It's Not For Everyone

I have read that there are peoples who put leashes on their cats and take them for walks but until we went out for our Sunday walk, I had never seen one with my own eyes.

Now I have nothing against cats. We had some cats for neighbors and I would have tried to be friends but they were kind of stuck up. They mostly sat in the windows in the house across the street and stared at me and DixieLee.

We had a stray cat that hung around our house for a few days. I learned that she adopted the family that lives at the end of the street. Mom liked having a cat around because she said that cats scare away chipmunks and squirrels.

If that is so, I don’t think she was doing a very good job.

The other day Dad saw her eating some of the catnip plants in our garden. Mom said it was okay because although she planted the catnip to keep the mosquitoes away, she is happy the cat is enjoying it too.

Anyway, back to seeing the cat walking on a leash. First of all, I’m used to seeing cats run fast. This cat was walking really, really, really slow. Mom saw her first so she detoured us into the park so DixieLee wouldn’t see the cat. DixieLee thinks chasing cats would be lots of fun.

We had to wait a long, long time for the cat to walk a little way down the street and then turn around to go back home.

The lady and the cat were sitting outside when we went by their house and DixieLee and I were very good. The cat however, got stressed out. I think she wanted to climb a tree where she would be safe but she couldn’t because she was on a leash.

From what I have read, it seems that walking on a leash stresses cats out. Cats are pretty independent and don’t like to have anyone tell them where to go or what to do and like the cat we met on Sunday, if they feel in danger, they want to run away.

Peoples that would like their cats to be able to go outside because outside is nice, should think about getting a Catico. If you want more information about Caticos, here’s a link to a blog I wrote a while back about Caticos.

I would be very interested to hear from any cats or dogs who live with cats and see what you think.

All this talk about taking walks is making me want to go out myself. It’s such a beautiful day. Let’s see if using the stare works today.

Love,

Zeva

P.S. Blatant self-promotion. For the bestest pet gift baskets in the universe, go to pawpalsboutique.com

What to do on a Hot Summer Day

Boy, it’s super hot outside. We love to go outside to play and go for walks but not when it is this hot. I found a spot right in front of the air conditioner. I don’t want to move until winter comes back but DixieLee wants to play and fight. Sigh

Mom says there has to be something we can do to get rid of extra energy that doesn’t tear the house apart. We went looking and found an article listing 101 things to do with your dog. Here are some ideas.

1. Go for a walk. Well, we love this idea but not when it is so hot the pavement would burn our feet.

2. Go shopping in a pet-friendly store. Mom said NO to that one. She says we have bad manners and she doesn’t have enough money to pay for all the cookies we would eat right out of the bins and the toys DixieLee would destroy.

3. Go to a beach or pond and swim. DixieLee likes to swim but even though I am part Lab, I hate water. So “NO” to the whole swimming idea.

4. Make an appointment with a groomer for a nice bath and pedicure. Did I mention that I hate water and I understand baths involve water. DixieLee hates to have her feet touched so, I guess we can cross that one off the list.

5. Sing to your dog. They can’t be serious. Whoever made this list never heard Mom sing or they would never suggest this activity.

6. Dance with your dog. See number 5.

7. Go on a canoe trip. This also involves water but I would pay to see Dad try to take DixieLee out in a canoe. 

8. Blow bubbles. DixieLee actually likes chasing bubbles but then she is easily amused.

9. Play tug-of-war with an old sock. Not a great idea since it took us 4 years to break DixieLee of the habit of stealing Dad’s socks and chewing holes in them.

10. Make Pupcicles or doggy ice cream. Now this is an activity I can get behind. There are lots and lots of recipes on line so we could have a different flavor every day.

Finally, we found an activity that we can do as a family! I think I’ll just sit here in front of the air conditioner while Mom makes up some peanut butter ice cream treats for us.

Stay cool and make sure you are drinking enough water.

Your friend,

Zeva

P.S. Blatant self-promotion. For the bestest pet gift baskets in the universe to to pawpalsboutique.com

The Stare... What You Need to Know

Puppies stare at their new humans because they are so happy to have someone who loves them.  They may also be afraid the human will disappear.

Puppies soon learn that staring at a person can get them to say“how cute” or some other nice thing.

A smart dog will soon learn that there is a difference between staring and The Stare.

When used properly, The Stare can be one of your bestest tricks. After you have perfected The Stare, you can add The Tilt for added effect. 

But one step at a time.

Dogs easily communicate with other dogs but to communicate effectively with humans, you must perfect The Stare. The Stare is how you get your humans to give you what you want. I use The Stare when I want a cookie, to go outside, to go for a walk or if lunch is late.

When I want something I sit so that when Mom looks, she is instantly hit with The Stare. If she is watching the TV or working on a project, I first have to get her to look at me. When used correctly, The Stare can make a human turn to look at you. Once you have connected with their eyes, you keep The Stare steady until they speak.

Mom will say something like “what?”. Then I shift The Stare to the cookie jar, the door, the leash rack or the dinner bowl. Don’t shift too long because you don’t want your human to get distracted and forget you need something. This works most of the time.

I like to shift The Stare to the clock when I want to remind Mom that she is late with a meal or with my before bed cookie. I know, making her feel guilty is not a nice thing to do but I could starve to death waiting for a TV show to end or for her to finish a knitting thing.

The Stare also works when humans are asleep. It takes a little longer but they do respond eventually. I don’t like to use The Stare when Mom is sleeping but sometimes I need her to wake up and tell DixieLee to move so I can get space on the bed.

DixieLee has finally realized the power of The Stare.  She as added a Tail Wag to The Stare for emphasis.  She used The Stare on Mom twice yesterday (once when Mom was sleeping) and it worked like a charm.

Remember to use The Stare wisely. If used too often, your human could become immune to it. The good thing is, if they do become immune, it’s only for a little while.

Blogging is hard work so I think I will go use The Stare on Mom and get myself a cookie.

Keep practicing,

Your friend,

Zeva

P.S. Blatant self-promotion. For the bestest pet gift baskets in the universe, go to pawpalsboutique.com

What Color is Your Ribbon?

Our friend Beauregard had a very bad experience the other day. He and his Mom were taking a walk. There was a Mom and a little boy walking in front of them. The little boy spotted Beauregard and started to go toward him.

Beauregard is a service dog. His Mom has Autisim. Her Autisim makes her uncomfortable around strangers so they crossed the street to avoid the little boy. The little boy started running toward them, waving his arms. Beauregard’s Mom was so upset.

I guess if you are not a “dog” people, you don’t realize how dangerous it is to approach a strange dog. Not all dogs are friendly and dogs like Beauregard have big jobs to do and should not be bothered.

Some service dogs, emotional support dogs or therapy dogs have special vests that they wear to let people know that they are working.

Some peoples use colored ribbons to tell certain things about the dog.

Blue means the dog is in training.

Orange means the dog is okay around peoples but not so good around other dogs.

Green means the dog is friendly.

White means the dog is blind or deaf.

Yellow means the dog is fearful.

When we walk, Mom and Dad make sure we don’t get too close to strangers or other dogs. If we stop to talk with friends, Mom watches to make sure we are on our goodest behavior.

The idea of using ribbons is a good one except not everyone knows what the colors mean and lots of us like to wear pretty colored collars, harnesses and leashes. I have a pink collar, black harness and a pink leash.

DixieLee and I wear colorful kerchiefs too! All the mix of colors could confuse peoples. I think the bestest thing to do is not go near any dog until you ask the Mom or Dad and even then to watch the dog’s body language. Hey, we all have grumpy days.

It’s another beautiful day outside. I think I’ll get DixieLee and we’ll both stare at our harnesses until Mom and Dad get the idea that going for a walk would be fun.

Your friend,

Zeva

P.S. Blatant self-promotion. For the bestest pet gift baskets in the universe check out pawpalsboutique.com

Summer Safety Tips

It was cold for so long we wondered if it was ever going to be summer. Happily the weather has gotten nice so we can spend more time outside. We love watching Mom and Dad put plants and flowers in the ground.

DixieLee really wants to help. She is a very good digger but they aren’t using any of the holes she’s dug so far but that’s okay. She says she’ll just make more, just in case.

Hot weather is nice but we have to be careful. Most peoples know not to leave their pets in the car cuz they can get died but there are lots of other things peoples need to be careful of in the summertime.

1. Bugs! To me this is huge. Bugs like ticks, fleas and mosquitoes are very dangerous to pets. We don’t like to have to wear chemical stuff but these little critters can make you very sick.

You need to look out for bees, wasps and spiders too. One of the dogs who lived with Mom and Dad before us got bit by a spider and her face got too fat. Mom had to rush her to the ‘mergency Vet. They gave her some medicines and she got better but I bet she was scared.

2. Water. I don’t particularly like water and DixieLee doesn’t even like to go out when it’s raining but lots of dogs love to swim. Swimming is okay as long as you are careful. The water in a river can be moving fast and even a little pond can be deep. If you like chasing sticks or floats make sure you don’t get too tired.

Remember that not all water is good to drink. If you are lucky enough to go to the ocean, don’t drink that water and swimming pool water is definitely a NO NO for drinking. Swimming pools have chemicals in them.

Boating can be fun! Just make sure you are wearing your life jacket at all times.

3. We talked about how hot cars can get. Sidewalks get hot too! If your human can’t keep their hand on the sidewalk or road for minutes, it is too hot to walk on. A nice grassy field or park is a better place to walk on hot days.

4. Dogs and cats can get sunburned so don’t spend too much time in the sun. Walk or play where there are lots of trees to give you shade. Make sure you drink plenty of good clean water when you are outside.

5. Bar-B-Ques and Picnics. Oh Boy! I love the smell of hamburgers or steak cooking on the grill and I know how to look so adorable that I’m sure to get a scrap or two from somebody. Mom has strict rules about begging at the table but most of our friends don’t know that one.

Gaining weight isn’t the only problem. Favorite Bar-B-Que foods like corn on the cob can cause tummy troubles and onions are super not good for us.

We also have to be extra careful not to get our teeth around any bones.

All this talk about fun is making my want to go outside. I think I’ll go tickle my toes in the nice cool grass.

Have a fun filled and safe summer.

Zeva

P.S. Blatant self-promotion. For the bestest pet gift baskets in the universe, check out pawpalsboutqiue.com today.

I Love My Job

It is so much fun talking with peoples who love their pets so much that they want to get them a special gift. Then we have more fun when we actually put together all the bestest toys and treats that make up the bestest pet gift baskets in the universe.

All of our friends love pets and lots and lots of them work in jobs that involve pets. We have friends who are dog trainers and pet sitters. Other friends who have day care places for pets and even a friend who can communicate with pets and tell their peoples what the pets think or feel.

There are lots and lots of businesses that work with pets. For people who like to bake, a bakery that makes cookies and cakes for pets is a good business.

For people who like to sew, a business as a pet clothing designer would be fun. They could make coats and dresses. They could have more fun making all kinds of Halloween costumes for pets.

DixieLee and I don’t like to dress up but we LOVE wearing different bandanas. We’ve worn handmade collars and leashes that are super pretty.

People who know how to sew also can make toys. One of our favorite toys to put in our gift baskets is a bone made from denim that a lady friend makes.

So many peoples are busy these days that they don’t have time as much time as they would like with their dogs so they hire other peoples to take them for walks. Other peoples who are busy, busy hire peoples to clean up the poop in their yards. Not as glamorous as pet gift basket designer but we understand the money can be pretty good if you live in certain areas.

Peoples who have artistic talents paint pet portraits or are pet photographers. Mom says she admires people who can get a dog to sit cute when they are having their picture taken.

The last time she tried to get a photo of me when I was doing something cute, I jumped off of the couch and all she got was a white blur. I couldn’t help it, that awful commercial with the smoke detector going off came on the TV. Don’t ad peoples know that sound is bad for dogs’ ears?

Most of the jobs we know about are for dogs and cats but one other unusual pet business we know about is tank designer. Big fish tanks are nice in an office lobby and there are peoples whose job it is to make sure the fishes stay healthy and the tank is clean and pretty all the time.

I bet there are lots more businesses where peoples get to work with pets all day. If you work in one, let me know.

Now I have to get ready to order some more dog treats. Didn’t I tell you I have the bestest job!?

Love,

Zeva

P.S. Blatant self-promotion. For the bestest pet gift baskets in the universe go to pawpalsboutique.com

'Tis The Season

We love the warm weather, We love the birds and the flowers. But there are things about warm weather we don’t like.

Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitoes!

We hate having to get medicines put on our skin to keep the bugs off and even when we do wear that stuff, some fleas or ticks or mosquitoes can still get on us. It wouldn’t be so bad except that fleas, ticks and mosquitoes carry littler buggies that can make us sick or even died.

We just read that ticks carry over a dozen different diseases and mosquitoes carry the bug that gives us heartworm.

Our humans could spray our yard with poison to kill the them but the spray is not good for us either. At our house we use plants to keep the bugs away and they seem to work pretty good.

There are many plants that keep fleas and ticks and mosquitoes away and MANY of them are okay around pets. There are some that keep bugs away that should NOT be planted where pets can get at them.

To keep fleas and ticks away from our yard we plant:

Lavender, Marigolds, Cat Nip, Sage, Rosemary and Lemongrass. Chrysanthemums, Chamomile and Citronella are good for keeping fleas and ticks away too but they can be toxic to pets.

I tried Catnip once. I don’t see why some cats like it so much.

Garlic and Eucalyptus are also good for keeping ticks away but they too can be toxic to pets.

Lavender, Catnip, and Rosemary are also good mosquito repellents.

Even though some of these plants are safe for pets, Mom doesn’t want to take any chances. We have big planters that she fills with these good plants and keeps them on the other side of our fence so we can’t eat them or rub them on our fur.

Looks like it's about time to take a tour around the yard to make sure everything is good and the lady in the little truck didn't steal our mail again.

Love

Zeva

P.S. Blatant self-promotion. For the bestest pet gift baskets in the universe, check out pawpalsboutique.com