Big White Dog Day 2 ... UPDATED!!!!!!!

 update:
We would like to thank everyone who e-mailed us about this wonderful dog.  Her sore paw is totally healed, the embedded nails removed and most of her coat was saved.  She is now happily loved in her own home and with any luck her past will fade away from her memory.  It was awesome that so many of you cared and took the time to contact us about her.  
 





The Big White Dog, (who still needs a name) is doing much better.  She ate a lot yesterday, quietly explored the house and then returned to her post in the master bedroom to sleep some more.  She is sleeping a lot!!  Every time I would enter the room, she would roll over and lift her sore paw to me as if asking for some help.  It's very sad, she has double dew claws and they have fused together and are embedded inter her pad.   Keeping that in mind, we stayed on the grass when I took her out to go potty.  I don't think she goes potty on grass because she would not go.

Today we will go to the home of another volunteer to work on her coat attempt to cut the nail, if we can not get it out, it will have to be done by a vet.

 
The "ball" above her pads is her swollen dew claw!  on the other foot, the nails on her dew claw have actually curled around in a cirlcle, but at least they did not get into the pad.

As you can see, her once beautiful tail is a hot mess!  After feeling her coat really good yesterday, I have doubt that we can save it, but we will try.  This poor baby may just have to be stripped :(

The Big White Dog part 1

Last night while traveling down a rural 2 lane highway with nothing but a rock quarry and lots of open space, I saw what I thought to be a very old dog, muddy, limping and walking with a broken spirit.  I drove on by, about 5 miles down the highway, my conscience got the better of me and I made a u-turn.  As I pulled up to the rock quarry, I noticed a few other cars had stopped too.  We tried for at least 45 minutes to catch her, then she squeezed through some barbed wire and headed for the orchards.   We all left feeling defeated.  She was heavy on my mind and I feared I would see her hit on the side of the road as I made my way home.  Much to my surprise,  I spotted her!!  She had traveled about 8 miles in the 2+ hours since I had last encountered her and a woman was trying to chase her, well she chased her right into the road and in front of a car.  Thankfully, the dog made it to the other side of the road.  After about an hour and with the help of a Subway Sandwich, I was able to catch her!!  She is not an old dog at all, beautiful white teeth, she appears to be 1-2 years old and was most likely dumped! 

I lead her to my car and as soon as I opened the door, she hopped in and settled down.  She is a WONDERFUL dog!  She totally ignored my cat, went right to my young son and then found a spot to rest.  She drank a lot of water and nibbled on food, but she was just too tired to eat :(

Tired Baby.......

She is depressed, tired, skinny, matted and the reason she was limping is because she has a nail that has curved around and embedded itself into her dangling dew claw!

This morning she ate a BIG breakfast!  She is still unsure of what has happened to her life.  She needs to be groomed (if anyone out there can volunteer some grooming we would gladly accept it!).  All in all, she is adjusting as well as can be expected, she has road rash on the top of her muzzle and the embedded nail, but other than that, she seems healthy.  She LOVES kids and has been very calm in the house.

I think she may very well be a Great Pyrenees.  She is going to be a stunning dog once cleaned up and healed. 


We will be looking for an adopter for this beauty if her family is not found, we would like to think that someone is out there looking for her, but the reality of it is that she was most likely dumped to fend for herself.


We need a name for this beauty, post any ideas you have for her new name in the comment section or join us on Face Book!!  Any donations for her grooming, vet care, etc.. would be greatly appreciated. She does need a few things of her own, like a bed, crate, toys (all of these things will go with her when she is adopted)


Stay tuned for updates!! 

Educational toys for your puppy??

We buy educational toys for our children, so why not for our dogs?  Just like a human infant, puppies need to have their minds stimulated too!!  We encourages all pet owners to check out some of the fantastic educational toys that are available for our pets!  We've come a long way baby...... there is so much more available today for our pets.  Kong toys, the old standby are still great and we think everyone should have one, but there is so much more.  Not only will you stimulate mind growth, but you will occupy your best friend and we all know a pet that is happy and content is less likely to exhibit destructive behavior, separation anxiety, excessive barking, the list goes on and on.  

Please enjoy the following article, we hope it to be informative to you.  Let us know if you have a favorite educational toy (bought or even home made!!).

Not all dog toys are created equal. Much like children, educational toys are becoming popular for puppies because of the added value seen in making your puppy ‘think’ while they play. Often educational toys for a puppy are also interactive toys or toys that require you to play with the pup. This interactive play improves the bond between the puppy and owner, an important part of owning a dog. Educational Toys for Puppies Educational toys for a puppy are toys that expose the pup to sounds, textures, and actions that they would not normally be exposed to in day to day life. This exposure ensures a well-socialized pup that does not react negatively to new or different experiences. It is a vital part of raising a well-adjusted canine companion that is a calm and relaxed even in normally stressful situations. Stuffed educational toys for puppies often have a variety of textures to increase tactile exposure and often have various ‘arms’ to chew on. Think of an octopus with eight arms and a soft center body. The arms make for fun grabbing and tossing while often holding a variety of squeakers. The body is bigger and could have a sound maker different then a squeaker to add variety. The octopus could also be made out of two types of material – soft fuzzy on top and a tougher underside. Think of all the tactile and audible variations the pup experiences each time they play with the toy? Balls and things to chase are often classed as educational toys for puppies. Balls are also an interactive toy in that one of the best ways to both exercise and interact with a pup is through playing fetch. However, consider the Kong – a famous knobbly oblong shaped toy that bounces in a million directions each time it lands. Would learning to anticipate the trajectory of the bounce not be considered education? Kongs can also be stuffed with peanut butter and biscuits as a way of distracting a busy puppy and the company prides itself on producing products that are almost impossible to chew through. Rope toys are a fun, interactive activity for puppies and their owners. Rope toys often come in a variety of sizes, shapes and ways with which to play. Sometimes they come with a variety of other materials or toys attached to them as well – a Kong with a rope through it, for example. These added textures increase the ways a toy can be played with as well as adding extra interest for the puppy. Rope toys can ‘shed’ their fibers however and a puppy can chew off a section of rope and swallow it so these  toys  should only be given when the puppy can be supervised. One of the most versatile of educational toys for a puppy is a kibble ball. Kibble balls are designed to be filled with either kibble or treats that gradually dispenses as the pup pushes the ball around. Learning to use the ball takes the pup a bit of time but the instant reward of the treat dispensing usually has even the most reluctant of puppies excited about playing. This is a great way to keep a high energy puppy busy for a while and helps them to learn to use their nose. Kibble balls are also an excellent way to keep a puppy busy while you leave them to go to work. Instead of giving the pup a chew to distract them, give them their breakfast in the ball and over the course of the day, they will empty it out and enjoy their breakfast. Outdoor educational toys for a puppy are perfect for the pup with a yard. Home agility equipment helps build a stronger bond between owner and pup by teaching both to run an extremely basic agility course. Pups learn to walk along a raised platform, weave between poles, leap over short jumps, and run through a tunnel. Read the instructions thoroughly however before attempting to teach your pup as a bad experience on any one of these obstacles can traumatize a young dog for life. Although mandatory supervision is required, there are homemade educational toys for a puppy including plastic water or pop bottles either on their own or filled with rocks, cardboard boxes with holes cut in them, crumpled up newspaper, and ropes with bells or chew toys attached to one end while the other is attached to a tree branch or to the ceiling above somehow. Pups love playing with a variety of toys and anything that makes the pup think is a great toy for building confidence and  socialization . To keep pups interested in their toys, limit how many they have to play with and rotate them each day so they do not become bored as easily. It is essential to stimulate their young minds and interactive play sessions with educational toys is an wonderful experience for both the pup and it’s owner! Did you find this article helpful?  Please post a comment  :)

Tell us how to make YOUR blog better........

We are striving to make this blog a fun and interesting place for our visitors.  We try to share information, ideas and even fun articles and videos.  At times, we may post some information and/or videos that really are for mature adults, some of these focus on abuse and can be quite graphic.  We would like to remind you that these are not intended for your children to view, but to raise the awareness of animals in horrific situations and hopefully by sharing these items, we will become part of the solution.

We need your feedback!  Tell us what you would like to see, comment  and send us your updates!!

This blog is for YOU!  If you would like to contribute an article, video, training tips, etc... please contact us!!

We LOVE this toy!!! The Duster Cube is a PUPZNPALZ Favorite!!

 If you have been looking for a fun, interactive toy that will keep your dog busy, stimulate his mind and reward him, look no further!  We have found a great toy!  


Not the easiest toy to find, but we were able to find them online at a reasonable price. 

Post a comment, let us know what you think of this cube if you try it or if you have any favorite toys that you would like to recommend, please do so!!


BUSTER CUBE


An educational toy for your dog.

The Buster cube is an ingenious toy which stimulates your dog mentally and
helps him to utilize excess energy, using many of his natural instincts in the
process. All you have to do is show your dog how to roll the cube so that some
dry food falls out, catching your dog's interest. The Buster cube can also help solve or minimize behavioral problems
originating from fear, aggression or boredom.
It's easy to use :

Put the dry food into the cube through the opening.

Turn the Cube to distribute the food into the various compartments

Turn the cylinder in the Cube to adjust the level of difficulty.

Encourage him to roll, and push the cube around.

Back To School Tips For Families With Dogs

Back To School Tips For Families With Dogs
Bark Buster Offer Tips For Back To School
Wow, time really flies, summer is coming to an end and school is starting (if it hasn't already started in your area). A out a lot of really great pets get adopted over the Summer Vacation, but now as it is time for great changes in your home, we at thought that theses Back-to-School Tips for Families with Dogs might make the transition a little easier for your family and your dog!!

We sincerely hope that these tips will help parents and children prepare their dogs for the schedule change!

We found this great article by Bark Busters and think you will find this information very helpful. Please let us know if you have any other tips, ideas or methods that you have used to help your beloved pooch during this transition. We really enjoy your comments and feedback! :)

As kids head back to school, Bark Busters — the world’s largest dog training company — offers suggestions to help families avoid behavior problems with their dogs that often accompany this time of transition. By providing training and the right combination of food, shelter and entertainment, families can help their canine companions adapt to a new schedule.

“When children return to school, the stress on every family member can be huge — including the family dog,” said Amy Clear, dog behavioral therapist and trainer, Bark Busters USA. “This abrupt change in routine can seriously affect our canine companions, who are creatures of habit. But with a little understanding and preparation before the first day of class, families can avoid many of the back-to-school behavior problems their dogs might exhibit.”

Separation Anxiety
With parents at work and no children to play with during the day, dogs left alone can become stressed, often resulting in destructive behaviors and endless barking. Following these guidelines can help reduce the potential stress of separation and help return dogs to normal in a few weeks.

• Start early: At least a week before your children go back to school, get your dog used to being alone. Begin by separating your dog from the kids and the rest of the family. For example, if you frequently take your dog with you to the store, leave him at home.
• Pay less attention to him: Dogs may be the center of attention when the children are home. You need to change this scenario before the children return to school so that your family dog can adjust more quickly to the quiet time. Pay less attention to your dog for increasing amounts of time about a week before school and extend the amount during the days that follow.
• When you leave: As you and the family leave your home, don’t confuse your dog by saying in a sweet voice, “Don’t worry – we’ll be home soon. Be a good boy.” If he is feeling concerned that you are leaving, your happy, high-pitched voice can make him think it’s okay to feel this way. Dogs are pack animals and, as such, they expect their leaders to be strong when they leave the pack. Therefore, ignore your dog for about 10 minutes before you leave.

Boredom
Dogs sleep a great deal during the day, but when they wake up, they want something to do. It doesn’t take much to entertain a dog, even when you’re not at home.

• Scatter food: Dogs are natural foragers who love to look for food on the ground — and will literally spend hours doing so. Scatter a variety of foods (such as bits of raw vegetables and/or dog kibble) around the yard when you leave. (Note that some foods attract wasps. Avoid meats and sweet-tasting foods like apples.) You might even try hiding some treats so your dog spends time looking for them. And always provide lots of fresh, clean water to keep your dog well hydrated.
• Build a digging pit: Dogs love to dig, so rather than trying to eliminate this natural instinct, control where they dig by building them their own special place. Build a digging pit (as you would a sandbox for a child), and teach your dog that it belongs to him. Bury his favorite chew toy or bits of cheese in the digging pit and when he digs them up, praise him lavishly. Very soon he will learn where to dig — and, more importantly, where not to dig.
• Toys: Dogs love toys, but they can quickly get bored with them or destroy them. First, buy high-quality, virtually indestructible toys that your dog will always enjoy, such as those that hold treats like the Buster Cube™ and KONG™. Second, every few days, rotate what toys are available to him. This gives your dog something new and fun to hold his interest.

Shelter
Dogs need to have their own “home.” Just as we feel more at ease in our home, so do dogs. If your dog doesn’t have a place of his own, create one for him.

• Crate: Dogs love crates. Dogs are descended from animals that live in dens, and a crate has the same characteristics of a den. If your dog hasn’t been crate trained, don’t start training him the day the kids leave for school. That’s too late and can actually add to his stress. Although your dog will soon enjoy his new den, do not leave him in his crate for extended periods of time. If you find you will be away longer than 10-12 hours for a dog and 6-8 hours for a puppy, ask a friend to come by to let him out to toilet.
• Dog house: If your dog will be kept outside while you are gone, be sure he has shelter in which to get out of the weather. Dogs are more relaxed when they are covered and in familiar surroundings. Place the dog house next to the house so that he feels like it is an extension of the larger “den.” Provide a blanket or some other soft, inviting bedding.
• Laundry room: If your dog will be inside all day and you are concerned about him toileting in the house, enclose him in an area that is rather small (this inhibits the tendency to toilet) and has a floor of vinyl or tile in case he makes a mistake.


Unusual Behavior
When dogs are stressed, they can sometimes exhibit unusual behaviors, such as jumping up or even biting. It is not uncommon for children to come home from school and be greeted by the dog in an unnecessarily rough manner, knocking a child to the floor. After being left alone all day, the dog has pent-up energy — and when he sees the kids, his excitement might cause him to overreact.

• Train the kids: Parents need to train their children to avoid immediately entering the dog’s area as soon as they get home. Kids should ignore the pet for 5-10 minutes to allow him to settle down. With young children, it is always best to have a parent present to reduce the chance of a problem. Once your dog learns the routine, he will relax.
• Train your dog: It is amazing how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable and what is not. Dogs have a language of their own and once we understand it, we can easily control them by “speaking their language.” Bark Busters specializes in using dogs’ natural, instinctive communication methods as the way to train them. It’s simple, and it works.

These guidelines are based on Bark Busters’ expertise in dog behavior. Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists are renowned authorities in understanding, correcting and managing dog behavior. In every market where Bark Busters is established, a majority of veterinarians familiar with the technique recommend the company’s services.

MICROCHIPPING 101

WHAT IS MICROCHIPPING?

Microchipping is Permanent Pet Identification

We use the HomeAgain micro chip, so are providing you with information from their site. It is our goal to offer affordable micro chipping to ANY pet owner (just $10.00) and FREE Micro Chipping to all dogs adopted from us!

The HomeAgain® Microchip Identification system is a safe, simple and permanent form of pet identification designed to quickly identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners. Over 10 million pets become lost each year.* 1 out of every 3 pets is lost during its lifetime, and only 1 in 10 lost pets is found. ** The HomeAgain® Microchip Identification System is a proven way to successfully recover your pet if it should become lost.
IS MICROCHIPING SAFE?

Microchipping is Safe, Simple, and Effective Technology

No bigger than a grain of rice, the HomeAgain microchip is a small, sterile transponder that contains a unique ID code capable of being read by a compatible scanner. The microchip’s biocompatible material is extremely safe for the animal. The HomeAgain microchip is a passive device. It requires no battery and remains inactive until it is scanned.
NEW PET? OLD FRIEND?

Pet owners agree, the major benefit of HomeAgain is Peace of Mind.

Anesthesia is not necessary for implantation. Consider having your pet microchipped during a scheduled procedure or check up. Microchipping your pet with HomeAgain takes just seconds, is relatively painless and is recommended for dogs and cats of all breeds and ages. It is safe for puppies and kittens, as well as older pets who may wander away from home.
HOW DO RECOVERIES HAPPEN?

24/7 Database Access

When you enroll your microchipped pet in the AKC Companion Animal Recovery’s nationwide recovery database, your contact information is safely stored until it is needed to reunite you with your pet. A professional recovery team maintains the database 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and notifies you as soon as your pet’s ID number is called into the 24-hour recovery hotline. Animal clinics and shelters scan lost animals and call the AKC companion Animal Recovery unit to report a found pet. Currently, with the HomeAgain Microchip Identification System, a successful recovery occurs approximately every 15 minutes.
A PLACE FOR YOU AND YOUR PET ON THE INTERNET

Free Online Benefits

HomeAgain uses the Internet to provide you with unique opportunities. Once your pet has been microchipped with HomeAgain and enrolled with the AKC Companion Animal Recovery unit, you are eligible for free membership on the HomeAgainID.com website. Registered users receive pet related news and feature articles, a monthly newsletter, and an online database for storing your pets health information. Look for more important services like these in the future. www.HomeAgainID.com

*The National Humane Society
** The National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy




RESPONSIBLE PET CARE

Microchip

With microchip identification, a pet that is lost can be shown the way home. The case for having your pet implanted with a microchip is a strong one, as the statistics show that microchipping is the best, most reliable method of permanently identifying your pet.

More than 258,032 people have discovered just how true this is, as their pets were returned to them thanks to microchip identification; don't let your pet become just another statistic.

The Case

Having a microchip ID tag installed is one of the simplest forms of permanent identification. The benefits of a microchip ID far outweigh the costs - a few dollars hurts far less than the pain of losing a beloved friend.

The case for having your pet microchipped is a strong one, as the facts do not lie:

* 30-60% of lost pets in shelters are euthanized because they cannot be properly identified and returned to their owner.
* Only about 14% of dogs and 4% of cats who end up in shelters are returned to their rightful owners.
* Less than 25% of all animals that enter shelters are adopted by new owners.
* About 2 million pets that are reported missing each year may be victims of theft.
* Collar tags are a great way to identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners, but they can easily come off or be removed.
* Tattoos are difficult to remove from an animal, but they are still not 100% reliable. Tattoos can be altered, fade, or blur, and are not always easy to read.
* Reading a microchip is far easier than trying to read the tattoo of a frightened stray animal.
* Microchipping is permanent, completely unalterable, and does not change or harm the appearance of the animal in any way.
* There are about 20,000 microchip scanners currently in use by shelters, veterinarians, and municipal organizations around the country.
* The procedure is safe, inexpensive, fast and virtually painless for the animal.

Microchip: Statistics

Microchipping has proven in a very short time to be the most effective means of providing your pet with permanent identification. The numbers don't lie.

* Approximate number of dogs in the US: 60,000,000
* Approximate number of cats in the US: 65,000,000
* Number of pets entering animal shelters each year: 8-10 million
* Number of pets that are euthanized each year: 4-5 million
* Percentage of pets in animal shelters that are either returned to their owners or adopted out to new families: less than 25%
* Number of pets that have HomeAgain microchip identification: 2,765,526
* Approximate number of microchip scanners currently in use by shelters and veterinarians: 20,000
* Number of pets recovered thanks to their microchip ID's: 258,03

Sources:
American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2001-2002 National Pet Owners Survey.

HomeAgain Pet Recovery Service



HOW IT WORKS

Have a HomeAgain® microchip inserted into your pet.

Enroll your pet's ID information with the HomeAgain Pet Recovery Service using the simple form provided by the inserter.

Rest assured that if your pet is lost, scanning can help point the way home.

The HomeAgain Pet Recovery Service is contacted to obtain the owner's name and phone number.

You are contacted immediately and plans are made for you to bring your pet home.


TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The HomeAgain Microchip

The HomeAgain Microchip Identification System starts, of course, with the microchip itself. Manufactured for Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation by Digital Angel, Inc., the microchips are comprised of a proprietary technology centered on the use of a passive electronic device that emits a radio frequency only when activated by the scanner.

Unique

Each HomeAgain microchip is in reality designed with the express purpose of storing and transmitting a unique alphanumeric code. This code represents your pet’s essential identification -- it is the number used by HomeAgain Pet Recovery Service to determine your address and phone number, enabling your pet to return home.

Size

Obviously, one of the most significant technical features of the HomeAgain microchip is its size. About the size of a grain of rice (approximately 12mm), the microchip is so small it usually cannot be seen in your pet once it has been implanted. Thanks to this small size, the actual implantation of the microchip is quite easy. Your veterinarian simply injects it beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, is virtually painless, and requires no special treatment or anesthetic.

For Life

Finally, and most importantly, the HomeAgain microchip has no batteries or internal energy source so it will last the life of your pet. After implantation, the microchip remains inactive until it is read with a scanner - the low radio frequency emitted by the scanner provides the microchip with the power necessary to transmit its unique code and positively identify the animal. Thus, the microchip itself has no internal power and will be able to transmit the ID code for the life of the animal.

Pet Microchipping PLUS Registration
Helps Bring Lost Pets Home Again

Petregistration.net is on a mission to quickly bring lost pets home again. You can help by microchipping your pet and registering your pet's microchip with a pet registry.

Here's how pet microchipping works

1. Lost pets are scanned with a simple handheld microchip scanner passed over the pet's back
2. The scanner identifies the pet's microchip number, which is entered into a pet microchip look up
3. Pet owner is identified and reunited with the pet if the microchip number was registered in the database

Having a pet microchip is not enough! You must also register your pet with a pet registry service

Register your Micro Chips!!

Recently, we at started participating in the Chipfurkeeps program in conjunction with Home Again and Pet Finder. We have been able to offer micro-chipping to pet owners for $10.00 and have included free micro-chipping to dogs adopted from us.

We are thrilled to say that many people have chosen to take advantage of this great offer!

Please remember that the chips are only helpful if you register them! Of the animals we have chipped, only about half of them have been registered! It only takes a few minutes to register your chip, if you need help, please contact us and we will walk you through the process.

Bottom line.........

REGISTER YOUR CHIPS!!!