Natural Balance Celebrates National Guide Dog Month With the Top Human-Canine Teams Who Make Us Believe

Have you ever seen a visually impaired person in public and didn't know how to react, or felt awkward? Have you ever wondered what it's like to 'see' through the eyes of their guide dog? I know I have.

September is National Guide Dog Month, so I decided to learn more about what it might be like for people who are blind or visually impaired.

I'm partnering with Natural Balance [https://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/] (the maker of premium-quality pet food) and Guide Dogs for the Blind [http://www.guidedogs.com] (a non-profit charitable organization that raises and trains exceptional guide dogs to serve the blind and visually impaired) to recognize the 'Top Human-Canine Teams Who Make Us Believe.'

Guide Dogs for the Blind

 These nine teams are outstanding examples of the amazing partnerships possible between humans and canines.

While reading about each of visually-impaired human and his or her canine helper, I was struck by the fact that it was too difficult to choose which pair to write about.  But when I saw Michelle & Oscar's story, it really resonated.  My mother had glaucoma, which did not cause significant problems until she was well into her eighth decade of life.  Sadly, she became legally blind and it was hard watching that happen to such a vibrant, exuberant woman.  When I read that Michelle was born with glaucoma that caused her blindness at a young age, I knew her team was the one I wanted to focus on to bring awareness to National Guide Dog Month.  I hope you like their story as much as I do.

Michelle Yoo was attending her first year of college -- getting used to a new campus, juggling multiple classes, and making lots of new friends. Imagine doing that when you are blind! For Michelle, this is not an imaginary scenario -- it's her everyday life.

As I mentioned before, Michelle was born with glaucoma.  She spent a big portion of her young life unable to navigate the world around her.  Later, when Michelle became more mobile, she had more than her fair share of bumps and bruises.  Michelle lacked depth perception, and therefore lived in a constant state of discomfort.  

She was finding it increasingly difficult to get around, but wanted to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology.  Michelle made a split-second decision to apply to the Guide Dogs for the Blind program, and she has never regretted the decision.  From the beginning, Michelle knew that the program had done a marvelous job matching her with her beautiful golden guide dog, Oscar.  They immediately fell into step with each other, and within two months they knew they had a lifelong partnership.

Partners Oscar and Michelle Yoo

Even more surprising was the sheer number of people who approached Michelle on the first day of the new semester.  The questions on everyone's lips were, "Who is your furry friend?", "Where can I get one?", and, of course, "Can I pet him?"  With this positive attention, the pair were able to walk with confidence every day -- whether on a small grocery shopping trip, or a longer excursion to visit Michelle's sister in Los Angeles.  Together, the two also tackle intense psychology and jiu jitsu classes -- and, they always leave room for play time!

Today, Michelle and Oscar are primed to face tough deadlines together, and and are taking the mental health field by storm.   Way to go Michelle and Oscar!!

As Michelle's story shows, in addition to providing enhanced mobility, guide dogs can also be a social bridge, opening a world of possibilities for friendship and human connection. 

To help people like Michelle thrive, please consider donating to Guide Dogs to the Blind [https://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/GuideDogs]. Once there, you can also read about the eight other amazing human-canine teams. There's no better time than National Guide Dog Month to show your support for these incredible people and their four-legged superheroes.

Guide dog puppy

One thing I've always wanted to do with Cooper is to get him certified as a Comfort Dog or a therapy dog.  With his disability (leg amputation), his loving demeanor, and his uncanny ability to always know when I need healing, I can imagine he could provide comfort to others, too.  Perhaps people who've lost a limb, just like he has.  Since he's a reactive dog, we have a long way to go, but it is something I might one day pursue with Cooper.  I am afflicted with fibromyalgia, and am a recent widow.  Therefore, I am often in physical or emotional pain (or both!). Coop always knows when I'm not feeling well, and sometimes he'll even put a part of his body against the part of my body that hurts, in (I believe) an effort to ease my pain.  Dogs are amazing creatures!

The amazing Cooper!

Do you have a special bond with your pet? Tell me about it in the comments below.

As compensation for writing this post for Natural Balance, I received a gift box of goodies for me and my dogs.  I am happy to endorse their products!  Find @naturalbalance on social media for more great products!  For this project, Natural Balance teamed up with Guide Dogs for the Blind, an organization I have supported with monetary donations for many years.  I am pleased to support both organizations by publishing this blog post.

3 Back-to-School Morning Routine Tips for the Whole Family #milkbone

Dogs and their human companions have something very important in common: both are creatures of habit. 

 

Even though we have no human children in this household, back-to-school is super important because it also means "back-to-work" for me.  I'm co-owner of a student travel company, and the new school year is just as busy for us as it is with any household that includes children or teachers. 

With school about to start—it's the perfect time to make sure the whole family gets off on the right paw with the right habits at the start of the day. (And it's so much more fun when the whole family is involved!) 

Being self-employed has its perks, and I am so fortunate that I don't have to run out the door at the crack of dawn, or battle traffic.  I have a 5-minute commute, and I work at home in the mornings.  This gives me plenty of time to be with the dogs at home for our morning routines.  The hounds usually get up when they hear a neighbor or two, and I let them outside into the back yard where they relieve themselves and run around for a while and yell at the neighbors!  The cats either go out with them, or, any cat that was out all night comes back in!  

Snooze time!

After that, we usually go back to bed for "snooze time" (yes, they sleep in my bed). The dogs understand the phrase "snooze time" (I've taught it to all my dogs).  They know it means we fall back asleep for 15-20 minutes.  I get up for real around 8:00, make coffee, and check my email.  If there's time, I take Charlie Brown for a walk, or take Cooper for a ride to run errands.  Admittedly, this is not exactly "exercise"! But Cooper is disabled, so we have to be careful not to exhaust him.  The dogs have a couple of Milk-Bone classic dog biscuits, and I clean the kitchen, eat my breakfast, take my vitamins and meds, and take a shower.  They are well-trained to understand that when I shower and brush my teeth, it means I'm getting ready to leave the house for a while, and fun time is over.  They lie calmly outside the bathroom door and then move to their beds.  They stay inside all day until I get home from work in the early evening.  Most days, my pet-sitter lets them out mid-afternoon for a quick romp around the back yard.

Here are some great suggestions from the folks at Milk-Bone for getting your pup in good habits, along with the rest of the family:

 

1. Get active with your four-legged trainer in the morning.

 

40% of doggy mommies and daddies do healthy things with their pups at the same time that they do healthy things for their families. By adding doggy exercise to the rest of your family's morning routine, your dog can actually begin to encourage the rest of your family to stay active! 

 

Charlie Brown and yours truly having a morning walk on the beach.  Hydrant and football optional.

 

2. While caring for Fido, care for your family, too.

 

Dogs need role models. A solid routine, and good daily habits like brushing teeth, exercising, eating right and taking vitamins is key. If you have human children, get them in the same habits at the same time.  Good habits will last them a lifetime, and they'll learn to be responsible and caring towards animals.  Win-win!

A basket of fresh fruit by the printer!

  

3. Make sure your dog consistently receives the nutrients necessary to live a long and happy life.

 

1 in 3 pet parents are confused about what's needed for proper pet nutrition, meaning many pup parents are unaware that their dogs' diets may be lacking in essential nutrients.  Milk-Bone Good Morning Daily Vitamin Treats were created specifically to promote your dog's well-being and longevity. So when you're giving your kids their daily vitamins, remember that your pup needs their nutrient-packed treats too.  Your dog adds so much to the family—make sure to take care of him/her for the long-term!

 

Learn more about Milk-Bone's Good Morning Daily Vitamins on their site:

http://bit.ly/GoodMorningDailyVitaminTreats-k2k9

 

What are your family's favorite morning routines? Tell us how you and your pooch get ready to take on the day in the comments section below!

As compensation for writing this post for Milk-Bone I received a gift box of goodies for my dogs.  As a decades-long supporter and consumer of Milk-Bone products, I am happy to endorse their products!  Find @milkbone on social media for more great products!

Purrfect Together: Celebrate the Bond Between You and Your Kitty This September

September is Happy Healthy Cat Month—and there's never been a better time to show our cats some extra love. Recently, the cat lovers at Meow Mix ran the Purrfect Together Survey, which asked cat parents around the country about their special bond with their four-legged friends. Here are some of the meow-nificent results:

 

83% of cats take naps with their humans

 

This is surprising—and not because 83% of people love napping with kitty. The bigger question is: Who are the 17% of deprived humans who don't get to experience the joy of napping with their cats? 

 

80% of cat parents believe they can interpret their kitty's meows

 

While humans and cats may purr in different languages, that doesn't stop most cat mommies and daddies from understanding what their kitty wants—whether it be some treats, cat nip, or just a snuggle partner.

 

72% of cat parents love to surprise their kitties with treats

 

Speaking of treats, nothing makes a cat happier than some spontaneous, unexpected goodies from the person who cares for them the most.

 

55% of cats love chicken-flavored nibbles

 

Exciting news: Meow Mix has just released a brand new culinary-inspired food made with real chicken or salmon, Bistro Recipes—a classy meal for a classy kitty! Head over Meow Mix's new Purrfect Together web portal [http://bit.ly/meowsterpieces-k2s] right meow, and you can download a coupon for $2.50 off any bag of Meow Mix Bistro Recipes. 

 

And that's not all! You need a classy painting to go with that classy meal. On the Purrfect Together portal, you can enjoy the unique experience of converting a photo of you and your cat into a Meowsterpiece—a digital "oil" painting that helps express and immortalize your cat-love on canvas. I did it, and you should too!

My "Meowsterpiece" !!  

The original photo

 

Now it's time to show me how special your human-cat bond is! Post your Meowsterpiece on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtag #PurrfectTogether. Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Wishing a fantastic Happy Healthy Cat Month to you and your feline friend!

Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day was August 22, 2016 #Cat2VetDay

Little did I know that August 22, 2016 was "National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day" when I made my appointment for all three cats to be visited by our mobile vet, Bay State Mobile Veterinary Service on that day!

Of course, when the neighbors saw the van pull into my driveway, they were concerned that something was wrong with one of the critters.  Nope, I explained, it's just easier to have the vet come to me, than drag three yowling cats, in crates, to the veterinarian's office.  It's also a lot better on my shoulders (ouch!) and my anxiety level.  And theirs (the cats, AND the vet).  Win-win for all!

 

                                       This is what it used to be like!!

 




My cats did not like the experience at home any more than the experience at the vet's office!  We did not bring them into the veterinarian's van, although that is an option.  I invited the vet and her assistant into my home, and we corralled the cats in the basement (i.e., the Girl Cave -- it's not a creepy basement!).  They even brought a portable scale and weighed each cat.  As predicted, Cali is the smallest, and Tux (the food addict) is the largest.

Newman was the best behaved and easiest.  Cali was screaming and hissing and growling, but allowed them to do everything they needed to do, despite the fact that Tux kept jumping up on the table to instigate her further.  I had "shooosh" duty!  Then, it was Tux's turn, and he wouldn't let us pick him up, but then he relented and growled and hissed just as much as Cali did.  Then, they all didn't "speak" to me for two days!

Maybe we will speak to you again, if you give us canned cat food!

It ended up that the dogs would have been due for some booster vaccines in January.  While I normally don't like to over-vaccinate, I agreed with the vet that it was easier to just do everybody now and be done with it for another year (or three, in the case of rabies).  Cooper, as always, was a piece of cake.  Charlie, as always, had to growl and whine and threaten to bite.  Sigh.

Watch out! Sometimes I gets in a bad mooood!

If you don't have a mobile vet in your area, why not petition your local vets to consider starting mobile services?

As a member of Cat Writers' Association,  I get to be the first to know about fun things such as National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day #Cat2VetDay.  They sent us some brochures, infographics and flyers to share with our readers.  Here is a link to all of the info, courtesy of American Association of Feline Practitioners.  

I'm including the #Cat2VetDay infographic below, for your viewing pleasure!

What is your experience taking your cats to the vet?  Do you avoid going because of the stress and hassle?  Do you rise to the challenge and get it done despite the stress involved?  Use Rescue Remedy or another herbal relaxation treatment for your cat(s)?  Share your cat-to-the-vet experience in the comments.

Famous Office Cats

Newman likes the "new" office chair that I brought home from work.  Hey, we had extra chairs, and I liked this one.  Looks good in the living room!

Mom's rocking chair and table; G's RPI lamp; and the office chair.
On the G. Myers wall (painting and photos by my friend G. Myers)
Newman on chair.

Want to see more famous office cats?  Click here! 

Selfie:  Cali and me!

Pet Adoption: The Numbers Behind the Need #PetAdoption #Petfinder

Doesn't the dog in the photo look like Charlie? I did a double-take. Same markings. The only difference is that bushy tail! What are your thoughts on the numbers behind the need? Does your state have a "no-kill" shelter policy (like we do in Massachusetts, for the most part)? Or is there a high-surrender, high-kill rate? Tell me in the comments below.

Pet Adoption: The Numbers Behind the Need: Developed by Orvis.

How to Keep Canines Safe For 4th of July Fireworks Infographic

Re-posting for k9ofmine.com 

4th of July is nearly upon us, and while everyone is excited about backyard BBQs and patriotic parties, many pet owners across the country are worried as well, wondering how their dogs will handle this year’s fireworks.

For many pets, the 4th of July is a frightening time. Dogs and cats will sometimes even bolt from home and take off in fear of fireworks. This is why July 5th is oftentimes the busiest day of the year for animal shelters, who work to locate wandering lost pets and reunite them with their families.

Lost pets can actually increase as much as 30% during July 4-6, all thanks to fireworks pandemonium.

K9 of Mine has recently released a new infographic on 4th of July fireworks safety for dogs, in hopes that this information can help owners keep their dogs safe and happy during this year’s fireworks!

Keep these tips in mind for the holiday, and have a happy 4th !

Dog Tales by Wayfair

Welcome to Dog Tales by Wayfair, a series that looks into Wayfair's favorite dogs and their favorite furnishings!  Bet you didn't know Wayfair sells pet furnishings (I didn't!).  Click on the drawings below to read about each dog.  What fun, thanks Wayfair for the opportunity to participate.*

A lazy pug who does not like to leave the comfort of his bed unless it is for food.	A Shih Tzu supermodel with her own line of designer dog carriers.	A WWII veteran German Shepherd who enjoys telling stories of his dangerous missions in the elite W.O.O.F. army squad.
A Dachshund who has become well-known around the world for his craftsmanship of dog ramps and stairs.	A teenage bulldog who spent some time in the dog crate after a dog bone heist went wrong.	A St. Bernard you can find serving up signature cocktails to guests at her bar in the Swiss Alps.

*I did not get paid or compensated for posting this series for Wayfair, although I did sit up 'n' beg for a paying job, since they happen to be right here in Massachusetts!  Who knew?!  I found two typos in the data they sent me, and corrected them.  I know, I'm a freak.

Celebrate #NationalPetDay with Sir Charles Barkley the French Bulldog on April 11

SIR CHARLES BARKLEY THE FRENCH BULLDOG TO HELP HOME 2 SUITES BY HILTON UNVEIL LATEST “FRESH NEW WAY” VIDEO ON NATIONAL PET DAY

Pet-friendly Hotel Brand To Host Nationwide “Yappy Hours” Including Complimentary Toys for 

Four-Legged Guests

Pet Party In A Box

Increasingly two-legged travelers have their four-legged friends by their side on the road, as 32% of dog owners take their pets when traveling for two or more nights*. To celebrate National Pet Day (this Monday, April 11) with these travelers and their dogs, pet-friendly Home2 Suites by Hilton is hosting more than 80 parties nationwide at their hotels.

Each Home2 Suites property will throw its own National Pet Day party, encouraging guests and team members to bring their pets to join the festivities which will include gifts and toys for pets, and dog-themed photo opportunities. The nationwide celebrations will culminate with a feature party at Home2 Suites by Hilton Seattle Airport, where Sir Charles Barkley the French Bulldog will serve as a special party host for festivities that will also include a pet-adoption event with Emerald City Pet Rescue.

National Pet Day will also mark the official launch of the brand’s latest “Fresh, New Way” video, featuring an unexpectedly chatty dog who interacts with Home2 Suites guests by striking up a “conversation” about their hotel stay. The video drives home the message that no “furry friends” should be left behind when traveling.

MCLEAN, Va. – April 5, 2016 – With 65 percent of U.S. households owning pets*, it’s no secret Americans adore their four-legged family just as much as their two-legged kin. With that in mind, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand, is celebrating National Pet Day with more than 80 parties nationwide and the release of its latest “Fresh New Way” video showcasing the pet-friendly brand.

“So many people love their four-legged friends, and embracing our pet-friendly culture on National Pet Day seemed like a natural way to introduce our ‘Fresh, New Way’ video,” said Christian Kuhn, vice president of marketing, Extended Stay Brands. “Home2 Suites by Hilton focuses on helping our guests shape their stay with amenities that fit their lifestyle, and making it easy for travelers to bring their pets achieves this.”

Every Home2 Suites property will offer National Pet Day parties on April 11 that will include gifts like bandanas and Frisbees to encourage guests and team members to bring their pets to join the fun events. The nationwide celebrations will culminate with a feature party at Home2 Suites by Hilton Seattle Airport, where Sir Charles Barkley the French Bulldog will serve as a special party host for festivities that will also include a pet-adoption event with Emerald City Pet Rescue.

Sir Charles Barkley, the French Bulldog

In tandem, Home2 Suites will also launch its latest “Fresh New Way” video that focuses on the pet-friendly culture of the brand. In the hidden-camera short, the central character is “Colby” a bearded collie who interacts unexpectedly with Home2 Suites guests, striking up a fun conversation talking about their day and hotel stay. The video will go live on National Pet Day at www.home2suites.com/freshnewway.

With more than 80 hotels, Home2 Suites by Hilton offers easy access to technology and inviting community spaces, as well as the trademark Home2 Suites amenities standard in all properties, such as the Oasis lobby area, the Home2 MKT for grab-and-go items, the Spin2 Cycle, a combined laundry and fitness area, and complimentary continental breakfast at the Inspired Table that includes a variety of morning favorites like a hot breakfast sandwich. Home2 Suites’ all-suite hotels feature full kitchens and a business center with complimentary internet and wireless printing. All Home2 Suites properties are pet-friendly. 

Home2 Suites by Hilton participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only hotel loyalty program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® on the same stay and No Blackout Dates on reward stays. HHonors members always get our lowest price with our Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton.  

Read more about Home2 Suites by Hilton, a part of Hilton Worldwide’s (NYSE: HLT) industry-first All-Suites portfolio, athome2suites.com and news.home2suites.com.

*American Pet Products Association

- ### -

About Home2 Suites by Hilton

Home2 Suites by Hilton, one of the fastest growing brands in the history of Hilton Worldwide, is a mid-tier, all-suite award-winning extended-stay hotel concept designed to offer stylish accommodations with flexible guest room configurations and inspired amenities for the cost-conscious guest. With a commitment to environmentally friendly products and hotel operations, Home2 Suites offers complimentary breakfast selections with hundreds of combinations; innovative and customizable guest room design; laundry and fitness area; complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access; multiple outdoor spaces; 24-hour business center; expansive community spaces; and a pet friendly environment. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels receive instant benefits, including an exclusive discount that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app. Visit home2suites.com for additional information or home2franchise.com for franchising opportunities.

** I have not received compensation for this post.  I'm doing it out of the kindness of my heart (and for the exposure). 

Celebrate the 1st Annual National Tabby Day with the Release of Making the Most of All Nine Lives

I've gone absolutely feral over this cute little photo book
                 The Extraordinary Life of Buffy the Cat.

Sandy Robins and Paul Smulson have produced an amazingly fun look at Buffy and his antics.  

Buffy's cat-daddy, Paul Smulson, did not (I repeat, NOT!) Photoshop or modify the photos in any way.  All the pictures were taken under real, true circumstances with no software manipulation!  (By the way, he's also a dentist.)

Sandy's captions are hilarious.  Well done!!

My favorite is the one where Buffy is fishing at the lake with his friends.  Why?  Because my cats always follow me over to the lake when I take the dogs for a swim (it's a safe, traffic-free walk, don't worry).  The cats actually like the water more than the dogs do!  But that's a story for another post.  

But wait!  There's more!  There's an event!  An event, I tell you!  And if you are anywhere near New York City, you won't want to miss it.  Here are the deets:

What: 1st Annual National Tabby Day – Cat Adoption Event and Book Launch

When: Saturday, April 30th from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET

Where: Bideawee Animal Shelter

410 E 38th Street

New York, NY 10016

Motivated by the release of Buffy the Cat’s new book, Making the Most of All Nine Lives: The Extraordinary Life of Buffy the Cat (Triumph Books, April 2016), the National Tabby Day festivities will kick off at one of NYC’s most reputable shelters, Bideawee, on April 30th. Adoptions will run from 10 am – 6 pm, with a special celebration from 12-2 p.m. The celebration will feature the official book launch with author Sandy Robins, with drinks and treats for both two and four-legged attendees. Anyone adopting from the shelter on the 30th will be given a generous starter kit with items for their new pet from the event’s sponsors as well as a photo-op with the book’s photographer, Paul Smulson.

Whether or not you make it to National Tabby Day's event at Bideawee on April 30th, pick yourself up a copy of Making the Most of All Nine Lives; The Extraordinary Life of Buffy the Cat, today.  You'll absolutely purrrrr with delight!

(I received a free copy of the book in exchange for this book review.)

Caring For An Older Dog

Below is a recent guest post I wrote for Judy Helm Wright's blog, Death of My Pet.

A month from now will be the one-year anniversary of Hobie leaving us to be with his daddy, Gil and his brother, Hector.   I am grateful for the companionship of my two hounds, Cooper and Charlie right now, as this has been a really tough year, and it isn't getting much easier.  I have so many regrets about having Hobie euthanized (he was the first pet I've EVER had to euthanize, if you can believe that!).  I'd like to hear feedback and stories from others.  Meanwhile, here is a cut 'n' paste of the post I wrote for Judy's blog:

Caring For An Older Dog? Tips For Pet Parents (EXPERT)

I’m thrilled to be guest posting on Judy Helm Wright’s blog!  Judy asked me to write about loving and caring for an older dog.  I am grateful to share my experiences with Judy’s audience. Kathleen Mueller, Guest Author

Are you caring for an older dog?  Me too.

Adopting an older dog can be a wise move for a family friendly pet.www.AnimalHumanConnection.info 

I suppose my first thought is that the term “older” is rather subjective.  Some dog parents think a dog over seven years of age is “older”, others (mainly Lab and Retriever parents ha ha) would go much further and say an “older” dog is in double digits (11, 12, 13….).  Having guided two very much beloved dogs well into their teens, and poor Hector, who died just one week shy of his 10th birthday, I can see both sides of the spectrum.  Personally, I consider a dog “older” if he/she reaches about 12 years old.  In human years, that’s 84!  So, if you’ve got an “older” dog, consider yourself lucky.  For, if you have earned the love of an older dog, you are truly blessed and honored.  To me, things don’t get much more special in life than loving a senior pet.

Loving and living with an older dog

So, let’s talk about loving an older dog.  It’s not hard to fall in love with your dog once he or she has gotten through the troublesome puppy and adolescent years.  Some of my best memories are of when my dogs, Timba, Hector and Hobie became adults.  They became more well-behaved, smarter, and devoted companions.  What’s not to love?  There were fewer, if any, instances of escaping over, under, and around fences; there were fewer incidents of me being pulled down on the ground by an over-exuberant canine wanting to greet another of their own species (or worse, wanting to chase after a non-canine such as a squirrel, bunny or…. skunk!).  But that’s a whole other story for another day.  To love a dog is to know that some day your heart and soul will break.  You will outlive your dog, almost assuredly.  One of my friends said that one of the cruelest facts of life is that our dogs’ lives are so short.  I could not agree more.

The love I had for Hector, who died very suddenly, and “young” in my opinion (more because of his puppy-like behavior rather than his actual age in years), was very different from the love I had for Timba, who died at 18; and Hobie who died at 15.  Hector was running around one moment, and dead the next.  Timba withered away and died a slow, long, painful but natural death.  Hobie, my beloved Hobie, the canine love of my life:  it figures, he was the first dog (the only one so far) for whom I had to make the decision to euthanize.  My love for each was special, but Hector’s passing hurt the most, because of its suddenness.  Even though I consider Hobie the canine love of my life, his passing didn’t hurt as much as Hector’s, because I had to watch him suffer in pain and undignified failings for such a long time.

Tips for pet parents

There are many different ways to feel and express our love for our pets.  Each animal is an individual, each with his or her own personality.  Each one is unique and special in their own right.  The most important part of loving an older pet is to see the commitment of the relationship through to its very end.  I can’t tell you how upsetting it is for me to see older pets being given up on, surrendered to a shelter, or euthanized prematurely simply because caring for the pet has become difficult and/or burdensome.  It’s a burden I’ve been through many times (if you include the dozens of senior cats I’ve parented), and I would gladly go through it again and again.  It is the very essence of being committed to my pet for the pet’s entire life.  Their lives are so short, it’s not a burden to take care of them, it is an honor.

Having spent my pet parenting years with larger dogs, most of my dogs have developed physical limitations that prevent them from running, jumping, climbing stairs and so forth.  In the case of both Timba and Hobie, I had to make accommodations for them in the downstairs of my home to avoid stairways.  In the case of Hector, who was having seizures, it was necessary to spend a lot of time and money on veterinary visits and expenses, as well as learn how to administer medication, and learn how to care for him during the pre- and post-seizure phases which were frightening and unpredictable.  Each dog needed special accommodations, from medicine, to extra veterinary appointments, to special, super-reliable pet sitters if I need to travel for work or vacation, to special foods, special bowls, special leashes, ramps, and (in the case of Hobie) even relocation of the human’s bedroom!  I did all of the above gladly with with love and devotion.  Never have I experienced the loyalty and devotion from humans that I have gotten from dogs.  In their golden years, I wanted to return that loyalty and devotion to my beloved dogs.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Living a life with animals

As I watch my four-year-old twin dogs, Charlie Brown and Cooper, grow, I can’t imagine where these first four years went.  Their fifth birthday is in November.  Shortly after that, they will mature and become fantastic adult dogs.  Soon after, (and it will go by quickly…too quickly), they will become amazing older dogs.  If I am lucky, they will follow in the paw steps of my previous pets, and live to a ripe old age.  Since they are large, and I, myself, am getting older, a lot of decisions will need to be made.  For starters:  do we continue to live in our three-level house that consists of three long stairways?  I won’t be able to carry them, like I was (barely) able to carry Hobie and Timba.  It’s a lot to think about, but I’m not going to do that yet!  Hobie just left us a year ago (April of 2015).  I intend to enjoy my years with Charlie and Cooper to their fullest, as they grow old(er), with me.

If you’d like to talk to me about your older dog (or cat) send me an email at k2k9dogs@gmail.com.  Visit my website atwww.k2k9.blogspot.com

Thanks for reading!

Keeping Your Cats Happy Indoors

With this extreme cold weather (40 below zero with the wind-chill today!), there is no way my little kitty devils are going outside.  My cats are indoor/outdoor cats, and they spend most of their time literally going in and out of the door (I figure maybe I burn calories running up and down the stairs all day to cater to them!).  When outside, they are never far away... always lounging with the dogs on the deck, or hanging around the Tiny House that occupies a small corner of my property.  They know their territory, and rarely venture outside of the boundaries of our yard.  Smart little cookies!

Nevertheless, it is much too cold outside this weekend to risk the chance of Tux, Cali or Newman getting stuck outside someplace.  So, inside they stay.  This requires some fancy footwork on my part, and a lot of patience, as they can get into trouble, get bored, or stir up the Pack Leader, Charlie, who can sometimes start herding them around inside the house.  There is never a dull moment around here, that's for sure!

One of my fellow blogging/internet friends sent me this awesome infographic with tips for keeping felines happy indoors.  Check it out, and enjoy.  Feel free to Pin or Tweet!



Keeping Your Cat Happy Iindoors by Terrys Fabrics.

Get the Best Night's Sleep of Your Life with Morris the Cat #giveaway

Welcome to the final edition of Morris the Cat's advice column, revealing need-to-know information on how to release your inner cat and get the best night's sleep of your life. 

As an iconic spokescat and star of over 50 9Lives cat food commercials from the 1970s onward, Morris has a prolific career envied by many of the Internet cat sensations of today. The secret to his longevity? Well, for one, the fact that he eats 9Lives. But more importantly, he has a disciplined sleep regimen – racking up about 140 hours per week!

Morris wants to teach YOU the tricks of the trade and give you all the tools you need, so he's hosting a giveaway on his Live Well & Prospurr site [http://prospurr.9lives.com/] to win a Morris-shaped plush bed that's big enough for you AND your cat to snuggle up on.

Dear Morris,

My cat and I are BFFs. We do everything together – play, eat, snuggle – we make a purrfect team. But in the bedroom, I prefer to have my space. My cat, on the other hand, thinks there's no better place to sleep than right on my head! Why does she do this? I'm not all that fun when I'm sleeping.

Warmly, 

Tired Tails

Dear Tired Tails,

You have been bestowed a great honor. As cats, we don't always wear our hearts on our paws, but one tell-tail sign we love and trust you is when we choose to make YOU our bed. Plus, you're warm. And getting our warmth from you helps us to conserve our own energy for more important things like eating. The rhythm of your breath also creates a calming effect and the curve of your face, stomach, or legs perfectly forms to our bodies. Basically, you're like a waterbed, heated blanket, and memory foam all in one! So the next time your cat goes to curl up on you, think of it as a compliment and drift off to sleep knowing you are loved... and you're very comfortable.

Kitty hugs,

Morris

Thank you, Morris the Cat, for your wonderful nighttime tips! See the rest of them here and here. 

For more info on Morris' mission to help cats and humans live well – including his initiative to donate one million 9Lives meals to rescue kitties – check out his Live Well & Prospurr website [http://prospurr.9lives.com/]. And while you're there, enter to win the limited-edition, human-sized Morris the Cat plush bed along with a year's supply of 9Lives!

This is a sponsored post from 9 Lives.  I received product compensation for my cats in exchange for writing this post.  

However, k2k9 only writes posts for products we already use!