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Last updated Fri, Jun 21, 2024
Results - Pawformance Sports!Enhancements to our Awards and Schedule pages are done! Thanks for your patience...both are much easier to navigate now with the new links. I wish I would have added them years ago! My next project - a page with my pups including my Chelsea Golden Retrievers. Highlights of the wonderful seven generations of Goldens and their people I have known starting with my first "Chelsea" prefix litter in 1980!
A Message from Mary T.
Summer Time Tips!
On days when the heat and/or humidity is high, keep your pet(s) comfortable. Heavy exercise should be done when it is cooler, set the alarm for an earlier time and again later in the evening as needed. So sad to see pets outdoors with sign of too much heat - walking your pup outdoors midday with high temps and/or humidity is just not healthy.
Protect your pet from pad burns from hot pavement and asphalt! If the walking surface is too hot for your hand to be on it for five minutes, it is too hot for your pet's paws!
Wading pools are a delight for most pets if you don't have access to a lake or pond. Past personal experience, buy early as there are usually hard to find once the hot temps are regular. If your pup is unsure of what to do, get in with him or her and a few toys... fun for both! Be sure to drain the pool after use each day! Do not let water sit stagnant. Beside 'growing' germs, sitting water will attract 'skeeters'! Outdoor ponds can provide entertainment - but - also may be a hazard. Puddles may attract vermin and critters. Usually as the summer sun heats ponds and lakes, bacteria & other undesirables grow.
Algae blooms are starting early this year!!! They are danger zones - bacteria can be deadly. Don't let your pet drink or swim in water with floaters.
If the water is clean, still be diligent to keep your pet's skin healthy. After allowing a wade or swim, rinse or wash your pup. Typcially, mid to late summer bacteria and other hazards may become a problem. This year, due to a milder winter is expected to a summer issue. Some beaches in MI were closed to swimmers on Memorial weekend. Bummer...
After swimming or wading, I suggest using a mild dog shampoo (perhaps oatmeal based for sensitive skin) diluted 50/50 with water to wash your pup after it has had some fun in a pond or lake. Be sure to rinse well with warm water - twice!! Do rinse under the feet and gently in between toes, too! A pup standing in soapy water and allowed out of the tub w/o rinsing the feet with clean water may develop issues later.
Aspirin pain relief products and Xylitol. Meds should be cleared with your veterinarian before giving. Note that Xylitol sweetner is very harmful to dogs and it may now be found in aspirin! It may cause a sudden release of insulin which then leads to a sudden drop of blood sugar. Be aware it is found in many products, check labels before letting your pet share snacks that are labeled for people. Please check with your veterinarian for a safe pain management.
Traveling Tip!
When traveling with your pet, it's best if your pet is comfortable on leash and able to potty away from home. For that reason, acclimating your pet to being on leash when relieving itself is a terrific idea. Some people never do this and their pet may resist going if leashed - so sad for the pup! Remember the 'how to do' tips shared at the end of your first class with me (if you stayed for same).
Pet edibles from China!!
This is not-so-new-news, but many well known stores have chosen to still sell treats on their shelves coming from China. There have been documented cases of thousands of pets that have died or became seriously ill from digesting food with toxins found in them in our country alone. Be sure to check labels and discard anything with "China" on it!! I find it sad what greed can do to people in the trade that we assume care about our pets... Too much info to share here on this subject - Google and learn.
Important Link Here:
FDA Pet Food Recalls & Withdrawals
DIY Long Line
If you are in need of a long line, looping two leashes together will work. Or, to save money - you may make one! Simply purchase parachute cord for smaller pets or clothesline or boat cord for larger ones and simply add a bolt snap. Adding another bolt snap at 20+ +/- intervals if longer lines are needed will save time if your pet may get tangled is a concern. Using a harness on your pet instead of a collar is recommended and be sure to supervise!
If you prefer to keep your pet in a limited area, consider an over head cable to provide for exercise. Consider ample 'head' room for people when setting this up! Again, a harness may provide a safer connection than a collar. Supervision is important, too. Pets can get tangled and visiting animals - including children - may come on to your property. : )
Donating? Keep your money local and give to the agencies that actually use the vast majority of the funds for the animals. There are many 'businesses' and even some local non profits that are skilled at taking advantage of people that have a soft spot for animals. Heart-wrenching ads on television can attract you. There is one agency that receives much money which provides their admin staff annual salaries of not only six digit figures, but high multiple hundred thousand $ salaries. TAILS DOWN!
Please help to spread the word! Your referrals are most appreciated. Business cards are available for drop off at pet related businesses and veterinary hospitals. Please share when you can! Much of my business is word of mouth and spreading the word will help ensure I'm still running when you get a future pup, thank you!
Enjoy your training journey and life with your pet!
My best, Mary T.
Beyond the Clouds, Waiting at the Bridge...
Recently lost pets, I'm hoping your memories offer some comfort.
Such a gift it is to have experienced the love and bond with a dear pet.
Sadly, not all people are fortunate enough to have this experience, be thankful for the time you have had!
"Meka" - Akita - Cindy H.
"Hercules" - Belgian Malinois - Tom S.
"Lucy-Lu" - American Cocker Spaniel & Golden Retriever, a 'Dakota' mix - Robert L. & Carrie S.