Comfort

I admit I've always allowed Elli to snuggle up on the sofa with me (or whoever). But, now that Reilly is in our home and will soon be a big dog, I really don't want him to be quite so at home on the sofa. As I write this both dogs are sleeping on their respective sofas. I'm finding it hard to keep Reilly off, even though I know it's something that I will have to enforce. It's just so sweet having him want to be close! Luckily, we have old couches at the moment.

I came across this article that describes couches that are specifically made for dogs to lounge on. They look like real sofas, but are smaller versions for your dogs to enjoy. If you have the space for this, it could be a good idea. I'm hoping Reilly will learn to love the old comforter I've left on the floor for him.

Etsy

I came across this fun website for handmade and vintage items. They have a cute sections for pets.

Etsy

It's been awhile...

I know, I know I'm way behind on my blogging. I've been keeping track of things I want to blog about here. So hopefully I will be able to post a few tonight to catch up. I've just been busy lately with our new addition. A chocolate labradoodle puppy we named Reilly.

He's four months old now, and thankfully starting to grow out of some of the unpleasant puppy behaviours.   Puppies are extremely cute, but they have a few habits that can be exhausting. I thought there might be something wrong with him, with the amount of accidents he had in the house the first few weeks we had him. Thankfully he's much better now, it's been over a week since the last accident. He also enjoys biting my ankles, especially when I'm getting ready for work, or wearing my fuzzy red slippers. I won't even mention how he likes to wake up at 4 am every morning.

Elli warmed up to him quicker than I expected. She seems to really enjoy having a friend to play with and boss around. They are still practicing sharing bones and not stealing one another's food, but over all they are doing great together. I'm also pleased with how Reilly seems to be helping Elli overcome some of her not so nice behaviours-such as sharing, and being more open to meeting all types of dogs on walks.

Today was a big day for Reilly. We took him and Elli to the dog park for the first time. Reilly had a great time running around and meeting other dogs. I was especially proud of Elli, she made a few friends and even ventured away from my side a little bit...but not too far. The last time I took her, she was swarmed by a bunch of big dogs, and she got a little scared. This time I tried to project the calm-assertive energy Cesar talks about. I see a lot more trips to the dog park in our future.

Next up...puppy school!

Christmas Hazards for your pets

I found this list on the new Durham Region Humane Society Blog:

THE 12 HAZARDS OF THE HOLIDAYS


1) Ethylene GlycolThis common toxin can cause acute renal failure with as small an amount consumed as 4.2mL/kg in dogs and 1.5mL/kg in cats. Usually the first signs seen are lethargy, wobbliness, increased drinking and increased urination. If emergency treatment is not instituted this toxin is usually fatal.


2) Chocolate
Seen more frequently during holidays, symptoms can be variable depending on the “purity of the chocolate”. Symptoms include increased thirst, vomiting, restlessness, increased heart rate or arrhythmia and can progress to seizures.


3) Prescription drugsWith the hustle and bustle of the holidays added to visiting family and friends, ingestion of our human medications can be a real hazard. Dogs and cats do not react the same way as people do. Consulting with your veterinarian or Poison Control can be a life saver.


4) PoinsettiaCommonly thought to be “the” toxin of holidays the plant rarely causes more than gastric upset. Having said that, it is best to keep these ornamental plants out or reach (or out of the house) to avoid vomiting and diarrhea in your pet.


5) Raisins/GrapesBecause the mechanism of toxicity is not known, we do not know how much is too much. This “treat” can cause renal failure and even death.


6) MistletoeA rather infrequent toxin because of rarity and expense, mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea,fluid loss and even death has been reported.


7) Macadamia nutsAlthough the chemical causing the toxin has not yet been identified this ingestion can cause depression, inability to use the hind limbs or stand, in coordination and vomiting. Fortunately, this toxicity is usually self limiting but unpleasant during the episode.


8) Bulbs
A Christmas time favorite, the amaryllis bulb can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. Again not a pleasant Christmas morning surprise!


9) Road SaltRarely is this seen as an acute oral ingestion but road salt can cause significant discomfort on the pads of dogs. Combine this with a small cut and that can become quite painful.


10) Foreign bodiesToys, ribbons, ornaments – is it any wonder that the occurrence of these accidents increases at Christmas time. Just like you would with a baby in the house –pet proof your Christmas and avoid your veterinarians office this season.


11) Table scraps/change in dietSure everyone likes a bit of turkey but allowing your pets to ingest bones or letting Grandma feed the dog the left-overs could end up with a trip to the veterinarian. Try to avoid changes in your pets diet as much as possible.


12) HypothermiaAlthough this winter has not been too cold yet, hypothermia can and does affect our furry friends. Cats are especially prone to this and more so over the busy holiday season when they may choose to stay outdoors to avoid the hustle and bustle inside. 

Durham Humane Society reopens

A year after a tragic fire that killed over 100 animals at the Durham Humane Society, the rebuild is finally complete.

On December 17, the shelter reopened its doors after an emotional ceremony honoring the animals lost in the fire.

Of course the shelter is still in need of donations, and community support. It's worth taking a look if you are thinking of adopting a new pet.

For more information, visit www.humanedurham.com 

Fundraising Calendars

Fundraising calendars to support Oshawa's off-leash dog park are now on sale.

The Oshawa Durham Area Walkers Group -- a volunteer group that looks after the park -- organized the fundraiser to support improvements, such as new benches, stair repairs and extra garbage bags, at Harmony Valley Park.

The calendars feature photos of local pets and sell for $10 each or two for $15.

They are available at Global Pet Foods (789 Taunton Rd. E.), D and D Exotics (1188 Simcoe St. S.) and Karon's Groom Shoppe (367 Wilson Rd. S.).

For more information, visit www.harmonydogpark.ca.

Wildlife in Durham

I came across an interesting article on Durham Region's news site. It was about the lack of help for sick and injured wildlife in Durham. In most cases if a wild animal is found injured and brought to animal services or a vet's office it has to be put down. There simply is't the funding or expertise to treat injured wildlife.

The closest centre is the Toronto Wildlife Centre which is a one of a kind facility in the GTA. As you can imagine they are inundated with calls.

Barriers in developing a wildlife rescue centre in Durham are funding, permits and licences. And, probably awareness that this is an issue.

Oshawa resident Tanya Harrington is making an effort to bring attention to this issue, in the hope that a wildlife centre gets established in Durham. You can find more information on Tanya's facebook page called Ontario's Wildlife in Crisis.