Time lost

Sometimes you come to find out that your best pal, your furry loved one seems to be neglected. It's amazing to me when I sit back and look at m busy life how I am capable of juggling everything I need to do in order to feel accomplished, satisfy the people around me that need me in their lives, and share that time with what my pets needs are. It's hard for sure! I get a lot if requests to help pet owners find homes for their pets. I try to explain that yes the best interest of the pet is first and foremost and we all can understand when our lifestyles change that it is okay to do the right thing; finding a new forever home for a pet that may not be receiving enough attention. Here are some avenues 1) your Facebook page or your friends Facebook page, 2) Craigslist.com, 3) puppyfind.com, 4) google the pet breed al+ rescue group and city you live in, 5) adoptapet.com. Now make sure you compile a very cute picture & all health facts, demeanor, & pet needs onto one page. Now source that information out with these avenues. Know that free goes fast. But you can still have an interview process so your dog goes to someone you approve of. I would even one consider visiting the home it will reside in and make them sign an agreement that the pet will be returned in certain situations. Be sure to be safe using Craigslist when meeting people as well. If you have any questions ask and I will direct you in the right direction.

Hot feet

Most people I see walking their pet or taking their pet to some of these outdoor events don't consider how hot concrete and pavement can be on a pets pads. Be sure to stand in shade when in public places during the summer. Not sure reach down and put your hand onto the concrete and feel for yourself.

Dogs and saying Hi between them

Today I saw something I always see with pets that are around one another; standing in line to get vaccinations is the best place for your dog to meet the dog standing next to him/her.  But, why would someone like me who sees this all the time cringe when I see this.  Well, if it were my pet I would not let them sniff nose to nose because I wouldn't want a pet to quickly snap and bite my dog.  Or further more my senior pet to snap and bite or warn another dog.  I also wouldn't want my dogs to pick up any diseases like Parvo and bring it home or simply pass away from the situation.  All dog owners do not vaccinate their pets regularly.  So be careful when you let your pets sniff around with other pets.  Also keep in mind not all dogs treat their pets for fleas and a flea could jump right over to your pet and we all know that can take months of anguish to get rid of.

www.myfavoritegroomer.com

Dede Croy

Outside Pets

http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/5-ways-to-help-your-pet-live-longer.html


This link gives some great details.  Although I do agree with most on this site especially the Dental situation. I think that a pet that spends 60% of it's time outside in the sun and elements are healthier than those pets that spend 60% + of their lives inside. They have less tolerant immune systems. I have a 20 year old Chihuahua that I rescued three years ago and she is probably that old because she was an outside dog before I got her. My other ones that spend less time outside are quite sick in their senior years. Montioring your pets while they are outside and ensuring they stay away from other sick animals is key. But, I think good outside time helps the overall health of a pet.

Saying Good Bye to My Pet

A client received a piece of hair from her pet in the mail that I sent to her because I had a feeling her senior pet had passed away.  Princess did pass away.  She replied she doesn't ever think she could have another pet again due to the pain of the loss.  I replied to her:

Thanks for your response.  I can feel your hurt and since I hadn't seen you all and found out that you moved as well I kind of figured in my heart Princess had found her way to doggie heaven.  My website had Duke's Memorial on it.  It helped me to write it all down.  As my Dad put it, it's worth the hurt and the many years these wonderful angels are in our lives.  To give them the pain of remembering them in their afterlife is just the little we can do when they devote their little hearts to us all the years their alive.  I have to say I still have Duke's Brother whom I may lose any day now.  And one day after Duke's one year anniversary I had a wonderful angel Faith come into my life where I rescued her from being found on the streets.  She reminds me of Duke so much that when I called her Duke a few times; she responded immediately.  Her attitude is such of Dukes in many many ways.  And she was one years old whens he found me. 

I also just now adopted a puppy too.  Who has found Faith as her best friend.  They are truly angels and in time you may find room for your another puppy in your life.  Whether it's an older pet you've rescued or a new one that's a puppy.  But, no pet will replace Princess.  She will always be your baby forever.  But, there are too many days left in our life not to share it with a pet that will devote his/her heart to you in the tough times and good times, no matter what.  The pain we go through is just a little we can endure to have them by our sides I think. 

It is the most saddest days of your life to lose your furry family members.

Your Princess will forever be in my heart.  Thank you for letting me be your groomer all these years.

Always, Dede Croy

Collapsed Trachea - Response

Initial Email from a Youtube watcher

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BddFmBI9UpM&feature=channel_video_title

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my 11 month old shih tzu with what the doctor sais is collapsed trachea. She did that reverse sneezing thew odd time, but right after she was finished, she went back intoplaying. I had no warning. I walked her fridaynight at 11. and at 4 inthe morning I woke to her squeel. I rushed her to the hgospital where she died. I dontknow how she could go downin 3hours. Do you have any advicefor me. Also, If I buy anotherloved one. what should I check for? tyfor yourinfo.. my sypathies to you intheloss of your familymember..Rick

Reponse from My Favorite Groomer:

I am so so sorry for your loss.  Was this recent!  My heart goes out to you!  I acutally am about to go through the same thing with Duke's Brother Sueii who is almost 15 years old.  His coughing has gotten severe.  Some things I would do would in clude getting a choke free harness (I sell these for 20$) they are a way to walk small breeds without pulling on the neck.  I would put the rabies tag and city tag on the choke free harness and not have my pets wear a collar.  I would let there be rambunxious play at a younger age but I would not allow it to happen for 30 minutes straight.  I would not have multiple surgeries on my pet; a couple dentals in a life time and good dental hygiene cleaning at home with rawhide bones for chewing.  I would pick up my pet when he / she gets too excited when I get home.  I would put my pet in a comfortable place while he / she is waiting for me as to not cause too much excitement.  Kennel training is optimal especially when they are seniors and you can't incorporate a kennel then. 

I hope these tips help.  I would get a shihtzu again and I would change a few things I did but they are the greatest dogs ever. 

I'm so sorry for your loss,

Your friend,
Dede Croy

http://www.myfavoritegroomer.com/

Dew Claws

Most pets have dew claws.  Which are like our thumbs.  They are a pair of nails on the inner arm of the pet higher than the paws.  Their is usually one on each forearm and sometimes even some on the rear legs.  Sometimes I've seen two or three dew claws on the rear legs of the pet.  It isn't unusual.  I see it all the time.  I had a lady ask me if she should go have them removed.  I told her I wouldn't worry too much about it if the pet is passed the puppy years.  Even as a puppy I personally wouldn't go and have them removed.  That's just my preference.  I have studied my dogs and found they use their thumb dew claws to itch their head and eyes and even remove gunk on their face.  It's definitely handy to get a better grip on things too when they are jumping up on their people family members legs and sorts.  Yikes, it does hurt though.  However, even the rear ones I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to have removed especially if the pet is older.  The sensation the pet may forever have after the surgery to that area just isn't worth it.  However, if you find your pet does have dew claws on the rear legs or more so more than one on the rear legs always let your groomers know and be aware of it yourself.  I have seen groomers take them right off when shaving a pet when there may be very little skin holding the dew claw on and or very little view of an apparent dew claw there at all.  Just let your groomer know it's there. 

MyFavoriteGroomer.com
Owner,
Dede Croy
817-676-1585