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The Vet At Noah’s Ark – Book Review

Terra Booth — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:06:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the vet? And in particular an inner city vet? Oh and to top it off, an inner city vet in Los Angeles during the trial of police officers in the Rodney King case? That is the premise behind Dr. Doug Mader’s book, The Vet At Noah’s Ark: Stories of Survival From an Inner-City Animal Hospital.

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Dr. Doug Mader

Dr. Mader is a renowned veterinarian, triple board certified and with many accolades. Through his exceptional storytelling, Dr. Doug Mader takes his reader on a journey through an incredibly challenging year of events at Noah’s Ark Veterinary Hospital, an exotic animal hospital in inner-city LA.

Through his writing, we get to see everything from the struggles and daily challenges to the rewarding moments and joy. We see his love for both animals and people, as well as his dedication to them. What it takes to not just be a good veterinarian but a great one who is truly compassionate about the love and bond between people and animals.

Dr. Doug Mader *Image used with permission

Behind The Scenes

In this book, we get a rare glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at the vet. From what it takes to treat anything from a tiny little mouse, to snakes, ferrets, turtles, lizards and more! And that is in addition to the usual run of cats and dogs! The split second decisions that need to be made, and finding longer-term solutions to help our pets live happier and more fulfilled lives.

We also get to see what it’s like to navigate through veterinary students and unconventional staff members. I think one of the things that stood out to me most was Dr. Mader’s compassion and willingness to give people a chance. Which leads to some very interesting and memorable characters. Readers bond with them, laugh and cry with them.

I also really enjoyed reading about the different interactions with the pet owners. And how Dr. Mader chose to put the wellbeing of pets and preserving the bond with their people above everything else. The sacrifices he made both at work and personally. It really showed the reader how much he truly cares for both the people and the pets he treated.

Inner-City LA

While I think reading about what goes on at the vet is an interesting topic in and of itself, this book takes it a step further. Being a veterinarian in an inner-city animal hospital presents its own challenges. And when you consider the timing of this book during the trial of the police officers in the Rodney King case it takes it to a whole new level.

Through reading this book we can see just how much devotion Dr. Mader and his staff have to the practice. Literally putting their lives at risk to continue to show up to work each day. Everything from encounters with hookers while getting lunch to being stabbed walking to work. I found the beating up of Dave, a dedicated and empathetic volunteer with a kind and generous heart, by police officers for being in the wrong place at the wrong time particularly heartbreaking.

In Conclusion

The Vet at Noah’s Ark is a must read for any pet lover. I tried not to give away too many spoilers while writing this because I really want the reader to explore the book for themselves. To experience the wide range of emotions it triggers, the highs and the lows, from reading through this incredible story. To laugh and to cry with it. You won’t be disappointed.

Dr. Mader has given us a gift with his story, and you get to experience what it is like to work at an animal hospital, the love and compassion involved, the bond between pets and their owners. What it is like to make personal sacrifices for the sake of this bond. You can get started with an excerpt HERE.

Be sure to pick your copy today!

The post The Vet At Noah’s Ark – Book Review first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

In Good Company – Celebrate Your Pet For National Pet Week!

Terra Booth — Sun, 07 May 2023 11:34:33 +0000

Happy National Pet Week! And what a better way to kick it off than to take a look at the joy and happiness our pets bring us and celebrate that bond! I was fortunate enough to speak with Johanna Siegmann with regards to her wonderful book, In Good Company (Notable People and Their Pets). This is a book that captures the unique bond shared with our pets through photography. Johanna brings stunning visualization to the magic that exists between pets and their people.

Through Johanna’s interpretational photography we can see how people and their pets go about and live their lives together, and get to the heart of the incredibly special relationship that exists between us and our pets. I purchased a copy of this book, and I can tell you it is nothing short of incredible and moving. I experienced a whole host of emotions from smiling and laughing to being brought to tears. You can feel the emotion through the pictures and Johanna’s comments on each one.

How It Began

Johanna’s love of photography started at an early age when she was given a Kodak Instamatic! She came from an artistic family and found her voice through writing. However, she found that a bout of chemotherapy changed how her mind processed things impacting her writing. As she wasn’t able to write anymore she found instead that she could capture a story through a single image and the concept was born.

I asked Johanna what led to the inspiration to capture people with their pets. She had been doing a photography shoot and at the end she was asked to take a picture of her client’s older dog. The ageing dog couldn’t get off the floor though, so the owner went down onto the floor with her dog and Johanna ended up down on the floor as well to capture the picture.

The owner and the dog leaned into each other, and in that moment she had an epiphinany that this was it, and that’s when the magic, the connection, the energy happened. This was what she was supposed to be doing.

And Johanna loves pets of all kinds, and has photographed 28 species (including us)! She loves to meet the pets and their owners and has a true passion for animals which is very evident in her magical photography.

The Concept

I found it very interesting to hear the process with regards to getting that perfect shot. And it starts well before the camera comes out! Johanna gathers detailed information about each one of her clients before the photo shoot through an intake process. From that she takes great care in coming up with a creative concept for the photograph which is unique to each and every one!

So before she even shows up at the door she already has it all planned out! The only things she doesn’t know are where the shoot is going to happen and if she will click with your pet. The end result makes it all worthwhile, with truly incredible photography that is able to capture that perfect moment between pets and their owners.

Image used with permission Source: Johanna Siegmann

The Meeting

And I’m sure that you can imagine that pets might not necessarily be the most cooperative subjects! I can’t even imagine what it would be like with my crew…So when she gets through the door she calibrates her energy to the pet when she meets them. She gets on their level. There are no theatrics or trying to get the pets to do new tricks. Johanna wants them to be themselves and act as they normally do! “Discovering part of their lexicon” in her words.

Her number one rule is never stress out the pet. When the pet is done, she is done.

Next Steps

After the meet and greet, the next steps are exploring and finding a place to do the shoot, setup wardrobe and lights and take some test shots. Pets are the last thing to come! Again, referring to the never stress out the pet rule she understands that pets can and usually do have a limited attention span. Some more than others…my Benson being a good example of minimal attention span!.

So Johanna knows the animals and is patient but ready to be extremely fast to truly capture the best shot! She knows to never take her eye off the pet. I know how hard it can be to get that picture! By the time I’m fumbling around with my phone or camera the moment has usually passed…Or I end up with a blurry or extremely unflattering picture! Capturing that perfect moment truly is a gift.

Sometimes the pet is still engaged after the initial concept is complete so she may try something else! So you may see more than one photo of that person and pet, a series that tells a story.

And it amazes me that the entire photo shoot is done within an hour! This is due to the amount of preparation that has already gone into the entire concept and she shows up ready to execute on that concept. In the rare occasion that the first concept doesn’t end up working out she usually has enough for another one that works just as well!

Image used with permission. Source: Johanna Siegmann

Our Quirky Pets

So I just had to ask Johanna which pets were her favorites to work with since has worked with so many species!

She is a cat person herself and told a rather funny story that she saw when it went viral on the internet. Its about three cats who fought and lorded over an empty box for 8 weeks before the owner could get that box away from them! According to Johanna, snakes are beautiful to photograph because of all the beautiful shapes and movements they make, and birds are funny. But donkeys are her favorite after visiting a donkey sanctuary! In her words, “they are just the best”.

Apex Protection Project

Part of the proceeds of purchases of this book go towards the Apex Protection Project. This is a non-profit organization for the protection of wolves and wolfdogs. They not only rescue them, but they also work to educate people and ranchers on understanding the importance of protecting the wolf population.

When I asked Johanna why she chose the Apex Protection Project as her charity of choice, she said that it was because of how important it is to have wolves for the ecosystem and sustainability due to the balance that they bring. And this was one single thing that she could do to have a direct impact. She mentioned what happened in Yellowstone, when wolves were eradicated in the 1930s and the ecosystem started to fail. Since their re-introduction it is beginning to thrive again!

Some Final Thoughts

I think Johanna said it best. “Pets are the most spiritual guide to becoming a better person. They humble us, don’t care about the mortgage. They are a gift to us”. And I couldn’t agree more. Her book captures the pure joy that pets bring us, the love between people and animals, the caring and compassion.

In Good Company is the perfect way to start celebrating our pets for National Pet Week! It is a book that would be enjoyed by any person who loves their pets, great for yourself or as a gift. You can find it online, at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and you can contact her though her website, johannasiegmann.com. Be sure to pick up your copy today, you won’t be disappointed! I can tell you that I was deeply, deeply moved.

And I can’t help but wonder what concepts she’d come up with for my diverse furry crew!

Note: all images used in this post are used with permission and are Copyright Johanna Siegmann 2023. Images may not be reproduced in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information browsing, storage, or retrieval system, without permission from Briton Publishing, LLC.

The post In Good Company – Celebrate Your Pet For National Pet Week! first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

How To Have A Safe Halloween With Pets

Terra Booth — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 17:30:14 +0000

My favorite season is among us, and it’s time to get spoooooky again! Halloween is undoubtedly my favorite time of the year but that means we have to think about how to have a safe Halloween when you have pets! Oh and of course it is also time to think about what costumes we are going to be getting! My bears have outgrown the vast majority of costumes you can buy in the store and I’m considering just throwing a white sheet over them for ghosts and calling it a day!

An amazing pumpkin display!

Halloween Decorations

Halloween decorations are the first thing to come out as we get closer to the big day. I know I have been working on my yard for the last couple of days once we got into October! However, decorations can present a multitude of dangers not only to our pets but to wildlife in general!

There can be wires that can be chewed and you have to watch for small decorations that can be swallowed as they present a choking hazard! I love to use a ton of artificial spiderwebs out in the yard as well, but be careful since these can entangle not only your pet but local wildlife! Last year I had to rescue a squirrel from mine…

Whiskers staging an attack on the pumpkin I was about to carve

Halloween Candy and A Safe Halloween With Pets

Candy and chocolate is a must at Halloween! And chocolate is a no-go where pet safety is concerned. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats due to the theobromine content as well as caffeine content. And the darker the chocolate the higher the theobromine content…According to the AKC one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight is a concerning dose. If your dog consumes chocolate watch for vomiting and diarrhea, restlessness, and an increased heart rate. Since eating chocolate can also cause seizures and in some cases death you should consult your veterinarian.

Sugar free candy is another one to watch our for! This includes certain types of candy, mints and chewing gum. This is because sugar free candy contains xylitol which is also toxic to dogs and cats. Xylitol can cause listless and weakness in dogs as well as cause vomiting or collapse.

Halloween candy prepared and ready to go!

So really, the best thing to do is keep all Halloween candy out of reach to your pets (not only the contents but the wrapper can cause issues if ingested!). If your cat or dog manages to get into something they shouldn’t be sure to keep a close eye on them in case of adverse reactions. And of course consult with your vet.

A Safe Halloween With Pets and Costumes

Even as a fully grown adult with a daughter of my own, there is nothing I love more than planning my Halloween costume! And the dogs too! The cats? Ummmmm, yeah right haha. If I thought I could get away with it I would!

Grace looking every bit the superhero she is!

But did you know that there are things you need to take into consideration when picking out a costume for your pet? Pets can be prone to overheating in a cumbersome costume. So be sure to keep a close eye on your pet to make sure they aren’t showing signs of heat exhaustion in their costume. You can read more on heat exhaustion in dogs HERE.

Be sure to watch for anything that they can rip off or ingest as well.

And some costumes can be difficult to walk in and you definitely don’t want to put them in something that could restrict them from going to the bathroom! As I mentioned above I may just throw a sheet over my dogs this year…or another idea I have seen is just making a Ty heart and attaching it to their collar so they look like giant beanie babies! Sweet and simple!

Grace watching the Halloween decorations go up!

Halloween Pet Safety On The Big Night

Although my dogs love Halloween because they love attention from anyone and everyone, your pet may not be the same. While you socialize your dog and get them used to many sights and sounds at a young age, costumes aren’t your typical everyday appearance and could be alarming. There are also lots of extra sounds and excitement and doorbells being rung.

One of the pumpkins we carved last year

If your pet isn’t a fan of the ghosts and goblins, you can consider crating them away from the action in a quiet spot. Or if a crate isn’t your dog’s thing then sectioning off a quiet room for them. White noise can also help mask the extra sounds that come with Halloween. CBD could also be a good option to help your pet stay calm. You can read more on CBD for dogs HERE!

We would love to see your Halloween costumes with your pets!! Post them in the comments below!

The post How To Have A Safe Halloween With Pets first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

We Are Back and Better Than Ever! Did You Miss Us?

Terra Booth — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 21:00:24 +0000

We have taken a bit of a hiatus (by us I mean Grace, Benson, Bubbles, Miesha, Whiskers and of course myself!). Life got pretty hectic with a new full time job, return to the office and well, life in general!

The dynamic duo as inseparable as always!

What We Have Been Up To

As I mentioned above, a new full time job and a return to the office for a few days of the week meant a whole readjustment! I had been going in to the office when Grace first came home. But Benny boy came the weekend of the first lockdown…so I had not had to think about what it was going to take to leave two full grown (but still very much full of beans at times…) beasts and manage to get my daughter to and from school! (You can read more on what to expect with a Berner HERE).

And figuring it all out, well it was making me tired…so, so tired…I seriously underestimated what life after the pandemic was going to look like! And you forget pretty quickly what waking up at 4:30 and getting out the door to catch your bus by 6am felt like…

One of the many mice saved from Whiskers this summer

Making Arrangements

Figuring out the arrangements took a fair bit of thought and work. After all, wouldn’t anyone want to walk my really large and weirdly energetic/hoppy Berners? And the dogs know how to use the dog door I had installed…but pretty much refuse to use it…Unless a new person or dog happens to come into the yard, then they’re out the door before you can blink!

I tried talking to dog walkers I knew from my trips to the dog park, but no one had any spots open or were willing to take my two on. I was working from home for a bit yet so had some time to figure it out.

My daughter also represented me with a bit of a challenge because logging in by 6:45am meant no leisurely drive to school since she goes in a different part of the city…But I was able to line up a driver for her relatively easily.

You can imagine my relief when one of the walkers at the park agreed to add another walk to accommodate my pair! And to her surprise they weren’t quite as unruly as they would seem! Sure, Benny loves to attack Grace right before you get in the park…Try to take off after a squirrel and jump and wrestle with his leash…

I’m finding as they get older though that they listen much better and it doesn’t take much to get them back into line…And if I am going to be perfectly honest I love that Benson is still so playful and just a big goon at times!

Cat-napping hard…probably after bringing home a mouse

Return To Office

Just when we were settled into a nice routine again…The next shoe dropped…Back to the office for a few days a week! It had already been delayed a few times but this time it was for real…no more stalling…I won’t lie, it caused me a lot of anxiety. Back to figuring it all out again…I had a dog walker for the daytime and one day a week at Wild Dogs in Uxbridge already…

That being said, Grace being Grace, has decided that the backyard is NOT to be used for going to the bathroom unless it is a dire emergency! Read: if you don’t get her out immediately you’re going through a roll of paper towels to clean up the mess…Especially since she has been known to hold it in for more than 24 hours rather than simply GO IN THE BACKYARD.

This meant adjusting my schedule to make sure I was up and ready in time to take them for a half hour walk at the ungodly hour of 5:30am…With a wakeup at 4:30am. But hey, it was nice to see the sunrise for the brief month or two before it started staying dark for longer again!

Grace and Benson watching the world go by from the front porch

What It’s Like Outside at 5:30am

Even in a city as big as Toronto…it is eerily quiet outside at 5:30am…But it’s also incredibly peaceful and therapeutic I find. In the summer months when it is light out you get to hear all the birds starting their day (or in our area the Blue Jays letting out their signature screech…

Beautiful birds for sure but have you ever heard them when they get going? Key reason why I quit putting peanuts in my birdfeeder for them in the morning since they’d sit and scream outside my bedroom window at the crack of dawn every day. If you are curious about what that sounds like, check out their song HERE. And turn it up as loud as you can for the full effect!

Now that it is dark at that time of the morning all the night prowlers are still out! So we have to be wary of skunks, raccoons, coyotes and much more. I often see bats circling overhead as well! Grace decided that she doesn’t like that time of the morning, and will spin and startle at every little sound! On a rare occasion we run into another person, but at that time of day it is instant distrust, particularly from Grace…

Bubbles enjoying a moment in her golden years

Then and Now

So we are back to having things figured out and somewhat settled again. The weather is getting cooler (much to my dismay and Grace and Benson’s liking) meaning I have more indoor time on my hands. In the summer I prefer to spend as much of my day in the garden as possible since being in Canada means you only get three months of the good weather!

And over the course of the past year we have had many new experiences so you can bet that I’ll be doing some catchup writing about them!!

Be sure to check back often for new stories and posts, and don’t forget to leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts below!

Miesha misunderstanding the concept of work from home

The post We Are Back and Better Than Ever! Did You Miss Us? first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

2021 Holiday Gift Guide – Best Gifts For Pet Owners!

Terra Booth — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 14:40:25 +0000

Can you believe that Christmas is right around the corner??? It is time to start thinking about the perfect gift idea for the pet lover in your life! I know that I LOVE to get pet themed gifts for the holidays, and all pet owners who love their pets likely do as well! Keep reading to see the unique and thoughtful gift ideas we found that any pet owner will be sure to love!!

Gift Ideas Under $50

On a budget? Don’t worry, we have found some great ideas under $50!

Cat and Dog Boxes

Thank-you to Princeton for providing me with samples to include in this gift guide. All opinions are my own. These boxes are simply adorable. There are 100 unique post cards in each box, created by artists. There is a booklet at the front of the box that gives a brief biography of each artist and asks them a question. Inside the box you will find the cards separated by artist.

You can send or give the postcards to fellow pet lovers or you can keep them for yourself and showcase them around the house! These are a unique gift idea perfect for any cat or dog lover!

Wine Tumblers

Combine a gift for wine lovers with one for pet owners with a wine tumbler! With backyard and outdoor gatherings more popular than ever this is a great gift idea for anyone who owns a pet and is a wine lover! Hint hint wink wink to any of my friends or family reading this!!

Cat and Dog Themed Books

What pet lover and reader doesn’t like to get a good book for the holidays??? I would love each and every one of these!!!

I Could Pee On This

This is the kind of book I can definitely appreciate! I love anything with a bit of humor and it’s even better when it captures your pet perfectly! A book of poems dedicated to the odd habits and funny behaviors of cats!!!

Chew This Journal

This is more of an activity book for you and your dog! It has activities to bond with your dog, track milestones as well as craft ideas! This would be a great book for anyone in the family looking to spend more quality time with their dog! Great for all ages as well!

Chicken Soup For The Soul: My Very Good Dog Very Bad Dog

Who doesn’t love the Chicken Soup For The Soul books? I love reading these short stories. They range from heartwarming to hilarious and everything inbetween!!!

I’m Not Single I Have A Dog

Thank-you to Alpha Dog PR for providing a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I loved, loved, loved this book! You can read my full book review on it HERE. A heartwarming and emotional book of a woman’s journey to find self-love with the help of her dogs. A great read for any dog lover.

Pet Memorial Wind Chime

We love our pets and they unfortunately don’t stay with us forever. Any pet lover who has lost a pet to the rainbow bridge would love to have this Pet Memorial Wind Chime as a reminder that their pet is waiting for them over the rainbow bridge every time the wind blows.

Dog Butts Adult Coloring Book

This gift combines humor with a love of dogs! I have lots of adult coloring books, they can be great just to let your mind drift off for a bit! But I need to have one of these!

Dog Paw Personalized Ornaments

I need one of these! Or two…since I have two Bernese Mountain dogs! Oh, and three more…for the cats!

Dog Charm Bracelet

Fun for the ladies who love their pooches! I would wear one of these proudly!!!

Texts From Mittens Day Calendar

If your cat would text you, what would they say??? Find out in this day calendar! Great for both home and the office and good for a little daily laugh!

All My Children Have Paws Journal

A great gift for anyone who loves to have a journal! I know I have many…and can always use more!

Covatar Personalized Pet Portrait

I had one of these done for Grace! Thank you to Covatar for providing me with a complimentary pet portrait. All opinions are my own. I love this idea! You can get it for just your pet or have one done for both you and your pet! Although these are digitally produced, there are real artists behind the scenes doing the work! And besides supporting an artist, the company also makes donations to charity. A great keepsake! You can get one on their website HERE!

Personalized Mugs

I have ordered two of these and absolutely love them! One for me and my dogs, including my pug Nemo who is waiting for me at the rainbow bridge. I also have one for my daughter. I love looking at these, and they can be personalized with dog type and owner traits like hair type!! An amazing gift for any pet lover.

Gifts Over $50

I love to spoil anyone I buy gifts for, and below you will find some amazing ideas if you have a higher budget to work with!

Jewelry and Accessories From Furever Linked

I love this jewelry! The jewelry and gifts come in a variety of sizes and finishes, and are in the shape of a worry stone which besides being fashionable can also be used for relaxation and anxiety relief! The founder of the company used her own dog, Dolce, as the inspiration for this line of jewelry and accessories and designed it to keep her dog close even when separated! They also donate a portion of sales to charity as a way to give back. A great idea for any pet owner! You can see their full line of products on their website HERE!

Pet Watch

These watches are so cute! What better way to have a reminder of your pet than every time you look at the time!

Pet Carriers

Have a small dog or cat that you take everywhere with you? Check out these pet carriers! My dogs are bigger than me, so I can’t get away with this haha.

Did we miss anything??? Or anything in particular that you loved? Be sure to let us know in the comments!!!

The post 2021 Holiday Gift Guide – Best Gifts For Pet Owners! first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

I’m Not Single I Have A Dog – Book Review

Terra Booth — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Thank you to Alpha Dog PR and McFarland & Company, Inc. for sending me a copy of I‘m Not Single I Have A Dog for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

I am always looking for a good book to read. When I got the opportunity to review I’m Not Single I Have A Dog I was really excited! The title alone was enough to grab my attention. And reading some reviews, this book really hit home for me as a single mother with two Bernese Mountain dogs! I love my cats as well, but a dog is your true and constant companion. I honestly don’t know what I would have done the last two years without them!

“Dating Tales From The Barkside”

The first thing that really struck me with this book is that it is a true story. I had to remind myself of that reading through it. This isn’t made up, it’s someone’s life. It actually happened. And it is an incredible journey of how one woman found self-love and healing through the unconditional love of her dogs.

It starts with a breakup and a trip to the local shelter where Susan finds Blondie. Being completely unprepared for a dog but ready for a devoted companion who provides unconditional love and can hopefully help her pick out a good partner. Susan takes us on her journey of dog ownership and dating and how Blondie helped shape her dating and relationships, including the one with herself.

The black and white pictures of Susan and her dogs throughout the book enable you to bond with her and her dogs and experiences. I found this a really nice touch to help tell her story! This book is authentic and compelling.

It came!!!!

Emotional

One of the things that I really love about this book is how well it is written. Finding it difficult to put this book down, I finished it in a matter of a couple of days! I was sneaking in some reading time when I should have been doing something else! Susan makes you feel all kinds of emotion as you read through the book, from humor to sadness to joy.

I related to many of the circumstances of this book. The ups and the downs. Being single for the most of the last ten years after my divorce, her opening paragraph on self help books and people looking at you as an old maid or pariah really rang true. To quote from the book, “Self-help books imply that being single is synonymous with being a neurotic harpy with impossibly high standards”. On the first page! I was immediately hooked! The search for love. And finding it from your dog.

Loyalty

While on her search for love, Susan is met with many obstacles along the way. But it is through the unconditional love and loyalty of her dogs that she is able to weather the storm. And able to move forward with purpose. I know without my dogs there were many days when I just didn’t have what it took to get up and face the day. Much like Susan at the beginning of the book.

While I had my cats, they are very independent and do things on their own terms and schedule! But with a dog, you can’t just hide away. They force you to get up and care for them. Get you out and live more of your life. Open up more circles to you. They help you with their undivided attention to get up and take care of them, and in turn take care of yourself.

Can’t be lonely with these two around!

Interview With The Author

Susan Hartzler was kind enough to do a phone interview with me about her book. Her main message to her readers is that it’s ok to be single. You can have a happy and fulfilled life being single. You don’t need to constantly search for love. In her book, you can see how it’s ingrained in the people in our life to push us towards a union and grandkids. And if you don’t you’ve failed.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t live your life to the fullest! In Susan’s words “I realized I had a bad picker. And that I was better off being grateful. You don’t have to be in a relationship to be fulfilled. Just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s not successful.” I found it very interesting that she’s had the same feedback from men as well as women. It rings true for a lot of people!

I asked her if writing this book and sharing her story was a part of her healing process. “I needed a lot of naps” was her response. Writing about the loss of Blondie and the domestic abuse was particularly difficult for her. But she really feels like she was meant to live the life she has and to share her story and help other people. And from the reader responses she is clearly doing just that!

She has thought about how her life might be different without her first two dogs, Blondie and Baldwin. She said if she had kids and was married that she wouldn’t be able to make the difference that she is now making. I want to register Grace to be a therapy dog when she is old enough and Susan spoke highly of Therapy Dogs International which I am definitely going to be checking out!

I also asked Susan if she had plans for another book. She has had eight dogs now, and there is a bit of a gap to fill! She is actually already halfway through her second book, which goes back and digs deeper into caring for an elderly parent. So we will get to read a lot more about Baldwin and the introduction to her third dog, Bliss! Bliss was the actress and will be Susan’s focus for her next book!

In Conclusion

This is a wonderful book. It is an incredible journey about how one woman, out looking for love, learned with the help of her dogs to love herself. And be happy with the life she has led without living up to everyone else’s expectations for your life. Susan’s story is far from over.

I think that this is the type of book that any book lover and dog owner will love. I would suggest this book to anyone who has the same struggles with being single and finding happiness and fulfillment. Also, it would make a great gift for someone who loves to read. I highly recommend this book!

This book is also available at McFarland, Barnes & Noble and other fine book stores. You can see more on Susan Hartzler’s website HERE.

The post I’m Not Single I Have A Dog – Book Review first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

Why You Should Adopt A Shelter Dog

Terra Booth — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 22:27:16 +0000

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month! I know, I know. It sounds a bit hypocritical coming from someone who owns two Bernese Mountain dogs. But before settling on that breed I had tried adopting from a few different rescues. Given my daughter’s young age at the time I didn’t end up getting through the approval process. Especially since I had my heart set on getting a big dog!

But shelter dogs deserve a second chance! They are often wonderful dogs who are grateful to be in a home again instead of in a shelter. And many people who had lots of time during the pandemic adopted dogs which could sadly lead to more surrenders once they get back to the office and are away from the home more leading to increasing rates of separation anxiety and other behavioral issues. You can read more on separation anxiety HERE.

Saving A Life

When you adopt a shelter dog you are saving a life! That’s a pretty good feeling. According to American Humane, 56% of dogs that enter shelters end up being euthanized. That’s a lot of dogs, and very sad. It ends up being millions of dogs every year. By adopting a dog you give that dog another chance at a safe and happy life!

And when you think about it, by adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter you are freeing up a spot for another animal. In essence, giving another dog a second chance as well!

Already Trained!

When you get a puppy the training can be overwhelming! I know with my two I was constantly running them out to the yard! And they ruined the carpet upstairs completely and I ended up having to rip it out since it just couldn’t be saved. Many times when you get a shelter dog they are past puppy stage and will have basic training (read: house trained!).

Be aware that while they may have some training, they may have other issues such as separation anxiety or resource guarding that will need to be worked with. Many shelters attempt to start working on these behaviors at the shelter but the work often continues after an adopted dog goes to their forever home. The shelter will work with you to find the best fit for you and your family as they work closely with their dogs!

Lower Cost

Everyone knows that adopting from a shelter is a LOT cheaper than getting a purebred dog! And they have received care at the shelter and will more than likely already be neutered/spayed and up to date on their shots!

It honestly makes me cringe when I think about the hit my wallet took when I got my dogs! And there are a lot of costs the first few months. If you adopt an older dog, you don’t have to worry about these costs! Trust me, they add up…

Selection

Most likely there is a good amount of selection to choose from at a shelter. Resulting in you being able to interact and pick the perfect dog for your family! Although sometimes they choose you…and your heart melts and you just have to go with it!

The shelter will have done an evaluation on their personality, temperament and likely has an idea if they are good around other pets or children. They will help you find the perfect match because the LAST thing they want is for the dog to end up back there after being sent to a home.

End Cruel Breeding Practices

That puppy in the window? There is a good chance it has come from some sort of puppy mill or poor breeder. I know that many stores don’t sell purebred puppies anymore for this very reason. But they are still out there…

And even if you buy a dog directly from a “breeder” if you haven’t done proper research you could still end up finding yourself buying from a puppy mill. By adopting a dog you take support away from these cruel types of breeding practices.

Healthier!

As much as I love my dogs, I know that there is a very good chance that they will develop hereditary medical issues that are well known with Bernese Mountain dogs.

With purebred dogs less likely to end up in a shelter, you are more often than not looking at mixed breed dogs. Which tend to be healthier since they don’t come with the medical issues associated with certain breeds of dog! Our dog Mack growing up was a mix from a shelter and he lived to 19 years old!! Crazy, right?? Benson and Grace…well the average lifespan for a Bernese Mountain dog is 6-8 years…

Mutual Benefits

When you rescue a dog, you not only save their life but they can help with many different things in your life as well! It is well known that having a dog around to pet and cuddle with on the couch can lower stress amounts and improve the happiness of your life.

So not only is your dog happy, but they make you happy as well! I know my two beasts make me laugh and smile every day! And Grace will pile right on top of you like she weighs 10lbs to get cuddles. Benson is SO SOFT and just so great to give a big hug too. I think I’d be lost without my dogs! I love my cats too, but they are so much more independent versus a constant companion.

More Exercise!

Having a dog forces you to get out there and get more active! My activity levels have definitely picked up dramatically since I got the bears! I have been logging at least 200 kilometers a month with all of our walks to the beach, ravine and through the neighborhood!

And another added benefit of more walks has been able to find new discoveries in the area! We love getting out and taking a different route because you never know what you will find! This is how we discovered the chickens and bunnies! If we walk that way my dogs are sure to drag me over for a good sniffing since they are often out of their pen and wandering around the yard!

Socialization

Socialization is not only good for your dog, but for you!!! I have met countless numbers of people who have become friends through regular trips to the dog park and the ravine. The dogs have a great time and so do I! Your dog will open up a whole new world to you.

In our area, a lot of the patios at restaurants are even dog friendly! So you don’t have to leave them at home to go for that brunch! And by proudly showing off your adopted dog you encourage others to look at adopting as well! Win win!!!

And Lastly

Unconditional love. It really doesn’t get any better than that. I have seen so many before and after pictures of adopting a dog, and those dogs are so happy it hurts my heart. They are so loving and grateful! They don’t judge and are always there for you. It is so worth it to consider adopting a dog!

To find a shelter near you, check out Petfinder’s page HERE! And while this post is written around dogs, don’t forget about our kitty friends as well! They need adoption just as much as dogs and come with many of the same benefits.

Have a story about adopting a dog (or cat)? Be sure to share it in the comments below!

Getting a Dog? Be Sure To Grab These Essentials!

The post Why You Should Adopt A Shelter Dog first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

Important Halloween Safety Tips For Cats and Dogs

Terra Booth — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 17:35:00 +0000

Wow it’s October! And with October comes one of my favorite days of the year, Halloween!!! But with Halloween comes a potentially stressful time for your pet. It’s important to pay attention to your cat and dog and keep them safe this Halloween!

Pet Costumes

Pet costumes are downright adorable! But you need to keep a few things in mind if you are considering dressing up your dog or cat. Ok, probably more your dog since I know of very few cats that will actually tolerate it without taking a few layers of your skin with them…

Benson and Grace rocking their costumes!

Some costumes can limit the movement of your pet and can also interfere with their bathroom duties. And keep in mind that certain costumes can be hot for your pet. You don’t want them overheating in their costume! Check any costume for potential choking hazards. No one knows the temperament of your pet better than you. So you should have a good idea if dressing up your pet is going to stress them out. Be sure to check out our top pet costume ideas HERE!

People Costumes

While you may have done your best to socialize your dog and get them used to a variety of situations, Halloween is a bit of a special one. Yes, your dog is ok with someone wearing a hat or face mask. But what about a full costume? It only comes on one day of the year, and your dogs may not be ok with the costumes coming at them!

Pay close attention to your dog’s body language when out and about. Or try to take them out for walks at times when they are less likely to run into a frightening costume!

The yard looking appropriately spooky

Chocolate and Candy

Chocolate and Halloween go hand in hand! But chocolate is toxic to our dogs. The darker the chocolate (higher cocoa percentage) the more toxic it is! Keep all Halloween chocolate well out of reach of dogs. You can get your pup a special taste of Halloween with some of these treat ideas from Chewy!

Candy may also have xylitol in it. Xylitol is a sugar substitute and can cause massive insulin spikes in dogs, leading to low blood sugar and can end up causing death! You can read more on xylitol and what products it is commonly found in in Pet Health Network’s article HERE.

Where’s my treat Mom???

Trick or Treat!

I love seeing all the little ghouls and witches coming to my door on Halloween! But my dogs also get really REALLY excited anytime the doorbell rings! And in our neighborhood Halloween is crazy with the streets overrun by trick or treaters!

Whiskers looks like he just took down an army of skeletons!

If you think that your dog may get stressed out by the traffic coming to the door you may want to put them in their crate or in a quiet room where they can stay calm. White noise or music can help to mask the sounds going on all around the neighborhood. You may also want to check out something like CBD oil to keep them calm. You can read more on CBD oil HERE.

Greeting trick or treaters outside so they don’t have to come to the door is another option to consider. This also reduces the risk that your pet escapes when the door gets opened! Just in case your cat or dog does get out of the house make sure that they have proper identification or even some sort of a GPS tracker so you can locate them quickly and get them back home safely.

We sure love our decorations!

Glow Sticks

Have an avid chewer on your hands? Luckily mine aren’t…Unless it is a cardboard box then it’s game over! Glow sticks can be a fun accessory for trick or treaters on a dark Halloween night. But they contain chemicals that can be dangerous to our pups if ingested!

The dibutyl phthalate in glow sticks likely isn’t enough to cause death. But it can make your dog pretty sick and uncomfortable! Keep glow sticks well away from your pets.

Grace posing in the fall leaves

Decorations

When decorating for Halloween think if your decorations are going to be pet friendly! Fake spiderwebs can be a tangle and choking hazard not only for dogs and cats but local wildlife as well! Keep your pets well away from lit candles. Curious dogs and cats can get singed whiskers and fur (or worse) or could accidentally knock over a lit candle causing fires.

Decorative corn can cause stomach upset as well. And it also presents a choking hazard if a dog decides to eat the whole thing. My dogs don’t really care too much about what we do out in our front yard! But changing their environment can cause some dogs stress!

Hamish checking out our decorations

Pumpkins

Pumpkin can be good for your pet’s digestion. But as with anything only in moderation! Too much pumpkin can actually cause them to have digestion issues. And rotting pumpkins can have bacteria that can make your dog or cat sick as well. Keep pumpkins out of reach of your pets and clean them up as soon as you can after the big day is over!

Grace and my daughter carving pumpkins!

What do you do to keep your pet safe on Halloween?? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to sign up for our newsletter!!

The post Important Halloween Safety Tips For Cats and Dogs first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

The Best Fall Activities For Dogs

Terra Booth — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:24:16 +0000

Pumpkin spice lattes, changing leaves and shorter days are all signs that fall has arrived! And there are some great fall activities for you and your dog to get involved in and enjoy the season!

Grace asleep while leaves fall down on her

Fall Hiking

There is no doubt that the changing color of leaves in the fall is absolutely beautiful. So finding a dog friendly hiking trail during peak foliage season is a great way to enjoy it! If you live in the United States, you can use the Smithsonian Magazine’s interactive weed-by-week predictions for peak foliage in your area! You can find the interactive map HERE. And while I couldn’t find a similar map for Canada, Trips to Discover has put out the top 9 places across Canada to view the fall foliage. You can check that article out HERE!

Checking out the changing leaves in the ravine

If you happen to be in Ontario, you can find the map to see the best times to plan a visit HERE!

Be sure to plan your trip well in advance, however, as some hiking trails may not necessarily be dog friendly. Also, be sure to keep your dog on leash and avoid disturbing the local wildlife! And even though the temperatures may be cooler, it is a must to pack extra fresh water for your and your four legged hiking companion!

Heininger Waterboy Portable Pet Bowl, 3-qt; Keeping your pet hydrated while on-the-go is easy and convenient with the Heininger Waterboy Portable Pet Bowl. It’s a large-capacity water bottle and a drinking bowl all in one compact unit, so there’s less to carry and keep on track of. The innovative design holds up to three quarts and automatically dispenses water through the slots on the attached bowl when the unit is laid on its side. Once he’s done drinking, turn the bottle back upright for storage and any remaining water drains back into the reservoir to be enjoyed later. Get it on Chewy here!

Pumpkin Patches and Apple Orchards

Did you know that some pumpkin patches and apple orchards will allow you to bring your dog with you?!? We love heading to a local pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkins. And usually come home with WAY too many! Then I spend hours carving come Halloween…But it is a great way to get out there and have some fun with your dog!

Again, doing your research well ahead of time is a must. The last thing you want to do is arrive only to find that dogs are not allowed!

Gracie helping my daughter carve pumpkins!

I have found that there are many near me that welcome dogs! Rules include being leashed at all times and picking up after your pet. If you live in Ontario, the Toronto Guardian has put together a list of pumpkin patches and apple orchards that are dog friendly! Check them out HERE!

Play In The Leaves!

Grace and Benson finding a giant leaf pile!

I don’t know about you, but last fall my dogs didn’t find a single pile of leaves they couldn’t resist jumping into! And we have an abundance of large trees where we live. Which gives the dogs PLENTY of opportunity to get in there and mess them up while we are raking! There are also giant piles of leaves all along our walks. Our walks take a LONG time in the fall!

The leaves and fall foliage also make for some great photo opportunities! So be sure to have your camera ready!!

Throw a Party!

Dogs love to socialize as much as people do! Why not have a gathering of pups showing off their Halloween duds?!? When I had my pug, Nemo, we used to dress him up and take him to a local pug Halloween costume parade! Now is the time to start thinking of what your pup should be for Halloween as well! If you are looking for inspiration on Halloween costumes, check out our post for ideas HERE!

Play A Game

The leaves on the ground provide the perfect opportunity for some enrichment games! Dogs love to use their noses, so why not hide some favorite treats around the yard under the leaves?? Your dog will have a blast sniffing around trying to find them all!

Fruitables Pumpkin & Apple Flavor Dog Treats, 12-oz bag; Treat your pal to a tail-wagging goody—Fruitables Pumpkin & Apple Flavor Crunchy Dog Treats. These munchable snacks are a delicious combination of organic ingredients inspired by autumn including pumpkin, apples and cinnamon. You’ll even smell the goodness every time you open the bag—no nose-plugging required! Each treat is only eight calories for guilt-free treating throughout the day. Made with superfoods and antioxidants, they even support your furbaby’s health. Get it on Chewy here!

Or take a twist on the classic bobbing for apples. Use hotdogs or some sort of other dog-friendly food instead! You will have as much fun as they will watching them try to figure out how to get that prized treat out of the water and into their bellies! If using something like hot dogs, make sure that they are cut into small enough pieces so that they aren’t a choking hazard. A small pool will work great for this!

Make Some Fall Inspired Dog Treats

Homemade pumpkin flavored dog treats are sure to be a hit! The AKC has three easy homemade dog treat recipes that you can find HERE! Take note of their advice not to use anything but canned pureed pumpkin as anything else may contain sugars and spices that are not good for your dog.

We have some silicon cookie molds in the shape of bones and paws that I think we are going to have to put to good use! Pumpkin is also great for the gut health of your dog as an added bonus! If you want to get some molds for homemade dog treats check this one at Chewy out!

Le Dogue Dog Paws and Bones Silicone Baking Molds with Recipe Booklet, 2-pack; Your dog is so much more than just a household pet—she’s part of your family! So, treat her like family by baking your own, homemade dog treats with Le Dogue. This 2-pack comes with baking molds that allow you to shape dog-friendly cookies into paws and bones—for delicious, freshly-baked treats worthy of your furry daughter. The set even comes with a miniature booklet full of ideas and recipes to make your very own treats! It’s ideal for a pet-loving gift, pup bake sales, vet’s offices and pet parents who want to go the extra mile for their furbaby. It’s excellent for pets with multiple allergies, too, because you’ll never wonder what’s in your pup’s dessert when you made it yourself. Just like grandma used to make, and made from the heart. Get it on Chewy here.

You can also make these and hand them out in little gift bags to any dogs that are out on the trick or treating route!!

Why don’t the CATS get treat bags huh Mom???

Check Out A Fall Festival

There are plenty of fall festivals to check out, with many of them fall friendly! Oktoberfest can be a fun activity just be sure to plan it out if you are bringing your dog. We have even seen some Dogtoberfest activities out there!

In Ontario, there is a HalloWOOF day coming at Pingle’s Farm Market near Oshawa coming up on Saturday, October 30th! And they have a corn maze and wagon ride that you can bring your dog on! Costumes are also highly encouraged! You can check out the details and purchase tickets for it HERE!

Bark Post has also put together a list of 25 dog friendly events around the United States. Check out the post HERE to find something near you!

Helping Mom rake!

Enjoy The Season

No matter what you choose to get out there and do with your dog, the cooler temperatures are a great time to get out before the cold of winter arrives! With so many dog friendly options available, you should have no trouble finding something fun for the entire family!

My dogs are already loving the cooler weather and reprieve from the summer heat. With winter right around the corner, I plan on getting out there and fully enjoy the fall season!

Are there any other fall activities that you like to do with your dog? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

The post The Best Fall Activities For Dogs first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.

The Best Halloween Costume Ideas For Pets!

Terra Booth — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:51:21 +0000

The realization that it is mid-September just hit me the other day! I noticed the garden is looking like the end of summer and the nights are cooler. The days are getting shorter. And then it hit me that Halloween is coming!!! This is my hands down favorite day of the year! So of course this turned my thoughts into what I am going to do with the dogs…and their costumes!

I LOVE to dress up my dogs. And myself haha. They don’t necessarily like it so much…My poor little Pug Nemo was always a target! And now Grace and Benson…Dress up my cats? No thanks, I like the skin on my arms thank you very much! Although I could probably get away with putting something on Whiskers…

The sweetest ladybug!

Dressing Up Your Dog

If you are thinking of dressing up your dog, take a couple things into consideration ahead of time. With Nemo, he could care less if I threw him into a costume. I think he loved the fuss people made when he was all dolled up! He was also a really REALLY laid back little guy!

Grace and Benson tolerate it but they always look at me with big sad eyes like “What are you doing to me Mom???”. But before you dress up your dog think about how they are going to handle it. It can be stressful for some dogs. Some costumes may also limit movement and restrict them from going to the bathroom. And heavy costumes can be HOT.

So be sure to take these factors into consideration before making the decision to dress up your dog and what kind of costume you are looking at.

Benson rocking his pumpkin bandana!

DIY

There are endless possibilities if you want to make your own costume or are on a budget! One year with Nemo I made him into a giant flower just using a little felt and glue! And he looked simply adorable! A big bonus is being able to customize the costume to your dog and their size! I got Grace a banana costume that SAID it would fit…then ended up being too small…

Hit up your local craft or dollar store, take a look around and see what inspires you! I already have costumes lined up for my bears for this year. But I think matching costumes are definitely going to have to happen next year! I’m thinking along the lines of Raggedy Ann and Andy. A little bit of plaid material, and old pair of jeans and some red or dark orange yarn and BOOM!

Purchasing a Costume

I get that many people simply don’t have the time to make an outfit…But there are some amazing costumes that you can easily find available online! As I mentioned above, just be sure to double and TRIPLE check your sizes and perhaps err on the side of going larger versus smaller. Although with dogs at a XXL or XXXL we are running out of larger sizes…

Last year Grace was a ladybug and Benson was the sweetest bumblebee! Since they were both still growing rapidly last year at this time, the costumes ended up being a little small. But it was only one that went over their backs and strapped around to hold them on so we were ok!

Chewy

Chewy has a huge variety of costumes available for your dog! And what I love about their costumes is that they also have a wide variety of sizes available! Check out the costumes available at Chewy HERE! But of course we had to go through and pull out a few of our favorites!!

Happy Cow – Chewy

Check out this cow costume!!! It is SO cute! Definitely one to consider if your dog will tolerate having something on their head (which sadly mine do not…). I think it’s the udders on the bottom of the costume that really do it for me! You can pick up this costume HERE!

Red Lobster

Anyone looking to channel their inner Sebastian??? I adore this costume! Although this cat looks suspiciously happy…Get it HERE!

Showgirl

I can totally see Grace rocking this costume!!! She loves to be fussed over, and who wouldn’t want to pay some special attention to a dog wearing this costume!! Get it HERE!

Serape

Ok, now this is fun! Bright and colorful and provides full movement for your pup! And that little sombrero??? How can you go wrong??? Get it HERE!

I could seriously look at costumes for my dog for hours! And while these are a couple of my favorites from Chewy, if you don’t see something you like be sure to check out the full selection at Chewy HERE!

Bandanas

If your dog doesn’t necessarily do well in a costume, why not consider a fun Halloween bandana instead? I have a few for my dogs, and we wear them proudly during the month of October, not just on Halloween! I love that this one is reversible so can be worn both ways for different looks! Get it at Chewy HERE!

Tell us, do you dress up your dogs? Or even maybe your cats??? What are the best costumes you have used or seen? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!!! Happy Halloween everyone, let’s get spooky!!!

The post The Best Halloween Costume Ideas For Pets! first appeared on Help! I've Got Pets.