Monday, 26 July 2010 04:18

"Hello!" I called cheerfully to the man moving erratically in my direction.

"Muh shu u clenion u shih," the drunken guy mumbled as he came toward us (I was walking my two boarding dogs for their last potty break at 10:30P). I walk this same route multiple times a day, especially when I have visiting dogs at my house. It’s only a few blocks from my house and ½ block from a bar, although it’s rare that I encounter anyone walking down this road at night.

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"You heard me!"

Ah, great. Now he was angry and my boarding dogs are nervous around people, I would have to protect us all! For a moment I wished I was with one (or more) of my German Shepherds, but I was leashed to a skittish Kyi Apso and an ancient Australian terrier who can’t move very fast and occasionally stalls completely. Hmmm… what was it my dad and coach used to say? The best defense is a good offense, or was it the best offense is a good defense? Probably the latter, but at that moment I was hoping for the first one.

I enunciated in a politely sweet, yet don’t-screw-with-me voice, "I heard you. I didn’t understand you. What did you say? Do you need help, sir?"

He paused as he fumbled with his keys. I’d like to think he was trying to decide if he was capable of taking on a bitchy sober chick and her two dogs. "Make sure you clean up your sh*t, I said."

Apparently it hadn’t occurred to him that the two poop bags in my hand might just be filled with… well, POOP!

Now he really had me ticked off… I waved the bags at him, unfortunately he was about 15 feet away so couldn’t get them close enough to make sure he got a whiff. "It’s not my sh*t, it’s their sh*t, and I have two bags full right here, sir. I usually deposit it in the trash bin up on the corner, but here, you can take then and put them in your trash if you don’t think I’ll dispose of them properly." I started to take a step toward him.

He mumbled something like, "Jus’ take your shih" and hurried into his house. Poor dude. Thought he was tough from his courage obtained from a bottle, but he hadn’t planned on encountering a fearless crazy bitch with two dogs and a handful of bagged poop.

All those Tai Kwon Do belts and the only self-defense I needed was a bag of poop!

Friday, 02 July 2010 13:51

The sky lights up, and... Oooooo! Aaaaww! Oohhhh!… Just a few of the sounds to be heard on the Fourth of July.

Other sounds? – The loud cracking and booming of fireworks at irregular intervals at decibel levels that can be painful to our canine companions more sensitive ears. And what about the flashing colors of lights in the sky, that in a fabulous display at close proximity, can look like they are streaming down right on top of us. Do you notice that sulphuric, gunpowdery smell? I bet your dog does!

Remember our dogs’ senses are much stronger than ours so it’s no wonder the fireworks can cause them so much stress. Some dogs do fine with fireworks, but many do not. So please be mindful of your four-legged friend(s) this holiday.

Some things you can do:

• Stay home with your dog! Do not take your dog to the fireworks display, or if you do, have an alternative plan to remove them from the stressful environment should they start exhibiting any anxiety.
• Exercise your dog throughout the day and prior to dusk when the fireworks will begin. A well exercised dog will not have the energy to be as anxious as they might be otherwise.
• Be aware of the fireworks starting (including if your neighbors like to celebrate and are lighting off bottle rockets in their driveway!) and pay attention to your dog’s demeanor.
• Be cognizant of your own body, too. You want to remain relaxed and calm despite any stress your dog may be exhibiting. Don’t let the booming sounds make you jump. Breathe deeply and try to keep you routine as normal as possible.
• Don’t over-comfort your dog or pay more attention to him or her than usual. Any change in your behavior could tip them over the edge. If they are already feeling uncomfortable or stressed they need you to be dependable and as ‘normal’ as ever.
• Speak in an upbeat, yet normal tone and if you regularly play games with your dog, engage them in game. Be observant – they should e enjoying their time with you. If they are looking worried or like they aren’t having fun, stop playing and just go back to your normal activities.
• Do your best to drown out the celebratory sounds by closing windows and turning up the TV or music. You might also consider other white noise like a fan, fountain or a nature sounds CD. 
• Close window shades or blinds.
• Turn on the lights.
  
• Allow your dog to retreat to their kennel or under a table if that makes them feel more comfortable. Consider putting a blanket or towel over the top and sides of the kennel to make it more den-like.
• Don’t try to coax your dog to do anything.
• If you cannot be with your dog during the fireworks display, make sure they are left in a safe and secure place. Close windows and doors and make sure they don’t have access to anything dangerous. A stressed dog will do things they wouldn’t normally do. Some behaviors might include chewing shoes, getting into garbage or destroying beds or furniture. It’s really in your best interest to make sure someone is home with your dog to help them feel secure.

Your dog is depending on you. Let’s make this a happy and safe Independence Day for all of us! Happy 4th!

Tuesday, 18 May 2010 21:05

Tuesday, 11 May 2010 23:45

Just in time for flea and tick season, here is an informative article about keeping your dog safe from these sometimes dangerous insects, courtesy or Dr. Catherine Lund, DVM from the Animal Wellness Center.

"BUGS and DOGS"

It's flea and tick season.  Fleas are more of an irritant than a danger to adult pets--though they can make very young animals anemic--but they are a pain to clean up in the house.  Most pets get fleas from hunting or sniffing in rabbit burrows this time of year.

Read more: Bugs and Dogs

Saturday, 06 March 2010 00:00

Winter in Minnesota means outdoor fun at it's best! Here's Conan with his big, red ball!

Thursday, 17 December 2009 03:22

This message is from Anne Hendrickson, owner of Downtown Dogs, Minneapolis, MN.  I am also posting this message here on my blog for a few reasons.  First, I would like to support my friend, Anne, and her staff because I think they offer one of the best dog day care services in the Twin Cities. Second, I like to recommend businesses that give back to the community and are conscientious stewards of the animals and the planet we share; Downtown Dogs does this in so many ways. And lastly, the dogs that get to day care, whether it's once a week or everyday benefit from the exercise, socialization and exposure to to new activities - it's good for them.  And with the colder weather settling in, keep in mind that at least you get out of the house to work or shop. If you don't have time to get your dog out for exercise, don't be surprised if cabin fever sets in and their manners go south for the winter. Dog training with Pure Spirit will help, but a little variety, like a trip to Downtown Dogs is a great treat, too.

Read more: Local Day Care with a Global Vision

Thursday, 10 December 2009 00:49

From guest blogger: Janeen McMurtrie, Smart Dogs Weblog, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

“Felony” Police Dog Gets Death Penalty

November 27, 2009

Most of the local outlets aren’t covering this, but Minneapolis KARE11 News is reporting on the “euthanasia” of a local police K-9:

At ten years of age, Felony was nearing the end of his K-9 career with the Howard Lake Police Department. It just wasn’t supposed to end like this.

Read more: Police Dog Gets Death Penalty

Monday, 30 November 2009 14:15

Broder & the Black Dog

Broder, my visiting hound mix, and I were on a walk over by the river, just minding our own business and enjoying the crisp autumn air, when we passed a house with two barking corgis and a lab/chow mix.  The medium-sized black dog was clearly more agitated than her two shorter companions that some interlopers had dared walk on the dike 30 yards from her fence line.  In one deft movement, she launched herself off some furniture and sailed over the wooden fence, in a bee-line straight for us.  It was apparent by her eyes that she was more interested in Broder than me.  I could tell by her facial tension, ear set, body orientation and tail-carriage that she wasn’t interested in him in a good way.

Read more: Broder & the Black Dog

Saturday, 22 August 2009 00:34

A Dangerous Job: Perimeters, Porties & Police

I took a bullet for a dog today. 

Okay, not really.  But it kind of sounds cool, doesn’t it?

I was at my last training session of a rather arduous week of bad weather, difficult situations, cranky people and a few dogs with unusual issues (who really needed more help, but their owners were in a bit of denial).  This last training was a 3-month-old Portugese Waterdog named Gaspar (meaning Treasure Keeper) that I was training for Invisible Fence.

Read more: A Dangerous Job

Monday, 27 April 2009 13:12

I have had a few clients or friends of friends (there are three families that I can think of off the top of my head: single female with animals; a young couple with animals, I don’t think they have kids; and a single mom with animals) looking for homes to rent that will allow animals.  There are houses that will allow 2 animal max or weight limits, but these people have 3 dogs and a few cats. 

Read more: Wanted: Homes for Big Dogs