Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Cross Roads with guests Cathy Wesalowski, Ann Moran, and Jake with Leash...

Leashrly Life appears on CROSS ROADS a local cable show in Norfolk

Check out Leashrly Life on my new program Cross Roads. This episode talks all about pet care and Leashrly Life. Meet one of our staff members, Cathy as well as one of Leashrly Life's long-time clients, Ann Moran and her dog Jake. Ann tells what it's like working with a pet care business when her busy lifestyle takes her away from her beloved friend, Jake. Let us know your thoughts!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C4LZZZPuAE&feature=youtu.be

 


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Drummer the Gordon Setter


Meet Drummer! He is an 8 month old Gordon Setter and what a love he is. Mellow and playful all at the same time. He had his third training session and went right into his "down" with no hesitation! Then he has some fun play time with Maizie and enjoyed his time out in the sun!! What a beautiful boy he is! We are so proud of him!!

Monday, April 8, 2013

3 Month Old Hogan

Meet Hogan, a 3-month old German Shepherd. Our team gets to visit each with him each day. They have a hard time leaving him after their visits, especially when he looks at them with his big, brown eyes!

Spring is here!

Planning an upcoming vacation and need to find a pet sitter for your furry friend? Contact us....we would LOVE to help. We have a wonderful team of animal lovers who can take your dog into their own home while you are away. OR does your pet prefer to stay at home? We can visit throughout the day while you are away! Let us know!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Summer Water Safety for your Dog

The heat is on in Massachusetts and now is the time when families are heading to their favorite swimming spots to find relief.  Whether you are heading to the pool, lake, or ocean, if you are bringing your beloved four-legged companion along for some fun, please remember these safety tips offered by the ASPCA:

  • If on a boat, use a pet life preserver. Pets can easily slip or fall off a boat. Provide your dog with fresh water.
  • Keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset. Also keep pets from drinking any stagnant water, which can contain algae or salt water.
  • If you and your dog are visiting a river, keep an eye out for snakes. Even if they’re not poisonous, snakes can deliver nasty bites if curious dogs get too close.
  • If you’re visiting the beach, supervise your dog closely when venturing into the water. Many dogs aren’t prepared for the motion of the waves.
  • Watch out for rip currents, which are most dangerous during high surf conditions. A strong current can quickly carry a swimming dog away from shore.
  • Learn about marine life native to the area you’re visiting. Jellyfish, lionfish, stingrays, Portuguese man-of-war and other animals on the shore or in the water can be dangerous to both people and dogs.
  • Continually monitor dogs for signs of heat stroke when spending time outside in the heat.
Happy Summer Everyone!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Healthy Dog Treats

Want to save some money and feed your pup some healthy dog treats? Check out the following:
http://b19a06mfd4l06lg32fzbr31vfe.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=FACEBOOKAPRIL2012

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Dollars for Daffy Fundraiser

The Barkers Dozen Launches "Dollars for Daffy" Fundraiser

Portion of profits from the sale of company’s organic pet treats will help a loyal fan get the medical care she needs. April 3, 2012 – CHICOPEE, Mass. – The Barkers Dozen launched the "Dollars for Daffy" fundraiser today, where the organic dog treat baker will donate a portion of the profits from the sale of its products to Daffy Trinka, a 6-year-old Toy Fox/Jack Russell Terrier and loyal fan of the company, who is in need of medical care for an unknown illness.

During the fundraiser, which will run through April 2012, The Barkers Dozen will donate 50% of the profits from the sale of its treats purchased on its online store – shop.thebarkersdozen.com – to Daffy and her owner, Ingrid Trinka. Plus, when customers use the promo code "DAFFY" at checkout, they will receive a special thank you gift from The Barkers Dozen.

"I was just so thrilled to see Daffy chosen as a ‘Barkers Buddy’, the rest took my breath away," said Ingrid. "I am overwhelmed to think that complete strangers would extend such an incredible offer to us. We are so very thankful. We never, in our dreams, expected this."

Daffy, an avid fan of The Barkers Dozen’s Gluten-Free Blueberry Bone-anza Organic Dog Treats, was rescued two years ago by her owner, Ingrid Trinka, in what she calls a twist of divine intervention.
Ingrid, who had been praying for years for the right dog to enter her life after her beloved Dachshund BetsyRoss passed away, didn’t adopt Daffy the first time she met the dog because the pup didn’t seem like a good match. The dog appeared to have been abused by previous owners, was in poor health and was found homeless. Eight months later, when Ingrid and the same dog crossed paths again, she realized a greater power had chosen Daffy for her.
Daffy’s whole story can be read on The Barkers Dozen’s blog, The Daily Barker.

While Daffy now has a forever home and has blossomed into a well-mannered dog, she is suffering from what appears to be a neurological disorder that causes violent jerking and tremors when she sleeps. Ingrid and Daffy live in a town without the facilities or equipment to diagnose and treat her, and will need to travel more than 250 miles to Manhattan, Kan., to the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, to have bloodwork and an MRI taken. Ingrid, who is disabled, can’t currently afford the treatment or the travel and lodging costs, which are estimated to total around $2,000.

"When we learned of Daffy’s story, we felt compelled to offer our assistance so that Daffy could get the care she deserves," said President/CEO and Founder of The Barkers Dozen, Shawn Sherry. "This dog has been through more than most, and her second chance at life should be as healthy and happy as possible."


Source: The Barkers Dozen:

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

3 big brands may be tied to chicken jerky illness in dogs, FDA records show

Stumped by mysterious illnesses in at least 600 dogs in the U.S., federal health officials have turned to consumers for help investigating problems possibly tied to chicken jerky pet treats made in China.

A log of complaints collected from pet owners and veterinarians contains references to at least three popular brands of jerky treats that may be associated with kidney failure and other serious ailments, according to internal Food and Drug Administration documents obtained by msnbc.com.

Read more here  http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/13/10657635-3-big-brands-may-be-tied-to-chicken-jerky-illness-in-dogs-fda-records-show

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Smart Dogs can be Obedient Dogs

According to Stanley Coren, author of “The Intelligence of Dogs,” some breeds have a “working intelligence” and are more likely to be trainable and obedient.  Intelligent breeds do require attention and activity, because they get bored easily and can become destructive if not given proper channels for their energy and inquisitiveness.  They also need adequate training and consistent human leadership to take the proper family role. 

These are the top ten most obedient breeds:

·         Border collie.  This is an energetic, medium sized dog who needs stimulating activities and active outdoor play.  It can be kid friendly if well socialized.  Life expectancy is 12-15 years.

·         Poodle.  A standard poodle is medium to large, although there are toy and miniature varieties as well.  It is a cheerful, but low key breed.  It dislikes being alone, and is excellent with kids. Life expectancy is 12-15 years.

·         German Shepherd.  This is a large, protective breed, loyal to family and doesn’t like being left alone.  It is courageous and wary of strangers.  It needs regular, challenging activities.  Life expectancy is up to 13 years.

·         Golden Retriever.  This is a medium to large, well-mannered breed.  It is charming, playful, and loves children and everyone else.  It needs regular exercise.  Life expectancy is 10-12 years.

·         Doberman Pinscher.  This is a medium, powerful, energetic breed.  It is affectionate and naturally protective, needing proper socialization to avoid willful behavior.  It needs regular exercise but is cold sensitive.  Life expectancy is up to 13 years. 

·         Shetland Sheepdog.  This dog is small and docile.  It loves people and is affectionate, but will need socialization to get along with children.  Keep this dog on a leash because it loves to chase cars.  Life expectancy is 12-15 years.

·         Labrador Retriever.  This is a large water dog with a high need for exercise and activity.  It is good natured, reliable, and playful.  It is a loyal family dog, but needs training.  Life expectancy is 10-12 years.

·         Papillon. This dog is also called Toy Spaniel. It is small and good with children, with a friendly personality. It and can be playful and affectionate, but is prone to excessive barking.  Life expectancy is up to 16 years.

·         Rottweiler.  This is a powerful breed known for its courage and protective instincts.  It requires early training and can work well with children, but is wary of strangers.  It craves exercise and activity.  Life expectancy is 10-12 years.

·         Australian Cattle Dog.  This breed is small but loyal and protective. It is energetic and does best when it has stimulating or work to do. It is trustworthy with children but suspicious of strangers.  Life expectancy is 12-15 years.

Source:  DogBreed Info Center. 

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Stop the Itching!

As the weather warms up, fleas and ticks will once again be looking for new homes among your pets. Why should you treat even if you’ve never had any problems?

Fleas can be picked up at the park, in the yard, or from contact with other animals. I even heard a story of an indoor cat that got fleas from a stray cat that was living under the house!

Fleas take 6 to 8 weeks to make themselves at home and it may take that long before you notice the excessive itching, biting, or dots of blood that mark a flea’s residence. By then, the fleas have laid eggs and have a whole new family living in your pet’s fur.

Even after the initial flea treatment, it may take a month or more to rid your pet of the larva and eggs that have buried themselves beneath the skin. That’s why products like Frontline recommend monthly treatments.

Besides spot treatments, other options are the flea collar, which works in the head and neck area, or shampoos and sprays, which are limited to a few days effectiveness. Most of these work on adult fleas only. Oral medication keeps flea eggs from hatching, but is ineffective on adult fleas.

Flea prevention also includes home and yard maintenance. Insect growth regulators sprayed in your yard can help keep flea numbers down. There are also sprays and powders for the home. Animal bedding, furniture, and carpets should be vacuumed or cleaned regularly.

Although providing for your pet’s comfort alone is a good reason to stave off a flea infestation, keep in mind that fleas like human flesh too. Although you won’t want to put flea collars on your kids, you will want to take the appropriate steps to create a hostile living environment for fleas.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Pets and Planting

Spring is here and if you haven’t already mapped out your gardening and landscaping, you’re considering it.

If you have pets, be especially careful which flowers you choose. The following flowers can be dangerous to their health. (Click on image to enlarge).

If you believe your pet has ingested any part of these plants or bulbs, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. Even if you don’t see any adverse signs at first, that doesn’t mean your pet hasn’t been affected. Keep a sample of whatever it is may have been chewed or eaten.

The ASPCA recommends you keep hydrogen peroxide and a bulb syringe on hand for poisoning emergencies.

Also be especially careful with pest baits, insecticides, and fertilizers. Most of them are poisonous to humans and animals. If you believe your pet has gotten into these items, keep the container for your call to the vet.

Best wishes for a beautiful yard and healthy pets!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Super Dog

As a dog lover, you already know how amazing canines can be. Did you know that there are “special powers” some dogs have that defy explanation but have been helpful to humans for centuries?

For example, dogs (and cats) have been known to sense when a woman is pregnant. Experts are not sure whether it’s the hormone changes, emotional changes, or changes in routine, but animals seem to be able to detect pregnancy before a traditional pregnancy test! The animal behavior seems to fall into either a pattern of extreme affection and protectiveness, or uncharacteristic aloofness and territory marking.  (Source:  Pregnancy-Info.net)

Also, seizure-alert dogs are dogs that are able to notify someone with epilepsy or a seizure disorder that a seizure is imminent. Again, the exact reason dogs are able to sense the seizure before it happens is somewhat of mystery- whether it’s behavioral changes or something that they can smell. Dogs will bark, whine, lick, or paw their epileptic-prone owners before an event. Unlike seeing-eye dogs, the behavior cannot be trained, and is not breed-specific.  (Source:  National Geographic)

Dogs can also detect several types of cancer. With training, they can detect cancer in the breath of lung, breast, colon, bladder, ovarian and skin cancer patients. Researchers  in Japan are working with an 8-year-old black lab named Marine to research the use of special dogs to provide non-invasive ways of detecting cancer. Marine is accurate 93% of the time in distinguishing between cancerous and benign colorectal polyps. (Sources:  National Geographic and Global Animal)

The most important sense that dogs have is probably their sense of humor. Whether or not dogs can actually understand humor in the intellectual sense, some breeds are more apparently playful than others. Setters, spaniels, retrievers, and poodles tend to be more playful. Scientists liken playful canine behavior to the socialization of a young child, in that behavior that gains positive attention tends to be repeated. However, it’s hard to believe that your dog doesn’t know what he’s doing when he jumps out at you and startles you, or when she presents your underwear to your houseguests. (Source:  Modern Dog)

Your dog may be more than just a common house pet. For all you know, he may be able to prevent disease, protect the unborn, and keep you in stitches. He may just be… Super Dog!!!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Halloween tips from Maizie the dog

Even if you or your kids like dressing crazy, going to parties, or begging for candy, Halloween is not so much fun. We dogs don’t like strangers to begin with, and there are some really strange characters wandering the streets during trick or treat. Here are some ideas to keep us pets safe on Halloween.

• Keep us inside. There are a bunch of crazies out there who like to pull mean pranks on Halloween. We’d rather be with you.

• Keep us in another room. I want to greet everyone who comes to the door and protect you from all those strange characters. Let me stay somewhere more quiet and peaceful.

• Keep the treats out of reach. I’ll eat anything that smells good, and I don’t have hands to unwrap it. I know that chocolate is bad for me, but I can’t help but be curious. Remove the temptation!

• Keep candles and jack-o-lanterns out of the way. I can’t control my tail, and half the time I’m too excited to watch where I’m going. I don’t want to get hurt or start a fire.

• Don't dress me up! I know you think we look cute, but costumes are sometimes dangerous, uncomfortable and our friends make fun of us.

• Take me for a walk or a run before dark. It's so much nicer to have had some exercise before the festivities begin so if I have to be in another room by myself, at least I can take a much needed nap.

Enjoy the holiday, and stay safe!