Friday, 25 September 2015

Five Ways to Prepare for Your Foster Dog

My first foster dog - Bjorn the Norwegian Elkhound, aka Bjorngenstern the Destroyer - in 2005

My fourth foster dog, Keemo the Potcake, will arrive from The Bahamas on Sunday evening, part of a desperately needed puppylift of twenty-seven other potcakes who would otherwise face a sad fate as the island shelter struggles with lack of funding and insurmountable challenges. Volunteers from Pilots N Paws fly the dogs off the island, they will stay overnight in Florida to obtain their U.S. health certificates, and the Colorado-bound dogs will fly Delta commercial the rest of the way. It takes an unbelievable amount of last-minute coordination between the shelter, the pilots, the sponsoring rescue and all the volunteers along the way. As a planner and a bit of a control freak, I'm glad I've been through it once before with Boca and am doing my best to not worry, be happy and go with the flow with my chill island girl as my shining example. I've learned a lot since my first foster dog, and along with The Ginger Sisters am ready to welcome this new boy into our home. Here are five things I will be focusing on as we prepare for Keemo's arrival:

Plan the Introduction
This one is extremely important and also particularly challenging with a reactive dog like Ruby. Her introduction to Boca was five minutes of pure chaos. I wasn't sure how to manage them both by myself and Boca was ready to get back on the plane as Ruby barked madly from behind the gate. Thankfully, Boca demonstrated her incredibly tolerant nature and after a brisk parallel walk in the dark they quickly settled into life-long friendship. Employ the help of another dog-savvy person if possible and know what will work best for your dog. Neutral territory is usually a good idea and there is something about walking side by side that can make dogs fast friends. Now that I know meeting through the dog gate doesn't work for Ruby (barrier frustration) and since I will have my dad's help, my plan is to alert him to our arrival from the airport and have him bring Ruby outside for an immediate walk with Keemo, then allow Boca and Keemo to meet on the fenced patio when we get back. I am still expecting some chaos, and hoping for Keemo to have the same mellow non-reaction that Boca did to my nutty terrier. Since Boca met about fifty different dogs face to face last weekend at the farmer's market, I have faith that one more potcake will not phase her in the slightest.

Assume the Foster Dog is Not Housetrained
In Keemo's case this is almost certainly true. He was found as a stray trying to get in to the shelter and has possibly never lived in a home. Even if a foster dog was previously house-trained, if they've spent time in a shelter they will very likely need a refresher course. Be patient, take frequent potty breaks, expect a few accidents, breeze through clean-ups as if they are no big deal with no scolding or shaming, and throw enormous praise and treat parties when the foster dog goes where it is supposed to. This worked wonders with both Ruby and Boca, neither of whom were house-trained when I got them. It didn't take long at all for them to figure things out reliably. I recently won a pet-safe cleaning supply giveaway over at It's Dog or Nothing which could not have come at a better time. I'm sure I will put the prize to good use as we may have a few messes to contend with.

Create Safe Spaces and Secure Boundaries
I wasn't much of a believer in crate training until I started fostering dogs. Used appropriately, crates create a safe space for an uncertain dog, and reduce accidents and destruction. It's generally not hard to help dogs form a positive association with the crate by starting slowly and providing them with comfort (in the form of soft blankets and pillowy mats), enrichment (safe chew toys or stuffed Kongs) and deliciousness (treats delivered liberally) inside. The dogs from The Humane Society of Grand Bahama sleep in portable kennels at night, so if Keemo is anything like Boca he will feel at home in one. I like to give the new and existing animals, especially my rickety old senior kitty, lots of down-time and options for their own space. I have several dog gates in my house which make it easy to give everyone separate areas. As I get to know Keemo I will decide what arrangement works best when we leave the house and overnight. It's also imperative that fences are checked and not relied upon for foster dogs - they may be frightened or disoriented and shouldn't be left unsupervised outside. Along those same lines, extra caution should be taken with leashes and collars - slip leads or martingale collars are good safety measures to prevent accidental escape.

Pick Up Food & Toys and Closely Supervise Interactions
The well-being of my existing animals is always my first priority when fostering a dog, and I take steps to set everyone up for success as we all adjust to a new resident. Resource guarding is a common issue and one that may crop up temporarily in an unfamiliar environment. Boca growled in her crate over the first antler she had probably ever seen, which alarmed me at the time but was not a continuing problem. Management is the best strategy for things that might be coveted, and I'll be putting away the free access toys and chews until I'm able to assess how the three dogs interact. Meal times will be closely monitored with crates and gated areas utilized as needed. I also won't be leaving them alone together until or unless I'm confident there will not be any conflicts.

Prepare to Fall in Love and Prepare to Let Go
I've loved all my foster dogs, and obviously loved Boca too much to let her go (though that decision was largely based on how beautifully she and Ruby bonded). Just like now, I already had two dogs the first times I fostered and there was little danger of "foster failing" then because I would have been overwhelmed with three dogs of my own. I very closely budget for high quality food, pet insurance, and of course way too many treats and toys and the truth is - a third dog is not really an option. My house will be a stop along the way to Keemo's forever. I knew that previous fosters were going to the very best homes, and the experience was so rewarding that I knew I would want to do it again. I have no doubt there will be moments of stress and doubt as my dad and I manage a three-dog household, but I also know that every dog I meet expands my heart in ways I didn't expect. I'm so excited to meet and learn from this potcake boy. 

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Ten Healthy Pumpkin Treat Recipes for Dogs


pumpkin dog treat recipes


Have you succumbed to pumpkin spice madness? Let your dogs savor the seasonal flavors as well as enjoy some of pumpkin's health benefits by mixing, freezing or baking any of these recipes I've rounded up:

1.  Frozen Pumpkin Treats with Goat Milk and Turmeric - If it still feels like summer where you are, these frozen treats packed with health benefits from yours truly might be just the thing.

2. Pumpkin Dog Treats - These baked treats from My Rotten Dogs include oats, egg and cinnamon.

3. Pumpkin Spice Puppacino  - Now your dog can have their own personal barkista thanks to Lola the Pitty!

4. Quinoa Pumpkin Dog Treats - This recipe from Kol's Notes includes quinoa, flax-seed and just a dab of maple syrup.

5.Candy Corn Frozen Dog Treats - How cute are these tri-colored confections from Beagles & Bargains? The layers are made up pumpkin, yogurt and banana.


cute dog with pumpkin


6. These Pumpkin Dog Treats from Good Dogs & Co. have canned pumpkin as well as pumpkin seeds! 

7. These Banana & Pumpkin Dog Treats from Sweet Paul sound delicious to me...do you think The Ginger Sisters will share?

8. These Vegan Treats from Vegan Heartland combine Pumpkin & Blueberry.

9. Here are some wheat-free Pumpkin & Chicken Treats from Doggy Dessert Chef - I think they'd be great for Thanksgiving with turkey!

10. Last but not least, these irresistibly cute Pumpkin & Cheese mummies from Kol's Notes.


jack russell mix with pumpkin


Special thanks to Christie from Life With Beagle for the spark of inspiration for this post.





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Wednesday, 16 September 2015

Compassion Without Borders for International Potcake Day

cute dog sitting on a bench
Boca wishes you a Happy International Potcake Day!

Before fostering and subsequently adopting Boca, I had never heard of a potcake. Since getting to know her and staying connected with the shelter that saved her, I have become a huge fan of these island mutts from The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos. I sponsor a sweet girl that reminds me of my dog, Lasya, with a monthly donation. Through forming a local potcake meetup group I've gotten to meet many others that came from the same shelter and as special as Boca is, I've found that her easygoing, charming personality is not unique. When our potcakes are together at the dog park, they seem to form their own cool club of chill dogs. Boca endears people everywhere she goes, from her obedience class teacher to her ophthalmologist. She is an awesome ambassador and today we are celebrating all of her friends, family and distant cousins in loving homes and spreading the word about those in great need of help.
 
cute dog at an animal shelter
Jorden - Boca lookalike hoping for a home of her own. (Photo courtesy of HSGB)

 
In the past few days I've become aware of an urgent need for adoptive and foster homes as The Humane Society of Grand Bahama desperately tries to keep their head above water as the only animal welfare organization on an island overrun with stray, neglected dogs. Every year they take in close to 1,400 dogs with a local adoption rate of less than 10%. The only hope for most of these dogs is rescue sponsorship, foster homes and adoption outside of The Bahamas and so they are hoping to find placement for at least 50 dogs by the end of the month. International rescue draws some criticism as people question why dogs would be brought in from another country when there are dogs in our own cities or states that need homes. Having been in involved in rescue and adoption for many years, I've fostered dogs found on my own block, transported dogs from neighboring Nebraska, adopted Colorado dogs, an Arkansas dog and a Bahamas dog. Here in metro Denver we are not accustomed to seeing stray populations living on the street, but this is the reality for potcakes and other indigenous street dogs around the world. Boca was starving and trying to survive with her puppies in a den she made outside of Freeport when HSGB rescued her. Her story and her sweet soul have touched my heart, and this shelter has gained my loyal support for all the animals they take in to its yellow stucco walls, all the dogs they feed and house and love for years as they wait for homes of their own. I believe in compassion without geography, and I am committed to being an advocate for these deserving dogs.

fostering saves lives
Nancy - coming to Colorado to be fostered by my dear friend! (Photo courtesy of HSGB)

As pictures were posted of dogs that local rescue organization Outpaws hoped to bring to Colorado this weekend, I shared them on Facebook and implored friends to consider fostering. One of my best friends gave in to my hounding agreed to and applied to foster a senior girl, Nancy, who has been living at HSGB for six years. She and Boca would have no doubt known each other there, maybe napped together in the sun. Nancy’s gentle hound-dog face struck a chord with my friend – and even if you’ve never fostered before, or don’t think you have room or that you’d be able to give them up, that’s sometimes all it takes - a connection made with a face a world away – and why I will continue to share rescue dogs on social media. I started to wonder about the possibility of fostering myself (for real, with no possibility of "failing" this time, because two dogs are just right, thank you very much). I talked to my dad last night, since he is the one home during the day with the dogs, and he was on board. It looks like Keemo - a smaller young boy - is going to be a good fit for us - a foster ginger bro! I'm so excited to meet him, we are just finalizing the transport details and foster application. Every foster home that opens its doors to a potcake is making it possible for HSGB to continue its tireless work on the island. I can't think of a better way to celebrate International Potcake Day than saying yes to saving a life.

adoptable potcake
Keemo - coming to Colorado to stay with The Ginger Sisters for a while. (Photo courtesy of HSGB)
 
How can you help?
 
Donate to The Kohn Foundation, a Colorado 501c3 organization dedicated to raising funds for HSGB.

Foster a potcake! Contact Tip Burrows at The Humane Society of Grand Bahama to find out if there is a partnering rescue organization in your area. Colorado residents can apply to foster through Outpaws.

Vote for HSGB to win 500 lbs of dogfood! HSGB is entered into Open Farm’s Feed A Rescue giveaway with a chance to win a whole lot of food for hungry potcakes. Please vote and share daily!

Spread the word by sharing this post. If you are a proud potcake parent, help us celebrate today by sharing photos on social media with the hashtag #InternationalPotcakeDay.

Tuesday, 15 September 2015

Reasons We Love Rotation Feeding with Open Farm Dog Food


This post is sponsored by Open Farm. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Open Farm's ethically produced pet food, but Rubicon Days only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Open Farm is not responsible for the content of this article.  

Previously, I introduced Open Farm dry dog food with its dedication to humane treatment of farm animals and support of small, local farms and discussed why it was a great choice for me as someone concerned about animal welfare and who chooses to reduce the amount of meat in her own diet. Today I want to highlight why my dogs are on a rotation diet, and how Open Farm fits perfectly into that plan.

I don't want to eat the same thing every day - why should my dogs? Before adopting Ruby it had never occurred to me to change dog food brands or even formulas once I found something that worked. If it isn't broken, don't fix it, right? Between having a picky eater, educating myself about canine nutrition and shopping at local stores that carried higher quality foods, I started to change the way I looked at my dogs' diet. The Ginger Sisters have been on a varied rotation diet for as long as I've had them. We humans ascribe a great deal of meaning to meals, and feeding our pets is one of the most concrete ways we can show them affection. I change brands, recipes and formats regularly so that they eat a little bit of everything. If I have squash or broccoli for dinner I steam some unseasoned for them and set it aside to add through the week. Simply put, it makes me feel good to feed my dogs what they enjoy and what I believe to be good for them. I see their eyes light up when they try something new or get a special treat mixed in with their breakfast or dinner. We have been feeding Open Farm's Pork and Root Vegetable formula for about three weeks now and I seldom see them clean their plates so quickly. Its first five ingredients are humanely raised pork, garbanzo beans, ocean-caught whitefish meal, field peas and green lentils. I'm extremely comfortable with the rest of the ingredients (things like sweet potato, pumpkin and salmon oil) and the girls have been gobbling it up with relish. Even eating out of puzzle bowls, they are sure to hunt down every last morsel. With no food sensitivities, I love that they are getting a variety of proteins and Open Farm uses only fish meal prepared in small batches using seasonal and sustainable fish harvests. I most often feed chicken or turkey for breakfast so I make sure their evening meal contains something different.  


Rotation feeding allows me to make improvements and try new things for my dogs. If not for rotational feeding I would not be continually researching dog food brands and wouldn't know when fantastic new options like Open Farm appear on the market. Right now it is the only Certified Humane brand of kibble available in the U.S. It received a four-and-a-half star rating on Dog Food Advisor. It still has somewhat limited availability, but I'm betting that will change as I know I'm not the only one concerned with feeding locally sourced ingredients and thoughtfully formulated food which also makes an effort to improve conditions for farm animals and encourage family farms. While Open Farm's protein is partially plant derived, this is going to be the case for most dry dog foods, and since I supplement with freeze-dried raw I believe my darling carnivores are getting plenty of meat in their diets. One of the things that is so great about this model of feeding is that it allows me to provide them with higher quality foods than I might be able to feed if I was feeding one thing exclusively. If you are just starting out with the rotation diet it's recommended that you make changes gradually; however, Ruby and Boca are well-accustomed to a diverse diet and I rotate by the box or bag with no issues whatsoever. If I think of it I might pour the last of a bag into the top of a new bag, but generally I make the switch cold turkey (or cold pork or cold venison as might be the case...). Even if you want to stick to one brand, you can rotate between proteins to keep things interesting, such as Open Farm's three recipes: Farmer's Market Pork & Root Vegetable, Homestead Turkey & Chicken and Catch of the Day Whitefish & Green Lentil.


Rotation feeding gives me flexibility in my dogs' routine. Because the girls eat dehydrated raw food for breakfast, their evening kibble meal gives me more options for how I feed. They may eat out of their puzzle bowls, with the kibble mixed with leftover veggies, supplemental oils or goat milk,  or I may take the opportunity to feed their kibble portion as rewards in a training session. They especially loved our first samples of Open Farm's three recipes as training treats, and I know that Kimberly at Keep the Tail Wagging uses it the same way even though she is a raw feeder. If the weather is bad and our walk has been abbreviated so that I feel they need a little extra enrichment, I'll break out the frozen Kongs stuffed with canned food. When we travel, I can take sample packs of a new flavor, or a familiar favorite to make eating in an unfamiliar environment a little more enticing. Rotation feeding allows me to mix up not only what I feed, but how I feed.


Rotation feeding is budget-friendly and lets me take advantage of sales. I am a self-proclaimed dog food nerd (there's a support group for that) and I'm also a recovering shopaholic who loves a bargain. Where I used to spend money on bags and shoes I would now much rather fill the dogs' pantry. Seriously, my dad even built me extra shelves in the downstairs coat closet for this purpose. Goodbye, storage for more coats than one person needs - hello, storage for everything The Ginger Sisters need! I love opening the door and gazing at the lovely, organized rows of food, treats and toys. Since I feed a variety of brands, I can stock up when something I use is on sale or try something for the first time. I subscribe to local retailer's email lists and keep tabs on online discount codes. I join loyalty programs and pick up coupons at pet fairs. When an online pet food store offers a flat discount on an order I will pounce on brands I might not be able to get locally, such as Open Farm. As much as The Ginger Sisters love this food, I will be looking for every opportunity to keep it in our lineup. (Already between my first post and now there are two more Colorado stores that have popped up on Open Farm's "Find Retailers" map!) 


Open Farm is most assuredly going to be a part of The Ginger Sister's regular rotation from now on. I am excited for more people to know about this ethically sourced dog food and to see it on more stores' shelves. You can visit Open Farm at their website, on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram



Sunday, 13 September 2015

Living with an Epileptic Dog - What to do if your dog has a seizure

If you’ve ever experienced your dog having a seizure you know how unsettling it is. You feel helpless but you aren’t entirely. There are things you can do to ensure your dog’s safety and yours. My most important piece of advice is to try and remain calm (I know easier said than done). The first time my dog Effie had a seizure, I had no idea what was happening and I panicked. If I had known more about seizures, it would have been a lot less stressful.

If your dog experiences any of the following, he may be having a seizure:



  • Disorientation or staring into space;
  • Bumping into things, stumbling on his feet;
  • Temporary blindness or paralysis;
  • Collapsing on the floor (drooling, jerking, shaking, paddling motions).


If your dog is having a seizure, do the following:


  • Clear the area around your dog of sharp items or anything that could potentially harm him;
  • Block any open stairways;
  • Remove your dog’s collar if possible (but avoid getting too close to the mouth and head);
  • Take a video of the seizure for your vet;
  • Document all the information you can (when it occurred, how long it lasted, whether your dog was conscious or unconscious, shaking, drooling, paralysis);
  • Call your vet if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if your dog has more than one in a 24 hour period.


Dogs are disoriented when they come out of a seizure and it takes time for them to get back to normal. It could be anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the dog. During this time they may not recognize you. If that happens, use a soft welcoming voice but give them space. They will come around. Other dogs seek comfort and reassurance after a seizure. Give them the reassurance they need whether it’s a massage, a cuddle or a particular food. Most of you will instinctively know what will help. Remain calm and do any required clean up quietly.

If and when you decide to put your dog on medication, make sure you and your vet are on the same page. They will need to ensure that the medication dose reaches and maintains a safe therapeutic level by doing blood tests. So it’s more expensive at the beginning. Once the level is reached and the dose of medication is established, you can do blood work just once or twice a year. Life does happen but try not to miss a dose and never stop the medication without first discussing with your vet. Typically once you start your dog on an anti-seizure medication, he will be on for it for life. Any changes to the medication whether it be the dose or trying a different one should be discussed with your vet.




Effie is currently taking 30 ml of Phenobarbital every 12 hours. In order to keep the time as close as possible we decided on 7am and 7pm. I bought a pill organizer and have the two doses in every day so I don’t have to rely on my memory. I set a reminder in my calendar for every night just in case. It sounds scary and overwhelming but we’ve gotten use to it.  I try to look at it like this … when you adopt a dog you have to feed him every day to keep him alive and healthy. Well this is no different. And to date Effie remains seizure free!

June 2016 update: The month of April 2016 was a tough one for Effie as she had four seizures. After the last seizure our vet consulted with a neurologist. It was recommended to us increase her dose of Phenobarbital to 60 ml every 12 hours. We agreed and she has not had another seizure since.

Previous articles:

Living With an Epileptic Dog - Effie's Story

Articles to follow:

• What is a seizure?
• Canine Epilepsy
• Seizure Triggers
• Canine Seizure Medication and Side Effects


Friday, 11 September 2015

Living Alone is Never Lonely with Dogs

I can't imagine two faces I would rather wake up to every morning.

I've lived alone in Denver for close to ten years now, with my dad staying with me off and on for the past few years. A friend said recently that she had never lived alone, and didn't know if she could. I'm an introvert who relishes solitude and independence, but without animal companionship I'm positive I would not enjoy it to the extent that I do. As much as I admire and aspire to the idea of a life-affirming wilderness trek like Cheryl Strayed in Wild, if I didn't have a dog along the journey would be missing something crucial.

More recently, with the addition of first Ruby and then Boca, I've become even more of a homebody as I leveled up in the dog crazy echelons. While I love brunches with friends and visits to the museum, the truth is that the place I'd most often rather be is home with my dogs. I just can't seem to get enough of watching them interact with each other, refining my own communication with them, and the simple reassurance of their physical presence. We enjoy each other without expectation, without a common spoken language.

We love spending time outside together.

Ruby is approaching 3 years old and has become such a sweet and happy girl. She is so affectionate and the quiet moments of the early morning when she is still sleepy and snuggly are one of my favorite parts of the day. She usually sleeps curled up near my pillow, while Boca sleeps at my feet. When Ruby wakes up she stretches herself across my chest, kisses my face and waits for her ear scratches, then will sometimes roll over cradled in the nook of my arm for belly rubs.  

A blissful Boca in a room of her own.

Boca remains the easiest dog in the universe. She is happiest laying around in various states of sprawl. In the sun on the patio, in her crate (the only time I ask her to go in it is when they get tendons, fish skins or marrow bones but she will open the door herself and sleep there every evening between about 8 and 10 when we go to bed), on the loveseat, sofa or bed. This morning she was curled up cozily on top of two pillows - a potcake princess and the pea. I've started playing tug with her regularly (Ruby plays tug almost every night) - she is a much more challenging opponent than Ruby and is still working on her manners, but she learned very quickly not to lunge and re-grip when she drops it, but rather to sit and wait for me to give the tug back. This nightly ritual of play with both girls has become very dear to me.

Patio sentries and formidable fly hunters.

I was thinking about how the personalities of Ruby and Boca compare and contrast both to one another, and to my previous pair of dogs, Lasya and Freya. Freya was fearful and slightly neurotic, clingy and affectionate. I felt she needed my protection. Lasya was perhaps the doggiest dog I've ever known - very in touch with her huntress side, calm and wise with no use for rules or regret. I felt protected by her.

In a similar way I have that balance with Ruby and Boca. Ruby is intense and hypervigilant, requiring my help to navigate an overwhelming world and channel all that energy. She is also probably the smartest dog I've ever known, and the smallest dog I've ever had (with the exception of my foster Chihuahua, Vlad). I feel fiercely and devotedly protective of her. Boca is unassuming, optimistic, humorous and determinedly relaxed, but I get a sense of profound loyalty from her as well. I feel safe with her. However the three of us negotiate our different roles, what's always is true is that we aren't alone. We are home, we are together, we are loved.

Wednesday, 9 September 2015

Guest Article - 9 Things I’ve Learned from Being a Dog Walker

Having been a dog walker for about 2 years I wanted to share my experience because it has taught me many things, challenged me, helped me grow, taught me invaluable skills, and made me more self-aware. I’ve used the lessons that I’ve learned far outside of dog parks. Professional dog walking involves many things beyond scooping up the poop, scratching bellies, and taking brisk walks in the sunshine. There are good days and bad days and it’s all part of the experience. Some days are easy and humorous and some days are sad and heartbreaking. Toronto is a great place for people and dogs and people with dogs! Although, I’m sure every dog owner wishes for more off leash trails and dog designated areas in their neighborhood. The things I’ve learned aren’t exhaustive and there are plenty more to come! But if you are still reading I hope you will enjoy what I’ve got so far:

  1. To be a dog walker you must really enjoy being outdoors. Bad weather is not for everyone. Clear sunny days make you feel like you hit weather jackpot. But summer only lasts for a couple of months in Toronto and fall, winter, and spring bring the nasties. I.e. snow storms, freezing temperatures that hurt your skin, slush, mud, non stop rainfalls, etc.

  2. Being taken for a walk in the middle of the day is like the moment you board the plane to go on a tropic vacation for dogs. They are always happy to see you, can’t wait to get into car, meet other dogs, and get to the park to run around. Dogs just don’t have the “I don’t feel like a walk today” attitude which can make you enjoy working with dogs more so than with people! Although, other behaviours can be more challenging to deal with.

  3. Getting a dog to listen to you and do what you are asking them to can be hard or not! Every dog has a unique personality. Some learn the recall very quick and others take more time. Taking the time to understand each dog’s unique needs and their response to different commands, response to being around other dogs, and what they value helps build strong communication with them. Strong communication, positive reinforcement, and creating clear and consistent expectations really help create a common ground for communicating and understanding one another.

  4. Dogs do not necessarily take on personalities of their owners. Don’t judge a dog by its owner. Or vice versa. Actually, don’t judge at all!

  5. Certain behaviours can be very challenging but they also create an opportunity to develop skills and to tackle reactions and emotions that arise. Practicing and growing patience is one of the invaluable skill here.

  6. Many people will have their own take on the “right way” to manage people and dog situations. Have a conversation, share your thoughts, ask questions. At the end of the day, let go. That’s what dogs would tell you to do if they could talk.

  7. Some days are great but others you spend being stuck in traffic, complaining about construction permits, and just not being in the mood to face up to challenging human and dog behaviours. Days like these come and go.

  8. Yes, dogs do need to be walked. Getting outdoors is important for physical and mental health. Being out and playing with other dogs allows them to get daily exercise, energy, socialize with others and be less grumpy or restless!

  9. You and your dog don’t speak the same language yet it doesn’t stop you from being best buds. Great companionship isn’t rooted in words alone.

Mila xx

Posted on June 14, 2015

Website is: http://www.pawtheory.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/paw.theory