Life of Learning and Living with Opinions

Raising kids well is much harder than raising dogs well. So why are dogs dumped at shelters?

2011-07-12T18:15:00.002-05:00

I've raised puppies and I've trained dogs. I am currently raising my child. I see so many similarities between raising children and dogs well. However, I have recently decided that raising children is WAY harder than raising dogs. So why can't people seem to teach their dogs anything? Are these people raising children who run amock? Do they not teach their children how to behave? I have a hard time believing that all of the people who dump dogs at shelters (considering the millions who end up in shelters every year) are poor parents. Our society would cease to function if that were true! So why do people give up on their dogs? Are they just ignorant of how dogs should be raised? Ignorant of what can be done to increase the likelihood of a dog behaving well? There are plenty of books out there, plenty of websites to tell them what to do. Do they just not think about looking? Or are they too lazy to look for help?

Raising children really is harder than raising dogs.

Raising a dog well means training, exercise, training, love, training, and some more exercise. If you exercise a puppy well, you can give him a chewie bone and expect he'll be content for atleast an hour while you do something else. You can put a puppy in a kennel to keep him out of trouble while you do other things. Give him a stuffed Kong, and he'll be fine.

If you train a puppy well, using love and kindness and rewards (we call this positive reinforcement), you will have a grown dog who is well trained, happy, and able to go most places without issue. Dogs are basically programmed to want to please us. Even the most independent of dogs will respond to good training and to a certain tone of voice. They understand when you are displeased and will do their best to accommodate your wishes, even if they don't often understand what you want.

Children, now, are a completely different matter. Children, it seems, are preprogrammed to constantly try for independence. While this is a good thing when considering that you are raising an independent person, it makes training them somewhat problematic. They don't inherently want to please, as a dog does, and they will continually repeat the same behaviors just to see if they can. Being extremely stubborn is a good trait for a parent since we have to out-stubborn our kids. Explaining to a small child that a behavior is not allowed is not easy. It's infinitely easier to redirect a dog into an appropriate behavior than it is to redirect a kid.

Is it just simply that society expects parents to take care of their kids and not dump them on someone else? Do we as a society accept people dumping their pets? I think so. No one wants to upset anyone so the truth is never told. Shelters should have a sign on the front door giving the statistics of the number of dogs they take in, both strays and owner surrenders, the number of dogs they adopt out, the number of dogs they send to rescue, and the number of dogs they kill. Something has to make people think and atleast the straight facts might make a few people turn around and go back home WITH their pet. Are shelters afraid to share this information? Maybe. Perhaps they are afraid it will reflect on them and the job they are doing. Maybe so, in some cases, but in most cases it is the irresponsible people who are the root cause of the entire problem.

Totoshka needs help

2011-06-06T13:42:00.002-05:00

Totoshka entered our rescue high heartworm positive. He needs treatment before he can be adopted. Please help us to help Totoshka.

http://alsiberescue.chipin.com/totoshka

Why I Still Believe in Happy Endings

2011-02-25T00:15:00.002-06:00

In this world, it's often very difficult to believe in happily-ever-after. With a divorce rate of 50%, anger and hate so prevalent in the media, and the so-called example set for us by Hollywood and Washington, the idea of the princess and prince being together forever seems like a childish fantasy. Well, this evening, I met a man who has, after many years, found his happy ending.
My seat mate on my flight out to LA was an older gentleman. He didn't talk much most of the flight but as we were coming into LA, he seemed to feel compelled to tell me his story. I don't know his name and will likely never see him again, but his story touched me so that I feel compelled to share it.
When he was a young man, he was in the military and is a Vietnam Veteran. He was stationed at Shaw Air Force base. There he met a young lady, his commanding officer's secretary. They married and had children. When his daughter was young, he and his wife divorced. For whatever reason, and he said there were some family members who worked to make this happen, he lost touch with his ex-wife and their children. Just last September, his daughter found him on Facebook and called him, after 35 years. They spoke for many hours over the next few days and he eventually went to see her and his ex-wife, flying across the country. He has since spent several weeks at a time visiting with them and just a few weeks ago, he and his ex-wife remarried. They both lived their lives single, never found anyone else, and realized they always wanted to be together. He now has 4 grandchildren and has decided to move across the country to be with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was so happy that I could see tears in his eyes and he didn't seem the type to cry easily.
I don't know why he felt compelled to tell me his story. I am a stranger and was not encouraging conversation. I suppose he just needed to share. I am glad he shared. He renewed my faith in happily-ever-after.

Make your own baby food the easy way

2011-02-18T10:44:00.003-06:00

Making baby food at home sounds so daunting, but once you get the hang of it, it's super easy. Moms don't need Gerber to tell them what their baby should eat. We know our babies best. Plus, making food at home means no preservatives and you know exactly what baby is eating. If you're like me and want to limit baby's exposure to chemicals and plastics, making baby food at home is the answer.

Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans (frozen is easier), green peas (canned or frozen, check for no added salt), bananas, pears, apples, butternut squash, yellow squash, zucchini, peaches, prunes, and avocados are all great foods for baby.

On a weekend day when you have a bit of free time, wash and peel the fresh foods. Cut foods into thumb sized pieces and steam.
The Nesco 4 quart double steamer is BPA free, very inexpensive, and works great for steaming more than one food at a time.
Carrots take about an hour to steam. Most other foods are 30 mins or less. No need to steam pears or bananas. Just let them ripen to soft and puree.
Go about your business, play with baby, while the food cooks. This is the great thing about a steamer.

When steaming is done and the foods are soft enough to mash with a fork, either let cool in the steamer (will take longer to cool) or transfer to a bowl. Let foods cool to room temperature.

Place food with a little water in a food processor or blender. I've found that the Bullet (or it's off brand counterparts) works wonderfully for pureeing food in the amounts you are likely to make at once. Use the grinding blade. Grind to pureed. If you have a little trouble getting a good puree, add a little more water.

Spoon food into clean glass jars (I love these 3.75 oz from Specialty Bottle, way cheap, reusable, and the lid is lined with plastisol, no BPA or other bad things). I like to fill the 3.75 oz about halfway but you can add more if your baby is older. Just leave expansion room for freezing. Label jars using a sharpie with the type of food and the date.
Many people will tell you to freeze the food in cubes in an ice cube tray and then pop out and store in plastic bags. Too much plastic exposure for me and they get freezer burn in the bags. Storing in the glass jars means all you have to do is grab a jar whether at home or on the go. Baby can take his fruit to daycare, too.

Freeze food. Food can be stored in freezer for 2-3 months.

When baby is hungry, remove the metal lid and microwave for 30-60 s. Stir very well and make sure it's not hot before serving baby. Touch the food or let it cool for 30 mins.

With the right tools, making baby food at home is so easy. All in all, the actual work is about 1.5 hr once or twice a month. If you steam 2 or 3 foods at once (two medium sweet potatoes, a bag of carrots, 4 apples), you'll make enough for several weeks for a 6 month old baby.

Baby products that are super useful but no one really talks about needing them

2011-01-09T14:05:00.006-06:00

As a first time mom, it's very hard to know what you'll need and what is extraneous or not very useful. I've found some useful products through internet search when I thought "hey wouldn't it be so much easier if I had XYZ?". Products like the Munchkin formula dispenser have been wonderful and will fortunately be useful for some time as it can also be a snack dispenser when baby is older (cheerios anyone?). Other products, like the Kiddopotamus baby swaddler, would have been wonderful if I had known about it when my son was younger. I am providing a list of products here that would have been useful, or will be useful for a short time, here. I'm also including products that are useful if your child has to go to daycare. I don't like to buy things that aren't used much or if the same job could be done by something I already own, but some items really are very useful even if for a short time.

Kiddopotamus baby swaddler--if you've ever tried to swaddle an active baby who wants to fling his arms about and does not want them inside a blanket, you'll understand why this product would be very useful for a new baby. With a "harness" that fits around baby's trunk and has adjustable velcro straps, baby can not undo the swaddle by pushing his arms out. The lower portion is a detachable pouch for diaper changes without removing the upper part. I would have loved this product when Caleb was first born. I am certain he would have slept better. Plus, it's made from organic cotton.

Personalized pacifiers from MyPacifier.com--extremely useful if your child attends daycare or any other place with several children who have pacifiers. With your child's name directly on the paci, you (and daycare workers) will always know it's his paci. The price is quite reasonable at $15 for 3 pacifiers. They have several different styles and many colors. The lettering does not come off even when washed in the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle (45 min steam sterilization).

Bottle and sippy cup labels--there are a few different types of labels out there, silicone bands or stick-ons. The silicone bands have to be taken off for washing and are not typically printed in enough contrast to read from a few feet away. The bandette labels are not even printed but you write on with a sharpie, which comes off after a couple of washes. They are, however, moveable to different bottles or cups. The stick on labels remain in place through many dishwashings, do not fade, but can not be taken off and used again. I like the Applied Labels used along with the color tape from them. Ours have been through lots of dishwashing cycles and have not peeled off or faded at all. Since you'll only need to label a couple of sets of bottles, the pack of 24 is more than enough.

Grocery cart covers with pillows--Once my son started sitting up with support, I realized how much easier grocery shopping would be if he could sit up in the cart and have support. I found a grocery cart cover that has removable pillows, a great way to let baby see what's going on and still be supported and comfy, the Prop R Shopper. I thought I wouldn't need a cover, would just use a blanket, but quickly found out that blankets slip and slide with a wiggly baby. Stacking the diaper bag on one side and blankets on the other just makes life difficult. This product can be used for a long time and the pillows can be removed if more room is needed. Plus, it's very reasonably priced at ~$35.

Exersaucer--a friend suggested the Exersaucer to me before baby was born and another friend purchased it for us. This has been a wonderful gift! At 4.5 months, baby is sitting up supported and wants to be active. He LOVES bouncing in his exesaucer and making the music play. After 15 minutes of play, he's ready for a nap! The great thing about this toy is how it changes into a play station for older children. It can be used for a long period of time and is very entertaining. Be sure to get the one with music and lights that are activated by touching and/or bouncing.

rocking chair--most people realize they'll need a rocking chair. However, no one needs to spend $500 (or more!) on an overpriced, uncomfortable rocking chair from a big baby supply store. The things to look for in a rocking chair are comfort and support. Be sure there is lumbar support, good arm support (preferably high so you can rest an arm while holding baby), and some extra width for pillow props (especially if breast feeding). Finding one that reclines is even better as there will be nights when baby won't sleep unless you're holding him so you might just need to recline and doze yourself (be sure baby is secure and can not fall out of your arms!). A rocking stool for your feet is helpful. I already had a chair made similarly to these and this one and it has worked really well. The pockets on the side are great for holding a book, TV remote (up all night, you will need something to do while holding baby), or even a baby blanket. Now if only I could find a rocking chair that doubles as a resistance trainer!

Be sure to check my other posts on Baby Product Reviews, Diaper bags and what to put into a diaper bag, and Why doesn't anyone tell you how hard it is to be a new mom?, which discusses issues no one told me before I had a baby, like just how much you will swell.

Are vaccinations to blame or could the rise in childhood disease be the extensive exposure to chemicals, such as plastics?

2011-01-06T11:44:00.005-06:00

Many people have jumped on the idea that vaccinations cause autism, among other things, although there is no valid evidence to support these claims. Spouting from celebrities is not evidence. It is their uneducated opinion and their need to find something to blame. The ONE "scientific" study that supported these claims has since been shown to be falsified.
"Journal study linking vaccines to autism was falsified"
Who knows why the study PI would falsify data, perhaps for fame, perhaps for her own bias. Doesn't matter, but the study is false. Vaccinations, such as MMR, have been given to children for 60 years. A sudden jump in autism in the last 10-20 years being caused by this vaccine doesn't even make sense. I understand parents' needs to find some reason when their child is not "normal" or has some issue. It's perfectly natural to want to seek out the cause and fix it. The biggest problem with blaming vaccinations is the limitation that puts on everyone to find the actual cause. There must be a cause, yes, but there are so many other factors to consider besides vaccinations (which are tested in well controlled scientific studies and blaming big pharma because they want to make money is ridiculous. but that's a whole other post.) Exposure to chemicals from the air, water, ground, our pets (flea controls are pesticides), food, and plastics are all likely candidates for disease causes. More likely, it is the compounded problem of long term exposure to so many chemicals from so many sources.
Our water is not clean by virtue of sitting in a well and being filtered through the ground, as water once was. It is now "clean" by virtue of chemical treatments in plants. People dump everything down the drain or toilet and then don't understand why their county water contains medications! Our air is toxic, especially in the city, due to automobiles, big trucks, and industrial plants. But we can't live without our automobiles and we need the big trucks to haul our food and goods and the industrial plants make everything we need, like pipes to carry water to our house. Should there be better standards for clean water and air? Yes, and that's up to everyone to vote for politicians to make it happen, to write letters to current politicians and the EPA, and to Reduce/Recycle/Reuse. Besides these exposures that have grown exponentially in the last 50 years, we are also exposed to plastics like people never were in the past.
Consider this, when I was a child over 30 years ago, our dependence on plastic was minimal. Before that, plastic wasn't even "invented". In the last 20 years, our dependence on plastic has skyrocketed. Our food is in plastic, our furniture and cars are plasticized, our cookware is plastic or coated with other synthetics, our drinking cups/plates/utensils are plastic. The list could go on and on. Stop to think about just how much plastic is in your home. It becomes a frightening realization. There are all different kinds of plastics, some are likely perfectly safe, but some leach chemicals, such as BPA, which has been shown to be carcinogenic. Plastics can leach chemicals, phthalates, PVC, and lead into our food, which we then ingest. As noted on the Environmental Working Group website "BPA and phthalates, however, are better understood. They are both potent hormone disruptors that are increasingly linked to health effects like brain and behavior changes, cancer, and reproductive system damages." Why then do people not seem to realize that brain and behavior changes (i.e. autism) could very easily be caused by BPA and phthalates in their food, leached from plastic storage containers? Likely, people just don't think about it because plastics are so common and the effects of these chemicals are not quickly seen. However, the possible affects of these chemicals on developing children are so much greater than the affects on adults.
Certainly, you can't completely remove plastic from your life. But you can minimize your and your childrens' exposure. The less toxins that build up in your system, the less likely you are to develop issues related to exposure. Choose glass or stainless steel whenever possible. If you must use plastic, choose plastics considered safe and that do not contain phthalates, PVC, BPA, or lead. Plastics marked 1, 2, 4, or 5 are thought to be safer. Do not use #7 for any foodstuffs! When using plastics, do not use hot food in them (stop microwaving your leftover pasta in plastic) as this is more likely to leach chemicals out into your food. Use SS water bottles (no bacteria buildup, no plastic chemical leaching, reusable).
In our home, we are working to remove as many plastics as possible, as many toxins as possible, even though this isn't always the easiest or most practical way. We store food in glass or stainless steel. We cook in stainless steel pots and pans and have thrown out our teflon coated non-stick cookware. While non-stick may be easier to clean, it is not easier on our bodies. We use bamboo cooking utensiles, spatulas and such, which are actually cheaper than plastic and more sustainable. My baby eats out of glass bottles or plastics that are shown to be BPA, PVC, phthalate, and lead free (plastic is, sadly, required at daycare but ThinkBaby makes a good bottle). Baby also uses cloth diapers at home and "organic" diapers at daycare (Earth's Best, 7th Generation). I make baby's food (which is actually pretty easy and a different post) so I know what goes into it and it is stored in glass containers in the freezer. Since BPA has been banned, it is not found in new baby toys and bottles but older ones may contain it so be careful accepting hand-me-downs. Since babies put everything into their mouths, look for toys made of organic cloth and vegetable based dyes or wooden toys. You can't always avoid plastic toys but try to use fewer of them. You can't always avoid plastics for baby's food, either, but, again, reduce exposure by using glass or SS when possible.
To reduce the mess for future generations, we Reduce/Reuse/Recycle as much as possible. Newspapers go to the animal shelter, glass jars from purchased foods (like pasta sauce) are washed and used to store leftovers, old blankets and pillows are repurposed as dog beds, old towels become rags or dog or bird towels, old t-shirts make great rags for dusting, etc. Once you begin to think about it, there are so many ways to reduce your dependence on new items, which reduces the number of trucks on our roads and the output of waste from factories. This also keeps more money in your pocket!
Other ways to help your little corner of the world are to use a line dryer when the weather is nice, always do full loads of laundry not little half loads, full loads of dishes (and dishwashers use less water than hand washing), let the grass get a bit taller before cutting (really who needs 1 in high grass?), rake leaves into a pile in the corner of your yard to become excellent mulch for plants in the spring, unplug electronics when not it use (toasters, coffeepots, hair dryers, etc all pull a little power just waiting to be used), feed good leftovers to the dogs (meat, pasta, vegetables), and drive a diesel vehicle. Any little thing you can do to reduce/reuse/recycle will help. You don't have to go full blown "organic tree hugger" to help yourself, your children, and future generations. Just do what things you can.

Diaper bags and what to put into a diaper bag

2010-12-13T10:51:00.008-06:00

Of all the things a new parent needs, a diaper bag is a must right from the start. Babies require so much stuff! Even for short trips, you need diapers and wipes, a bottle or two (or a breast, depending), a burp cloth (there will be messes and you will need this), a change of clothes (diaper leaks happen alot more than you might expect), and any medication.
The hard part about being a new parent is that, at first, you have no idea what you need. Diaper bags are one of the hardest things to pick out! There are hundreds out there, ranging from quite inexpensive ($20) to extraordinarily, outrageously expensive (hundreds of dollars). A diaper bag is not special in that it is not going to magically produce diapers or be a Mary Poppins bag magically producing a spoonfull of sugar. It is just a bag. But as a new parent, and maybe even an experienced parent, you are told by every outlet that you must spend a fortune on designer bags but, in reality, these bags pretty much just suck. They are not usefully designed! They aren't large enough for a full day out, they don't have appropriate depth in the main compartment or pockets with depth or comfortable straps. Do not be fooled by a bag that LOOKS good. My first large diaper bag was not cheap but it is, sadly, quite useless. Nothing fits in it and the strap is downright painful. For some reason, it is really padded and quite heavy. I searched and searched through hundreds of bags, both at the stores and online, and have finally found one diaper bag I can recommend strongly. And the best part? It only cost $20!
The Fisher Price 3-in-1 Doctor diaper bag is fabulous! It is 5-6 inches deep (front to back) in the main compartment so there is plenty of room for a stack of diapers, change of clothes (or two), plenty of bottles (I carry 6 9 oz bottles), formula dispenser (more on that later), small toys, medication, dirty-diaper bags, and just about anything else you will need. It opens very wide so you can easily see everything and pull out only what you need. There are mesh pockets with elastic along each side so they lie flat if not in use but are great for holding diapers and such. The two front pockets are 1 inch deep and zipper at the top. One is padded. There are two flat pockets on the front of those that are great for holding a pacifier or sunglasses. The sides of the main compartment also have flat pockets that hold hand sanitizer, tissues, etc. The strap is wide and padded plus there are short carry handles so you don't have to always use the strap (not all diaper bags have this and it is a must). The bag itself is made of sturdy material that is easy to wipe clean but it is not so thick that the bag is heavy by itself, as alot of diaper bags are.
I also purchased the Jeep bag that is made very similar, the Jeep Clamshell. It is not as well designed as the Fisher Price bag. There are no interior mesh pockets so everything just jumbles together. The material isn't as sturdy either. Otherwise, it's a good bag. It's about the same size as the Fisher Price bag so it has plenty of room in it. I really like it best for an overnight stay at grandma's since plenty of necessities plus extras fit into it.
Also purchase a small diaper bag for quick runs to the store. A couple of diapers, wipes, change of clothes, and a bottle is all that needs to fit. Have a little extra space for mom's wallet and that's all you need to carry.
The items that go into a diaper bag seem common sense. Of course you need diapers and wipes and bottles. It's the little things that I didn't know about initially that have come in really handy. First, if you are unable to breastfeed and use powdered formula, the Munchkin formula dispensers are great. They are a 3 compartment item with a rotating lid so you can put as much powder as is needed for one bottle in each compartment. Fill the bottle with the appropriate amount of water and everything is easy to make when out and about. I have not had trouble with them leaking or mixing the measured contents. Just be sure to align the lock correctly.

Some other items I didn't think about needing were small hand sanitizer, a 3 ml medication dropper, dirty diaper bags, and a paci bag. The 3 ml medication dropper is surprisingly difficult to find. If baby has reflux and requires 1.3 ml of medication, using a syringe is inconvenient. The medication dropper is easier, especially at 5 am when no one is awake except screaming, hungry baby. I ended up buying one from Jeffers Pet because it was the only one I could find that had enough graduations to reasonably measure out the medication.
As for dirty diaper bags, when you're out, you don't want to leave a dirty diaper in someone's trash to stink up the place. Dirty diaper bags are exactly like doggie poop bags. In fact, if you buy the doggie poop bags and dispenser, it's about half the price of the same thing at Buy Buy Baby. I found the doggie ones to be sturdier. I like the fire hydrant.
Pacifier bags are actually much more useful than I thought they would be. When baby is screaming in a store and you are frantically looking for paci, it's much easier if it's in its own little bag attached to the diaper bag. The paci bags at Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby are way more expensive than is necessary for a piece of cloth and a zipper. The Kmart paci bag is $2.99 and has a velcro strap so it's easy on and off.
While on the diapering subject, dirty diaper bags also come in quite handy at home. You don't need to purchase a diaper genie, and if you're doing cloth diapers then there really is no reason for one. Use the dirty diaper bags as the diaper, wipe, and/or diaper liner receptacle. Tie it off and put in trash. The smell will be way reduced. A diaper genie basically does the same thing for much more cost and trouble of buying the correct bags for the particular can. Money saved on things like this is money that can be spent on more important things.

Dear Grocery Store Shoppers

2010-11-12T17:41:00.002-06:00

Dear Grocery Store Shoppers,
I must apologize that my screaming 2 month old son disturbed your shopping experience. No, I didn't do anything to make him scream. Yes, I fed him before we came. No, he's not mad. At 2 months old, he doesn't know what mad is. Staring, laughing, pointedly turning your back, making faces, and looking at me like you expect me to explode in anger/humiliation/ whatever are not helpful reactions. I would prefer that you simply ignore me and my crying son.
At 2.5 months old, my son cries whenever he is uncomfortable because that is what babies do. They don't have any other way to express themselves besides crying. Sometimes, he cries just because. When he cries in public, I do my best to hurry out of the store so as not to disturb others. However, with a cart full of groceries, hurrying through checkout is an oxymoron. I do the best I can.
I appreciate the store employee who helped me remove my items from the cart so we could get finished faster, bagged them quickly, and then helped me out to the car. This is why I shop at Publix. I do not appreciate the people in line behind me making faces and turning their backs as if we had the plague. If you don't want to hear my baby cry, go stand in another line. It's not like I'm lollygagging around and just letting him scream.
And by all means, if you have some fullproof way to soothe a screaming baby, let's hear it.

(And the funny thing, he stopped crying as soon as we got out of the store...from exhaustion, maybe.)

Why doesn't anyone tell you how hard it is to be a new mom?

2010-10-20T11:14:00.004-05:00

Everyone says "it's hard but it's worth it", "the time will fly", "they grow so fast", but they never say "being a new mom is the very hardest thing you will ever do. you will feel insane for months." Because it is really the hardest thing a woman will ever do. Having another being so totally dependent on you along with the pressure of making sure he is developing well, mentally and physically, eating well, all of his needs are met, and then add to that working a full time job, fulfilling commitments you made before you knew how hard mommyhood is, being a wife, being an adult child, and being the liaison between family and the new baby is truly the most difficult time of your life. Simply taking care of baby is full of issues because all he can do is cry. He can't tell you he's hungry or tired or scared or just feels bad. He cries about everything and nothing and it's up to mommy to figure it out. Good dads are involved, sure, and they'll do anything specific you ask of them but they are not mommy. Dad can change a diaper or give a bottle, wash clothes, do housework, but it is up to mommy to soothe the baby to sleep, to figure out what he needs, and to just be mommy.
Add to all of this that you could feel your body has been hijacked. From conception, you've had another person being a parasite on your body. You have to be 10x more careful about what you eat and drink and the environment you're in because you want to make sure the baby forms properly. Then when you give birth, this little being needs you 24/7, especially if you nurse. Young babies eat every 1.5-2 hr. Don't believe it when you read newborns eat every 2-3 hr. And that time is measured from start of eating. Baby starts nursing and takes 30 mins, then you need to pump if you want to keep your supply up (and you can only do this if someone else can take the baby because most likely he will cry if you put him down), then try to get baby to sleep or to atleast stop crying so you can put him down, and he's down.....for 10 mins and then he's up and hungry again. There is no time to do anything, not even get a shower, unless you have help. And even with help, there is not always time to do anything because baby always wants to eat and always wants mommy.
Add to this an extreme lack of sleep, going for 24 hr or more without any sleep because baby only sleeps in 20 mins increments. Then add all the hormones. Then add that you feel like crap from giving birth, be it "normal" or C-section, and your immune system is depressed. Plus, you won't have time to eat properly so you're low on good fuel. Being a new mommy truly feels like being run over by a Mac truck, twice.
There is a great deal of pressure these days for mom to nurse/breastfeed. Of course, mother's milk is the best, healthiest way for a child to eat BUT it is not the only way nor is it necessarily the best solution for every mother. When mom decides not to breastfeed or decides to stop, there can be tremendous guilt both from oneself and from outsiders. It is surprising to me that people have the nerve to ask if you're breastfeeding and then to ask "why not?" if you say no. Really, that is such a personal issue and no one's business but perfect strangers think it's ok to ask!
There are so many things no one tells you when you're planning to be, or are, pregnant. Like you will be tremendously swollen after giving birth, 2-5x more swollen than even at the end of pregnancy. It does go away in a few weeks but it's awful in the beginning. Be prepared to wear compression hose 24/7 for a couple of weeks and to keep the feet elevated as much as possible. Make sure to have lace up shoes that can be made big because going to the pediatrician in the first week after delivery means your clothes don't fit and your feet are too swollen to fit in your shoes so you're either wearing bedroom slippers or socks and probably sweatpants.
No one tells you that using a breast pump sucks. It's uncomfortable and doing it at work is just weird. If you go out, you either will need to take the pump along or be ok with breastfeeding in public, which when it comes down to it, is very disconcerting.
They don't tell you that your normal clothes will not fit, even if you weigh the same in a few weeks as you did prepregnancy. Your body will be different, if you're a size 2 or 12. The abdomen remains swollen for about a month and the abdominal muscles are stretched and sore for months. Be prepared to buy new pants and a size larger shirt.
At about 6 weeks, things do get a little easier. Baby stops eating as often and eats more at one time so you don't feel chained to the baby. He'll start to develop different cries and sounds to help mommy distinguish his needs. If mommy goes back to work, it will be hard to leave baby with someone else, BUT it also gives mommy a much needed break. Do not feel guilty for being glad of the break. All moms need it and all moms are glad to have it, even if they won't admit it. If not returning to work, I would suggest hiring an in-house sitter for a few hours a week so mom can get a break and get things done, like a haircut or doctors' visits. Or even just to take a little time away because that little time will rejuvenate you and make you want to go back to baby again. The mix of feelings, relief and anxiety, that mom's feel when leaving their kid is normal and ok.
Another thing no one tells you and you don't think about is that baby is not supposed to go out in public for atleast the first two months. This means mommy doesn't go out in public unless daddy can stay home with baby or if you're lucky enough to have family willing and able to watch baby. And public isn't just going to the mall or large gatherings. You're not supposed to take him anywhere around people at all. In this day and age, and especially with families so widespread, that really is not reasonable or feasible. Just getting to the doctor or the grocery store can be difficult scheduling if the baby must stay home but there is no one to watch him. If you have to take him with you, take him and don't feel guilty about it.
Motherhood is hard and it's probably going to get harder but keep this one thing in mind. When he gives you that big, toothless smile, the real one, it truly will all be worth it.

Baby Products Reviews

2010-09-29T14:03:00.003-05:00

I have recently had a baby and am learning a great deal about baby products. I thought I would share a few things about some products I have found extremely useful over the last 6 weeks of newborn/infant care.

First of all, the book Baby Bargains is a must have for all new parents to be. Not only will it tell you about the better deals but the best information is the reviews of many different brands of various products. For example, they review all types of strollers from the cheapest to the most expensive and score them based on the value of the product for the money spent. This book makes an excellent shower gift!

The very best product we have received (a gift from our registry) is the Fisher Price Newborn Rock and Play Sleeper. It's portable, foldable, and apparently really comfortable. Our baby slept in it for the first month, right alongside our bed. He slept better in it than in his bassinet. We moved it all over the house for him to have a comfy seat. He still likes to hang out in it although he is now sleeping in his bassinet. Since it's angled so baby sits up some, they can see what is going on and see that mommy and daddy are nearby. It's also great for babies with reflux. The cover is removeable and washable, too. It's higher off the ground than a pumpkin or bouncy seat so it's great for homes with dogs and keeps baby from being so close to the floor where dust will be inhaled more easily. This is a product that should be first on the list as a must have.

A great product to help mom and dad get things done is a sling or baby carrier. We went for two types, the structured front carrier from Infantino, and the Baby K'tan. I found the Infantino carrier for 12.99 at Marshalls. It can be used for a newborn if the baby is a bit bigger so their heads are up high enough. As baby gets older, they can sit facing out rather than facing the parent. Our baby seems quite comfy in it as he falls asleep after a few minutes. I use this carrier when we go the store and I need my hands free. He's pretty secure in it, although you should be careful when bending to make sure his head is supported. What I really like about this carrier is that both my husband and I can use it although he is rather thin and I am plus size. The adjustable straps have a pretty wide range.

The Baby K'tan was purchased after a few weeks of fussy baby who wouldn't sleep during the day at all. This all fabric sling is great for carrying/wearing baby and keeping a hand free. It can be used for newborns on up. However, we found that the sling is quite warm so in a warm southern state, baby has to be stripped to a diaper to not overheat. I would not use this sling outdoors on hot days because baby could definitely overheat. For indoors or cooler locales or seasons, it's fine. I also found that I had to have one hand to support his head as he could pop his head out of the fabric. Now, my baby has been holding his head up since the day he was born (big boy, was late being born) so some babies might not do this. Also, the sling has to be sized to the person wearing it so it can't be shared if mom and dad are not close in size. I've also found that it tends to stretch a bit being made of cotton so a smaller size might have been a better choice although I picked the size by the manufacturer's sizing chart. It is more comfortable than the structured carrier, and it has many different ways of being worn.
As with any carrier or sling, be sure to monitor baby and that his breathing is ok and his head is turned so he can breathe easily.

A mobile! Initially I thought a mobile wouldn't really be needed. Boy was I wrong! Luckily for us, the bassinet we were given had a mobile with music and moving animals. Once baby is about a month old, he'll be able to see well enough to see a mobile that is fairly close (not too close!). There are times when baby needs to be entertained while mom does something else, like shower. The mobile is great for this. The movement and music keeps baby's attention and helps to develop their brains.

A video monitor. There are many types and a particular brand doesn't matter all that much. We purchased the Summer Infant Day and Night set. It's great to be able to see what baby is doing without having to run to his room at every squeak. Babies will make noise during sleep but without a video monitor, parents don't know if they need to run get them or leave them be. This particular monitor has a great range and allows me to even go outside and still see that baby is sleeping peacefully. It can be used sound only as well so you still have an audio monitor for night time. The dual channels help prevent interference from other electronics. The handpiece is a bit large so it feels like you're carrying a really clunky old cell phone or radio but overall, this is a good video monitor, especially for the price.

The Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair is a favorite. It straps onto a regular chair. I particularly like this for the sturdiness since we have 4 large dogs and I was afraid a flimsy high chair would be easily knocked over. Plus, the space saver is quite portable, has a huge tray (dishwasher safe!), and it reclines. We've used the high chair as baby's seat in the kitchen since he was born and it's worked great. The one thing we learned quickly is that it's much easier to have a place for baby to be safe and comfy in every room so you don't have to move things about when you are also carrying baby. In a pinch, baby can also be fed his bottle with one hand while mom eats with the other hand (a hot meal for mom, what's that?)

Let me just say, I am in love with my stroller. I find myself wanting to go for walks just so I can use the stroller. It's not the "it" brand but it sure is great. Baby Jogger City Mini is easily maneuverable with the single front wheel, folds with one hand (really it does!), has a single break (hate those breaks that are on all the wheels) that can be easily set and released with a foot, super large canopy, padded seat that reclines to nearly flat so it can be used even with a newborn, larger wheels for all terrain (great for festivals and such that are often held on grass/dirt), and all the standard features like the 5 point restraint. It also has two peep windows in the canopy, a mesh back so the baby gets air but this can also be covered with the built-in cover in case of bad weather or cold, a decent sized lower basket, and an optional tray. The front of the stroller is open, much easier for putting baby in and out, but the tray can be added for older children who need a place for their sippy cup or snack. It's fairly light weight in comparison to other strollers of its class. I only have one complaint. When folded, it doesn't "stand" very well so it has to be propped against something. All in all, I really like this stroller and the price was much better than some of the others we liked.

The Puj Tub was an excellent purchase. It folds flat for storage, folds up into a tub that fits into any standard bathroom sink, is mold/mildew resistant, and really comfy for baby. From the first bath, our baby has liked his baths in this tub. It's lightweight, easily drained with one hand while the other hand holds baby for the bathwater switch (I don't like to leave water running but prefer to fill with soapy water and then clean water). It's so much easier to use than a molded plastic tub, especially in the first few months when baby is so much harder to hold and maneuver since he can't control his head. This tub makes bathtime so much easier and more enjoyable for us both.

Bummis cloth diapers were a lucky find. Cloth diapers, if laundered at home, are cheaper in the long run than disposable and are generally much better on baby's bottom, no diaper rash. Many of the cloth diapers out there are super expensive but the Bummis kit is much less money and has more stuff. The diaper laundry bag is great. We just dump the dirty diapers in and wash every 1-2 days. The bag and all is laundered at once so I would suggest that you purchase an additional bag so they can be swapped out while one is in the laundry. We also purchased a few extra rolls of the disposable liners. The cloth diaper itself is nice and the covers are ok. The only complaint is that there is no way to hold the disposable liners still so when diapering a wiggling baby, they tend to slip around. Also, a newborn has very runny poop so the liners won't contain all of it. The fleece liners do help some with absorbancy at night time so there are fewer leaks. All in all, this is a great cloth diapering system, especially for the money.

Sleep sacks. For some reason, before baby was born, I thought he needed a thousand shortie onesies and never thought about him needing full suit sleepers. However, even in August, maybe especially in August when the A/C is on and the bedroom is quite cool, baby needs more clothing on than mom and dad. He can't sleep in a short onesie and be warm enough. An excellent solution are sleep sacks. They are like full sleepers but without legs. They just zip or snap up. Much easier to change a diaper in the middle of the night and baby stays nice and warm. Baby can still kick his legs about in the sack. Our baby doesn't much like being swaddled and he kicks and moves so much that swaddling is a study in futility anyway so the sleep sack works well. You can get thicker material or fleece ones for winter. This prevents the need for blankets, which shouldn't be in a baby's crib where he could be entangled and suffocate.

That's all for now. I will continue to post as we find more products that are super useful.

How to Train a Dog: Nuisance Barking

2010-08-17T20:58:00.003-05:00

Dogs bark. That's what they do. Sometimes a dog barking is a good thing. Alerting you to danger or strangers on your property is part of the reason for having a dog. However, some dogs turn this alert into a nuisance. Dogs may bark at every leaf blowing by, at someone just walking down the street, or at any sound. Constant barking often leads to relinquishing the dog to a shelter, a terrible outcome for all involved. Rather than giving up and giving away the dog, teach the "quiet" and "watch" commands along with conditioning.

Dogs who are well socialized and confident are not typically as fazed by unusual happenings as dogs who are insecure and/or undersocialized. Conditioning, socialization, and confidence building all help a dog to be calm in new situations and accept changes in their environment. This training should begin as soon as possible. Take the dog out into new environments and use positive reinforcement to address any behavioral issues. Socialize the dog with all types of people and other animals. Use your energy to let the dog know you are confident and in control, and he will follow suit. There are numerous sources of information for this type of training.

While working on this training, two concrete commands to teach are "quiet" and "watch".
Teaching quiet is best done before the dog is excited by something and in a barking frenzy. The simplest way is to actually teach the dog to bark on command. Whenever the dog barks, say "good bark!" and give a treat. After a few rewards, the dog will begin to associate his behavior with your reaction. The dog can also be enticed to bark and then rewarded when he does so. Use body language to act very happy and excited and evoke a barking response in the dog. When he barks, say "good bark" and treat. Once this behavior is established, then begin teaching quiet. Ask the dog to bark. When he does say "good bark now quiet". As soon as he's quiet, treat and praise. Incorporating a different hand signal will aid the training. Continue with the "quiet" training by asking for quiet every time the dog barks. Be quick to reward the second he is quiet.

Teaching the "watch" command is a bit easier than teaching "quiet". Any dog will look to his human if there are yummy treats! Simply ask the dog to sit and hold a treat up to your face, saying "watch". Then give the dog the treat. Repeat. As the dog associates looking at you with a treat, begin to use only your finger to point at your face and say "watch". When he looks at you, treat and praise. This command is useful in many situations where a dog's attention is needed so train with different distractions.

After the dog has mastered these two skills, begin to employ them whenever he barks at an unusual happening. Dog barks, say WATCH. As soon as he pays attention to you, treat and praise. Then follow with the QUIET command. If he's quiet, treat and praise immediately. These commands can be used in various circumstances. For example, if the dog is standing close to his human, the watch command is much more effective since line of sight can be easily established. If the dog is in another room, QUIET may work much better and, if taught well, should have the dog running to his person for a treat, which completely breaks the barking intent.

If the dog barks habitually at the same thing, a certain person and his dog walking down the street for example, the training can be a bit different. In this case, a desensitization may be a better choice. When the person and dog are sighted, go to the dog and ask for a sit, sternly if needed. Then use "watch", treats, and praise to tell the dog that the person is no problem. As long as the dog is sitting and watching his human, he gets treats and praise. Repeat this as often as possible and, eventually, the dog will understand that the desired behavior is sitting and calm whenever this distraction passes.

Disclaimer: If there is any concern for safety, consult a professional behaviorist before attempting to address any behavioral problems with a dog. Locally, there are numerous professional dog trainers that may be consulted. Manners in Motion in Pelham, Al is an excellent training facility. Petsmart stores around Alabama offer obedience training courses as well.

Note: This article was originally published on Examiner.com. All content is owned by the author April Mitchem and may not be reproduced without the author's consent.

Etowah County Animal Control needs donations

2010-08-17T20:42:00.004-05:00

The Etowah County Animal Control Shelter in Piedmont, Alabama (near Gadsden) opened in January 2010. They house stray dogs, owner surrenders, animal cruelty and neglect cases, and criminal animal cases. They have numerous dogs and cats available for adoption every day. Many of these animals have no issues and are just waiting for caring and loving owners. As in many shelters across the country, ECAC needs many items to care for the animals every day. Also like many shelters, they run low on money and supplies every day.

ECAC asks for donations of numerous items including:

bedding, including towels and blankets (new or used but clean). This is one of the most important needs as the bedding needs to be replaced often. Hard, cold floors are not comfortable for anyone. A tip, currently Kmart is running a sale of fleece blankets for $4.99, and these can be shipped directly to the shelter.
towels, simply for cleaning. They are very low on towels of all sizes.
newspapers for the puppy and kitty kennels. This is a great way to "recycle" rather than trash those newspapers and help out animals in need.
medical supplies such as vaccinations, new syringes, dog vitamins, and dog/cat specific medications like heartworm prevention
FOOD for dogs and cats, while the shelter budget provides some food, they take in so many animals that the budget just doesn't allow for enough.
toys, such as nylabones, kongs, or other hard-to-destroy toys especially for large dogs
washer and dryer, to clean the bedding and towels
grooming supplies, such as shampoo
collars and leashes
industrial fans, especially important with our current warmer than normal summer heat

Being a county run animal control, they are not non-profit so donations are not tax-deductible, but the dogs and cats in their care need the same things as those in humane societies and other 501(c)3 shelters. The animals don't know they are in an animal control shelter, only that they would like a soft place to sleep just like animals who are in loving homes. Any donations will be appreciated by the animals they help. Gathering items for donation can also be a wonderful lesson for children to foster a giving spirit.

The shelter is also in need of volunteers to play with and walk dogs, play with cats, and provide general help and care for the animals. Contact the shelter directly if you can volunteer. Giving of your time and effort is one of the best and inexpensive things to do.

For other donation needs or for directions/hours, ECAC may be contacted by phone at 256-492-0801.

Etowah County Animal Control is located at 12071 US Hwy 278E, Piedmont, Alabama 36272.

Note: This article was originally published on Examiner.com. All rights to this content are reserved by the author April Mitchem. Content may not be reproduced without the author's consent.

Writing for Examiner.com

2010-08-17T20:37:00.002-05:00

For the last 14 months or so, I have been writing for Examiner.com as the Birmingham Dog Care Examiner. It's been a fulfilling sideline work for me, a way to share my knowledge about dogs with others though not a way to earn much in the way of cash (some do, I just don't have the time to write more than 2 articles per week). I've learned a few things from writing for Examiner, and I'm sure I have much more to learn. Unfortunately, Examiner has launched a site "upgrade" that has gone very badly, atleast in the eyes of the thousands of Examiner writers. So many problems with this upgrade that it's not even worth publishing at this time because articles are not even showing up live on the site. Therefore, I will be taking a short hiatus from publishing for Examiner until they repair all of their site upgrade issues. In the mean time, I will be posting some of my older articles here and will likely post a new article or two as well. Please feel free to share the link to my articles with anyone interested in dog related information, from Alabama or elsewhere as most of my content is useful to all dog lovers.

Responsible Pet Ownership. What is that?

2010-07-26T12:09:00.003-05:00

Briefly, Responsible Pet Ownership is doing everything in your power to keep your pets healthy and safe. That's it, that's all we want, healthy and safe pets. Can you go beyond this? Of course, you can train to have an agility dog or a therapy dog or any of that and that would be wonderful so please do! But all the world really needs is for pet owners to be responsible for their charges.
What does keeping them healthy and safe entail? Not much really, when you think about how little time and effort is needed for most of it.
Yearly vet visits with vaccinations....should take about 30 mins and cost very little, around $100 in Alabama. That's $100 for a whole year of health! Over a pet's lifetime, those vet visits will increase his health and longevity for years.
Spay/neuter. There are NUMEROUS health benefits to spay/neuter, but the biggest benefit is not having unwanted litters that you can't or won't keep. Dogs can breed twice a year and have 1-7 or 8 puppies per litter. What would you do with all of those puppies? You can only give so many away and dumping them at a shelter is not a solution. Shelters are overrun with good dogs looking for a home of their own, often puppies from oops litters because the owners didn't spay/neuter. While the one time cost is $100-200, the lifetime of benefits is well worth it. Reduced behavioral problems is another benefit to spay/neuter. Many places have low cost clinics so the one time cost is much less. Remember, this is something you do once and it's done, no lifetime of dealing with a dog in heat (NOT FUN) or a male trying to bust out and get to the female down the street. No worrying about when the heat cycle will be and trying to keep your female contained. It's just a non issue if the dog is spayed.
Preventive medication, heartworm and flea/tick, is given one time per month and takes about 5 mins. The cost is minimal at $6 for each per month, less than most people spend on lunch at McDonald's.
Containment. This is the one thing that could be a big one time cost, installing a sturdy fence. The ability to let your dog play safely, securely, and without fear of finding him dead on a road is well worth the initial cost. There are ways to make it cheaper, too. Install it yourself, for one. Fence installation labor is much higher than the materials. Or make a deal with an installer, barter and trade if you must. Just figure out a way to get a fence so your dog is safe from harm, including from those who might come into your yard to harm your dog (people and dogs included in this). When not contained in a fence, the dog should be on leash WITH you. If you simply can not afford a fence, just no way to do it, then leash walk your dog. It's not that hard, will get both you and he into great shape, and prevents alot of unwanted behaviors due to too much energy and boredom. Living in an apartment had me leash walking two dogs every day and we had such fun. If you're in the market for a new house, stipulate that there must be a fence. Then it's done and everyone is happy.
Training is important but doesn't have to be a headache. All pet dogs don't need to know 100 tricks. Most dogs and their people can happily co exist with just a few tricks and rules. Dogs need to know "sit" very well. Sit is a behavior you can ask for in many situations and one that will reduce other poor behaviors. Dogs can't jump on guests if they are sitting. Mostly, dogs just need to know the rules of the house. Do you allow them on furniture? If so, that's fine, if not, you have to teach them they aren't allowed. Teaching that sort of thing isn't all that hard when you live with your dog and have a good relationship. Just remember, if you don't teach your dog how to behave in your home with your rules, no one else will and he doesn't speak human so he's not going to intuitively know what to do. Some training will keep them safe and healthy and keep you from wanting to get rid of the dog. The majority of training only cost the price of some doggie biscuits (or cheese!) and a few minutes a day. No need for a big time commitment, just live with your dog and ask for behaviors a few times a day. They'll get it faster than you think.
Healthy (yearly vet visits, monthly prevention, spay/neuter) and safe (contained and trained) is all it takes to have a wonderful pet and to live happily together. Pets bring so much to us that we owe it to them to keep them healthy and safe.

Incentives to Spay/Neuter

2010-07-23T17:45:00.004-05:00

With millions of dogs and cats euthanized in this country every year, we have to do something to encourage people to spay/neuter. While puppy mills and backyard breeders contribute to the problem, the largest numbers of dogs dying in shelters every day are mixed breed dogs. Suzy Q lets her poodle go into heat, doesn't keep her confined, and John Smo lets his lab knock up the poodle. Now we have Labradoodles. Guess what, folks, these designer breeds are mutts, pure and simply. Someone just decided to capitalize on a stupid mistake. These dogs are not part of responsible breeding programs that track temperament and health and only let the best specimens breed. They are quite the opposite. And then the mutt isn't fixed and gets knocked up by a shepherd. Now the pups are impossible to place and end up at the shelter, dead before they have a chance. This mess must be stopped. Education is the biggest part and those in the rescue community work tirelessly to educate the public but we can't reach everyone and not everyone is willing to listen to the health and monetary benefits of spay/neuter. So, I am looking for other incentives to promote spay/neuter.
Mandatory spay/neuter laws do not appear to be the answer. There is evidence that those actually cost the municipality much more money and compliance is very low. How does one enforce such a law? You have to go to every house and inspect the pets or wait for someone to complain or for a dog to be picked up by animal control. None of these is workable. People need to do things of their own volition, but we can entice them through incentive programs.

Idea #1--As part of a pet retention program, people who spay/neuter could receive a discounted or free obedience training. This would serve multiple purposes, promoting responsible pet care and well behaved dogs. Dog trainers could volunteer their services. Even training enthusiasts who are not "professional" dog trainers could volunteer. The idea is to teach people that dogs are not humans and communication with them is different

Idea #2--as seen in the Caribbean, people can be bribed.
http://www.hsus.org/hsi/local_empowerment/hsi_animal_advocates/hsi_animal_advocates/aarf_and_snip.html
This organization actually gave people $10 for every dog and cat they brought in to be altered. They've reduced the unwanted animal population by 75%. That's good progress. If a non-profit could receive funding to offer such an incentive, along with free spay/neuter surgery, this might work well.

Idea #3--offer prizes. Bring in your pet for a spay/neuter to the low cost clinic (Alabama has atleast tw0) and be entered into a raffle for really good prizes. This would require very good donations but it could be done.

Idea #4--Free vaccinations when animals are altered. Again, this would need financial backing, but for atleast the mandatory rabies vaccination, it could be promoted as a tangible incentive. For the health benefits as well, other vaccinations could be given for free.

Idea #5--free pet items, like food. With donations, people could receive a free bag of food when they bring their animal in for spay/neuter surgery. With this, other items could also be offered, like nice (Lupine or Bison) collars and leashes or Kongs or Nylabones. All of these items would promote responsible pet ownership and might entice people to alter their pets. People like free stuff!

A combination of these ideas would appeal to a larger audience. If a non-profit organization was begun with the idea of promoting spay/neuter through special incentives and it was available throughout the state, would this work? Would more people spay/neuter? Advertising would be key. Well done PSAs could help. Flyers in grocery stores, Walmarts, etc would be very useful in letting people know about these incentives. Once the ball gets rolling, people will spread the word on their own. "Hey, Lucy, did you know that clinic down in Irondale will give you free food if you go get your dog fixed?"

What do you think? What tangible incentives would get people into the clinics and get the animals altered?

Shades of Gray

2010-07-19T15:44:00.004-05:00

The world, it is full of shades of gray. There is nothing that is "always" or "never". Every person, every animal, has their own view based on what they have experienced in life. It is a rather useless mindset to make an opinion to be "NEVER, NO HOW, NO WAY, NEVER". I see this all of the time, however. I have even been guilty of it myself. I do try, especially the older I get, to see both sides, to see why something may or may not be valid in a given situation.

I saw a post today about a study that found some dogs who have "aggression" issues, those dogs that snap/snarl/bite, suffer from low serotonin levels. The idea is that these animals could be helped with an antidepressant medication. Response to these posts were varied but many were "don't drug the dogs, that's wrong, never, never, never". This knee jerk response is useless. Out of the millions of dogs on this planet, I imagine there are some who have medically low serotonin levels and that makes them feel rather surly. (Serotonin is like nature's feel good drug) Does that mean that all surly dogs should be on medication? Of course not. The causes for low serotonin are varied, just as they are in humans, and may be a symptom rather than a cause. Multimodal treatments are often needed in these instances. However, some of these posters went on to say how people take too many antidepressants, children take too much ritalin, etc. In some ways, they are correct, but that is then to the opposite extreme of drug help. Drugs don't solve underlying issues so those issues need to be addressed BUT they can make a person, or dog, functional until those issues are addressed. Moderation is key, moderation in all things.
My high school honors english teacher always taught us that moderation in everything is the way to go. I am coming more and more to agree with her.

In other examples, I know many rescue people who are completely against breeding. That is not reasonable either since that would eventually eradicate all pet animals. Now, being against irresponsible breeding, that is a stance I can get behind. I prefer to allow the professionals, who actually try to prevent genetic abnormalities from continuing, to breed and not allow the backyard breeders to continue. But, most importantly, the ones who need to be required to spay/neuter are those that never intend to breed and end up with "oopsies". Those are the mixed breed dogs dying in shelters every day. Yes, there are plenty of purebred dogs in shelters but many of them make it out through rescue or adoption because they are purebred. The mixed breeds don't have a chance and those animals come from irresponsible people too lazy, stupid, uncaring, or just plain ignorant to spay/neuter. That is where our stance should lie, in the middle ground. Rescuers and responsible breeders (hell, even backyard breeders) should be able to unite on this.

Another example, all scientists are not crazy Einstein people who torture animals for kicks. If we do animal research, it's because we must, not because we want to cause them pain. The extreme animal welfare people are always screaming about what we do to animals in research but none of them are scientists nor do they work in animal research so they don't really have any idea. They assume all scientists who use animals in research are hard-hearted, terrible people but I'm here to tell you, we aren't. Many of us long for the day when animals will only be needed for the rarest of occasion, when we will have reliable means to test drugs without animals. That day has not come nor is it likely to come for many more years since we have such an incomplete understanding of the fundamentals of physiology. We do, however, follow the Reduce mentality in that we try to use as few animals as possible to give the statistical power required. I understand animal welfarists who are concerned about the use, and yes, I agree that we need stringent regulations (and we have them but some are not always enforced as they should be) but I also understand the scientists who have to use animals in order to obtain FDA approval for a clinical trial. There are both sides to this issue and a moderate approach is the only way to have drug development for human health that is efficacious but does not kill more animals than necessary.

Our lives are full of experiences, every day, that shape and mould our thinking. None of us can know the life of another, the mind of another, even the closest of beings will never truly understand one another. We can only try to see both sides, to be moderate in our opinions.

Is it a DREAM or a GOAL.....or both?

2010-05-23T12:39:00.003-05:00

Dreams. What are dreams? I'm not talking about the kind of mental exercises your brain goes through in your sleep but about those wishes of ours that we hope will someday come true. When do dreams become goals? Are dreams these ideas we have that seem so unattainable that we are afraid to call them goals? At what point do dreams cross into attainable possibilities that we can work towards and say "I'll get there, someday."?
Everyone should have dreams, something they want to do, see, be that may seem fantastical and outrageous. Without dreams, we stagnate into living with whatever comes our way, never thinking into what we can make happen, what we can achieve. The great Mr. King had a dream, one he worked towards tirelessly, relentlessly, but never truly saw in his wrongly shortened lifetime. But his dream remains, one that is slowly becoming true, though I have doubts that anyone in life will be treated as equals, regardless of their color. Society has not worked that way for millenia and, in truth, when we all become one race, one culture, we become so close to God's dreams for us that we may be all called home. Remember, God separated us by language, race, and culture to punish us for our conceit (Genesis 11) and when we can all come together again, we will truly be free of this punishment. But Mr. King dreamed something he doubtlessly knew he would never see come to pass in fullness and chose to work for it anyway. Is that the definition of a dream? Something you think will never happen but you try anyway?
What is a goal? Aren't goals just dreams that seem easier to achieve? I have a goal to live in a house on lots of land, raise animals, care for sick/injured animals and find them homes, and take in foster kids. This is something I see me and my husband doing in 10 or 15 years. But is it also a dream? Yes, for me it is. I can't be certain I can make this happen. Life has so many variables that this lies more on the side of dream than goal. However, if I don't work now to make it happen later, it will never happen. Perhaps that is the difference. Goals are something we can see a path towards, however murky it may be. Dreams are shrouded in mystery. Perhaps a dream is the endpoint for which we can see no path.
It is paramount for all people to have both dreams and goals and work towards both. Sometimes you have to work towards the goals first and let the dreams follow. For years, my goal was to complete my education by obtaining a PhD. I made it. It is because of that goal that I can now dream about our future, about what we may make happen (husband and me and our forming family). The goal garnered me the education that led to my job that leads to enough money to pay the bills and set some aside for the future, to eventually buy that land, build the kennels, care for needy kids. If I did not dream now, and think about what those dreams need to become true, I would never make it there. The dreams would not become goals, ever.
Here's to wishing you all good dreams and may your dreams become goals.

Macaroni, cheese, and apples bake for the pups

2010-04-04T20:31:00.003-05:00

In my continuing endeavor to not waste food and to make yummy, healthy snacks for my dogs, tonight I "created" the macaroni, cheese, and apples bake. I had leftover homemade macaroni and cheese in the freezer. When I say homemade, I mean I cooked the noodles, shredded the cheese, added an egg and milk and baked it. No preservatives, no extra junk in it. I also had some other leftover pasta in the freezer saved from a night when we made too much. The small Fuji apples on the counter were a bit past their prime and not really something a human would want to crunch into but not spoiled.
Cut the apples, skins on, into small pieces, the smaller the better.
Defrost any pasta or macaroni and cheese in the microwave. Cut the pasta into small pieces if it is a larger type.
Mix the pasta, mac and cheese, and apples in a large bowl. The ratio is somewhere around 4 small apples to 2 cups mac and cheese and 1 cup cut up pasta.
Add 2-3 tablespoons honey and mix.
Add 3-5 heaping tablespoons flour.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This will help everything stick together, adds a bit of good oil for healthy skin and coat, and is heart friendly.
If available, you may add an egg as binder. I didn't have any so I didn't add one.
"Grease" a glass baking dish with a good swipe of extra virgin olive oil.
Add the mix to the dish.
Put ~4 tablespoons peanut butter into a cup and microwave for ~30 sec to liquify.
Use a knife to drizzle the peanut butter over the top of the mix in the dish.
Bake at 300F for ~45 mins, until the apples appear largely cooked.
Let cool well. Serve by scooping out spoonfuls. (most dogs can and will eat off a spoon, reserve one for the dog's use if you don't like them eating off people utensils) This may be served as a treat or as an extra in their dinner. Just remember to cut their kibble a bit to compensate for the calories.

iPad release date announced

2010-03-12T09:57:00.003-06:00

The new Apple iPad will ship April 3. For those of us waiting impatiently for this new gadget, today's news is quite welcome.
The Apple iPad will be a multimedia experience. Similar to an iPhone, but with a 10 inch screen, longer battery life, and more powerful processing, the iPad will make the entertainment experience more portable, more user friendly, and just plain more fun. According to Apple, nearly all of the 150,000 apps in the iTunes App Store will work on the iPad from day 1. Apps purchased for the iPhone or iPod Touch will be translatable to your brand new iPad.
Ranging from $499 to $829, there's an iPad for most budgets. If you plan to use the iPad at home or only where there is wifi, the cheaper models will be just fine. The more expensive models come with AT&T 3G capabilities, but also with AT&T fees for a data package. For those constantly on the go, the 3G model may be needed, but for most, the wifi only should be more than sufficient.
There are also 3 choices of memory, 16, 32, and 64 GB. For storing movies, music, e-books, etc, the more memory the better. For largely internet surfing or playing App games, the lower memory models are likely just fine. I've yet to fill up my 16 GB iPhone.
This time around, Apple's release of a new product already has some smart accessories available from Apple, not 3rd party vendors. A VGA connector for using the iPad a digital movie player connected to your TV, a keyboard dock for those needing a real keyboard, and a very nice case are all available for purchase.
Add the extended warranty plan for $99 if it is possible the iPad might be damaged during your use. Apple's warranties are one of the few that are really worth the money. If it breaks, they just replace it. My husband's iPhone had a couple of pixels go bad. We took it into the Apple store and they replaced it right then.
With Apple's new iBookstore, browse, purchase, and read books on your iPad. For on the go, just the storage of many books is worth the purchase of the iPad. Anyone like me, who travels with one or two books daily and takes 5-7 for a weeklong trip will appreciate this ability. Read in portrait for one page or landscape for two pages, which looks just like you're reading a book, just without the ink stains on your fingers.
I am beginning to feel that we have entered the age of Buck Rogers. Will when Apple invent the magic medical wand that diagnoses all your ills with just a pass over?

Broccoli Loaf to feed the pups

2010-03-08T19:29:00.003-06:00

Cooking for your dogs, like cooking for yourself, can be a joyous expression of creativity and love for those you are feeding. When there are 5 dogs in the house and two humans who really dislike waste, especially wasted food, there is a wonderful opportunity for making up new dishes. A friend suggested to me once that using leftover vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy that may be just a little passed what you would want to eat but by no means spoiled (or even if you're just tired of eating that dish) in doggie dishes would be a great way to not waste food but to also feed your pups a special treat. I decided to give this a go by putting leftover food that wasn't spoiled but maybe a little wilted or just no longer desired by me into the freezer until I had enough to make a dish for the dogs. This first started with the bag of broccoli slaw (shredded broccoli) that I purchased when initially pregnant. Pregnancy food aversions strike very quickly and without seeming rhyme or reason and this one so happened to strike just after I bought the broccoli. I couldn't stand the sight of it so I put the whole bag in the freezer. We then made a turkey and had leftover hearts and livers that I boiled for the dogs, putting the broth and bits in a freezer bag along with the leftover green beans. When my baguette went stale and hard but not molded, I decided that would be a good base for a doggie treat. Here is my made up recipe that has been very much enjoyed by the 5 dogs here.

1 hard baguette
1 bag broccoli slaw--thaw in microwave if needed
1 pint - 1 quart meat broth with meaty bits--thaw in microwave if needed
any other veggies, such as green beans or peas
1 egg
cheese

Use a blender to beat the baguette into bread crumbs. Put bread crumbs in a bowl.
Add the broccoli and meat broth.
Grate cheese (my dogs like cheddar) into the bowl, as much as you think the dogs will like but not so much as to be greasy or gooey. They mostly just want a taste.
Add a whole egg (the shells are good for them too) and bust with a spoon.
Mix well with a spoon.
If the mix is not coherent enough, add flour. Two to four heaping tablespoons should be sufficient. You don't want it to be dry but some cohesion is necessary.
Put mix into a glass baking dish and bake at 300-350 F until brown on the outside and "done" on the inside. For a drier dish, cook on a lower heat for longer.
A light butter coating will allow the loaf to flip out onto a plate.
Cut and serve, letting cool enough to not burn a pup's mouth.
Store in refrigerator and serve with meals.

Hope you try it and your pups enjoy!

2010-03-02T12:18:00.001-06:00

I Believe part 2

2010-01-13T14:54:00.002-06:00

Some more on what I believe.

On gay marriage:
If two consenting adults decide to make a lifetime commitment to one another, whose business is it but those two people? No one's. It is no one's right to say that two adults can not marry. There is not one logical reason for gay people to not marry. I challenge anyone to give me a logical reason, not religious, not emotional, but logical. This article makes alot of sense:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/229957
In this world, finding love and commitment is hard enough. If you find someone to put up with you (to loosely quote a song), you should hold onto that person with all of your might. The government has no right to interfere in people's personal lives, as long as they are harming no one else, and can not say that gay people can not marry. That is just ludicrous. I know PLENTY of straight people who should never get married or should not have married who they did and with a divorce rate of 50%, I bet everyone knows someone who left their commitment. We're not saying their marriages should be legislated so why should gay marriage be legislated against? In this country, we are guaranteed, by our constitution, the right to life, liberty, and the PURSUIT of happiness. By that very guarantee, gay people have the same rights to marry as straight people.
If it's against YOUR religion, so what. You aren't being asked to participate. Your religious beliefs have no bearing on what should be legislated.
"Gay marriage erodes the tradition of marriage" How? The tradition of marriage is two people vowing to love, honor, and cherish for the remainder of their lives. If the two people are gay, so what.
Imagine how hard a life it must be to be gay and so unaccepted by your own country. Life is hard enough, why would anyone choose to make their life harder if they could help it? And back to the religious view, God tells us to love our fellow man as if they are our own brethren. Hating someone because they are gay, or of a certain race, or different religion, is AGAINST GOD'S LAWS. So drop the religious argument already.

on Yard Ornament Dogs:
If you choose to leave your dog outside all of the time and never have him as a part of the family, YOU are the one missing out. Your dog would be happier as a member of the family, yes, but dogs provided food, water, and shelter tend to entertain themselves and live in the now, not longing for something they don't have. You are the one missing out on the amazing relationship you could have with your dog. I pity you.

That's all I feel passionate about today. I'm sure there will be more to come.

How to remove red wine from clothing even when traveling

2009-10-25T19:11:00.000-05:00

Khaki cotton pants and a somewhat clumsy dinner companion can quickly equal red wine stained and possibly ruined pants. However, with these steps, it is possible to remove the red wine stain from the pants, even when traveling.
First, as soon as possible, douse the entire stain with club soda. If traveling, let the club soda dry onto the clothing and then pack the clothing as usual with the red wine not contacting any other clothing. After returning home, spray the stain liberally with Shout, let dry, spray again, let sit for an hour or two. Fill the washer with warm water and detergent and soak the clothing for a few hours then let the wash cycle complete. At this point, most if not all of the stain will be gone. To make sure it's all gone, soak again with Shout and let sit for an hour or two, soak in detergent water in the washer, and then wash. If any stain remains, repeat, but it should be largely gone at this point. Hang dry and investigate for any apparent stain after dry.
It is likely the bleach alternative in the Shout coupled with early neutralization of the acidic wine with the basic club soda that keeps the stain from being permanent.

Dog attacks, the media, and stupidity

2009-10-06T19:02:00.000-05:00

Statistics show that 5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year but only 8% must visit a hospital. EIGHT PERCENT, that's all. And for all of those bitten, only 15-20 Americans actually die from dog attacks, 15-20 out of 300,000,000 (yes that's 300 million) people in this country. So, yes, that's 400,000 injured enough to need medical treatment BUT the statistics for car accidents are much worse. There were 6.5 million car accidents, 2,900,000 people injured, and 42,000 people killed in 2005 in this country. These numbers are fairly consistent over the years. Maybe we should just ban cars. So why are we banning pit bulls, the reportedly most lethal of all dogs, if only 15 people die each year (and NOT by pit bulls exclusively or even majorly) when 42,000 people die by car each year? This is the illogic of this country and of the media insanity. The media reports make it SEEM so much worse than it is, in comparison, but car accidents have become so common that people EXPECT a gruesome accident when traffic is bad. Perhaps it is because car accidents are so obviously the fault of people driving them, most often? Then why the nuttiness about guns? Guns don't jump up and kill people any more than cars drive themselves. Dogs are animals and they do less damage than "cars" and "guns". Can no one see it is the PEOPLE at fault here?
Did you know in Denver, pit bulls are banned, and yet they still have plenty of dog bites. So many that they did a study. They found that male, un-neutered, chained dogs are most likely to bite. Well, DUH!
The Marines have banned pit bulls and rottweilers on base UNLESS the dog can pass an AKC temperament test. Dumb, yes, but they then go on to say it's to motivate people to train their dogs. Huh? Why don't they offer dog training courses then? Wouldn't that make a hell of a lot more sense? Oh, and this is in effect immediately meaning anyone living on base who owns one of these dogs will either give the dog up or it will pass the temperament test. Way to go USMC, let's put more dogs in shelters to die. How about offering dog training courses, allowing for some time for dogs to be better trained, and THEN give the temperament test? Wouldn't that make more sense? And, by the way, many of the dog bites and deaths are reportedly the first instance of trouble seen in the particular dog so how is a temperament test going to help?
Why don't people ban chihuahuas? They are typically nervous, aggressive little dogs. They bite, they snap, they act crazy. Just because they are small does not mean they can't cause damage and they can certainly cause a dog fight. And you people who don't keep your small dogs on a leash, if your small dog causes a problem with my big, leashed dog, you won't have to worry about what my dog will do. You will have to worry about what I will do. Leash your damn dog if you can't control it.
Anyway, perhaps better breeding programs would be useful...hmm..except RESPONSIBLE breeders don't breed dogs to eat people. Oh, wait, let's keep backyard breeders who don't give a damn about the dogs or the breed from making so many dogs that will end up euthanized or worse. There's a start. Then let's require and offer dog training, which is just as important as low cost spay/neuter and vaccination programs. Let's not force people to give up their good dogs, which has happened in some communities. Let's instead force people to be responsible pet owners. Doesn't that make more sense? Keep your dog under control, under supervision, and TRAIN IT.

I believe

2009-09-29T19:37:00.004-05:00

There are so many opinions in this world, some based on reason, most based on emotion. I try every day to base my opinions on reason but that is a battle I often lose. Sometimes it strikes me to just sit and think about what I truly believe. It's surprising how daunting this task truly can be, especially as a woman since women tend to empathize and see two or even three sides to everything. Here are some things that I believe, atleast with the current knowledge I have.
On illegal immigration:
If someone is illegally in this country, they are breaking the law. That's why it's called illegal. They don't get privileges that the tax payers get. However, people who want to come to this country for a better life, to work and love and care for their families, should absolutely be given a Visa and allowed to come/stay here. Raiding factories and such is idiotic. If the factory employs illegal immigrants, fine the factory and use the money to pay for Visas for the workers. Legal immigrants pay taxes and pay into the system, just like the rest of us. Legal immigrants are not afraid of the police or the INS so they can and will report crimes. Just this would reduce crimes in many neighborhoods. Legal immigrants are entitled to social security and medicare and all of the things citizens pay for and are entitled to receive. The answer is NOT to send them back to their home countries to live in poverty. That's just stupid. Nor is the answer building a wall. We aren't China and they aren't invading Mongolians. We are a country founded on immigrants looking for a better life. We can no more turn people away and keep our dignity than we can turn aluminum into gold. Do we want criminals here, of course not, but the majority of illegal immigrants are not criminals. They are people sick of barely surviving in their own countries. While it can take time to get a Visa, there should be checkpoints at the border where immigrants can sign in, be fingerprinted, get some ID, sign up for jobs, whatever it takes to allow them to legally enter the country and be productive members of society. The "backlog" at the INS is crap. It's a federal government operation, hire more people. I don't pay 40% of my income in taxes for nothing. (and all of you people not self employed, be glad you only pay 30%)
On drugs:
Legalize marijuana. It has a social stigma and that is why it's illegal, not because it's dangerous. It is no more dangerous than alcohol and in some cases less so. I have seen some mean drunks but I have never witnessed someone high on marijuana who was trying to beat up the guy on the next bar stool. Marijuana does indeed have scientifically studied and shown medicinal properties. If someone is dying of cancer, give them anything they want, but if they want to eat and feel less pain, let them smoke marijuana. Who cares if smoking is bad, they're dying of cancer. If marijuana were legal, that would remove numerous petty dope pushers and allow the law enforcers to go after the crime lords who really matter. Drugs like cocaine, heroine, meth, those are horrible, life ending drugs and should be illegal most definitely. Let law enforcement concentrate on keeping that crap out of our country.
On terminally ill patients not allowed morphine:
I'm not an oncologist or even an MD. I don't know if there is any medical reason why terminally ill patients aren't always given super pain killers, like morphine. Maybe there is. All I can say, if someone is dying, give them whatever they want. If they are in pain, ease that pain in any way we know how. Better to ease their pain and allow them some time to say goodbye to their families, maybe do a few things they have dreamed of doing but never got around to, than to worry they might become addicted. Give them as much pain relief as they need.
On education:
As an educated person and a person of reason, I believe education is the cure for most of society's ills. How many people in prison are educated? Some, yes, those who think they are above the law and defraud their company's stockholders. By and large, the majority of prisoners are uneducated, underprivileged people who either thought crime was the only way or the easy way. Some of those criminals I believe can be rehabilitated through education, counseling, and being shown another way of life. Some, never will they change. Violent criminals, most are miswired by society's standards and will always be violent. They learned that way too early in life to change. Some, however, maybe with proper counseling and education, maybe they can be changed. I have no problem with my taxes paying for education of all kinds. Education is the single most important thing we can do for our children AND our adults. I don't just mean the 3 Rs but education about how to live in the world, make good decisions, be good people, give to others, be productive members of our great society. Parents try and sometimes they fail, sometimes the children are too angry or too jumbled up to listen. It is up to all of us. I see kids in my neighborhood, kids that annoy me, but rather than showing them annoyance, I try so hard to be friendly with them. I ask them to come pet my dog when we're walking, I joke with them, I hire them to do odd jobs for extra cash. I figure that I have no idea what their life at home is like, it could be great or it could be horrible, but atleast I will be nice to them. Maybe they will Pay It Forward one day.
On how we affect others:
We can never know how we truly affect others. Maybe that smile you bestowed on someone in the grocery store was the only smile they received all day, maybe it made their day just a little better, maybe it made them smile at the next guy who really needed some kindness. Maybe that harsh word you spoke really stuck with someone, maybe they kept hearing it in their heads and it made them sick. For me, ugliness from others intensely pisses me off. If they think little of me, I am determined to show them how great I am. It's a stubbornness that has paid off tremendously (thank you Dr. Moran, I got my PhD) but not everyone is wired that way. For some, harsh words and unkindness can weaken them, hurt them badly. For some, being too kind is injustice as they won't be driven to do anything to be better. This is seen in schools that don't give Fs because it would hurt someone's feelings. Why would any child be inclined to do better? For all of this, we must tread carefully in life, be aware of what we say and do, show kindness when we can but only when it won't be detrimental.
So many opinions! So many more that I have not the time nor the fire to write about today. More, I'm sure, will come in the future.

Dogs: Why don't they just eat us?

2009-09-29T19:33:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it strikes me just how odd having dogs, or any pets, really is. We take these half wild animals into our homes, sleep with them on or near our beds, feed them, love them, sometimes even clothe them, and in all of this....we are trusting them not to eat us! How crazy is that really? Dogs are predators, cats are predators. I have 4 medium-large dogs. They could easily attack me, kill me, and eat my liver and yet, they don't. Why not? So, they are "domesticated", so what. I've seen plenty of dogs who are domesticated but are still inclined to attack humans. What makes these 4, and most pets, different? Kindness that we show them...No, there are plenty of unkind people and their pets don't eat them. Because we are their pack leaders and they respect us? No, I know plenty of pushovers who are not pack leaders but their dogs don't eat them. Have they lost their prey drive? No way, they'll chase squirrels until their dying day. What is it? What is that defining quality that makes our pets not eat us, look forward to seeing us, curl up to us and give a lick but never a bite? Can it be LOVE? The truest and most beautiful form of love? Yes, maybe that's what it is. Not just that my dogs love me but that dogs, in general, love humans. They must. There is no other reason for all that they tolerate. Think of the millions of pets, the millions of homeless pets, and think of how easily they could kill us all. Indeed, some of the human race would deserve it.
I am grateful for the love of my dogs, though so many, especially with rescues about too, can be tiring. For some odd reason, my dogs adore me. It is so true that no one will ever love you like your dog loves you.

A new freelance gig

2009-09-07T13:05:00.003-05:00

I have been accepted to begin writing for Suite 101 as a Contributing Writer. I have heard good things about Suite 101, especially their training in how to write for digital media. I am waiting for my first article to be editor approved. I hope everyone will enjoy my articles at Suite 101 April Mitchem.
I will still be writing for Examiner on Dog Care, but at Suite 101, I can choose my topics and write on anything. I'll use my daily life as inspiration and write as I learn new things.

Rocky needs a forever home

2009-08-30T19:40:00.026-05:00

UPDATE 6-29-10:
Rocky has gone to a new foster home where he will receive much more attention than I can give him. He is available through Bama Bully Rescue.

A summary of Rocky:
He loves everyone, people and dogs. He is smart, trains quickly and easily. He is a lovebug and affectionate. He has energy and needs to play or be walked every day. His tail never stops wagging.
Rocky knows sit, down, scoot back, come forward, spin, kennel, sit for meals, sit to go out, settle, stand on hind legs and has leash manners.

Rocky was a stray intake straight off the streets. He had alot of wounds and was scared, but he came to me and said "i'm so scared. can you help me?" So, I did. I've had him vetted and he is healthy. We are looking to place him into a good home. I'll be posting updates as I learn about him.

August 25
He's a lover boy who just wants lots of attention. He's all wagging tail and kisses. He does have a big tendency to jump for attention and this is being worked on in his foster home. He is vetted and will be neutered before adoption. Rocky is about 14 months old, plenty young enough to learn new things. He wants to be someone's new best friend.
August 26
Update, Rocky has already crate trained himself. No accidents indoors! He also has learned in 1.5 days to go into his kennel for meals and he sits for treats and attention. He sits very erectly and proudly and gazes at you like "see what a good boy I am?" He is a doll and will be a wonderful companion for the right person.

Aug 28
Update, Rocky is pretty sure he can fly and climb towers. I think he has some Jack Russel in him. If I go low to give him attention, he does well, rolls for a belly rub and wiggle, wiggle. If I'm standing, though, he's determined to get up to me. I picked him up in my arms (yeah, 40 lbs) and he was great. He just wants attention and love. Unfortunately, right now, he's kenneled most of the time and alone as I have 5 dogs upstairs. He'll be calmer once he's in a home and getting lots more attention.
He chortles.

UPDATE 8/30/09:
Wonderfully and thanks to my friend Kenna, Rocky has learned to be calmer and stop climbing me. Kenna is excellent with high energy, high drive dogs. She came over, put him on a slip lead, and ran him up and down the street. With light corrections, he learned very quickly. We also dog tested him with my submissive female golden mix and he did great. He was interested but it was curious/excited, not fixated or attack interest. We worked slowly and let him become used to another dog being present, slowly let him sniff, and he did just great. Relaxed pose always, never an ugly word or face. Ginger, my female, is the best dog tester because she displays beautiful doggie manners. We started by walking near, closer, and then finally stopping and letting him sniff her behind. We avoided any face-to-face confrontational poses. I think Rocky will be great with another dog provided the other dog wants to play.
Rocky would love to be someone's running partner. He is extremely attentive during a run or walk with only a slip lead and very light correction needed. He does not do well walking on a flat collar because he wants to play and flat collars don't allow for the correction of the higher placed slip lead.
Rocky knows his name. In fact, and if you're not a dog person you won't understand, Rocky named himself. I asked him his name and he sang Eye of the Tiger to me so Rocky he is. He responds well to his name.
He has learned to sit in his crate before being released, sit at doorways, etc all in the matter of 1.5 days. I walked him today and he did wonderfully. He's learning to sit for attention, sit for his food (excellent at this).
He bounces in the backyard, kind of like a deer. It's quite cute.
Rocky is VERY smart, needs only a bit of correction, and tries very hard to understand and do what is wanted. With training and exercise, he's going to be a wonderful companion.

Sept 6
We took Rocky to show at a local pet store yesterday. He did beautifully. He decided the two German Shepherd puppies were his new girlfriends and he let them crawl on him. He played a bit but we had to keep it subdued at the store. He did not react to the cats there other than a cursory interest. He loved the kids he met, even licked one little boy on the face. His wagging tail was a hit!
Rocky has now learned "down" and to catch tossed treats in the air. He is a smart boy who gets the training really quickly.

Sept 8
Rocky now has "down" down pat. He sits at doorways about 50% of the time without prompting and 100% with prompting. He sits at the gate to go out for our evening walk. He very much enjoys his walks. He does have some fear of passing cars and while this is a healthy fear for a dog, we are working to make it a bit less frightening so he can walk a bit more confidently.
Rocky loves a peanut butter stuffed Kong.
Rocky learned about brushing tonight. He enjoys it and loves the attention but is learning that the brush is not a toy.
You may view Rocky's pictures on my public album. You may contact me (alustryl@gmail.com) if you are interested in adopting Rocky or fill out an online application at Today's Treasures Rescue and Adoption, a 501(C)3 dog and cat rescue.

Sept 18
Rocky can now add "spin" and "fly" to his repertoire. He has a beautiful down, sits for everything he wants, and pays such close attention to training that he has learned all of these behaviors (sit, down, spin, fly, sit at doors, walk on leash, go in kennel) in these few weeks that I've had him. He is joyful and playful, comes running when you whistle, has learned to run to you and then sit for attention. He is a wonderful boy.

October 27
Rocky is still doing very well, learning and being a love. He so wants a forever home for Christmas. I keep praying that we will find one for him just in time to have his own present under the tree.
Rocky has been with my pack of 4 (two dominant females, a middle male, and an omega female) and done very well. He's great with people, loves everybody, wants to kiss and love. He doesn't meet a stranger.
He will alert bark when someone is too close to our property but then he runs away. He might be a bit of a watchdog but a guard dog he is not.
He can now add "scoot back" to his bag of tricks. He now knows sit, down, scoot back, spin, spin-sit, fly, sit at door, sit for dinner, go into kennel for dinner, fetch, and puppy pushups (sit-down-sit-down).
Rocky is also backpacking. He'll wear a pack well and likes to walk with the pack on. He knows the pack means walk time so he'll sit at the gate waiting.

November 17
Rocky is still hoping for a forever home for Christmas.
He has learned to dance. He scoots back on his butt then steps forward to me and sits. He would be great for someone pursuing Canine Musical Freestyle.

UPDATE 12/3/09
Rocky is worried that he'll not have his forever home for Christmas. He so wants to be a footwarmer for his very own mom, not just this foster lady who takes care of him. He loves to lie on your feet and chew his bone. He will sit down and scoot back until his back is against your legs and then smile at you, looking for a rub. He has mostly learned that jumping is not allowed.

UPDATE 2/7/10
Rocky is still waiting for his forever family to find him. He is such a sweet boy and longs for his own family to love. Rocky is fun dog with lots of affection to give.

UPDATE 4/22/10
Rocky is an artist! He painted these flowers at the Moody Bark for Life event last weekend.

He thought that paint stuff was pretty weird but he was a good sport about it. He let the stranger hold him tight, stick his paw in gooey paint, and then wash it off in the kiddie pool. He got a treat for being such a good boy!

Rocky also wore his backpack and carried his own water at the event.
He likes his backpack, knows that means he's going somewhere. For the 4 hr we were at this event, I don't think his tail stopped wagging once.

Credit cards ripped you off? Report them to the BBB

2009-06-19T15:55:00.002-05:00

Credit card companies, especially certain ones like Chase, are notorious for playing games that cost you money and could affect your credit report. It seems some of these companies will go to extreme lengths to take your money. While the unfair practices of raising your interest rate for no reason are under scrutiny and the government is working to pass bills to prevent CC companies from doing this, they still find other ways to rip you off.
Of course, the best prevention is to not have a credit card at all. Second would be to have a card like American Express and pay the ENTIRE balance off every month. For those of us who have leftover debt from a leaner time in our lives, such as college or graduate school, we are stuck with what we have and have to pay the balance off as best we can.
When Chase bought out WAMU, I was one of the unfortunate consumers who had a WAMU account, which I was very happy with and steadily paying down the balance, who now has to deal with horrible Chase. Over the years, Chase has lied to me telling me there were bad marks on my credit report that caused them to increase my interest (pulled said credit report, not one bad mark), that they were trying to "control my spending" so they increased my interest (balance wasn't increasing, just only could pay minimums at that time), etc. This buyout had me nervous from the beginning. Turns out, my nerves were right. Chase did not notify me that they now held my account, did not send me a paper bill, did not send me an email, in no way notified me of anything. My bill was always due no earlier than the 9th of the month and usually on the 12th. Yes, I know credit cards have variable due dates, but they have a minimum number of days between closing periods so it was never due before the 9th when I had WAMU. Chase changed the due date to earlier without notifying me so when I went to pay the bill, it ended up late according to them because the due date was now the 5th. When they assessed a late fee of $39 the next month, I called customer service. The phone center people were very rude, told me they couldn't reverse the charge and that it was a legitimate charge, blah blah blah. Asking to speak to a supervisor got this response "I can let you talk to them but they'll tell you the same thing". I repeated my request and got "It won't do you any good". So then, I screamed and got a supervisor. Of course, the supervisor said they wouldn't reverse the charge so I asked to speak to someone higher than her and got the first person I talked with. They just sit there passing the phone back and forth I guess. So, I was told that I could not speak to anyone higher in the company by calling and would have to communicate via mail. I sent a certified letter requesting that the late fee be reversed. Letter response said, guess what, they were not reversing the charge. By this point, I was so angry that I contacted the Better Business Bureau. They forwarded the complaint and, just yesterday, the lady from Chase called and reversed the late fee and made certain that my account showed as paid as agreed and on time. I don't care about the stupid $39 so much as the principle of them jerking me around, being rude, and then marking my account that I paid late when it wasn't my fault.
My advice, and this goes for businesses other than credit cards, if you have done everything you can to resolve an issue without satisfaction, contact the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint. Most companies do not want bad marks on their BBB profiles so they will try to resolve the problem. You may have to compromise.

Reverting IE8 back to IE7

2009-06-18T10:21:00.003-05:00

Installation of IE8 may cause instability in Windows Mail that makes it periodically not open attachments of various file types although the attachments will open if you can get them to save. Most often, clicking on the attachment button just does nothing. Restarting Windows Mail may or may not allow you to open the attachment. Here is a fix from microsoft, revert back to IE7.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957700#fixit4me

To summarize, go to Control Panel, Programs, View Installed Updates, then uninstall Microsoft Internet Explorer 8. After a restart, it will revert back to IE7.
I suggest Mozilla Firefox as a more stable browser. Google Chrome is fast for any google related pages and faster for alot of other pages as well but it's not compatible with many types of media.

Parvovirus

2009-06-15T16:23:00.000-05:00

http://www.examiner.com/x-7557-Birmingham-Dog-Care-Examiner~y2009m6d15-Parvovirus-even-older-dogs-can-contract-it

Latest Examiner article on parvovirus in canines.

Fostering

2009-06-14T20:17:00.001-05:00

http://www.examiner.com/x-7557-Birmingham-Dog-Care-Examiner~y2009m6d14-The-rewards-of-fostering-a-homeless-dog

My latest Examiner article.

Newest foster Dakota

2009-06-12T12:14:00.002-05:00

Dakota is a large, black and white German Shepherd. He was turned into a shelter for playing too rough with the Chihuahuas. The weird thing from my perspective is that he was fully vetted, neutered, up to date on heartworm prevention, and seemed to have a good temperament. So, we pulled him from the shelter and brought him home, on the request of GSRCA of course. This dog is fantastic! He gets along well with our male and 3 females, is already crate and house trained, is not destructive, and is fairly calm. The shelter said he was energetic but some playtime with my male, and he's lying on the couch wanting to be petted. Now, he is a BIG boy, will likely be 90 lbs at full maturity and weight and is very tall. He can put his head onto the kitchen table without stretching. However, he's not a snatcher and we haven't had much issue with him at all. He's very sweet and attention motivated. He likes to walk beside you with your hand scratching his head. I can't imagine anyone not wanting him and for the previous owner to take such good care of him but then take him to a shelter, I am flummoxed. Most dogs die in shelters, some kill rates are as high as 70%. The lucky ones have a Rescuer come get them but most do not because rescuers only have so much space in their homes to take dogs.
This boy hit the jackpot when the wonderful adoption coordinator from his shelter contacted us. We will place him into a good home and he will live with us until that time, as part of our family.

Natural flea control

2009-06-12T12:11:00.003-05:00

Some info and some cautions on natural flea control from fellow Examiner and veterinarian Lorie Huston. Check out her great articles on other topics, including the differences in commercially available flea control products.

http://www.examiner.com/x-7468-Pet-Health-Examiner~y2009m6d10-Natural-flea-control-methods

PLEA FOR FOSTERS

2009-06-03T15:02:00.004-05:00

If you live in the Alabama area and love dogs, we NEED you. As a dedicated rescue for German Shepherd Dogs, we do not want to turn any shelter dog away but right now, we are having to do so due to a lack of foster homes. We only have a few active fosters and two of them have multiple foster dogs. If you could open your home, even for just a short time, to a dog in need, the reward of seeing these dogs adopted is immeasurable.
Before you say it, no you will not get "too attached". When you know it's not your dog and you will not be keeping them, you do not become so attached. You don't let yourself. Besides that, this is not about the humans. Fostering is about literally saving the life of a dog who would otherwise die. Be selfless and help these dogs.
Please go to www.gsdcentral.petfinder.com and fill out the fostering application.
Remember, fostering expenses (food, heartworm preventative, flea preventative) are tax deductible since GSRCA is 501(c)3. GSRCA covers all veterinary expenses.
Please find it in your heart to help us help these dogs and save their lives.

Nugan is adopted!

2009-05-25T11:48:00.002-05:00

My foster boy Nugan has been adopted. His new mom is retired so she has lots of time to spend with him. He took to her immediately and even looked for her when she went to get something from her car. Being a bit of a shy dog, this speaks alot to how much he liked her. He blossomed from a scared, 67 lb bag of bones with little fur, eating garbage to survive into an 86 lb, tall, muscular, shiny furred, beautiful boy who constantly wanted affection and play. Just a couple of months in foster with people who cared for him and showed him that not all people are mean and he is a happy, loving boy. I hope he brings great joy to his new mom and she brings him love and security. It is this match, this love that keeps us fostering and saving what few dogs that we may.

Memorial Day and Vets

2009-05-25T11:40:00.003-05:00

I am lucky. My military veterans are still living. My husband was a Marine for 6 years and an Army pilot for 6 years, serving a tour in Iraq. He came home safely and now works a slightly less dangerous job. My Dad was an Army MP during the Vietnam Conflict, escorting nuclear weapons. He has finally retired to his dream life of cattle ranching. My grandpa, a WWII veteran who served two years in Japan, is living at 84 years old and is the very best man I know. Various cousins (including a female cousin "beauty queen who carries an M16"!) and uncles have served in various branches and, so far and thank the Good Lord, none of us have had to attend a military funeral. They all came home alive. Many others were not so lucky and many families had that dreaded visit from military personnel. Today, remember those who have fallen, pray for those who still will, and love those that you have still living.

The ASPCA and Walmart joining forces for a line of pet care products

2009-05-15T18:37:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful idea!
http://www.aspca.org/pressroom/press-releases/051209.html

Also learn at fellow Examiner writer's page
http://www.aspca.org/pressroom/press-releases/051209.html

Daffy's Soup Kitchen

2009-04-28T16:37:00.001-05:00

http://www.daffyspetsoupkitchen.com/
What a wonderful idea, helping people keep their pets instead of turning them into rescue, a shelter, or just setting them loose. This organization, all volunteer, 501(c)3, gives food to people in need so they can feed their pets and keep them. They offer supplies at no or low cost as well. So far, their locations are in the Atlanta area but they are interested in expanding to other areas of GA and other states. If you are looking for a way to help, this is a great one.

Pet Overpopulation

2009-04-22T16:15:00.003-05:00

I understand that not everyone knows about or truly understands the pet overpopulation problem we have in this country and, especially, in the south. When I received (yes, as a gift) my first dog as an adult person many years ago, I didn't know about it either. It wasn't until I was looking for my second dog and my mom happened to look at www.petfinder.com that I began to learn about rescue and all of the problems associated with pet overpopulation, including the millions of cats and dogs euthanized every year. I can not blame someone for ignorance, only for perpetuating the problem when ignorance has been removed. Look at the multitudes of homeless animals on that website and you will understand that they are not all mutts nor are they "problem dogs".

If you are not a professional breeder, don't let your dog breed. It truly is that simple. Professional breeders, reputable ones who truly care about the breed, will breed dogs to the accepted standard and will be careful about inbreeding to prevent hereditary diseases. And for people who become angry when I tell them not to breed their dog, get over yourself. If you are not a professional, then you do not know what you are doing. And that "let them have just one litter" crap is ridiculous. Animals do not have a driving need to be parents.

How do you recognize a reputable breeder? They are very discerning about where their puppies go and will take any dog back that doesn't work out with the buyer. Reputable breeders do not charge $200-300 for a purebred, papered puppy. That doesn't even cover the cost of puppy shots and exams. Purebred puppies will cost upwards of $600 if bred well. Reputable breeders generally participate in conformation shows (such as the AKC or CKC competitions) or other breed-specific working competitions. Reputable breeders will provide you with references and multitudes of information on the breed. It is your choice to buy or adopt, though I will advocate adoption until the pet overpopulation problem is under control, but make certain you buy well if you do buy.

Birmingham's Dog Care Examiner

2009-04-10T15:05:00.003-05:00

Be sure to check out my articles at Examiner.com. I am the new Dog Care Examiner for the Birmingham area. I'll be posting 3-4 articles per week on dogs and dog care, sometimes relating to the Birmingham area but often general knowledge. Just click the badge on the right side of my main blog page and you'll be taken to my Examiner.com page.
If you are interested in writing and have a particular topic that you are passionate about, check out the opportunities at Examiner.com.

Wow, sad

2009-03-26T17:05:00.001-05:00

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/26/investigators-government-approval-fake-medical-product/

A Dog named Trooper!!!

Feeding your dog

2009-03-26T16:57:00.002-05:00

Information gathered by my friend Chris.....feeding your dog is an important thing to consider. Just like us, the better your dog eats, the longer and healthier he will live.
FEEDING YOUR DOG
Just as with people, what your dog eats can have a dramatic impact on their attention span, energy level, and overall health. Unfortunately, it is difficult to come by reliable nutritional information. Most veterinarians do not take nutrition classes, and some receive benefits for selling particular brands. However, these brands may not be the best foods for your dog. Rather than to think about just the brand name, let’s think about what we are feeding them in terms of ingredients.
Here are some ingredients you should be aware of, what they are and how they may affect your dog.
CORN – For some dogs, corn is difficult to digest and can be allergenic. Recently some dog food companies have set about defending their use of corn as a good carbohydrate source for dogs. What they have not addressed is, in a dog, corn metabolizes in much the same way as sugar metabolizes in people. So, when you feed your dog a corn-based diet, it’s like feeding your seven year-old a diet whose main ingredient is cotton candy. Your seven year-old is going to exhibit dramatic energy spurts and crashes, hyperactivity, lack of attention, and is not going to be very healthy overall. The same is true of feeding your dog a corn-based diet.
Corn-Free Brand Names: AvoDerm, Blue Buffalo, California Natural, Canidae, Chicken Soup for the Dog, Innova, Kirkland Signature (Costco), Merrick, Natural Balance, Newman’s Own, Nutro Natural Choice, Orijen, Pinnacle, Solid Gold and Wellness. Brand Names containing Corn: Alpo, Beneful, Bil-Jac, Diamond, Eagle Pack, Eukanuba, Iams, Nutro Max, Ol’Roy, Pedigree, Proplan, Purina One, All Purina products, Royal Canin and Science Diet.
This list is by no means complete, so if you are unsure about whether your dog’s diet is corn-based, just read the ingredients label. Look for corn, corn gluten, corn meal and corn syrup. If any these ingredients are in your dog food, they are probably among the first ingredients you will see listed. If your dog food contains corn, you should seriously consider making a diet change.
**In addition to their regular commercial diets, Hill’s Science Diet and Eukanuba both produce prescription diets. If your veterinarian has placed your dog on a prescription diet, you should obviously discuss any concerns about the ingredients with your veterinarian prior to making any diet changes.
BHA/BHT – BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are used to preserve fats. However, studies have linked these preservatives to various types of cancers. They are also suspected of causing liver and kidney dysfunction.
Ethoxyquin – A preservative which studies have linked to kidney and bladder cancer, and increased incidence of stomach tumors. The Department of Agriculture lists it as a pesticide.
Byproducts - Basically anything left over of animal carcasses after the parts destined for human consumption have been removed. This can include organs, intestines, heads, feet, and so on.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON FOOD
How to change foods: So, you’ve read your ingredient label and have decided to make a change? Your dog’s digestive system (and taste) needs time to adjust. If you change your dog’s diet too quickly you may see loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, refusal to eat or other problems. ANY DIET CHANGE MUST BE GRADUAL!!!!
Generally, you should start feeding your dog ¼ of the new food with ¾ of the old food. Do this for a few days until you are sure the stools are firm. Then increase the ratio to ½ of the new and ½ of the old. Adjust the ratio every few days until the stools are firm and your dog is on 100% of the new food.
Cost: The foods we are recommending may cost more than the bag of food you are currently buying. That does not mean that they are actually more expensive. The foods we are recommending contain higher quality ingredients, are more nutrient-dense and more digestible. This means you can feed your dog less, and the bag will last longer. Also, an added bonus ... you will have less “backyard” clean up.
Where to purchase: There are many local retailers (Pet Supplies Plus, Petco) that carry these premium brands, including many feed stores. Generally, you will not find them at the supermarket.
Feeding Guidelines: How much do I need to feed my dog? Start by following the feeding guidelines on the back of the bag. Your dog’s health, activity level and age can affect how much food your dog needs. Start with the guidelines and pay attention to your dog. How is his or her weight, are they gaining or losing? Do they leave food in the bowl? Then, adjust accordingly. A good indication of a healthy weight is being able to feel ribs, but not see them and having an obvious waistline.
We recommend feeding your dog two meals per day. We advise against leaving food available all day long (free feeding). Place the food down for 20 minutes and then take up what has not been eaten. If after three or four days your dog is not finishing the meal in 20 minutes, you are probably feeding your dog too much. An early indicator that your dog is sick is a loss of appetite. If your dog has food available all day long, you will not notice this loss of appetite as quickly.
There are significant training benefits to making your dog work for his or her meals. Studies have shown that animals that have to “work” for their meals learn more rapidly. That is one reason why we teach our dogs to ‘sit’ before putting their food down. Also by your having control of a resource as valuable as food, this will help establish your position as the leader of your pack.

For even further information, visit www.dogfoodproject.com

Fundraider for GSRCA, Pet pics with the Easter Bunny

2009-03-20T10:06:00.003-05:00

Come have your pet's picture made with the Easter Bunny. See flyer for information.

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/gsdcentral.html#Events

Clarification

2009-03-19T05:29:00.003-05:00

Let me clarify, the rescue with whom I have such a big problem over this dog is NOT German Shepherd Rescue. I volunteer with several rescues and post on my fosters for GSD rescue. The large rescue who is doing wrong is NOT them. I realized after I posted that it would sound that way from my posts on my fosters. The dog that they are/have euthanized is a traditionally non-aggressive breed who is supposed to be cuddly and cute.

I quit, I quit, I quit

2009-03-18T16:24:00.002-05:00

I've decided the rescue is wrong. They are euthanizing a dog that I do not believe needs to be euthanized. They obviously do think so and they are listening to lawyers about liability, but I think they are wrong. I quit. I won't work with a rescue who kills dogs in the best interest of the organization, not the dog. What would Cesar say? What would the devoted people of Dog Town say? They have all worked with much worse cases to great succes. Maybe I'm wrong and maybe the dog is dangerous, but there is no listening to reason in that organization so I quit. No more for me. I will devote my time to smaller rescues who actually need me, listen to me, let me be a part of things. I do not mention names on purpose because this large rescue DOES do alot to help dogs and have helped many to find homes so I will not intentionally speak ill of them. Many dogs live long happy lives because of them, but in this case, I vehemently disagree with them. I resigned from a volunteer organization and was made to feel GUILTY about it. How ridiculous is that? I feel guilty for quitting something that I VOLUNTEER to do, to give my free time. Nope. I'm done.

A philosophy on life

2009-03-18T11:00:00.003-05:00

A wise friend said to me recently "some people make my train and some don't", meaning that as we journey through life there are those who will continue your journey and "make your train" and those that will diverge onto a different set of tracks. I am grateful to have several friends who have continued on my train and sad for those who have not. There are so many types of friends to have, those that will reach out with an email hug because they know you need it and they are far away, those that will commiserate with you when something bad happens, those who will let you wallow and then advise you to eat some chocolate and move on, those that you have not seen in years but will still listen to you, those that you can always count on when it really counts, those that are fun but not reliable, those that may shock you but you know are still always your friend. We must all value each type of friend we have and be grateful for those people who come into our lives no matter the path they traveled to get there. It is difficult to let go of friends, and even acquaintances, when you know your paths must diverge. Perhaps it is a difference of opinion or belief or just a distance in time and space and wants and dreams, but it is sad when it happens. I've always wondered about those I grew away from, but now through the magic of the internet, I have reconnected with many. It is a wonderful experience. They are not the friends they once were, not the same people really, but valuable and needed.
Choose wisely who you allow to attach to your train and who you allow to continue on their divergent path.

What a bad week.

2009-03-16T22:27:00.002-05:00

This week is rapidly turning into one of the worst. It is only Monday. I found out yesterday that my vet, the person who spent 8 years obtaining a specialized degree, prescribed Ivomec incorrectly to the tune of telling me to give my dogs TEN times the recommended dose. It seems she can't do math and said to give 0.1 ml per 20 lbs of dog of a 1% ivermectin solution, which I bought from HER. This is completely wrong and way too much of this heartworm preventative. It should be 0.01 ml per 20 lbs of dog to match the heartgard dose. I am sending her a certified letter with the copy of the prescription label that she typed. So far, no ill effects in my dogs but we only gave this once as we just started this regimen. Then, I have been sick for about 4 weeks with a bad sinus infection. Got meds and shots from the doctor and it recurred so back to the doctor for more meds and shots. Yuck. Then I find out one of my adopted dogs is being returned due to "food aggression" that he didn't exhibit in foster care. The people have been good and we have been trying to work with them but this is turning out to be one of those matches that just wasn't right. He will go to training and then be evaluated for a new home. I am sad for him. Then the dangerous dog being euthanized who I am crying for out of the sadness of it all. Please, please let Tuesday be better.

So very sad

2009-03-16T22:23:00.002-05:00

This evening I was told about one of our rescue dogs who is dangerous and will be put to sleep tomorrow morning. He has attacked people and after careful evaluation by two trainers, this very tough decision has been made. I am so sad that he was once a cuddly puppy, a sweet little ball of fur, and has become this dog who attacks people without provocation. I hate the unknown people who bred him and did not care for him. I hate the unknown people who mistreated him, did not teach him, and raised him into this bad, dangerous dog that has to be destroyed for human safety. I firmly believe that any dog raised wrong can be dangerous, regardless of the breed. This dog is not an aggressive breed dog. He is wired wrong somehow, probably from mistreatment. Since he came from a shelter, we have no idea of his background. We tried to save him, even treated him for heartworms, but it is not to be. I can only wish him a swift trip to the bridge where he will be made whole and sweet again to meet the only family he has ever known to be good to him, his fosters who are heartbroken.

next foster Nugan....or I should say fosterS Nugan and Marlow

2009-03-06T15:17:00.004-06:00

So, we now have Nugan, a heartworm positive, stray pickup who was 67 lbs at intake. He should be about 85-87 lbs when healthy and, with our care, is at 82 lbs and looking much better. Apparently, animal control was called because he was getting into people's garbage. Hello! He was literally starving to death and these people call animal control! I can't understand how they see him, a skeleton with skin, and don't feed him or try to help him. Fortunately, the animal control officer recognized him to be a GSD and knew if he took him to the shelter that he would be put to sleep so he called us. This dog is SO SWEET. He wants nothing more than to be loved. He is frightened of loud, aggressive behavior, probably because people shooed him and threw stuff at him. We've had no housetraining issues so far, though he hasn't had run of the house yet since he hasn't been neutered, but no issues with supervision. He takes treats gently, doesn't jump on us, is happy to see us and go outside to play, loves the Kong, and generally gets along with everyone. He is going to make someone a wonderful pet some day, after his HW treatment and some time with us.
Marlow is a temporary foster, GSD, tiny female at 47 lbs. She is very small overall, not underweight. She was in a shelter for about 3 weeks. Once she learns that people are ok and not going to hurt her, she'll be a good dog. Right now, she's a bit unstable and unsure. She wants attention but then gets scared when she gets it and runs away. She wants to play but is frightened by people playing with her. She is very loud with this whiny/howly noise. She's beautiful with a silvery coat that makes her look like a silver fox. Sadly, she is also heartworm positive and will be beginning treatment in another week.
One of the most interesting things about fostering is I'm learning that I really prefer male dogs with submissive personalities. I LOVE my dominant female and it will kill me when she's gone, but the males really are easier. If you are thinking of getting a dog and have a breed in mind but are not certain about it, foster for a local rescue. It's a great way to see if you like that breed of dog. One of the biggest things I've learned about GSDs is that there are "German" and "American" temperaments, and they are VERY different. Also, of course, if you are getting a dog, PLEASE adopt from a reputable rescue or shelter. Please do not buy from a breeder. Don't sell or buy while they die! When the millions of homeless pets euthanized each year are no longer that statistic, then people should buy from breeders. A rescued dog will pay you back 100 fold for the love of a good home.

Why do people stop your reading to ask....

2009-03-06T15:07:00.002-06:00

What are you reading? If I'm engrossed in a book, I am obviously not intent on interacting with you, so why do you feel the need to interrupt me? Do you really, truly care what I'm reading? Are you going to run out and buy the book? No, every time this happens, the person wants to tell me about THEIR favorite book or author. Um...I don't care. I didn't ask and really do not care. I read what I like. I know how to find new authors (browse the library on a slow Sunday). I, very much, like to read while eating my lunch. It's 30 mins of ME time completely without anyone else. I really hate it when someone interrupts that little time I have.

Smart lady, smart dog trainer

2009-02-27T14:38:00.000-06:00

http://dianeandrockys.blogspot.com/2009/02/we-work-for-food.html

This is a blog by a wonderful, smart lady. Check it out.

Just a Dog

2009-02-25T12:45:00.002-06:00

words to live by

2009-02-18T16:56:00.002-06:00

Saw this as a bumper sticker. I think it applies to both pets and kids.

If you can't feed, DON'T BREED.

all breed rescue

2009-02-18T16:55:00.001-06:00

http://www.prayingforpaws.com/

heartworms

2009-01-27T15:12:00.004-06:00

It can't be said enough, heartworms is preventable and anyone who doesn't give their dog the preventative medication should not have a dog and is likely killing their pet they profess to love. If you can't afford it, ask your vet for another way. With so many dogs and foster dogs, we use Ivomec, which is the same chemical (ivermectin) as in Heartgard. It is, in fact, made by the same company Merial. We calculate the dose for each dog and give it to them once a month, all with our vet's approval. There are many different formulas online and many of them are wrong. Heartgard for a 100 lb dog is 0.272 mg ivermectin. Purchase 1% Ivomec (10 mg/ml), make a small volume 10x dilution (0.1 ml into 1 ml) and give it at 0.1 ml per 40 lbs. That calculates to 0.25 mg ivermectin for 100 lbs, nearly the same as Heartgard and is an effective dose according to my vet. This way is much cheaper than buying the biscuit. However, if you are mathematically challenged or won't measure it right, then buy the friggin biscuit and save your dog from a horrible death. There is no excuse for not providing proper preventative care for your pet. If you can't afford it, you can't afford a pet.

Lab strays update and a new foster

2009-01-27T15:00:00.004-06:00

The two lab strays have been transported to Maryland to a rescue there who will find them a home. The rescue there reports good things about them. Such sweet boys...

So, now we are back to fostering GSDs. Our latest is a HW+ boy from a high kill shelter. He was there for over a month. He is so friendly and loving. I can't understand what he was doing there. It is obvious that he was once someone's pet. He has no fear of people, is very friendly, and doesn't appear to have been mistreated. He is an absolutely gorgeous, classic looking GSD. He knows to whine at the door to go out and has not had an accident in his crate in the 1.5 weeks we've had him. He isn't destructive, loves his toys, gives kisses, is friendly with other dogs....all the things people want. He may be a fence escaper, which could be how he got lost, since he seems to know what gates are and tries to open them. He won't be left alone in the yard at our house! He'll undergo heartworm treatment, which he will hopefully survive, and then be ready for adoption into a loving family who will always keep him safe.

spay/neuter your pet!!!

2009-01-13T15:07:00.003-06:00

Wonderful organizations make it cheaper and easier to prevent unwanted dogs and cats (and even bunnies). Spay/neuter your pet!

http://www.spayusa.org/

http://www.spayalabama.org/LowCostOptions.htm

http://www.spaygeorgia.org/

Alabama Spay Neuter Clinic, Irondale

205 956-0012

www.alabamaspayneuterclinic.com

help after you adopt a dog

2009-01-13T15:00:00.001-06:00

www.petfinder.com
This website has alot of useful information for you AFTER you bring home a new family member.

Lab strays

2009-01-13T14:54:00.002-06:00

We have two stray Labs living in our garage. They are beautiful, sweet boys that someone just didn't want anymore. They came onto our property to visit our dogs and were obviously malnourished. No collars or ID of any sort. One has a bit of his ear missing and some old scars, probably from fighting over food. Since the two of them get along well, I'm assuming they've been together for a while. We have, with the help of a wonderful rescue TTRA, vetted them and found a Lab rescue in Maryland to take them and find them wonderful homes. Since one of the dogs is black, it would be nearly impossible to place him down here in the south. They call it "black dog syndrome". It's weird that people won't adopt black dogs. I don't get it but then one of our own dogs is a black lab. These two are lucky that they wandered onto our property. They ran around our neighborhood for a week and no one else tried to help them. We put out food, but it took a few days for us to gain their trust and catch them. If animal control had caught them, I have no doubt they would be dead by now. Luckily, they will get to be someone's new best friend up in Maryland. If you see dogs in need, please help them. Many rescues will help you if you will foster the dog until they can find it a home.

New Book!

2009-01-13T14:53:00.002-06:00

http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061435591/Petfindercom_The_Adopted_Dog_Bible/index.aspx

The Adopted Dog Bible

the foster has been adopted!

2008-12-11T13:48:00.002-06:00

Yea! The foster I wrote about earlier, the one who was mistreated, has been adopted by a wonderful family with lots of GSD experience. She's going to be so happy there. It wasn't as hard to let her go as I thought it would be, probably because I had been preparing myself for a week. The house is alot quieter without her and my pack has relaxed again without her rambunctious self running around getting into trouble. It really is a wonderful experience to help a dog and see them go to a fabulous, loving home when they've been treated so badly.
So, now it's rest time for my pack and then on to another foster in need. The flood never ends and won't until people take responsibility and spay/neuter their pets. Unless you are a show quality breeder, stop breeding your dogs until the millions being put to sleep every year are in homes. When we don't have to euthanize unwanted pets, then we will be a thoughtful, caring society. Now, all people care about are themselves. It's infuriating.

Paws to Save Pets

2008-10-22T20:22:00.002-05:00

PAWS TO SAVE PETS
http://us.merial.com/pawstosavepets/home.asp

This is a consortium between Merial (the people who make Frontline and Heartgard) and Petfinder to help lost pets. It's a wonderful program. Please support it.

new rescued dog update

2008-10-10T22:04:00.004-05:00

The dog we took in a few weeks ago that I posted about earlier...the one who broke INTO my fence....has now been spayed. The vet said she was not pregnant so that's a blessing. She's also, thankfully and blessedly, heartworm negative. She is now updated on her shots, and her personality is beginning to show. She's sweet, super inquisitive, playful, and a velcro dog. The velcro dog part is likely due to her mistreatment so that now she's seeking protection and recognizes me as alpha of this pack and, therefore, her protector. She's learning to be a good dog and smart enough to get it pretty well. Her only drawback is that she'll counter surf. The danged dog ate half a wheel of brie! I left it on the table, stepped out of the room, and came back to the whole thing in her mouth. Fortunately, I was able to get her to drop it before she swallowed and made herself sick. I am the idiot who left brie on the table, but none of my dogs would ever touch it. They know better. Oh, well, she's learning and will make someone a great dog once she realizes that not everyone is going to hit her I shook paper at her to get her attention, without thinking that it would scare her, and she crouched down to the floor, braced for a blow. Stupid idiot previous owners must've hit her with newspapers or something. I hate people.

veterinary dermatologist helped

2008-10-10T21:41:00.003-05:00

We've had our visit with the veterinary dermatologist. My poor baby has multiple instances of both bacterial and fungal infections, caused by the excessive licking/biting/scratching which is induced by allergies. We have to clear up all of the infections first before we can really do anything about the allergies. However, the doctor prescribed hydroxyzine 3x daily at 50 mg/dose to control the allergies for now. She's also taking antibiotics, antifungals, and ear drops plus a 1x weekly bath in two different medicated shampoos and an ear cleanser. She actually seems to be feeling better in just two days of medication and, especially, after the bath. Somehow my regular vet never even checked for the infections, even though I've taken her several times, and just kept giving her prednisone. The prednisone has caused her skin to be very thin and wrinkly and her hair to become very thin/sparse/dull/dry and just plain awful. I didn't know that was a side effect of prednisone until the vet derm told me. Great, thanks regular vet for being incompetent. My regular vet also did check for the dermatitis that is present in the webs of her feet or tell me how the bronzing in her fur is a sign of dermatitis. So many things the vet derm showed me seemed obvious once I knew what I was looking at and for. Shouldn't a trained vet know these things? Perhaps, perhaps not as a vet is basically a general practioner. Women go to specialists just for the annual gyne visit so why do we expect a general vet to be a specialist in everything. We can't. However, my regular vet also did not recommend the vet dermatologist. By chance, I found out that these specialists exist (also for cardiac, internist, etc) and happened to find one somewhat near. I'm so glad I did! Atleast now someone can help me figure out what is wrong with her and try to fix or manage it. They sent a blood sample to a lab for allergen testing. We can only hope something will pop that we can begin to manage with allergy injections. Otherwise, she'll have to have a whole panel of skin allergen testing, which is awful. One other possibility in this is hypothyroidism, but the tests for that are expensive and difficult so we're trying the allergen test first, but, also, the vet derm thinks it's allergies rather than her thyroid based on the symptoms and clinical presentation.
If your dog has very itchy skin, I highly recommend taking him to a vet dermatologist. It's not cheap, but it's worth it if the dog's issues can be managed and they aren't chewing themselves raw. Many people have suggested a food allergy, but she's been eating fish and potatoes vet food for 4 months with no change. That's not to say that she doesn't have a food allergy, she might, but that's not the only allergy she has if so.
We'll be going back to see the vet derm in a few weeks to see how she's progressing with the current therapy and to discuss the results of the allergen test. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

PS Of course, just today, I stumbled on this website
http://animal.discovery.com/guides/healthcenter/dogs/diseases/testing.html
that talks all about the allergy testing, etc. Would've been nice to find this a few months ago.

In New Hampshire, they adopt dogs out of shelters within a couple of weeks

2008-09-24T14:11:00.002-05:00

How is it that dogs in New Hampshire are adopted out of a shelter within a couple of weeks yet down here in the south, they are being put to sleep at hundreds per shelter per month? Being an educated southerner, I do not believe southerners are dumber than northerners, as in unable to learn. I do think southerners are much more stubborn, though, which may be why these idiots refuse to spay/neuter their animals. I have always believed that education is the key to fighting ignorance (ha, antonyms), prejudice, injustice, and general lack of caring for others. How do you educate a region of people? I post on this blog to help, but only a few people will ever see this. I plan to hang flyers at pet stores, but, again, how many people actually shop in pet stores versus the number of backwater idiots that think they should breed Ole Sam to the neighborhood bitch to sell the pups. Not many. I see all of these adds in the local paper for puppies and it makes me sick. Most of those dogs will end up in a shelter, or worse, and put to sleep. The few lucky ones will be placed through rescue or adopted from the shelter, but not many. This dog that we rescued this weekend (see previous post) is a prime example. She is papered and 5 generation pedigreed, beautiful, and is now in rescue because the breeder is an idiot and sold her to someone who had way too many dogs who then gave her to my stupid neighbors. I have never wanted "big government" or the government interfering in my personal business BUT something must be done. I am coming to believe that all breeders who want to sell pups must be licensed. If you advertise to sell pups, you must give your valid license number. Otherwise, you should be fined and arrested. I am beginning to get behind the mandatory spay/neuter simply because so many people are so irresponsible. Back to New Hampshire, from what I understand, all dogs must be licensed and the fee is much higher for intact dogs than for spayed/neutered dogs. That makes sense to me and seems like a good way, but I can't imagine Joe Redneck is going to go license his hunting dog, who will knock up a number of females in his life and sire a hundred pups who will be put to sleep. How would you police this licensing? Perhaps the local animal authorities should visit up there to see how they do it. It must be working if dogs are not being put to sleep and are being adopted within a couple of weeks. Something must be done and I am sick of the lawmakers making laws for noise ordinances rather than preventing all of these unwanted and uncared for animals.

rescued another dog today

2008-09-22T11:47:00.002-05:00

It seems that mistreated/abandoned dogs just fall into your lap sometimes. Or rather they find a way INTO your fence and won't leave. You send them home and they come back again. I have neighbors who had a papered, registered, beautiful German Shepherd Dog. When they first got her, given to them by people who had too many dogs and had already made her very timid, she was ok but very shy. Throughout the summer, she repeatedly escaped their fence, which they couldn't seem to fix, and started coming to my yard to visit with my dogs. She was initially a house dog until they decided there was too much dog hair so they put her in the yard, alone. Over the course of the summer, I repeatedly tried to advise them and help them to be better dog owners, to no avail. Considering I have 4 dogs plus 1 foster, I know a good bit about keeping down the dog hair and such. They wouldn't listen. They wouldn't get her spayed and didn't keep her inside so she may be pregnant with mongrel puppies that can't be placed. I offered to take her to the vet and pick her up if they would just pay, nothing doing. They didn't get her shots updated, only the state-law-required rabies shot. The catalyst this weekend that prompted me to nearly steal her from them was he told my husband that he had hit her so hard that he hurt himself. It was all my husband could do to not shoot that man, I think. We discussed it and decided we would take her, pay for her medical care, and foster her until a rescue could place her. We planned to go over and speak with them on Sunday. Low and behold early Sunday morning, she was trying to push her way under our fence. She was so scared that she fear-snapped at my husband when he reached for her. I got a bag of Snausages and lured her into the garage. After feeding her nearly the whole bag, we were able to get near enough to remove the choke chain the idiots left on 24/7 and put a regular collar on her. We're walking her on leash since she knows how to escape a fence. So far she's doing great. The hours that she spent in our garage before I went over with a release form for them to sign, they had no idea where she was and didn't really care. They didn't so much as walk over and ask if we'd seen her. I don't understand why they even took her when they obviously didn't want a dog. Stupid!
We'll be taking her to the vet and to the spay clinic in the next week or so. Then she'll be ready for a forever home where people will not hit her or hurt her but give loads of love and care. I now have so little respect for my neighbors that I can barely stand the sight of them. That old school idea of beating an animal into submission infuriates me. The poor dog will do anything I ask and is not stupid but you can't expect her to understand what you want if you don't show her. Hitting her only makes her scared to be near you. Somehow, the poor thing knew we'd take care of her. She actually wags her tail when I go down to get her our of her kennel. It will be a challenge to care for two foster dogs on top of our dogs, but what else could we do?
If you know of anyone who is abusing an animal, offer to take or buy the animal and then contact a rescue group to help get them placed into a loving home. You can contact the authorities and report them for animal cruelty, but it's a hard thing to prove and they will take the dog as "evidence". Not a good thing for a dog to be.

Death sucks

2008-09-04T16:53:00.003-05:00

I've just found out that one of my graduate school professors passed away this morning. How horrible. He was not an old man, but he became very ill with cancer and passed away a year after diagnosis. He was, indeed, an utterly brilliant man who, I can only hope, will be remembered well. During school, students were afraid of him because he was so intelligent and could make you feel like a complete idiot without even meaning to do so. I found, after gathering my courage one day and just reckoning that I was an idiot compared to him, that he was extremely helpful and nice. Most of his scientific research is so far over my head that it might as well be in another universe, but I know that he will be remembered as brilliant and I am certain he made a large contribution to the scientific community. With 85 publications listed on his CV along with 2 patents, he will be remembered. But, I wonder, will they remember that he was a devout Jew who truly practiced his religion? Will they remember that he could ask a graduate student a question during a graduate seminar that could make or break them and that should only be answered with a "yes" or "no"? Will they remember that he was a zippy dresser who wore the best fedoras? Or that although he may not approve of your actions, he would only gently, if at all, say so. Maybe some will, I know I will. We will miss you Dr. Netzel.

Veterinary Specialist

2008-08-28T16:21:00.002-05:00

Until just very recently, I was unaware that veterinary specialists existed, specifically veterinary dermatologists. As I've previously posted, my golden retriever has terrible skin allergies. I have found a veterinary dermatologist who is a professor at Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, but who also has a practice with other specialists here in Birmingham. He will examine your dog, and I very much hope, find out what in the world is causing her terrible skin issues. Getting an appointment with him isn't easy and mine is 5 weeks away, but I am so happy just to find him and have some hope that we can fix or atleast help my dog's allergies. There are, apparently, also veterinarians for opthalmology, gastro, cardiac, etc. Now, why didn't my regular vet recommend him when I first went in with my dog and her issues? That I can not answer because I found out my vet knows the vet derm guy and the girl at his office is the one who told me about the vet derm practice in town so I wouldn't have to drive to Auburn. I guess my vet thought I should just keep my dog on prednisone forever. That I will not do. It changes her personality, makes her fight over food and generally not act like a golden retriever. I've also noticed an increased respiratory rate, which can't be a good sign though I haven't found it listed as a side effect. No, she won't remain on prednisone unless it is the ONLY option. First, she will be allergy tested so we can see what we may be able to do to help her. That makes much more sense!

following Microsoft's instructions actually worked

2008-08-13T15:48:00.003-05:00

I have a Windows Vista machine with Office 2007 installed. Oddly, in PowerPoint, I can click an email icon and directly email the open file, without having to make it an attachment, but I can not do this in Word or Excel. Or rather, I couldn't. The icon was there but nothing happened when I clicked on it. I, bravely, followed Microsoft's instructions to edit the registry keys. Scary thing to do, but I figured if I was careful, I could revert it back. Plus, I have a complete system backup on DVD. After following the instructions and rebooting, the email icon works in both Word and Excel. Woohoo!

Finally got the allergies figured out--sort of

2008-08-11T20:49:00.004-05:00

My little girl now seems to be on a good regimen to ease her allergy symptoms. As posted earlier, prednisone changed her personality. We tried hydroxazine, better known as Atarax, with increasing doses until we got it right. Now, along with a super high quality vet-prescribed diet, she is doing pretty well. She still has a few itchies, but nothing like before. She is ~45 lbs and take 35 mg of Atarax twice a day. Atarax is a anti-histamine, like Benadryl but better, that also has some anxiety reducing properties. It has very few side effects and nothing like prednisone has...no liver failure possibilities and such. Next year, now that we have something that works, we will start Atarax much earlier, pre-allergy season, so she doesn't get to the point of scratching herself raw. Crossing the fingers and toes that this works!

UPDATE: She had another flare up that caused her to bite and scratch several sores on her back in one night. She is going to a specialist, see other post.

What is wrong with people?

2008-08-11T16:39:00.003-05:00

What is wrong with people and with our world when defenseless dogs are tied to a tree and left to starve? Dogs threw their towel in our ring thousands of years ago. They've aided us in the hunt, in protecting our homes and families, in companionship and how do we repay that undying loyalty? People tie the dog to a tree so it can't get away and then leave it to starve. Those kind of people have no place in a civilized society and should be removed. Send them to the moon, a deserted island, or shoot them, I don't care, but don't let them have animals ever again. Better yet, treat them as they treated these animals. The strong in this world are charged with the responsibility to care for and aid those weaker than us. This includes children, elderly, and animals...even adults that are unable to care for themselves. What kind of monster hurts and tries to destroy those weaker than themselves? There is a blackness, a hole, in those kinds of people that no amount of "therapy" or "rehabilitation" will fill or cure.
In working with a dog rescue group, you see all sorts of terrible human behavior. The worst part is we can't even file charges against the person because the authorities will take the dog as "evidence". For the dog's sake, especially after it has been through such tragedy, we must try to find it a new, better home and can only wish ill on the terrible person who hurt it. I hope that person rots in hell.

Medicine, prednisone, side effects, and dog personalities

2008-07-11T14:44:00.004-05:00

Earlier in the year, I posted about giving my dog Prednisone to control her itching. While I still believe that medication can be worth the risk, I am no longer giving my dog this particular medication unless there is no other choice. We are currently undergoing a food trial by feeding her only hypoallergenic food made of fish and potatoes. She only gets fish treats. We started a round of prednisone at a high dose to stop the itching and allow the wounds to heal and the antibiotic to heal the small infection that was starting on her skin. The plan was to taper off the predinisone dose over a month while feeding this special food, continue with the special food, and see how she does. Oh, and a note, I also applied K9 Advantix to prevent fleas, ticks, and mosquito bites because I know my backyard has mosquitoes (in the south in the summer, always mosquitoes). After tapering down to one 5 mg pill a day, she is itching, scratching, licking again. It's been 3 weeks on the special food so I'll give it a few more (even though that stuff is expensive) to give time for any allergens to be completely expelled from her body. However, at this point, I just don't know what to do or what the problem could be. My vet tries very hard to help but I think he is a bit stumped, too. I am afraid it is non-specific inhalant allergies, but the vet says she should be licking her paws and rubbing her face, which she does not. The poor little dog is miserable, her licking and scratching drives me NUTS, and I'm afraid it's getting worse. I know her skin is dry and I bathe her in special shampoo, but that doesn't seem to help. Anyone with any inspiration????
Anyway, the point of this post was that my sweet little golden retriever mix has become a different dog. She has always been afraid that she wouldn't have enough to eat due to her early life as a stray. Now she steals food from her doggie siblings, causes fights with her doggie brother over food, and is generally a pain in the butt about food. She's generally very submissive, definitely the omega of the pack, but is now fighting for her chewy bone. In general, she follows my commands and does as I ask, but lately, especially if food is involved, she completely ignores me. I know all of this is due to the medication. I am just waiting for the day that the prednisone is out of her system and she is back to being my sweet little girl again. Anyone giving their dog prednisone should be aware that it is a steroid and will change a dog's personality. It makes them more intense and can cause them to fight. A dog on this medication should not be left alone with other dogs, especially if food is involved.
If we ever figure out what the cause of the scratching and itching is, I'll post it.

Siberian Huskies

2008-06-29T22:56:00.003-05:00

As I have mentioned, I work in dog rescue. I happen to work with Golden Retriever and German Shepherd rescues, but my favorite dog breed is Siberian Husky. I have a Siberian who is, hands down, the smartest dog who ever lived. She has logic and reason beyond anything I've ever seen another dog do. When I tell people the things she does, they don't believe me. For example, if another dog has a toy that my Siberian wants, she doesn't try to take it from them because she knows the alpha (me) does not allow that. So she will go get another toy and make it seem like the most interesting, best toy in the world. When the other dog comes to investigate this new, interesting toy, my Siberian goes and takes the toy the other dog has now left. See the reasoning? She also recognizes that a phone call often means someone is about to arrive. When I was in school, my mom would keep her in the evenings. I would call when I was on my way to get her. When the phone rang, she would go sit by the door because she knew that meant I would be there soon. Is that conditioning? Yes and no. Yes, the phone would often ring before my arrival, but not every time the phone rang did someone arrive. She only went to the door when it was me on my way to get her. Somehow she figured out the difference.
Anyway, I began this rant to say that Siberian Huskies, true breed Siberian Huskies, are wonderful, smart, beautiful, playful, happy dogs. They are not mean or attack dogs or any of the other crap stupid people would have you believe. People call anything fluffy a "husky mix". NO, it is NOT. There are numerous fluffy dogs, like Chow Chows or Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, that could be involved in that mix. People also mistakenly think blue eyes means the dog is part husky, also NOT true. Other dog breeds, such as Great Danes and Australian Shepherds, can have blue eyes. The dog could be just as well mixed with those breeds. I just looked on Petfinder, a great place to find a new pet, and found the first page of Huskies only had two actual Huskies on it. The others were about 20% actual Husky mixes and the rest were absolutely not but people listed them that way. This is what makes me so angry about breed legislation and breed banning and the idiotic breed bite list. People will say they got bit by a Husky when it could have been a Chow or any other mix. (Don't get me started on people getting bit by dogs and blaming the dog when it is 90% of the time the people's fault) My mantra is "Any dog raised wrong can be dangerous. Ban bad owners." Small dogs are actually more likely to bite you because their owners don't train them. My Siberian Husky would run away from you and hide, never bite, but people are afraid of her anyway and ask stupid questions like "will she bite". No, but I might.
So, to end this rant, in general I find that people are stupid. They don't think and just go with whatever some other stupid person said. They don't investigate for themselves and make assumptions based on very limited knowledge. In the age of computers, that is inexcusable.

reliving your childhood

2008-06-13T14:49:00.002-05:00

There is something amazing about those early crushes that can be completely revived no matter how old you are. My particular formative years crush was New Kids on the Block. They are now back together and making a new album. I've sat here watching their video, thinking "holy cow, what am I, 14 again?" I can't help myself, I have to watch it over and over. It's ridiculous. What is it about the influence in those crucial years that sticks with you well into your 30's (and older I am sure if my mom's everlasting crush on Herman's Hermits is any indication). The New Kids are obviously no longer kids and have other careers now. Being a grown-up myself, I find myself critiquing the video rather than silently longing as I did in my teens. It's amazing that the two of them with actual acting experience, Donnie in the movies and Joe on Broadway, are so much more believable in the video. Jordan, who may be gorgeous and have a beautiful falsetto voice, can't act his way out of a paper bag and it's obvious in the video. http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1588642&vid=238677 Watch and see what I mean.

Anyway, this time around, I don't feel the need to stand in line all night to get concert tickets, but I will enjoy the new album to the point of wearing out my iPod (remember how tapes used to actually wear out!) and watch the videos with a grown-up eye. However, there will always be that small longing, that childhood-remembering.....that first, all-powerful crush.

use the library and encourage reading

2008-05-25T14:07:00.003-05:00

In this time of national financial trouble, we have tried to cut back on "unnecessary" costs as much as possible. Although my husband and I make good money, the cost of gas and food has increased so much that we've had to cut out extras to keep up. I'm sure many people are finding this to be the reality right now. I really enjoy reading and have purchased numerous books in my lifetime. This last year, I have stopped purchasing and borrow instead. Our library system is really great in that all of the libraries are linked throughout the county and a card holder can check out books from any library in the system, not just the local small library that may not carry many books. The books are even transported, completely free, to your local library for you to pick up. It's a fabulous system and one that should be adopted everywhere. I have been able to read many more authors that I wouldn't have tried if I were purchasing the books. It's really great to know that I can start a book and just return it if I don't like it. You can check out cookbooks, non-fiction, fiction, anything. I've checked out cookbooks and just copied my favorite recipes into a spiral notebook to be later typed into the computer whenever I find the time. This way, you don't have a hundred cookbooks sitting around with only a few recipes in each one that you like and use. I like to read books on dog training or on cockatiel care. I've bought several in the past, but now I check them out and read them for any knowledge I don't already have from the purchased books. Many of the books contain redundant information and I see no reason to purchase this information repeatedly.
So USE YOUR LIBRARY. Your taxes pay for it. Make use of it. Take your kids there on Saturday and let them pick out a couple of books for the week, on any subject appropriate for their age. I absolutely guarantee this will aid them in their schoolwork and, eventually, in life. I spent many Saturdays at the library as a kid and now have a passion for reading and knowledge and completed a doctorate, so I can say it helped me in my schoolwork. Take yourself there and pick out something silly or smart or humorous or romantic or mysterious. Relaxing for an hour with a good book is the best regenerative time you can take for yourself. And if your kids and husband are sitting with their own books, you won't be bothered.
Encouraging your children to read instead of watching TV or playing video games or sitting at a computer will benefit them to an incredible extent. It will expand their minds, enhance their imaginations, increase their vocabulary and language skills, and--most importantly--provide quiet time for you.

clothes line dryers and helping the environment

2008-05-25T13:57:00.003-05:00

My husband and I just purchased an "umbrella" style clothes line dryer. We've decided, living in the south with such warm, beautiful summers, that we should hang our clothes out to dry rather than using the dryer. Not using the dryer whenever possible saves on electricity costs and helps the environment in a small way. Imagine if everyone only used their dryer when hanging out clothes was impossible. How much energy would be saved? It also reduces wear and tear on the dryer so that it will last longer. In addition, drying clothes outside leaves them with that fresh, summer smell that can not be duplicated by a dryer sheet, no matter how hard the companies try. Sleeping on line dried sheets is a treat. I do recommend that, if you decide to line dry towels, bring them inside when just slightly damp and use the dryer for a few minutes. Otherwise, they will be stiff. Drying in the dryer for a few minutes will fluff them and still save on energy. You can purchase these stand-alone umbrella dryers from numerous places. We found ours at www.amazon.com. The only thing you have to do is dig a hole and use some concrete to stabilize the pole. The fast setting Quikcrete worked just fine for us. If you don't use the concrete, the weight of the clothes on the lines will cause the dryer to topple over so be sure to follow the directions for the depth of the hole, etc.

Service Magic finds contractors for you

2008-05-13T13:33:00.003-05:00

I recently began using Service Magic. They have a service where you tell them what you need, concrete or an electrician etc., and they send your information to a local contractor. The contractor will contact you and set up an appointment for your needs. So far, we've found a roofer and an electrician this way. It's much easier than searching around the internet and trying to find someone. Also, I have my own customer service person at Service Magic whom I simply email my needs and he sends me the contractor's info. They charge the contractor for the service so it doesn't cost you anything unless the contractor includes it in the price of the work he does for you, which he may. Do remember that they charge the contractor whether or not you contract them to do the work so only use the service if you are serious.
www.servicemagic.com

fishy smelling appliance receptacles

2008-05-13T13:28:00.002-05:00

If you ever notice a fishy smell that occurs when you have a major appliance going, such as a dryer, turn off the breaker and call an electrician. Don't continue to use the appliance. We had noticed this odd, fishy smell for about a week that occurred every time we ran our dryer. I finally got smart and googled "fish smell dryer" and found out that the smell is bakelite melting. Old receptacles were made from bakelite, a kind of plastic, that smells like fish when it is overheated and begins to melt. We called out an electrician who replaced the receptacle. He told us that there was a loose connection which generated heat and caused the whole issue. Had we not fixed it, it could've caused an electrical fire.
To replace a receptacle was $162, of which $110 was labor for 10 mins of work. If you are savvy and can replace the receptacle yourself, it will cost you $12. I was afraid there was some underlying cause that would need to be fixed so I wanted a licensed electrician to do it. Now that I know it was just the receptacle, I wish I could go back and replace it ourselves. Oh well, live and learn.

SCUBA diving and fear

2008-04-18T10:46:00.003-05:00

SCUBA diving is something I've wanted to do for many years, since I was a teenager. I never took the opportunity to learn, but kept it in the back of my mind of desires for "someday". My new husband (read my posts on planning the wedding and changing my name) learned to SCUBA dive when he was stationed in Hawaii several years ago and has been encouraging me to learn. For my birthday, the wonderful man bought me my first diver certification lessons. I have now completed the classroom portion and the first closed water (swimming pool) dive. First, I must say that the initial going under water while breathing is really scary. The survival instinct is so strong that your brain starts screaming, "you can't breathe under water, stop inhaling". Coupled with the loss of control of being suspended in water, it's a scary experience. Fortunately, my instructor is really patient and let me continue at my pace. I can do all of the required skills and had no problems once I got over the "I'm breathing underwater". The loss of control is ok once you realize that all you have to do is inflate your BC and you'll be above water and remembering that as long as you have air in your tank, you're fine.
I have my open water certification dives in a couple of weeks and am still nervous, but I've almost convinced myself that it'll be ok. Check back for the open water post, but the reason I posted this is to say that if you want to do something, GO FOR IT. Don't let your fear stop you. As adults, we know all of the bad things that can happen, but statistically, it won't. Squash the fear and do it anyway. Once you've done it and survived, the next time won't be so scary. My instructor reminded me of learning to drive. The first few months, I drove with my entire body completely stiff, both hands gripping the wheel, scared to death something would happen. Now, I drive laid back, one hand on the wheel, totally and completely relaxed and enjoying controlling a powerful machine. I'm trying to look at diving the same way. The first dives are gonna be scary, but once I get them over with, the rest will all be fun.
I also think that parents should encourage their children to learn really scary stuff early. Once you're a grown up, you are much more fearful of new experiences. Kids aren't. They don't understand mortality or all of the things that can happen to you so they are much more eager to try new things. Let them, encourage them, get them involved in many different activities. When we have children, I plan to teach them to dive when they are very young so they will never be scared. Don't teach your kids to be scared, and they won't be. My mom was always so afraid that I would be hurt that I have always been fearful of anything dangerous. I don't want my children to be the same way because it's hard to overcome. So, if you want to do something, do it. Teach your kids to do it, too. Squash the fear! :)

volunteer, fundraise, do something

2008-04-18T10:08:00.003-05:00

There are innumerable causes with which you may become involved. Pick one that means something to you and help out. The cause will benefit from your time and/or money, and you will benefit from the great feeling of helping others. I don't mean that you need to give all of your money to charity or spend every waking moment volunteering. Pick one cause, helping homeless dogs or walking to raise funds or reading to elderly people, and do it. I have recently re-begun helping a dog rescue organization. For the last two years, I have not been spending any time on charities and began to realize that I was unhappy with myself. After transporting two dogs (all rescue groups need "taxi" service), I felt so good for helping them on their way to a new, happy, loving home. There is something great about helping out that makes you feel wonderful. I think if unhappy people, those people that don't really know why they're unhappy, volunteered for something, they would find their attitudes changing and find themselves becoming happier. For me, volunteering and working for a cause gives me more purpose and direction than the day-to-day obligations. Many people think they don't have the time to volunteer, but they're wrong. You can spend 1 or 2 hr a week on a service and still really help an organization. If you have children, get them involved, too. Children who learn to volunteer and help others become better adults. Let the kids decide what they are interested in and what they want to do. Go to an animal shelter and play with the animals. What kids don't want to play with dogs and cats? There are several websites that will direct you to possible volunteer opportunities. Just Google "volunteer" and your location.
Do Something!

heartworms is preventable, why don't people give their dogs medication?

2008-04-15T16:06:00.003-05:00

Heartworms, long, spaghetti like worms that infest the hearts of dogs and, sometimes, cats, are deadly and preventable. Dogs should take a monthly preventative like Heartgard or Tri-heart, and they will not become infested with these deadly worms. Since this medication is easily obtainable through any local vet, why do people refuse to give it to their dogs? I volunteer for a rescue group and picked up two dogs from their owner this last weekend. The owner was turning them into rescue because she could no longer care for them due to family trouble. This is what she told the rescue intake people of our organization. Well, as this may well be true, it is not the whole story. Once we got the dogs to the vet and checked out, we found that they were both heartworm positive. These dogs were strictly outside dogs (another rant I will get on if given the chance) and, as such, are at a higher risk of contracting all kinds of parasites. They should've had a monthly pill to prevent the heartworms. The treatment for heartworms is costly and difficult for the dog. Some dogs are not strong enough to survive it, even young dogs. Would you want long, icky worms living in your HEART??? Of course not, so why do people subject their companions to it when it is completely preventable? If you can not afford the medication, then you can not afford a dog and should not get one!

Always Flowers and Absolutely Flowers in McDonough Georgia

2008-04-07T16:18:00.003-05:00

Always Flowers and Gifts, who is owned by Absolutely Flowers, located in McDonough Georgia will rip you off. For my grandmother's funeral, I ordered, online, a bouquet of white roses and white lilies. I paid for a deluxe version. Since I don't live there, they apparently thought I would never see them. Well, I fooled them because I actually attended the viewing and funeral. The bouquet was very small and not at all what it looked to be on the website. Considering how much I paid for it, I complained to the owner. Vanessa Hays, the owner, told me it was my fault because that's what I chose and insinuated that I was too stupid to read the measurements on the website. If the measurements are listed for the base version and you order the deluxe, don't you expect it to be larger? She started reading me some flower recipe, like I had any idea what she was talking about, and kept telling me that I chose it and I should've known that the picture was not what it would be because photography is deceiving. It's their website, their company, so I think they are responsible for how it looks. She repeatedly cut me off when I tried to speak and repeatedly told me "that's what you ordered". Well, no, I ordered what the bouquet looked like on the internet. She kept saying how her customers are always complaining when they order something on the internet. Maybe she should read into that and realize that she has a problem with her website? I tried to explain to her that people who don't do flowers have no idea what the measurements mean or that the picture is not what the arrangement will look like and that she should put the recipe on the website. That, she told me, is too much trouble and they just buy the website from someone else, blah, blah, blah. It is her company and, therefore, her responsibility to maintain a website that is real and true to what you order. I will never order from them again.

Internet Explorer 7 and Windows

2008-03-20T13:32:00.004-05:00

Why is it that Windows came out with Vista but Vista and IE7 have compatibility issues?
My IE7 began crashing every minute or two so I went to the Windows website to figure out the problem. Seems like they should know how to fix their own software. I followed the instructions and completely reset IE7 to remove all addons, etc. That seemed to help a little, but it was still "intermittently" crashing. The Windows website actually states that it may be a compatibility issue between Vista and IE7. Well, what browser am I supposed to use then? Stupid.
Anyway, I figured out that it was crashing every time a website had a popup open in a new window. For example, many websites have a store locator that pops a new window. I went into the Internet Options in IE7 and changed the Popups rule to "let IE7 decide". This decreased the number of crashes, but it was still crashing when I would close it, especially with multiple tabs open. I finally completely uninstalled Adobe Flash Player using the Adobe uninstaller, making sure nothing else was running. After a fresh install of flash player, the problem seems to be fixed.
Is there some reason the people who wrote the friggin software can't figure out how to fix it? These fixes should've been listed on Microsoft's website.

pet supplies

2008-03-06T11:17:00.003-06:00

As you can see by my posts, I have dogs. We actually have 4 because I had 2 and my husband had 2 so we are now a blended family. Trying not to break the bank caring for 4 large dogs, I've searched for pet supply places that are reasonable. The very best store is Jeffers at www.jefferspet.com. They are physically located in south Alabama, but they ship all over the country. They have lots of animal supplies, dog, cat, bird, horse, at low prices and they are quick and efficient. I've been ordering from them for years. I went to their store once on the way to Florida and they were super nice. If they don't have what you want, check out www.petedge.com. They've been in business for something like 30 years, formally under a different name, and they have a good bit of dog and cat stuff at reasonable prices. I personally do not care for Petsmart only because they are too large a chain and are really expensive. I like to shop the local Pet Supplies Plus because they are small stores and have reasonable prices and are locally owned. Ours tends to carry more bird supplies than the other stores, great for the cockatiels' happiness. Drs. Foster and Smith are good, if expensive. You can also always check ebay for pet supplies as there are many ebay stores available so you have a variety from which to choose. Just remember to purchase safe and fun chews and toys (Kong, Nylabone, good quality rawhide and natural bones) in large quantity to keep your furkid entertained and out of your hair when you're tired or busy and your pup will be much happier, as will you.

cockatiels

2008-02-20T11:43:00.002-06:00

My husband and I recently purchased two cockatiels. I've never had birds, nor had he, and we originally planned to get an African Grey Parrot. However, when we realized that African Greys generally bond only with one person and then realized that they can take a finger off with their beak, we decided for first time bird owners, a cockatiel was a much smarter idea. We purchased our first one, Pudgie (so named because he is always in his food dish), from a local pet store. First, let me stress that you should make certain the store is reputable and that the animals there are well cared for and healthy. When I first met Pudgie, he sat on my shoulder and preened my hair. He would then walk around the store and follow people. So, we got him for his personality. After a couple of months, even though we played with him outside his cage every day, we realized that Pudgie was lonely. So, we found a local bird breeder and purchased what we think is a female cockatiel. She's a lovely little thing, hand-raised, but quieter and shyer than Pudgie, who we think is male. (You can't tell with a bird without a DNA test) They fuss, but Pudgie seems happier to have a cage mate. We are letting their flight feathers grow so they can fly, although Pudgie is not very good at landing yet. They are really a good deal of fun. They will sit on your shoulder while you read or surf the internet. Pudgie likes to sit on my hand when I'm typing or using the mouse. He's rather silly. So, lesson here is that birds make good companions, especially for someone who has limited space.

retractable leashes

2008-02-20T10:33:00.003-06:00

Retractable leashes, those plastic handle things that many dog owners use, are really dangerous. I am affiliated with a rescue group who has observed several instances of the owner dropping the handle, the dog being frightened by the handle hitting the ground, and the dog taking off. The lucky ones find their way back home. Also, the cord can and has taken off more than one fingertip as an owner tried to grab it when dropped.
For training, these are horrible. The dog does not learn boundaries or how to behave on leash. A former neighbor of mine would let her little pug run out of her apartment on that stupid retractable leash when she had NO idea who or what was outside the door. More than once, the dog ran into the roadway and/or ran to my dogs and wrapped the cord around their legs. The dog was sweet, but it never learned any manners.
When I received my first dog (received because she was a birthday gift), I was one of those people who thought retractables were a good idea.....until my dog nearly choked herself trying to run after a squirrel.
My advice, walk with your dog (good for you and them) and teach them manners and break your retractable leash.

Planning a Wedding, especially on a small budget

2008-01-17T08:15:00.002-06:00

First and foremost, plan the wedding for you and your soon-to-be spouse, not for everyone else. If your parents or his contribute financially, they do have some say-so in the guest list, but the overall wedding should be what you want. In planning, pick the couple of things that are most important to you and let someone (or several someones) do the rest. For instance, the music played at our reception was important to me so I took the time to research and download every song. However, the decorations, while important, were not my thing at all. It's not something I'm good at or something I care that much about. My mom is wonderful at it so I told her the colors and let her do everything else, which she very much enjoyed. This sort of thing will make the planning your wedding time so much easier. Also, don't believe the "it takes atleast a year" blah, blah, blah. We were engaged mid-September. I had the major things planned and in place in 2 weeks, officiant, flowers, photographer, location. It took longer to find a dress only because I didn't want to pay $650 and up for a dress for one day. I just think that is silly. I do believe if the marriage is meant, you can get it done in very little time. For us, everything just fell into place. We were married Dec 1 and everything was planned and done a month before.
When searching for a location, look at state parks. They often have a chapel and some kind of rentable room for a reception. The cost at a state park is 10x cheaper than a hotel or some such place. It cost us a grand total of $225 to rent the chapel and reception hall. Of course, they usually have some rules about using their catering, which is just fine if the food is good because that is one less company/person you have to deal with. For our 50 people reception, the food cost $800 total (without alcohol) and we had tons left over. State parks are great.
When buying decorations, dress, veil, suit, whatever....internet! I bought my veil, new and beautiful with a double layer, rhinestones, and hair comb for $2.15 on Ebay. We bought my husband's hand-tailored, 100% all weather wool, Italian suit for $125, brand new. Be creative and flexible and you will find it much easier to obtain the things you want without spending 10-20K. We spent all told, including our rings, $4000. We had a beautiful weekend at the park with friends and family, a beautiful wedding day, and we don't have any debt to pay off afterwards.
Some great internet businesses are Ebay, Amazon, Affordable Elegance (fabulous silk flowers, bouquets), and the local bridal sites (such as Bama Bride here in Alabama). Spend some time surfing the internet to find good deals for what you want. Also, your local craigslist could be helpful if you are lucky.
Involve as many people as you can to take the stress off you. We had numerous family members take care of things, such as cousins for music during the wedding. I told them to play pretty wedding music, gave them the one song for the unity candle, and left the rest to them. If you are not lucky enough to have talented people in your family, hire people, but tell them to use their professional judgement and take care of things instead of asking you 100 questions. Not having to decide on every minute detail will make you much more relaxed. For an officiant, consider your local probate court judge. Many of them will perform the ceremony for a cash donation and if they do it and you obtain your marriage license in their court, you will be processed and have your paperwork in record time. Our judge was the nicest man, did a great job at the wedding, and we had our official marriage certificate in 5 days so I could start the name change process (see other posts).
I know it's been said, but remember that you should have fun and enjoy your wedding day (or weekend in our case). Try not to stress, even when your photographer is 1 hr late. As long as the day ends with you and your spouse married, that is all that matters.

sometimes medication is worth the risk

2008-01-03T14:19:00.000-06:00

First, let me explain that this is about my dog. I love my dogs as if they were my children. My littlest one, a 45 lb golden retriever mix, has recently developed severe allergies, at 3.5 yr old. She's always had some dry skin and itchiness that was mostly taken care of with a good bath in oatmeal shampoo and some Benadryl. In the last few months, it has gotten much worse. We tried changing to higher quality food without wheat products, a low side effect medication Atarax, baths, etc and nothing worked. The vet recommended Prednisone, a corticosteroid, to control the itching. However, I did not want to give it to her because it has alot of side effects and has been shown to cause liver damage. Granted, the damage usually occurs in dogs who have taken the medication at higher doses over long periods of time, but I didn't want to take the chance that my little girl would get sick from medication I gave her. With the terrible itching my girl was having, she was scratching awful welts on her stomach and sides and biting sores on her back and scratching sores around her neck and head. She is normally a very happy dog who smiles all of the time and bounces around the house, playing with the other dogs. With this last allergy attack, she was miserable and not smiling and not playing. I came to the conclusion that quality of life is sometimes more important than worrying about some possible side effects and gave her the medication. After two days, she was back to her normal, happy self. The vet says the low dose we are using over short periods of time will be ok. I really hope so, but I also want my girl to enjoy her doggie life and the benefits outweigh the risks in this case. In everything you do in life, there are risks whether big or small. Sometimes you have to ignore the risks and do what is in the overall best of interest of everyone.

rescue a dog and spay/neuter your animals

2008-01-02T17:25:00.001-06:00

If you love animals and want a dog (or a cat), don't buy from a backyard breeder. While I must state that reputable breeders are ok and a good way to get a good dog, I feel that rescue is the best way. RESCUE! You can go through a rescue organization or your local shelter or the humane society. Millions of animals are put to sleep every year because no one will take care of them. Millionss! That is outrageous. And largely because people do not spay/neuter their pets and let them "breed just this once" and produce more babies than the humans are willing to care for. Many states have low-cost spay/neuter programs so that it will cost you very little to have your animal fixed. Also, if you adopt an animal from a rescue organization, they are usually already spayed/neutered, which is included in the cost of adoption. Most rescues make certain the animal is up to date on shots and in good health. Some even microchip so you won't risk losing your new family member. I adopted one of my dogs from Adopt a Golden Atlanta, a fabulous organization, and she is the sweetest little dog in the world. She was a stray that was about to be put to sleep at a shelter when, luckily, someone who knew someone at AGA called and got her rescued from the shelter. Rescuing from a shelter is a great way to get a great pet, too. Often, an owner will turn in the animal for some stupid reason and the dog/cat would make a great pet but it's put to sleep within 3-7 days. You could save a life and obtain a great pet just by visiting your local shelter or http://www.petfinder.com/.
For a soapbox moment, I must also state that if you are not able or willing to take care of an animal for the remainder of it's life, do not adopt one. No matter what happens, unless you are too physically ill to care for yourself, you have no excuse to turn your pet into a shelter where it will be killed. If you do, you have killed your pet. You might as well just shoot the poor thing. Or better, stop and think about what you are doing and that you are killing your pet because you don't want to take the time to care for it or find it a better home. That is on you. Animals may live up to 20 years (sometimes even longer) and it is your responsibility to care for one until it dies a natural death once you decide to take one home. Ok, soapbox moment over.
If you do not have the ability to take in a dog or cat, you can still help homeless animals. Rescue organizations are in constant need of help with picking animals up from a shelter, transporting to their new home or to the vet, making house checks for potential adopters, paperwork, etc. Contact one near you to see how you can help. The AKC website has a list of breed rescues, but you can find a rescue group just by going to your local pet store, like Petsmart. They always have contacts. Also, you can help your local shelter by going over to play with the animals and volunteer.
The benefits you will reap by adopting a homeless animal or by helping homeless animals find a home are enormous.

keratosis pilaris

2007-12-27T16:20:00.000-06:00

I have found that the best "treatment" for keratosis pilaris (see Wikipedia for details of this condition http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratosis_pilaris) is washing with an exfoliating soap and moisturizing well, but not with too much think lotion. I really like Burt's Bees peppermint shower soap alternated with Burt's Bees citrus spice exfoliating soap (1 bar of one kind used up then use the other kind). Jergens skin renewal lotion is really good because it has a mild acid in it that helps slough off the dead skin that clogs up your pores. The redness is more difficult to get rid of but Jergens natural glow helps hide it by giving you a pretty good, subtle fake tan. I have tried the expensive, doctor prescribed creams and ointments and they did not help at all.

dealing with big universities or any other organizations

2007-12-18T16:33:00.000-06:00

In my many various dealings with big universities, I've come to realize two things. No one really knows the full proper way to do anything and make the "little people" or "support staff" your friend. First of all, one would think that a big university, or any other large organization, would have a full set of proper procedures for various events. For example, consider yourself an outside entity doing some work at a big university. This sounds like something that probably happens alot as the university gets paid for you being able to use their services. Now consider that you need some form of ID, username/password, access to the university's systems. Would you believe that there is no system in place for obtaining these even though the access is absolutely necessary for you to even be approved for the on-campus work, much less actually get into the buildings to do the work? We have spent the last year navigating the terrible inlets of university protocols. We finally have approval and access, but it has literally taken 1 year to get it.
This brings me to my second point. We would still be trying to obtain access if I hadn't made 3 dozen phone calls and been sugary, Southern nice to people. I begged and conjoled for their help. If you do this enough, someone eventually takes pity on you and helps. If you need building access, ask everyone you can who does this until you get a redundancy in the name. This helps eliminate some phone calls as 80% of the people won't know but will tell you someone anyway. Call that person, or better go in person, and get the access taken care of right away. If you need username/password type help, call the IT support desk, pray you get someone with a brain, and beg for help. If they can't get it, they usually know who to call. If they don't, ask for another person. For everything else, talk to the vet techs, custodians, physical plant, animal care staff, core facility manager and technician, etc. Do not go to the head because you won't get anywhere. The people who actually do the work are much more helpful. And don't just talk to them when you need something. Cultivate in yourself an ability to be nice and friendly at any time and you'll find the path much smoother. My best friend is a whiz, born natural at this and she always gets what she wants, even from those of us who know what she's doing.

changing your name 2

2007-12-18T16:29:00.000-06:00

Well, I went back to the DMV and was actually taken care of immediately. I, fortunately, dealt with a different lady who was much nicer, even though the original mean cow was giving me the evil eye and being nasty the whole time. She'll probably put a note on my DMV record with something bad.
Another FYI, if your car has a lien on it (i.e. you financed it when you bought it rather than pay for it in cash), you can not change your name on the title. You can either have the title changed when you pay off the car or you can buy a new car. I chose option B and bought a new car in my new name. Doing that was 100x easier.

if you're one of those overachievers, college is still hard

2007-12-14T16:44:00.000-06:00

I learned that if you're one of those overachievers in high school, you will still have to study in college. Not studying and not attending class will result in either a withdrawal or forced leave. I was one of those high school students who never studied and still made A's. I went to college and suffered a serious culture shock because no one cared if I attended class or studied (other than my parents and who listens to them at 18). As a result, I failed and had to withdraw from school. I finally got myself together, went back to school, graduated cum laude and went on to earn a PhD. It would've been much easier and cheaper if I had attended class and studied in the beginning. Being in huge student loan debt sucks.
So, for those of you starting college, GO TO CLASS! Find smart, dedicated study partners and study with them. Talk to your professors. Most of them really want to help. If they won't help you understand the work, find another professor or another class. Don't hang out with the "cool" people who never go to class or you will find yourself playing Spades in the lounge all day instead of attending class and failing out of school. If you are lucky enough to live in a state that pays your tuition through something like the HOPE grant, take advantage of it and maintain your grades. Not having 20-30K of debt when you get out will be worth it.

universities don't know if you keep your keys

2007-12-14T16:38:00.001-06:00

The university I attended for undergraduate and graduate school has some bugs. If you are doing research or teaching, you can obtain keys to the labs or classrooms by having a card filled out and going to the university police office. Supposedly, they keep a record of these keys and will charge you for not returning them. I've been out of school for 1.5 yrs and still have my keys. I suppose they may change the locks in the next 15 years, but I doubt it. I actually forgot about them with moving to a new place and starting a new job, but then realized, they never asked for them back. I'm keeping them as a study of how long it will take for them to realize I have them and to ask for them back or send me a bill.
Also, if you keep your student ID, some universities do not cut off your access to places like internet library resources. If you just graduate, they don't take your ID. If you are an "employee", they make you turn in your ID. Isn't the number of graduated students much larger than former employees? It seems this is a backwards policy.

Changing to a married name is really annoying

2007-12-14T14:52:00.000-06:00

Why, in this world where women have been changing their surname after marriage for hundreds of years, is it so difficult? Why isn't there some central database of information that all government offices can access so I don't have to drive to 10 different places just to add a new last name? Why can my bank show me within 10 mins a check card withdrawal but government computers take 24 hr for information to appear?
Here's the story. I got married. I wanted to add my husband's last name onto mine. I checked internet resources for a list of the places/records that need to be changed. They suggested the Social Security Administration and driver's license to do first. In this great state of Alabama, most of the information you need is not online and calling any government office is a study in futility SO I thought, I'll change my license (which also needed a transfer from out of state) first, then SSA, and then I'll have all documents for changing for everyone else. Well, it would've worked out just fine except I can't find my SS card that I put in a safe place and now can't remember where the safe place is located. (Typical for me) When I went to the DMV, the woman was abrupt, bordering on rude, and wouldn't let me tell her that I needed both a transfer and a name change and all I got out before she yelled at me was that I needed the transfer. She sent me to SSA, luckily there's a close office, to "get a printout" with my information on it. Apparently, a government student loan statement with my social, a 1099 with my social, a statement of benefits from the SSA, nor a pint of blood is enough for the DMV. So, off I went to the SSA office, which was an entirely painless process, surprisingly. I changed my name and requested a new card without any issue, and the people there were quite nice. Not surprisingly, I could've made the "printout" up on my own word processor and printed it myself. There was no letterhead or anything to show it was actually from SSA.
I went back to the DMV with printout in hand at 11:58 am and the same mean woman yelled that I would have to come back because they were going to lunch. I went to lunch myself, went back at the appointed 1 pm, and was told that I had to wait 24 hr because THE COMPUTER WOULDN'T SHOW MY NAME CHANGE! Now, if she hadn't been so rude, I would've told her the first time I went there that I needed a name change, went off to SSA, and come back the next day. Since she was such a cow, I had now wasted most of my day and was incredibly late for work so I called her supervisor. When I asked for the name and number, she had her sidekick give it to me like she thought I wouldn't call. HA! I called and now am going back the next business day and am to be taken care of immediately. I also got an apology from the supervisor, unlike the cow in the office. The thing that really irks me is that a guy came in the 3rd time I was there and she was incredibly nice to him and never even asked for his SS card!
To top this all off, I tried to change my vehicle registration, while I was in the courthouse, to my new address and new name and was told I would A) have to change my name on the title on the car before they would change the registration and B) would have to show proof of my new residency. The proof of the new residency would be .......a driver's license! ug. FYI, you can use a utility bill for the residency proof.
So, my advice to new brides is to go to the Social Security Administration, take your current driver's license, your original marriage certificate (no copies), and fill out the form there. Go the next day to get your new license and be sure to take your printout from the SSA and your social security card, an original or certified state issued copy of your birth certificate, your current driver's license, and a flask. After you have the new license and new SS card, then change everything else. I will post further details once I get everything else changed.