Four Paws Rescue fundraising event

Four Paws Rescue is a non-profit animal rescue located in Millville, just South of Logan, Utah. They operate with the help of volunteers and generous donations and since 2000, they have saved over 4,000 animals and found them new, loving homes.

Their 3^rd Annual “Musical Paws” Benefit Concert will be held on Monday, July 26, at 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church (85 E 100 N in Logan). The Utah Festival Opera Company will play and all proceeds go to companion animals for pet food and vet expenses.

If you have any questions or want more information, call Four Paws Rescue at 435-752-3534 or 435-753-5898 or scfourpaws@hotmail.com.

Introduction to Ike

I would like to introduce Ike, the star of this blog.  He is 3 ½ years old, he was born on February 11, 2007. Ike came to live with us when he was 8 weeks old. He came from a big litter of black and chocolate lab puppies. When Cassady, my husband, first picked Ike up, Ike reached right up and chewed on Cassady’s goatee. It was love at first site when we saw him.

The first time we met Ike

The family who had Ike named him Mack because he ran around all the time and if he ran into you it was like being hit by a Mack truck. As a puppy Ike definitely lived up to that name and he still loves to run full speed. One time he ran into me in the yard and before I knew what had happened I was flat on my back with Ike trying to lick my face.

One of my favorite puppy pics

We tossed out several names for him, but eventually settled on Ike. Over the years we’ve given him lots of nicknames. We called him Linus when he was a puppy because he fell in love with a quilt we put in his bed and dragged it everywhere with him, like a security blanket. It was so funny because he was just a little pup trying to drag a queen-sized quilt with him.  Here’s a pic of him with his blanket.

See the blue bear in the picture? That was his very first toy. We bought it at Wal-Mart in the clearance for 49 cents. He has destroyed a lot of toys, especially as a puppy, but never his blue bear. He still has it

Ike’s nicknames: Ikie, Ikie pie, big brown dog, the pups, pupsie, Isaac, puperino, puperooski, baby dog, doglass . . . I’m sure there’s been a hundred others but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

Ike’s favorite things: one word–food. Ike loves to eat (Labradors are known for eating anything that’s not nailed to the floor so this wasn’t such a surprise). He loves treats. He also loves going for walks, going camping, hiking, swimming, and playing fetch or tug. He enjoys sleeping, snuggling, peanut butter, barking at strangers walking by the house, and playing with his hundreds of toys.

Here’s a pic of him at White Pine Lake. We backpacked from Tony’s Grove up Logan Canyon to White Pine Lake and spent the night at the lake and hiked back out the next day. Ike was in heaven (and very dirty!)

Ike at White Pine Lake

Foods to avoid feeding your dog

In my last post I shared a recipe for peanut butter banana ice cream treats. That got me thinking about human food for dogs and I wanted to share with you a list of foods that are not safe for dogs. Dogs don’t know what’s okay for them to eat so it’s important for us to keep dangerous foods out of their reach. Keep in mind that dogs can have allergies to certain foods just like humans can. That being said, here’s the list:

• chocolate
• beer or any other kind of alcohol
• caffeine (found in coffee, chocolate, tea, sodas, cocoa, etc.)
• onions
• garlic
• grapes
• raisins
• rhubarb
• chives
• salt
• raw potatoes (our vet told us that the skin can have dirt on it that causes bad bacteria to grow in the stomach—peeled and cooked potatoes should be fine)
• bones (dogs can choke on them, plus they can splinter and cause cuts or  internal blockages)
• fat trimmings from meat
• avocado
• dairy products (dogs can be lactose intolerant just like humans)
• nuts
• candy or gum (the sweeteners in them are bad for dogs)
• any fruit with a pit or seeds, like plums or peaches (they’re okay if you remove the seeds or pit before giving it to your dog)
• raw eggs, meat, or fish
• yeast dough (dough can rise in the dog’s stomach and cause pain and/or a blockage)
• any medicines intended for humans (only give to your dog if advised by a vet)

If your dog eats something they’re not supposed to, or starts to show symptoms of illness after eating something, call your veterinarian. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has a 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center that you can always call. The number is 888-426-4435. I recommend going here (http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/) and requesting a free Pet Safety Pack from the ASPCA that includes a magnet with the Animal Poison Control Center’s contact info so that you always have it in hand just in case.

So we’ve gone over what not to feed your dog, but let’s talk about some foods that your dog can enjoy. Ike’s favorites include apples, oranges, cantaloupe, strawberries, bananas, grape tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, and peanut butter. Dogs can also eat green beans, and plain, cooked pasta and white rice (in fact white rice and boiled chicken is known to settle an upset stomach).

Whenever introducing a new food to your dog’s diet, start off slow. Let them have just a bite and see how they like it (and watch for any signs of allergic reaction or illness). Introduce one food at a time and don’t let them eat too much of it at once because it can upset their stomach. Ask your vet if you have any questions about a particular food.

So, do you know of any other foods that we should avoid feeding our dogs? If you do, please share!

Help your pooch stay cool this summer

With the triple digit heat hitting the East coast I thought it would be appropriate to write about keeping your pooch cool and happy this summer and also share a recipe to help her stay cool.

Tips for a cool pooch:

• Remember that dogs can’t sweat, they can only release heat through the pads of their paws and panting. They’re covered in fur and long-haired breeds are especially susceptible to heat related illness or death.
• Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest part of the day. It’s better to exercise early in the morning or later at night when the temps are cooler.
• Keep in mind that surfaces like asphalt roads, concrete sidewalk, and even some dirt trails can be very hot and burn the pads of your dog’s paws. It’s very painful so you’ll definitely want to avoid it.
• Some dogs, especially those with shorter and lighter hair, can get sunburned. Make sure your dog doesn’t spend too much time in the sun to avoid sunburn (dogs can get skin cancer, too).
• Make sure your dog always has plenty of water.
• If your dog enjoys the water, consider getting a kiddie pool to put in yard. We bought an inexpensive one from Wal-Mart a few summers ago and Ike loves to stand in it and splash in it. If your dog is going to be outside for extended periods of time, make sure they have access to plenty of shade and water.
• Never, NEVER leave your dog alone in the car. Temperatures inside a car will soar to deadly levels in a matter of minutes. Cracking the windows is not okay because the little air that comes through the windows cannot keep up with the temperature building in the car. Too many dogs die each year from being left in hot cars. If you’re going somewhere where your dog can’t go with you, leave them at home. Home is much safer than the car.
• Ike loves to chew on ice cubes. He also loves chasing them around on our hardwood floors. Ice cubes make a great, cool treat. Here’s a recipe for another cool treat that is dog-friendly:

Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

2 cups of yogurt, either plain or vanilla flavored

2 ripe bananas

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Mash the bananas, mix with the yogurt and peanut butter. Pour mixture into muffin tin and place in the freezer. Allow to freeze completely and then serve to your furry friend. Enjoy!

Ike with his ice cream treats (sorry for the poor quality, I took this pic with my cell phone)

So you’re thinking about getting a dog?

So you’re thinking about getting a dog? That’s great–a dog can bring a lot of joy into your life and your family’s. However, there are several things to consider before getting a dog. Here is a list of my tips and advice when looking to add a canine companion.

• First, you need to consider if you’re ready for a dog. Do you have the time to devote to a dog? Dogs, especially puppies, can take more of your time than you think. You also need to consider if you have the means to care for a dog. Can you afford everything a happy and healthy dog needs? This includes food, treats (Ike’s favorite thing in the world), grooming, training, vet visits, vaccinations, leashes, a crate, and routine medicine like heartworm pills.

• Next, consider what kind of dog you want. There are hundreds of different kinds of dogs and each have unique traits and dispositions. Is there a certain breed you’re interested in? If so, do some research on that particular breed. The American Kennel Club (http://www.akc.org/breeds/) is a great place to find information on a particular breed. Ike is a Labrador retriever–his breed is known for being extremely energetic, smart, loving, easy to train, and eager to please. Check the internet or talk to someone you know who owns a dog of that particular breed. Don’t pick a dog just because it’s cute as a puppy or you saw one on tv. Do your homework. Other things to consider when thinking about what kind of dog to get:
  • The size of the dog. A large dog will not do well in an apartment–they need more room to run and exercise. A lot of people like to get puppies, but remember that puppy will grow to be a full-sized adult dog. Larger dogs eat more (thus you’ll spend more money on food) than smaller dogs.
  • The energy level of the dog. Does the dog you’re considering have lots of energy? That means they’ll need more exercise, like daily walks. Pick a dog that matches your level of activity (if you’re a couch potato, by all means look for a low-energy dog that will happily sit next to you on the couch).
  • The dog’s coat. Certain dogs, like Cocker Spaniels or Pomeranians, need regular grooming to keep their coat clean and free from tangles or mats, which can be very painful for the dog. Consider the cost of grooming if you’re not planning on doing it yourself. Other dogs, particularly short-haired dogs like beagles, need minimal grooming, like an occasional bath and brushing. Another thing to consider about a dog’s coat is how much they will shed because some breeds shed more than others. Some dogs shed year-round while some shed seasonally (usually spring and fall–in the fall they shed their summer coat and grow a fuller coat to keep warm for winter. In spring they shed their thicker winter coat for a lighter summer coat).
  • The age of the dog. Do you want a puppy or an adult dog? There are pros and cons to both. Some people prefer puppies because they are cute and fun, but they are considerably more work. Puppies need to be potty-trained (this is 24/7 because puppies have small bladders and need to go more frequently), they need to learn obedience and manners, and when they teethe they will chew on just about anything that helps their teeth feel better. Adult dogs are (usually) already trained and know basic obedience. They’re out of the puppy stage and less likely to get in trouble by chewing up something or getting into the garbage.

• Also think about where you will get your dog from. Some people choose to buy their dogs from a breeder. If you are doing so, I urge you to do a thorough check of the breeder and make sure they are not a puppy mill. Puppy mills are operations that repeatedly breed dogs in horrible conditions and puppies that come from puppy mills often have serious health problems. You can also look for a dog at your local animal shelter. Lately, with the economy, a lot of dogs are being surrendered to shelters because their owners can’t afford to care for them anymore. There is a wide variety of dogs available at shelters, including puppies. Many people think that shelter dogs are “bad” dogs but this simply isn’t the case. Dogs might be there because they got lost and the shelter was unable to locate the owner, the owner might have passed away, a family member might have been allergic to the dog, or the owner might have gotten a new job in another town and couldn’t take the dog with them. Whatever the reason is, the shelter should be able to tell you why the dog is there.

Getting a dog is a big commitment. Dogs can live to be 12-15 years old so make sure that you are willing to commit to a dog for that long. And make sure that you have done your homework on the particular kind of dog you’re getting and that you, your family, and your home are prepared for that dog.If you’re still not sure if a dog is the right thing for you, offer to dog-sit for a friend for a few days, volunteer at your local animal shelter, or become a foster parent for your local animal shelter (foster parents house a dog that the shelter doesn’t have room for until a home is found). These are good ways to spend time with dogs and see if it’s really right for you.

I remember the day we brought Ike home and how happy we were. We had our ups and downs with puppyhood and training him but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Here’s a picture of Ike the first day we brought him home.

Welcome to our blog!

I am new to blogging so bear with me as I create my blog and iron out the details. The inspiration for writing this blog (other than it being an assignment for my social media class) is my 3 year old chocolate lab, Ike. I love Ike and dogs in general. The purpose of this blog is for me to share my love of dogs with fellow dog lovers. I will share some of my (and Ike’s–he’s a very willing taste-tester) favorite dog-friendly recipes, tips for happy and healthy dogs, my favorite dog products, and dog places. I will be posting more content soon, so please check back frequently! And if there’s anything specific you’d like to hear about, please let me know because I am open to suggestions.