes a directory of Eco Friendly pet products. That got me to thinking and off I went, charging all over the Internet searching for fun stuff for green dogs. Just look what I found:

• Shop Green Pets
• Great Green Pet
• Muttropolis (ya gotta love this name!)
• All Pet Furniture
• Green People (and their pets!)
• Annie's Sweatshop
• Natural Pet Market
• Gettin' Green

Okay. You get the idea. I'll quit there, but there ARE tons more. What was really fun was the adorable photos and artwork on these sites. If you're a pet lover, you'll enjoy clicking these links just for the fun of it. Enjoy a little shopping, if there is something your dog needs. Remember, it's good for the economy--your version of the economic stimulus plan! Have fun.

Keep in mind that the deadline for my photo contest is drawing near--just over 2 weeks. The field of competitors is growing. If you have a cute photo of your dog that you can share, please read the rules, and send it to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. You may be the big winner! Even if not, I'll try to use all the photos on the blog at some point. Thanks for participating.

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Score One for Organics: Xena's Success Story

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Twelve Year Old Xena

is a Faithful Porch Guard

I have to admit I've been keeping a little secret from you, my readers, about 12 year old Retriever mix, Xena. You'll understand if my reasoning was primarily to keep my material upbeat and educational. Today's post is definitely educational, so I'll let this canine cat out of the bag.

A year ago, when I took Xena into the vet for her annual vaccinations, they opted to run some screening blood work, because of her age. They explained that some vaccinations are tougher on an older dog's system, and can be considered optional after age 10 or so. The tests turned up an irregularity in her liver enzymes which was cause for further investigation.

We learned that Xena had a good sized, pre-cancerous tumor inside her liver, pressing on her hepatic artery. After tests, exams and opinions from 3 vet practices, we determined that her chances of surviving the surgery to remove the tumor were less than our comfort level, given that she was currently enjoying an incredible quality of life for a dog 11 1/2 years old. The risks of her age coupled with the location of the tumor, clearly increased the possibility that she could bleed to death in surgery.

Rehab from the surgery would have been highly challenging, with physical therapy, possible radiation therapy, and the daily rigors of carrying a 50 lb. dog outside for nature's call, while her abdomen was stitched and her back legs weakened.

After considering all of these possibilities we opted to allow Xena to continue with her currently excellent quality of life for as long as she was pain-free and able to get around on her own. While her prognosis was not sunny, the doctors each felt she would at least enjoy several months of continued comfort. Little did we know that we had given her the gift of a normal life span for a Retriever.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Xena Gives Me Her Profile View

Check out that Gray Muzzle!

In case you are wondering, Xena is 1/2 Golden Retriever and 1/2 Labrador Retriever/Chow Chow. As a younger dog, she was often confused for a Flat Coated Retriever. Age has thinned and shortened her fur, as well as dulling her coat, but nothing has yet diminished her spirit.

The doctors gave us a brief list of symptoms to watch for and one suggested a holistic liver aid called Milk Thistle, which has been shown to assist the liver's functioning. In addition to this supplement, I switched Xena to organic dog food, thereby eliminating toxins, food colorings, flavorings and preservatives from requiring processing in the liver. 

All these changes clearly took the stress off of Xena's liver, as she has just marked the one year anniversary since that diagnosis, and is still symptom-free. She continues her regular brisk walks, enjoys frisky wrestling matches with Tanner and loves to bask in the cool Spring breezes on our front porch, while dreaming the afternoons away. Isn't that what retirement is all about?

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Xena Takes an Afternoon Siesta

in our Geriatric Ward

We could not have asked for more. An additional year with our sweet girl remaining healthy, active and playful is more than we dreamed of. Although we know her time is coming, we now are assured that we made the right decision. We can see in her eyes the happiness of greeting each day with continued vigor. While Xena continues to visit the dog park, play with her housemates, enjoy our pool, and take her walks, I feel better each day that she and I are healing together.

Yes, I said together. My own battle with cancer has also been met with an organic punch. Next month will be 2 years since my diagnosis, and I, too, am still cancer free.

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about why eating organic is good for preventing and treating cancer, I invite you to join me on my journey at my other blog, Organic Journey Online, where I write about all things green and organic.

I also urge you to read the Hundred Year Lie, by Randall Fitzgerald, a well-known investigative journalist. This book will open your eyes to the many poisons we are stressing our lives and our Earth with, and could leave you asking, "Why do I eat this Big Mac?" It's the best ten bucks you'll ever spend on your health, or your dog's.

Helping Your Dog and Cat Come to Terms

In addition to three lively dogs, I also have a cat, Patches. She's a feisty little girl who was adopted as a playmate for Xena, when Xena was just a pup. They played tag, napped together and have continued to be buddies, even in their advancing age.

Patches is not quite so happy to have Tanner and Oliver around, but we are making progress. Just as Cesar would tell you, bringing two animals together requires a calm human and calm animals. I am beginning to notice that after our runs, biking sessions and dog park visits, when Oliver and Tanner are more calm, Patches is much more willing to spend time near them. She is learning that they can be agreeable housemates, at least when they are well-exercised.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Xena's Playmate, Patches

First thing in the morning is another thing entirely. Patches wants nothing more than to be fed her breakfast, and she is quite vocal about that. I have to work hard to maintain my calm leadership with her in the morning. The message is supposed to be, "You will get to eat when I choose." She is coming around--slowly.

So cat and dogs are beginning to live together without taking as much notice of one another and I am glad to see it. Patches' playful days seem to have been left behind, but she still enjoys cuddling up near her beloved Xena. Do you think she remembers their tag games?

If you're missing my pup photos, you can visit my other blog, Organic Journey Online, today or any other Wednesday (Woofing Wednesday!) to see my canine family. Today's post includes a photo of Oliver with my mom and her organic orchids. Congratulations, Mom! You're going green.

Busy Bones and Other Boredom Busters for Home Bound Dogs

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner Loves Rawhide Strips, but...

Perhaps your vet has told you the same horror stories I have heard about raw hides--perforated intestines and blocked digestive tracks apparently are a big problem. Fortunately my vet offer rawhide strips that are treated with a digestive enzyme to assure that they digest before flowing to the intestinal tract. This supposedly eliminates the dangers. Too bad it can't slow down the time it takes for Tanner to eat one. Xena and Oliver spend quite a bit of time working their way through a rawhide, but Tanner has power jaws--zip, zip, zip and he's done.

With this post, I hope to get some comments. I would truly love more ideas for keeping my dogs occupied when I'm gone for several hours. Here are the ideas I currently use, but I know you have more to offer. I'm challenging you to share your thoughts at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com or simply click the comment link at the bottom of this post and write your thoughts there. Commenting right here on the blog will allow my readers to read your thoughts, as well.

With two large retrievers I have learned that even the red Kong is no match for Tanner's jaws. After being told by a trainer that the Kong would be a safe toy to leave with him in his crate, I found otherwise. He ate half of the Kong in less than an hour. Now there is the super strong Black King KongUltra, which supposedly is tougher, but I'm still a bit apprehensive. How is your experience with the new Black King Kong?

My safest bet, after years of seeking, is still the filled or fillable beef bones that are "cooked" to feel like ceramic. I call them Busy Bones. The best Tanner has been able to damage one of these was a mere sliver, so they are my best bet with him. Fortunately, I can give Oliver, my Papillon, a puppy Kong, with no safety concerns. He's too small to pick up a Busy Bone! I have one that is smaller in diameter, but it is still rather heavy for him to handle. He has to leave it on the floor while he works it. I'm sure you know that most dogs prefer to hold these types of toys upright between their paws while they lick and gnaw at them.

I have experimented with various fillings to see which will make him work the longest to retrieve. The whole idea, after all, is to keep him busy with a mental task while I'm out. Peanut Butter is a beloved filling, but messy on the bedding, bad for the breath and teeth, and therefore only an occasional choice. Stuffing the bone with cheese has about the same effect--messy and not so good for his teeth or breath. He does love it, though, so I occasionally pamper him.

Since I eat almost exclusively organic foods, my dogs do too. I know, you probably think I'm really a nut. Decisions like this don't come overnight. I have MS and am a cancer survivor. With all this challenge in my life, I have to do whatever I can to keep the health troubles at bay. I've chosen to do the same for my best friends and my family. No preaching, I promise. I buy organic canned dog food and stuff the Busy Bones (what are those things called, anyway?) with the food. Then I bag and freeze them. Freezing them has a unique effect of making the filling that much more challenging to remove, which of course, means it keeps the dog busy longer. All the better!

Of course, I do use all these favorite fillings in Kongs, I just don't leave Tanner alone with one for a long period of time. It simply is not worth the risk. I was really nervous when he ate half of the first one, until it appeared in the yard. What a sight!

Friends have told me their dogs like frozen yogurt (plain) in the busy bones. After Thanksgiving, I stuffed a couple with all the little tidbits that fell off the turkey carcass when I boiled it for broth. This was a big hit, but they cleaned the bones out much faster. I also stuffed one with an organic hot dog and Tanner thought that was the bomb. I guess I should have called this post Tanner's Treat Review, huh?!!

I'll wrap this up with the vegetarian version of my info. My friends who have former Canine Companion pets tell me that carrots are a regular afternoon snack at the training facility nearby. I buy big bags of juicing carrots to make fresh carrot juice and when I drag it out, the dogs become my shadow. At first, I thought it would be really messy, but even when Tanner eats one on his family room dog bed, which is light tan, he cleans up every morsel and leaves no trace behind. Oliver does the same thing, but I have to give him a much smaller carrot. He's only 8 pounds to Tanner's 57. Xena is 47, and can generally eat anything Tanner can; it just takes her a little longer.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner Naps in a Cuddle with his Treat Ball

Another seemingly safe toy is a hard rubber treat ball, seen in the photo above. This hollow ball has a small opening through which you fill it with treats. The treats have to line up with a tubular shaped opening to flow out of the ball, which only happens when a treat lines up perfectly with the tube. It's a cool toy that will keep Tanner playing soccer for a long time. He pushes the ball around the whole house, waiting for treats to fall out. This toy has its own natural motivation system built right in.

Apples are welcomed enthusiastically by my dogs, as well, but I have to peel and core them to know they are safe while unsupervised, so they eat them very quickly--not much of a time filling solution.

I hope some of these ideas work for your dogs on long days away. Send me your ideas for safe snacking and I'll post them. Have a great weekend.

Discipline + Mental Exercise = Calmer Dog

Dogs need mental exercise, just like we humans do. They can learn new tricks, practice obedience, play challenging games or run agility courses, and it exercises their minds. Just like us, this will aid in draining their excess energy which creates a calmer, more enjoyable dog and companion.

Here's a few learning activities to try with your dog, and you'll see. He'll calm down better with a daily mental workout. Have you got some games you'd like to share with us. I'll post your ideas, if you'll send me a comment in the link below. It's really easy. Just click the link and a box will pop up for you to type your comments in. Go for it!

Guidelines for First Time Dog Park Visits

Dog Park Visits are Great Times to

Play with "The Gang"

Dog Parks have become all the rage throughout the United States. Particularly for those of us in urban or suburban areas where there are precious few places a dog can get a good romp off-leash. It's good for them to be able to socialize with other dogs and run unencumbered by restraints--fences, walls, leashes; they need to be free to run occasionally.

The reality is that this freedom comes with a risk and a price. Even dog parks have fences, placed to protect their visitors from running into the street or disappearing altogether. The difference is that the park is a larger area for running, and the opportunity to socialize with other dogs is available. This is a necessary component to their lifestyle, as dogs in the wild are historically social pack animals.

When I arrive at the dog park, my dogs now know where we are going, well before we pull into the parking lot. Their excitement is palpable, with their heavier breathing, whining to get out of the car, and growing activity level in the back of the car. When I get out, I wait until everyone is calmly waiting in the car. Sometimes it takes a few minutes, but it is safer this way and they get the message: "You don't get to go to the park until you calm down."

When I open the door to leash everyone up, I have 3 eager faces looking out. The calmest dog is leashed and allowed to hop out first. That's his reward for controlling his excitement. And so it goes with the other two.

Tanner and Me at the West Orange Dog Park 

Walking to the gate should be an exercise of discipline. If it takes 30 minutes to get to the gate, they will remember that next time and manage their excitement better. When your dog(s) shows signs of excitement, have him sit until he calms down. Then proceed. Using this procedure will soon teach your pup that he doesn't get to go inside until he can exhibit proper manners. You should be leading him inside, not the other way around. If Fido is pulling you, you're letting him be in charge. That attitude will eventually trickle into everything else that involves your dog. You don't want that. So make sure he knows you are in charge.



At the gate, have your dog sit and calm himself, before entering. If your dog has never been to a dog park, keep the leash on for a while and gauge his readiness for friendly behavior. Your dog should be willing to allow others to sniff his backside. This is a friendly hello, which should be accepted with no concern. Likewise, your dog should be interested in exchanging hellos with others. One of my dog park acquaintances calls this "exchanging business cards"! Another calls it "shaking hands". You get the point. It is the good doggie manners way to greet and be greeted.

When Fido is accepting hellos and giving them without any signs of anxiety, fear or agression, you can consider removing the leash. Stay close and watch his body language. It is your job to stop any escalation of aggressive or dominant behavior BEFORE it gets out of hand. This means correcting your dog, and in more significant cases, can mean your dog needs to submit. Down, lay, stay...until you give permission. Permission is granted when your dog's body language and behavior is completely relaxed and he is paying no attention to other dogs around him. Then he is ready to get up and practice some more. Some dogs need lots of this practice before they are ready to shake hands with others nicely.

Most dogs have few, if any, problems with social interaction of this basic sort. It is usually the anxious, fearful, or shy dogs that may exhibit trouble with socialization. Often leadership is lacking and this brings on the problems. 

A few tips on what NOT to bring to a dog park, for all you first timers:

1. Never bring food into the dog park. You could create problems, as other dogs will smell it on you.
2. Bring in toys at your own risk. Some dogs may steal your toy, others may destroy it.
3. Keep in mind that the dog park is also for socialization. Encourage this activity and use the toys for those days when the park is meagerly populated.
4. Poop bags and water for your dog may be needed if you are not visiting a park that provides these. It is essential that you keep an eye on your pups and pick up after them immediately. This will keep everyone cleaner and healthier.
5. Leave your stilletos at home. Dress for the occasion. Many dogs like to jump up and put their paws on visitors, so plan on getting a few paw print hellos.
6. Handbags, beverages and other things you need to hold or keep track of may become problematic. If you set them down, they're likely to get picked up by a playful pup who sees them as fair game.

Finally, What do you take to the dog park with you? Not much, but there are a few aids that can make the first trip go smoother.

• If your dog is large and you need help getting him in and out of the car, a ramp is helpful.
• Boots couldn't hurt, as you might step in something a bit messy, if you don't keep an eye out. My favorite dog park boots are on sale at Amazon right now, so I've included them in the link below. They clean up really easy and are amazingly comfortable.
• If you have more than one dog, a leash coupler makes things a bit easier. You'll only have one handle to deal with for every two dogs. I have 3 dogs, so I'm speaking from experience.
• If you go at a time when there aren't likely to be many visitors, like daytime during the week, you might want to bring a ball, Frisbee or "chucker" ( a ball throwing tool for those of us who throw like girls).
• Make sure there is a towel in the car for cleaning up dirty paws.
• If you're going to an off-leash area that doesn't have dog park amenities like poop bags and water fountains, then consider this in your preparation.

I hope these tips will help you venture into the world of dog park fun. It is good for your dog and you'll enjoy the people you meet there. I'll be back soon with info on how to locate a dog park near you.

Exercising Fido: Good for Both of You

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner Loves to Catch the Frisbee

We've all read at least one article on losing weight that recommends getting a dog. The author invariably tells you that when you have the responsibility for walking a dog, you will get your exercise also. Good advice, as long as you take it. I just feel for the poor dog who was adopted and then left in the house all day every day to hardly see the light of day.

So, what are your options, if walking turns out to be the activity you just cannot get yourself to do? Try some of these:

• Running...not likely, if you can't get yourself out for the walk.
• Biking--faster and more exercise for you and the dog, in less time.
• Roller blading: While this is Cesar Milan's first choice, it isn't the safest choice for many of us. His roller blades are more stable, but keep in mind your abilities and the size of your dog, before venturing out to try this.
• The dog park: This is my dogs' favorite outdoor activity. There is nothing like off-leash running to get a dog well-exercised. Tanner is particularly fond of the socialization and the running. Did I mention that Tanner likes to run? Tanner will run for an hour and a half, until I tell him time's up. He knows he better come when I call, and he does. But, what about you? You can get exercise at the dog park too: (1) Walk the perimeter, keeping your eyes on your dog for that inevitable plop!, (2) Grab a few bags or a shovel and use your time to pick up missed doggie-piles and trash. I call this Adopt a Dog Park. Check out the link for more info.
• Agility classes provide great discipline along with a dose of exercise. It is a wonderful way to bond with your dog, and you'll probably get more exercise than he does, once you get past the beginner level.
• Swimming is Tanner's favorite thing to "beg" for. Although he doesn't truly beg, he stands by the French doors and gives me a "please can I go swimming" look that can melt me sometimes. He doesn't seem to tire of it, even though Xena and Oliver will be in and out in a flash. Tanner will swim for an hour and then collapse on the porch for a nice nap in the sun--every day, year round. There are some exceptions. When we had our 7 nights of freezing temperatures recently, I didn't let him swim much. Poor guy. He gazed at the pool as if it were his long lost love and he couldn't give her a hug and kiss.
• The treadmill is a great tool, but you need to learn how to do this the right way. I recommend checking out one of Cesar Milan's books for instruction.
• Playing Fetch or Frisbee for 20-30 minutes is a great workout for both of you. You can also turn this into a good training session for the fetch and drop it commands. There have been more than a few instances when I was glad Tanner knows drop it. Have you ever tried to pry open the jaws of a 57 pound dog? It's nearly impossible.

There are a number of devices out there that are aids for biking with your dog. I just hold the leash and go, but some people find that their dogs pull a bit too much. You can check out the possibilities for some of these gadgets that attach to the frame of your bike, and with a stretchy attachment, won't pull you over.

Whatever you do to exercise your dog, remember who is in charge (YOU!) and make sure you are both having fun. Finally, keep in mind that you start the exercise, and YOU decide when to end it. No discussions on his with Fido! You're the boss.