Tag Archives: dogs

Dogs create instant bond

Bonding over history

Despite the fact we haven’t seen each other in nine years (!), the bond was instantly back and conversation was easy, interesting, involved a lot of laughing, a little reminiscing, and no politics whatsoever. One of us is not on the same end of that spectrum as the others. Since we’re all grown up, we chose to cherish friendship over whatever disagreements we may have.

We wound up closing the place down – talking for hours. Since all we drank was water, it was a fun evening fueled by personality alone.

And dogs

Looking at the evening from a next-day perspective, one really interesting factor stands out. Three of us were dog people. The fourth, Hope’s college bff, has never had a dog, isn’t interested in dogs, and “wouldn’t let an animal dictate my schedule.”

She very politely tolerated the rest of us – because half the evening was spent talking dogs.

The commonality creates an instant connection. The woman Hope barely knew in college is the one she wound up sharing pictures, videos, and swapping dog stories with. The fourth woman, whose last dog passed away about four years ago, was telling dog stories with us – recalling with much love and many laughs our dogs’ individual personalities, quirks, brilliance, and naughtiness.

Understanding the connection

All three of the others are teachers. We didn’t talk about school much. We talked about dogs. That instant bond of shared experience clicked in. We’ve talked before about how dogs create community. This is just another example.

Hope is the only one who does “stuff” with her dog. And the others weren’t really interested in that stuff. Their dogs, past, and current, are integral parts of their lives and the source of great joy, amusement, companionship, and, ultimately, sorrow.

Dog people get it

Of course Hope asked the woman who lost her dog a while back asked if/when she was planning another. Her response was telling – yes, after she retires in a few years. Because, at this point, “it wouldn’t be fair to the dog.”

We understand completely. She works long hours, travels to conferences often, and makes trips to the west coast to see one of her children.

She is planning the next dog, though. A smaller one (her Killian was a black Lab mix) that she could travel with. One that wouldn’t shed quite as much – she’d prefer not to deal with the fur.

She never said she didn’t want to be “tied down.” Or that dogs are inconvenient.

Home is where are dogs are

The evening came to an end when the woman Hope barely knew before and had the longest drive home, looked at the time and announced she had to get home to Eli, her Sheltie. That’s when Hope’s friend said she’d never allow her comings and goings to be dictated by an animal’s needs.

The three of us looked at her like she was nuts and, in unison, said “They’re so worth it.”

Get the scoop on dog poop

Everybody does it

Regardless of what you feed your dog, and we understand that friendships are won and lost over the topic of dog food, at some point your dog is going to get some kind of tummy upset and you’ll be left with the consequences. Speaking of which – for the inevitable “stepped in it” situation, we keep an old vegetable brush outside near our back door just to deal with “poop vs. shoe” consequences. It works like a charm, even on athletic shoes. Next time you’re in the local dollar store, pick up a couple extra. You won’t be sorry.

Primer on poop

We’ve learned there are 4 “C” of poop – Consistency, Color, Contents, and Coating (thank you PetMD). There are variations on normal, depending on the individual dog and what he/she may be eating. If you know that a certain combination of these “C’s” is normal for your dog, there’s probably no reason to be concerned if your dog’s poop lies outside the “ideals” for each trait.

Consistency

None of us goes around feeling our dog’s poop on purpose. But as responsible citizens, we all know what it feels like through the barrier of a plastic bag. Ideally, dog poop should “give” when pressed, much like Play Doh. Experts say it shouldn’t be hard and chalky (although some of my friends who feed the BARF diet would disagree), nor should it be formless and puddle-like. An occasional puddle or two indicates a dietary “oopsy” and if it persists, requires a visit to the vet.

Color

When we first heard the “Tootsie Roll” analogy, we couldn’t eat a former favorite candy for months.“Good” poop is brown. Other colors may indicate something going on in the dog’s system. Black can be a sign of bleeding, as can red, depending on where the irritation is in the dog’s system. Other indicators of something amiss can be gray or yellow. We’ve been known to panic when there’s pink in the pooper-scooper, until we remember our dogs ate something with beets the previous day. The AKC has published a “Color Wheel of Poop” you can check.

If you see something you can identify – it’s not a good thing. Unless it’s corn. Corn never changes.

But seriously, we’ve all dissected an occasional poop when something in the house is missing – whether it be a child’s toy, a sock, a piece of jewelry or coins. If you see something that looks like rice – that could be worms and requires professional attention.

Coating

If there’s something around your dog’s poop, it’s probably mucus and can mean a couple of things. Your dog could have a cold and be a mucus machine, just like us. Or it could be another indicator of a tummy upset. If you see streaks of blood, or your dog is straining to poop, it could mean he’s constipated. Again, if it persists more than a poop or two – go see your veterinarian.

Be prepared

We can cope with occasional poop problems with items from our pantry. We know our veterinarian always recommends not feeding for a day if your dog has loose poop. We’ve never been able to do that. Those puppy-dog eyes get us every time. So our staples include:

Canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling). Just a spoonful or two with a small portion of regular food has tightened things up promptly.
Saltine crackers. We actually don’t know why it works, but it can. We think it dates back to when we were kids and had tummy upsets – it’s what our mother gave us.
Pepto Bismol. Ask your vet before administering. And be aware that it will turn your pup’s poop black.
Rice. An oldie but a goodie for that “bland diet” veterinarians talk about. Make it with chicken or beef broth instead of water to make it more palatable for your dog.

Nothing but the poop

Keep in mind that any problems that persist more than a day or two merit a professional consultation. If your dog is in distress – don’t wait at all.

This time of year, it may be just a case of your dog convincing your guests that cheese and crackers are a regular puppy snack. Be kind – you can’t resist that face, either.

How to get your dog to love Pawz boots

What are Pawz?

Pawz are semi-disposable, natural rubber dog boots that come in packages of 12. They can be re-used as long as they stay intact. Keeping them clean (rinsing after use) and keeping the dog’s nails short, extends the life of the boot. On city sidewalks, a single boot may be good for 10 or so outings, depending on the surface and the dog.

Warmth isn’t really an issue for dogs. As long as their feet are dry, with no snowballs between their toes, no melting ice on their nails, most dogs don’t care. If you’re still uncomfortable, you can get socks to put on underneath the Pawz. For the smallest dogs, you may have to go to the toy department and get doll socks, otherwise baby or toddler socks would be fine.

First: Fitting Pawz right

Most dog owners haven’t noticed that their dogs’ front feet are wider than the hind feet. Or they may have noticed, but the implication didn’t sink in. Your dog may need two different sizes of Pawz. Which is another reason these are the best boots – you don’t have to spend a fortune for two different sizes.

The best way to get a proper fit is to bring your dog into Golly Gear and let us do it.

Unfortunately, that’s probably not possible for most of you.

The second best way is to get: a piece of paper, a pencil, some kind of measure, a couple of dog treats, and your dog. Go into a room with a hard floor (wood, tile, laminate). Have your dog stand on the paper and mark each side of the dog’s paw. You don’t need to trace the paw, you don’t need the front or back – just the sides. Do it for a front paw and a back paw. Give your dog a cookie and let him/her go play.

Measure twice

Measure the distance between your marks and compare it to the “Paw Width” column on the Pawz page on our website here. If both your dog’s paws fall into the same size – terrific! If not, plan on getting two different sizes for your dog. Probably the larger size for the front, especially if your dog has dew claws. The smaller size will generally be for the back paws.

Getting your dog to love his/her Pawz

Most dog boots don’t bend. And the smallest sizes bend even less. It’s one of the reasons most dogs hate boots. And why they resist wearing them and can fling them off.

Another reason they hate boots is because they can’t feel the ground under their feet. Most people don’t care about feeling the ground, but dogs do. It’s what they’re used to and they rely on it to connect to the world around them. When they see they’re outside, they don’t expect a smooth surface under their feet. It creates a disconnect that can result in an unhappy dog.

Get used to it

When you first get Pawz for your dog it will be very new for both of you. You have to figure out how to get them on the dog. And the dog has to figure out how to navigate wearing them. We’re going to make it easy. Watch the video on our Pawz page on how to get them on. It’s easier to show than describe.

Do it one at a time

The dog’s hind paws are less flexible than the front, so they’re easier to maneuver the Pawz onto. The very first time you’re trying Pawz, or, if your dog has resisted in the past and you’re trying to re-introduce them, here’s what you do: put one Pawz on a rear dog paw. Do it in the house, with your dog on leash. Put on the boot, then just walk around the house, talking calmly to your dog. Let him get used to the boot for a few minutes. If he/she is adjusting fine, put another boot on the opposite front foot. And again, just walk around, letting him/her get used to it.

Generally speaking, introduced this way, most dogs adjust easily to wearing Pawz in just a few minutes. If your dog is extremely resistant, leave one boot on for 10 minutes or so, then take it off and try again later.

Don’t make a fuss

Please resist the temptation to laugh at your dog while he/she gets used to Pawz. Some dogs are pretty sensitive and don’t like being laughed at, regardless of how funny they look. Dogs trying to walk without putting their feet on the floor is pretty funny, but be strong! You can do it!

You can also get your dog used to wearing Pawz. Get the right fit, take your time, go at your dog’s pace. It’ll be worth it. Your dog will walk comfortably outside through snow, ice, and salt. And stay out long enough to finish his/her business!

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