 By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt
A 4 minute read It’s that time of year again! Now more than ever people are excited to enjoy celebrations, outdoor living, beach day's, BBQ's and of course...What may be the WORST DAY OF THE YEAR for many dogs...The 4th of July! When it comes to the 4th of July, I’m right there with most dogs and like the holiday as much as I like a parking ticket. Huge crowds of drunk, disorderly people invade my little beach community and it becomes a loud, crazy, “RED, WHITE & BOOZE” war zone. With the pandemic canceling activities last year, this holiday is going to be packed! Good news! Here are my SURE-FIRE, “tried & true” “red white & blue” tips for surviving the 4th! Hopefully these suggestions will allow YOU AND YOUR PUP to enjoy a stress-free “Safe & Sane” holiday. Did you know more pets go missing or end up in shelters during the 4th of July holiday than at any other time during the year. It’s crucial to check your dog's ID tag and micro-chipping (your vet can scan and confirm your contact information is up-to-date and it’s working.) If your dog's collar is loose or getting worn or the contact number is hard to read, get a new one! That way, God-forbid your dog goes missing, your chances of being reunited are much more likely. Let's start with your dog. If they have exhibited "off-the-charts" anxiety that would be more than even Cesar Millan could conquer, -PLAN AHEAD! I recommend if you can't stay with your dog, you consider making a reservation to board your dog overnight in a sound-proof facility. I know PetSmart has a great program with fun ice-cream socials and play-times. After a fiull day of fun, the dogs can rest peacefully in sound-proof kennels. The price is reasonable BUT they book quickly for this holiday (many are booked a year in advance!) so call NOW!!! Maybe you’ll get lucky and find availability. If boarding isn't going to work, look into hiring a pet-sitter to stay with your anxious dog. Be safe and either take your dog to their home (preferable somewhere that has minimal firework activity.) Or find someone to dog-sit at your place. Whether you’re staying with your dog, boarding them, or getting a pet-sitter, I recommend a few tips: Begin looking in stores or on-line for items that help with anxiety. The very best defense I have found for firework anxiety is CBD. These treats, oils, and capsules have been a game-changer for fearful dogs. Since not all products are as potent or sourced as rigorously, you must do your research. (Or check my site for companies I use and trust. Plus receive a 10% discount on your order!) CBD works MIRACLES on a variety of issues including firework anxiety and has ZERO side-effects. Next, grab an arsenal of NEW toys and treats. I like to fill a Kong with some canned and dry turkey dog food I mix the two together then pop it in the freezer if it's a hot day. I give the dog this yummy treat right when the fireworks are beginning. The tryptophan in the turkey acts as a natural sleep inducer and will help relax your anxious dog. Often the dog is so focused on their stress-relieving chew toy, they forget about the fireworks. Buffalo ears are another great idea. They dissolve quickly and are suitable for even the tiniest of pups. Also they don't run the risk of being a choking hazard. Be sure to choose brands that use free range, grass-fed meats with no hormones, antibiotics, or steroids. Other great options are rope and chew toys made of hemp, pheromones and other calming herbs. Most pet stores have a great selection of “calming toys” to chose from. When fireworks begin, distract your pet from the “Bombs bursting in air...” noise by engaging them with interactive play. Many people baby and pamper their frightened pet. This only encourages fearful behavior. Instead, snap them out of this state by grabbing a toy and playing chase or tossing a toy and telling them to go fetch. Set up a "calming zone" in a quiet place with your dog's bed, a covered crate, a diffuser containing lavender oil and pheromone (a hormone found to reduce stress and anxiety.) Add a few new toys. Don't let your dog have access to this area until the evening gets going. Toys will be new and exciting and a good distraction from fireworks. Try and drowned out firework noise with the TV or music but if it’s still too loud, maybe move this spot to the bathroom and run a warm bubble-bath. (Never leave a pet unattended around a tub of water!) Compression THUNDER®️ shirts can also be a help for some dogs. Others, like Pugs and flat-faced breeds, may get too overheated. Some dogs get more anxious getting in and out of the restrictive garb. If you purchase a shirt make sure you can return it if it doesn’t work well for your dog. If you must leave your dog, and can't hire anyone to pet-sit, put your pet in their calming area and put on classical music which has shown to reduce stress in dogs. There are several great stress-relieving music sources for canines if you search online. I love doing Houndbath/Soundbaths and have some wonderful recommendations on my website. Try and stay with your pet until they are relaxed and calm. Make sure pets are left in a secure place and can't escape. Before leaving: always double and triple check all windows, doors, and gates. (When in a state of panic dogs can scale walls and achieve other miraculous feats.) If possible use a camera to check on your dog while you’re away. It's not an ideal time to leave them alone and depending on the stress level, I would only do this as a last resort for a very short amount of time. Lastly, start the day with lots of exercise. It will no-doubt be crowded but try and get out early before the heat and craziness kick into high gear. Even an older dog can go for a nice, long, albeit SLOW, walk. Or, for less mobile dogs, a long stroll in a wagon will get them out in the fresh air. This will get their adrenaline going, get their heart rate up, and best of all, tire them out. Hopefully they will sleep like a baby later on. Ironically, my little Olive, who's frightened of her own shadow, has no problem with fireworks. I'M the one who will be under the bed eating CBD treats, wearing my noise-cancelling headphones chilling out. Be safe and have a fun holiday! 🇺🇸Pugs and kisses! -Katy. 🐾  By Katy Cable-TWR A 3 minute Read After what seems like a lifetime, the CoVid restrictions are lifting, summer is here and most of us are excited to get out and do some TRAVELING! If you have a dog, you're likely debating whether or not to include them on the trip or leave them behind. It's funny, when I was growing up, unless you were going camping or to the family cabin, the idea of taking your dog on a vacation, was unheard of. Especially a trip involving air travel and hotels. Well, now it's quite common. In fact, more than half of all US pet owners (59%) and just under half (41%) of travelers in the U.K. Include their pets in their vacation plans.+ However, it's very important to know your pet and be realistic about taking them on a vacation. While it's a fun getaway for you, it's a whole new, and possibly frightening, stressful, situation for many of them. Dogs thrive on a structured, consistent, routine, and a vacation will be anything but. Make sure bringing your pet isn't more for your enjoyment than theirs. It may cause more anxiety than it's worth, thereby ruining what otherwise could've been a good time. On the other hand, with proper planning and some extra effort, you and your pet could share new adventures and memories to last a lifetime. If you've chosen to take your dog, prior to racing out the door, I recommend doing these helpful things. Whether you're traveling by plane, train, RV or auto, being prepared and planning is key. First up, this is a great time to locate emergency pet clinics and other pet resources both at your destination and along the way. Double check your accommodation's and airline's rules on pets. Locate the pet rest areas along your route and in airports. Finally, just like you will be packing your bags, you need to pack all the essentials for your fur baby as well. You'll want to bring:
Traveling By Car:🚘 While it may be tempting to hop in the car, roll down the windows and let your pup ride shotgun, this is highly dangerous. The only thing worse than letting your dog hang their head out the window and let their ears flap in the breeze, would be to allow them to travel loose in the back of a pick-up truck. In the event of an accident, an unrestrained pet is at serious risk of injury. Pet Car Safety 101: Proper Restraint You wouldn't allow your children to ride in a vehicle unrestrained, and you shouldn't allow your pet to do so either. In the car, I recommend keeping your dog in a crate, as it is by far the safest method. That being said, it's important to properly restrain the crate in your vehicle as well. Choose one with tie-down straps and a metal safety anchor. Remember that putting your pet into a crate, carrier or secure harness is for both their safety and yours. An unrestrained pet can be a very dangerous distraction while driving. I learned this the hard way with Olive. The second I got my fries from the drive-thru windows, she jumped out of her car seat and into my lap hoping to grab a bite! Thank God a one didn't fall onto the floor. She may have slid down to my foot and caused an accident. Also, while trying to calm her from all the excitement of my fries, I was preoccupied and not driving safely. Thankfully, I in a slow moving line and I learned an important lesson without injury. In an accident, an unrestrained pet can also turn into a projectile. This can be life-threatening for both your pet and other passengers, who could be struck by them. You'll want to choose a crate or carrier that fits your pet snugly. Allow enough room for them to be comfortable but don’t allow too much excess room (which poses a risk to your pet in an accident.) Your pet should then be secured in the back seat or cargo area of the vehicle -- not the front passenger seat. (Airbags can be deadly to pets if deployed in an accident.) RV Travel With Pets🚐 More than half of all RV owners travel with pets; and it's one of the best ways to go! However, just like in a regular vehicle, your pet should be safely restrained. They should not be allowed to roam freely in the interior while it's moving. You should also be very cautious about leaving your pet in the RV while you're away. Just like in a car, temperatures can quickly soar and become deadly. Even leaving the air conditioning running is not a guarantee. It's too risky in the event of a a power failure or other emergency. If you must leave your pet alone in an RV, invest in a temperature-monitoring device. These will send a signal to your cell phone if the temperature gets too hot or cold. To be sure your dog doesn't escape, you'll also want to securely fasten a leash and collar or harness on them before heading out. A pet gate can be used as a barrier if you plan to stay in one place and leave the door open. Traveling by air: ✈️ Air travel has become such a pain! It's a major stressor for most humans, so just think what it does to dogs! Airports are often extremely loud, crowded, frantic places where tempers are short and lines are long. We know what we're in for but a dog does not. Forget the element of flying, the airport alone can completely freak out a dog long before you ever board the plane. Air travel is also very risky, (especially for brachy/flat-nosed dogs, senior dogs, dogs with medical conditions and puppies) so I don't recommend it. If you must travel by air, which is often the case, it's crucial to do your homework first. 1. Consult with your vet and confirm your pet is OK for air travel. Elderly dogs, anxious dogs, dogs with certain medical conditions and young puppies are extremely vulnerable. Also, depending on where you are traveling they may need medical paperwork with proof of immunizations and veterinary exams. 2. Always book non-stop flights and look for deals on more "pet-friendly" airlines. Try traveling during less busy, "off-peak" days/times. 3. Make sure your dog is very comfortable in their carrier before heading to the airport. Before your scheduled flight, your dog should view their carrier as a safe place. Purchase it well ahead of time and get them used to hanging out in it at home. Make sure your pet is comfortable traveling in it on car trips as well. 4. Confirm your flight 24 hours before departure to insure there hasn't been a time change or some other alteration to the itinerary. 5. Get to the airport early on so you'll have plenty of time to walk around, acclimate and exercise your dog before boarding. 6. Make sure your dog is micro-chipped AND wearing a secure collar and ID tag. Also keep a photo of your pet on your mobile device for ID purposes in the event they are lost. 7. If at all possible ONLY fly with carriers that will allow your pet to stay with you in the main cabin. There are a plethora of reasons why it's extremely dangerous to fly pets in cargo. So much so that it is prohibited for some breeds of dogs. If you have no choice but to travel with your pet in cargo be certain to: Invest in a good-quality carrier. Defective or flimsy carriers are the culprit of most the problems with escaped or injured pets during air travel. A suitable carrier will be TSA-approved, have secure, durable, metal doors (not plastic), and tight locking bolts on the side. Make sure you pack the crate with a comfy blanket and secure a water dish inside. Securely label the outside of the crate with a cable tie. Include contact information, destination, and clear photo of your pet. Even more dangerous than the cargo hold itself is what can happen to your pet before and after boarding. This is the riskiest time for a pet during air travel. Dr. Laurie S. Coger, told USA Today: "Most injuries, escapes or deaths occur on the ground … Heat stroke, injuries due to crates being dropped or broken, or other mishaps are most likely during loading and unloading … The reason many airlines restrict travel during hot or cold times is the lack of climate control while waiting to board the plane. … Tarmacs can get blazing hot or dangerously cold, putting a pet sitting in an airline crate at great risk. Some airlines have climate-controlled pet areas where pets are held until they board. Always ask what an airline's procedures are for pets that are waiting to board, and for when they are unloaded." While the pet cargo area is temperature and pressure controlled, conditions can change drastically and quickly. Often temps can fluctuate 30-50 degrees. Add that to a caged, stressed-out pet and you have a recipe for disaster. Reduce your pet's anxiety with natural remedies. Never sedate or tranquilize a pet for air travel. It's far too risky. If your dog needs to be tranquilized to fly, they really shouldn't be put through the experience. If your dog must be sedated, make sure they are with you in the cabin so you can monitor them during flight. All pets can benefit from natural calming agents to help reduce anxiety during a trip. I WILL NOT TRAVEL without out CBD. Both Olive and I down a biscuit (or 3😜!) and pass out in-flight. Everyone’s happy and nobody leaves the flight feeling drugged, dopey or intoxicated. You can also use essential oils specifically blended for pets. Apply these calming scents in their crate and travel bedding. I hope you enjoy a wonderful and safe adventure! I'd love to see your pics and hear all about it! Pugs & 😘 kisses! -Katy +AAA travel stats WESTWAYS(May 2017)  By, Katy Cable, TWR A 3 min. Read Coyote Alert! This photo is actually ripped from a news headline where a wife played a joke on her husband and sent him this image which she created with a photo app. Her husband FREAKED OUT! -And nearly went into cardiac arrest upon seeing this. Although we all had a good laugh over her joke, ironically, not a week later, I had a pet parent tell me a similar story. Unfortunately her incident was not a funny prank and ended tragically. In a suburban So Cal neighborhood where the lawns are perfectly manicured, and the streets are crowded with kids on skateboards and bikes, an unsuspecting little Maltipoo puppy named Pumba, fell prey to a coyote. This is not a rural area. The closest park is miles away. This home is not over-run with bushes and shrubs but features a small vegetable garden, covered patio and a gi-normous swimming pool. Little Pumba was not roaming around lost in the woods but sitting in the kitchen getting ready to enjoy his evening meal. No sooner had the dish been set down when Pumba, in the blink of an eye, was snatched and dragged out the small doggie door by a coyote. As as tragic as this story is, I chalked it up to an extremely rare occurrence. Then lo-and-behold, just that night on my social media feed, I saw three other neighbors had made the grim discovery of dog and cat remains on their lawns. -One lady went so far as to post graphic photos which will haunt me for months! In another post, a gentleman issued a warning after having his small dog snatched off his leash by a coyote while he was out walking. Finally, my best friend Alex, who lives over an hour away, called me in tears after learning her beloved cat, Juliette was killed by a coyote. This prompted me to take action by writing this blog. Hopefully I will save a few pet’s lives. Coyotes are no longer just found in rural, remote, wooded areas. They have now begun populating busy urban cities and beach communities. From late March, through the summer, AKA "COYOTE SEASON" coyotes are out in full force gathering food for their new pups. During this time, they are even more aggressive and resourceful and typically look for smaller, unsuspecting pets to prey on. As quickly as the flowers bloom and the weather gets warmer, so do the reports of coyote sightings. And even worse, heartbreaking stories of pets falling victim to them. Don't be fooled, coyotes who dwell in more populated areas tend to be less fearful of people. Most will not hesitate to approach very closely and attack. In the amount of time it takes you to glance at a new text message, they can sneak up behind you, snatch up a small, unsuspecting pet and race off. Coyotes can scale 16ft solid wood walls, (see pic) and slide through small doggie doors faster than you can say "Dinner Time!" In the dark or from far away, it is easy to mistake a coyote for a malnourished Husky-mix or German Shepard. Warn children THESE ARE NOT STRAY DOGS. They are WILD ANIMALS! I nearly made this mistake myself when I saw a coyote running through a popular neighborhood park. The closest thing to a wild animal in my beach community is a hungry squirrel so naturally I assumed someone's dog had gotten out. As I drove around trying to catch "the lost dog" and got within a few feet, I knew exactly why it wasn't wearing a collar. -IT WAS A COYOTE! It wasn't scared. It didn't run off but stood not 4 feet away waiting for my next move. I'm glad I didn't have the remains of a Subway sandwich in my hand or I may not be here to write this blog. Here's a few important tips to keep you and your pets safe. 🐾BE PREPARED 🐾 Avoid walking your pet from dusk-until-dawn. If you must, use extreme caution and follow the tips below. Pay close attention to both your dog and your surroundings. This isn't the time to chat on your phone or send text messages. Use a short leash and keep dog at your side. Bring a large stick. Invest in a deterrent spray, shreak alarm or loud whistle. Walk in crowded, well-lit areas if possible. Especially during peak coyote times. Stay clear, and keep your dog away from bushes, brush areas and other places that may serve as coyote dens. If coyotes have have been spotted in your area, DO NOT GO OUT during peak feeding hours. Seal off doggie doors. Do not leave food outside. Cut back shrubs, bushes or other areas that could serve as hiding spots for coyotes. 🐾IF A COYOTE APPROACHES🐾 BE AS BIG AND LOUD AS POSSIBLE. Wave your arms and throw rocks while backing up slowly. Keep your pet away from the coyote. Do not let them approach. DO NOT RUN DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK If you do sight a coyote CALL ANIMAL CONTROL. Also post the details (location/time) on social media sites for your area. Advise neighbors with pets/children. If coyotes have hit the beach, they can be anywhere. BE ON THE 👀 LOOKOUT and be SAFE! 💔💔This blog dedicated to Pumba, Juliette and all the other beloved pets who were killed by coyotes. 💔💔  By Katy Cable-TWR A 2 min. Read To Bee Or Not To Bee! 🐝 For years I've been hearing how our planet and our very survival is at great risk due to billions and billions of bees dying off at an alarming rate. As scary a thought as that is, I can’t understand it since I personally have seen no shortage of bees. As a matter of fact, quite the contrary. They seem to be buzzing around everywhere I look. I'm deathly allergic to bees and just the sight of one puts me in a sheer panic! I'm often that crazy lady ballistically screaming, running around and making a huge scene at the first sign of anything buzzing around me. And usually it’s just someone’s cellphone. Between my frantic behavior, my hot-pink floral fashions and my Chanel No. 5 cologne, I’m a total “bee magnet!” They come after me like starving linebackers hitting the all-you-can-eat buffet! I've been stung on many occasions and because I'm allergic, my reaction gets worse with each subsequent attack! It’s so bad that I've been warned a sting on my face or neck could be deadly and I now carry an Epipen®️ to be safe. But what about our dogs? Brachy (flat-nosed) dogs have a difficult time breathing as it is and a sting or any type of swelling to the face can be life-threatening. Now that the temperatures have warmed up, the flowers are in full bloom and we're spending more time outside, here are some important safety tips to both prevent and treat a bee-sting. As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" The first defense against bee stings is to try and avoid them in the first place. Don't leave your dog outside alone if your yard has plants that attract bees. Better yet, replace plants with varieties that don’t attract them. Roses and mint are great options and also my personal favorites. Walk earlier in the mornings or later in the afternoon when temps are cooler and bees aren't out in droves. If possible avoid going near certain flowers, herbs, shrubs and grasses that attract bees. Also stay clear of brushy areas. Double check where your dog is going potty and lead them to safe places. Ditto for curious sniffing. Pet stores now carry lightweight clothing, caps, sunglasses and booties that might be a good option for outdoor hiking or even walks in bee prone areas. If you’re out hiking or in a place where you’re not able to race to a vet, I recommend carrying a bee emergency kit with you. I also advise keeping your dog covered up in lightweight clothing and booties. 🐝🐝TAKING THE STING OUT OF BEE STINGS🐝🐝 1. If an isolated bee pops out of nowhere and stings your dog, check and see if the stinger and venom sac are still attached. If so: SLIDE A CREDIT CARD ALONG THE SITE TO GENTLY REMOVE THE STINGER WITHOUT pushing more venom into your dog's bloodstream. 2. IF YOUR DOG IS STUNG ON THE FACE AND/OR YOU SEE THE SIGHT IS SWELLING UP, ADMINISTER BENEDRYL & PREDNISONE IMMEDIATELY! Carry a bee sting kit if you go out with your dog and are not within easy reach to ER services. 3. FOR PAIN RELIEF: MAKE A PASTE IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND BY MIXING BAKING SODA WITH A SPLASH OF WATER. DAB IT ON SITE. You can re-apply this paste every 2-3 hours as necessary. CBD oil can also be applied topically and orally! 4. APPLY ICE AND GET TO A VET IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID FURTHER COMPLICATIONS. BEE STING KIT: 🐝Prednisone Pill (5mg pill for 10-25lb dogs) 🐝Benedryl Pill (1/2 25mg pill for 15-25lb dogs) 🐝Small pill pockets for administering pills 🐝Baking Soda (put a few tbs in a plastic bag) 🐝Small doggie bandana 🐝Small ice pack 🐝Small bottle of water 🐝Credit card or hotel key-for removing stinger 🐝1 small baby aspirin (for pain) 🐝CBD Oil Nothing can spoil a good time in the great outdoors like a nasty bee sting, so these tips will allow you to "BEE" 🐝 SAFE! Pugs & Kisses! -Katy  By Katy Cable-TWR a 5 minute read Today, May 20th, is National Rescue Dog Day. I thought it was the perfect time to give tribute to all the rescue dogs and share how my passion for pugs began. One of the big takeaways is how something I completely resisted became one of my biggest blessings. Anyone who knows me today is well aware I'm OBSESSED with PUGS! My adorable, fashionably-attired Pug, Olive is under my arm more than my Tory Burch clutch. 90% of my social media posts are dog-related, and I have more 4-legged friends & followers than 2-legged ones. Diamonds might be a girl's best friend, but PUGS are mine! Gush all you want over Michael B. Jordan and Brad Pitt, my celebrity crush is "Doug-the-Pug!" But it wasn't always this way. It was nearly 20 years ago when my life drastically changed but I remember it like yesterday. I was completely jolted when I heard the dreaded words shoot out of my husband's mouth like daggers, "Let’s get her a dog!” He enthusiastically offered, when I asked what we should buy our daughter Karley for her 7th birthday. I couldn't believe what I was hearing! The betrayal I felt was gut-wrenching! I figured my obsessively immaculate home, my compulsive Type-A personality, the fact I broke out in hives at the mere sight of a dog combined with my love for all things luxurious, and expensive was a dead give-away. I was not a “DOG” person. -Quite the opposite. I felt no connection to canines and wanted their shedding, drooling, stinky paws kept as far away from me as possible. That was the unspoken agreement in our marriage and now my husband was completely betraying me in order to please our little birthday girl! I cried myself to sleep envisioning my home, clothes and life in ruins once my daughter had grown bored of "the dog" and their daily care landed on MY “to-do” list! No more extra money for fabulous vacations, fine jewelry and designer clothes. Life as I knew it was over! I made numerous attempts to change our daughter's mind about the dog, offering every gift imaginable from a birthday party at Disneyland to the latest iPhone. Nothing worked. The only gift she wanted was a dog. I finally broke down and agreed. But only on the condition that the dog was going right back to the shelter if she didn't care for it. I gave it a month tops, before I would again be dogless! The next weekend we attended a dog adoption fair and fell in love with the same darling little Pug that everyone else attending the event wanted. For not wanting a dog, I sure went to bat to get that little guy. Applications were completed, multiple interviews were conducted and finally a lengthy home check was done to ensure we were suitable new owners for a needy, stray dog. Two weeks later we received the exciting news! WE GOT THE DOG! I couldn’t have been happier if I hit the Lotto jackpot! –And little did I know at the time, I had! Karley named her new friend Raisin, which he resembled with his cute, wrinkly face. My face, on the other hand was swollen and covered in hives. I downed Benedryl tablets like M&M's then stocked up on Swiffers and Kleenex at Costco. It took less than a week before every piece of clothing I owned was covered in PUGORA (Pug fur.) In addition to fur, dog beds, bowls, toys, and leashes adorned every room in my once meticulous, tidy home. Raisin was more high maintenance than a Beverly Hills Housewife, requiring specialty vet care, a laundry list of daily medications, and a strict diet of home-cooked meals. In my household it was a rarity to find me cooking more than a can of soup and a frozen pizza. The great thing was, -I didn't care! I was having the time of my life with this little, snorting, shedding, bundle of fun! Raisin quickly transformed me. He was always so filled with joy! Nothing made him happier than being with our family. I began to witness what "unconditional" love looks and feels like. I also began to appreciate what was truly important in life. The world didn't end if I put my cellphone down long enough to enjoy a short daily walk and a few tosses of a tennis ball. Raisin taught me to live in the moment and make the very best of it! I also began to see the goodness in others. Nothing garners more attention from strangers than a darling dog on a leash. A person can cut me off in traffic, steal my parking space, and take the last pink sprinkled donut, but if they have a dog at the end of a leash, (or in a carrier, or pictured on their cellphone), they’re a probably a decent person and we share a common bond. My daughter also got so much more than just a pet with Raisin. He was the catalyst in her emerging career which began shortly after we brought him home. While walking to school one day she was approached about training him to be a therapy dog. Within three months, a then eight year-old Karley had Raisin trained and together, they became the youngest therapy dog team in the nation. Karley began taking Raisin to local elementary schools and working with struggling "at-risk" students. These children were more than most trained, mature teachers could handle let alone a child of roughly the same age. Seeing the students were not interested in reading they only wanted to play with Raisin, Karley decided to write a book about his “Wags-to-Riches” life. "Raisin, -A Doggie's Tale..." is a heartwarming, funny story told from Raisin's POV. It teaches kids about being responsible pet owners and how to overcome obstacles. The book was such a hit with the students, Karley prefaced what is now a huge trend, and published her book on Amazon then used social media to market it. Within a few weeks, she made enough money to donate funds to a local shelter and purchase a new computer. Her book also caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey and Karley received an invitation to the White House where President Obama received an autographed copy. Over the years Raisin made hundreds of therapy visits. Not only did he visit schools, but hospitals, Alzheimer’s homes, and prisons. He participated in parades, community events and appeared in several TV shows. He became one of the first dogs to have a huge social media following. In addition to my own, I witnessed many lives changed because of Raisin. Difficult, problem children began behaving and excelling in school. Sick children riddled with cancer healed. Alzheimer’s patients recalled happy memories of a beloved pet. Prison inmates softened, and people took their last breath on this earth while petting Raisin. He was very, very, special. Raisin turned 13 years old in May 2015. The vertebrae issue discovered at his first visit to the vet had taken its toll and he could no longer use his hind legs. His chronic eye disease had cost him most of his sight and his hearing wasn’t sharp. He relied more and more on me to help him with his basic needs. I didn't mind since at the same time my daughter needed me less and less. I happily kept Raisin by my side as my constant companion so he felt safe and loved. With the help of his wonderful vet and great pain meds, Raisin was still a happy guy who enjoyed going out for daily walks in his Radio Flyer wagon, then flopping on the bed watching "The Real Housewives” with me. I saw his decline and knew the days with him were numbered. A neighbor noticed me putting Raisin into his wagon one day and commented, "When are you going to put that dog down...He can't even walk anymore!" It was the same kind of clueless comment I might have made, had my life not included a dog. Instead I answered that as long as Raisin was comfortable and content, I vowed to be there for him. On August 15th, 2015, something was not right. Raisin was howling in agony and lethargic. His normal pain meds did nothing to bring relief. He wasn’t interested in eating or drinking and hadn’t relieved himself all day. I saw no reason for an apparent HUNGER STRIKE! I looked in his eyes and knew he was done fighting. I always promised myself that if at all possible, Raisin’s last memory on earth would not be the cold, sterile table of the vet’s office, so I found a fantastic home-euthanasia company to come out. That afternoon I made the call. In Raisin's favorite spot of the den, with the PGA on TV, we sent Raisin off to run free at Rainbow Bridge. The hardest thing we’ve ever had to do as a family is say goodbye to our beloved Raisin who drifted off peacefully while being stroked in my arms. Losing Raisin came at the same time our daughter was leaving to attend college clear across country. It was more than I could take. The void in our then quiet, empty, spotless house was palpable! In an effort to heal my pain, I looked desperately for a new dog. I was in such despair I would've taken any dog that crossed my path. -Even a vicious, rabid one. Thankfully I found another darling little Pug who had been thrown out in the streets after having a litter of puppies. She was skinny, sick and scared to death but I was about to change all that. I named her Olive and welcomed her home! Olive helped heal my heart and gave me a new purpose. I'm so thankful to have her. However, not a day goes by when I don't miss my Raisin. If I could bring him back happy and healthy I would in a NY minute! Because that's not possible, I'm an advocate for other shelter dogs and help pet parents with my blog and events. Raisin's book continues to raise money for shelters and he is memorialized in a tree we planted in his honor. His photo is on my favorite commuter mug, so in a sense, he goes with me everywhere. And part of me knows he sent Olive to me and he is happy we have each other. For a gal who once wanted nothing to do with a dog, I now cannot possibly live without one. R.I.P my dear Raisin! Thank you for rescuing me and giving me a new leash on life! 🐾💕 For more information on rescue groups or adopting a dog, check out my site: www.weeklyrunt.com 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾 WHAT HAPPENS AT THE DOG PARK, STAYS AT THE DOG PARK...Lifesaving Tips To Prevent A “Ruff” Time!5/13/2021  By Katy Cable, A 4 minute read There are few things more fun than taking my Pug Olive to the dog park. She just loves racing around like a Greyhound and socializing with other dogs. In Olive's case, she was so badly abused and fearful when I rescued her, taking her to the dog park has strengthened our bond and healed her anxiety issues. As a former organizer for several dog “meet-up” groups in So Cal, I typically attend several events every month. Plus in Long Beach, CA where I live, there are 14 dog parks as well as the popular Rosie’s dog beach. While it's always fun to meet new friends and watch our fur babies play, disasters can occur. Unfortunately, sometimes when you visit a public dog park, there's that ONE DOG with a delusional owner who ruins everyone’s time. I'm sure you've seen it. The owner is typically lost in their own world, obliviously chatting on their cellphone while their dog is stealing toys, humping any leg they can find, knocking over anything in their path and pooping with reckless abandon. In order to best prepare yourself AND your dog, the following "Do’'s and Don’ts" are a must-read before heading out with your furry friend Dog Park Etiquette and Safety Tips: Before You Go:
When You Arrive:
If you have a new dog that's come from a shelter or rescue, I recommend some basic obedience training and some smaller "meet-and-greet" activities before hitting the dog park. Fearful dogs often act aggressively and a new unfamiliar dog might make life miserable for everyone at the dog park. Again, the dog park isn't the best place for every single dog. A timid or traumatized pet is often better off having play dates with one or two familiar, friendly dogs. Dogs can come along way after some successful meet-ups and play dates and you can always give it a go at a later date when your dog is more socialized. Don't put others at risk. The safety of other dogs and people is just as important as your own safety and the safety of your pet. Be respectful! This is a great time for you to interact and play with your dog and others. Don't turn a blind eye on your dog and if they are misbehaving, stop it. My little Olive will hit any food treat she can get her mouth around and if she doesn't mind my command to "leave it" or if she's taking another dog's toys after their owner throws it, it's time for me to take Little Miss Olive HOME! ⚠️Although many parks and beaches have re-opened, it’s still very important to take extra “Pandemic 🦠 Precautions” These tips should make your trip to the dog park as safe as possible: 1. Wear a mask! No doubt lots of people will be out and social distancing may be impossible at times. Keep everyone safe by covering up. 2. bring wipes, gloves and a blanket to sit on or cover the bench where you sit. Don’t pick up other people’s dog toys or pet their dog without permission. Always wipe or sanitize your hands after petting another person’s dog. 3. Bring your own fresh water and bowl. For YOU and your dog. Water fountains and bathrooms may be closed or out of soap and towels. It’s safer to bring your own. 4. If the park is overly crowded, try another time. It’s best to avoid being around too many strangers right now. Remain 6ft (or more) apart. Be mindful of young children who may not understand. 5. Put your dog in a T-shirt or harness, when you return home from the dog park, give your dog a thorough wash. I recommend showering and popping the clothes worn into the wash machine. Now that summer is almost here, and life is returning to normal, I hope you’ll get outside in the fresh air and have some fun at the dog park. I’m sure excited to go! For more great tips, important health info. and fun PET stuff, please click the button below to receive my FREE weekly blogs. Pugs and kisses! -Katy😘🐾  By Katy Cable-TWR A 5 minute “healthy” read Attention Pet Parents: The Cure For Many Minor Health Issues May Be Right In Your Cupboard. If you've gone to your local pet store or vet's office looking for medications to treat common conditions you know the creams, supplements, pills, and medicated washes are pricey. So before you shell out lots of dough, here are a few tried and true home remedies that may do the trick. I recommend all dog owners keep these essentials in their home. 1. 100% Canned Pumpkin: (organic if possible) Canned pumpkin is wonderful for treating diarrhea, constipation, or an upset tummy. It's a gentle, soothing, soluble fiber that also can be used as a healthy, tasty, treat. I always stock up during the fall when all the markets have it on sale. It's harder to find and much more expensive if you need it during the month of July. You can put a few servings in the fridge and put the rest in an ice cube tray. Once it’s frozen, pop cubes in a freezer bag, thaw and use as needed. Give your dog 1 tsp. for every 10lbs of body weight, 1-2 times a day. 2. Ginger: A car sick dog can sure put a damper on an otherwise fun road trip. Next time, try giving your dog some tiny bits of fresh ginger an hour before your journey. Use 1/8 teaspoon for dogs 10lbs. and under, 1/4 teaspoon for 10-20lb. dogs and 1/2 teaspoon for 20-30lbs. Dog's over 30 lbs. can manage 3/4-1 teaspoon. Ginger is very strong so your dog might find it more palatable if you mix it in some cheese, peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain Xylitol as a sweetener) or a little ball of canned food. Use this 1-3x's a day if needed. 3. Plain Kefir: Kefir is a fermented food that's loaded with active probiotics. It can be found in the yogurt section of most stores where the yogurt drinks are stored. Opt for the plain variety since others may contain high amounts of sugar. This makes a great meal topper or tasty little "smoothie.” During hot summer months, I pour Kefir in ice cube trays, add blueberries, then I pop it in the freezer and make "Pupsicles". Kefir is great for any dog (or cat) but can provide a big boost to those with sensitive tummies or digestive issues. Kefir also gives the immune system a jump start. Use the following as a guideline for serving amounts:
4. Coconut oil: (I recommend 100 percent organic, cold-pressed) Coconut oil is SO amazing, I’v written an entire blog with all the great benefits and uses for it. I keep huge jars of it in my home. Not only do I add this to my Olive's meals, (I swirl it in my coffee) it works wonders on minor skin problems. Pugs, especially older ones, can get crusty noses, paw pads, nails and skin patches. Massaging coconut oil on the problem area heals and moisturizers it quickly. It smells great and again, if they lick it, -no problem! If your dog has a dry coat or flaky skin, bath them with a gentle shampoo and while they're still wet, massage their coat and belly with oil. Let it absorb for a few minutes then follow with a quick rinse. Use it as a salve on hotspots, blemishes and rashes. 5. Apple cider vinegar: (Organic) Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is great for repelling fleas. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts ACV and water and give your Puggies a good spray before they race out the door. You can also spray furniture and bedding if you notice a flea problem. During peak flea season, you can add 2 cups of ACV to your dog's bath water or pour it over your freshly bathed dogs body (not head) massage in and dry. ACV is also a great solution to dip a cotton round in and clean your pup's ears. It kills yeast and bacteria and best of all it's non toxic. Although these aren't "farm grown" I highly recommend keeping these two items in your cupboard as well: *Betadine/Povidone Iodine. Don't let the big name and color scare you. This very gentle disinfectant is perfect for any skin problem. It kills staph, yeast, and a host of other nasty bacteria. The best part is: IT WON'T STING and it's completely safe if your pet licks it. You may have seen this used to treat wounds at your doctor's office or the vet's. I use this to rinse cuts, hot spots, and scratches. Simply pour some Betadine in a dish and add water until it's the color of iced tea. Dip a clean cloth in solution and wipe or dab over your pet's boo-boo. Pat it dry and give lots of love and praise. If your pet suffers from allergies, or drives you crazy licking their paws all night, I recommend washing their paws in the diluted Bentadine solution after returning home from walks or playing outdoors. You can either dip your sweetie's paws in a bowl or wipe them clean with a cloth dipped in the solution. Tons of allergens are collected in a dog's paws and those go straight into their mouths when they start licking. Rinsing off your dog's paws will go a long way towards keeping allergies at bay. * Hydrogen Peroxide: There's quite a few uses for good old hydrogen peroxide. I clean my dog's ears with this by dabbing a cotton round in it and gently removing dirt and oil. It can also be mixed with Dawn dish washing soap (or Pure Castile Soap) and baking soda if your dog gets skunked or encounters something that requires a much stronger shampoo. In a bucket, mix 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda and 2 teaspoons dish-washing liquid. (If you have a large breed dog, you may need to double, triple or even quadruple the mixture.) Apply the mixture to your dog's dry coat, massage in until the smell, oil, etc. starts to dissipate. Use a washcloth for cleaning the face and ears being extremely careful to avoid getting this in your dog's eyes. Once the smell has gone away rinse thoroughly. Use a clean wash cloth to gently rinse the face to avoid getting this in your dog's eyes. Make sure to completely rinse the solution off your dog. It may take several rinses with a cloth to thoroughly clean your dog's face. Follow-up with a final gentle shampoo and coconut oil conditioner (see above) when finished. Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting: If you find your dog has eaten a no-no, HP can also be used to induce vomiting. DO NOT EVER INDUCE VOMITING without first calling your veterinarian. DO NOT EVER INDUCE VOMITING if your dog has ingested harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaner which can severely burn if swallowed and also if it comes back up. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING if more than 2 hours have passed since your dog has eaten something harmful. Also hold off if your dog is already vomiting, seems extremely sick or isn't able to walk around. Use 3% percent hydrogen peroxide and give 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of your dog's weight. This isn't a tasty solution so you may need to get a syringe to get it in their mouth and down the hatchet. Or you can use some ice cream, honey, or Kefir to mix it with. Then get your dog up and walking around for a few minutes and wait for it to work it's magic. If your dog doesn't vomit after 15 minutes, give them a second dose. If after another 15 minutes passes and they still haven't vomited, race them into the emergency vet. I think it's smart to take a small sample of the vomit (if possible) and don't delay in following up with your veterinarian. Again. it's always better to error on the side of caution and with any health issue. If things don't improve, and certainly if they take a turn for the worse, always consult with your vet. Here’s hoping these easy, inexpensive remedies save you enough dough to splurge on something fun. For more great tips and ideas, please follow me on social media and check out my website: www.weeklyrunt.com Pugs & Kisses! -Katy 🐾😍  By Katy Cable-TWR-A 3 Min Read Fleas suck! -Pun intended! Unlike bees that pollinate our planet and keep us alive, or ants who are brilliant little armies of team players, capable of carrying an entire picnic a GA-ZILLION times their own size and body weight on their tiny backs, what purpose do fleas and ticks serve anyway? Here in Southern California fleas can be year-round invaders. With the dog days of summer well on their way, your pup may be wearing more than a cute collar and bandana. This spring, no matter where you live, chances are these blood sucking monsters are just waiting to spread like wildfire on your pet. Before you race out for some flea protection, beware. Seresto, the #1 selling flea collar on Amazon, is potentially lethal! According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents, as of June 2020 the agency had received 75,000 incident reports about Seresto pet collars since their introduction in 2012, including 1,698 deaths of animals and nearly 1,000 incidents involving harm to humans. And that’s just what has been reported. Typically, pet parents would not know to report pet harm to the EPA, an agency seemingly unrelated to consumer pet products. It is regulated by the EPA due to the use of pesticides in the product. The Seresto collar is the only flea and tick collar that combines a cocktail of two pesticides. While that may make the collars more effective against fleas, they are far more toxic to pets and humans as well. One incident involving a 12-year-old boy who slept in bed with a dog wearing the collar resulted in the boy being hospitalized due to seizures and vomiting. Along with growing evidence that mammals can also be harmed by these pesticides, they are also harming the environment. This insecticide, (imidacloprid) most commonly used as an insecticide on crops in the U.S. is linked to massive die-offs of bees, butterflies and songbirds. While a congressional committee is demanding a voluntary recall, Elanco (manufacturer of Senesto) is backing its product. According to Tony Rumschlag, senior director for technical consultants at Elanco, "Thorough investigation of available data has shown no established link between exposure to the active ingredients in Seresto and pet deaths.” He went on state that no market action is warranted, and that media reports on hundreds of pet deaths are based on “raw data.” Whatever action is or isn’t taken, the risks seem too high for me personally. I don’t want to take any chances. I also want you to have the facts and research. Especially when these products are currently being sold in most pet stores and on Amazon. While I prefer to use natural, non-toxic, remedies, sometimes they don’t provide enough protection. I typically use a strong flea and tick preventative in the spring and late summer. The rest of the year I use the home remedies provided below. When I rescued my current Pug Olive she was on Revolution, a monthly flea and heart-worm preventative I have used successfully in the past. Although Olive doesn't have fleas, she did get suffer a terrible allergic reaction to a flea bite. I raced a sneezing, coughing, incessantly itching Olive to the vet. Upon examination, the vet discovered red bumps all over her and was convinced it was an allergic reaction to a flea bite. I couldn't see how that was possible as she was on flea prevention. The vet explained that even with protection, fleas can jump on and bite a pet before dying. If a pet is allergic, that's all it takes. After Olive's incident, I am extremely diligent about washing her and keeping fleas away. I have discovered some excellent natural alternatives to products containing harsh chemicals. I currently apply organic coconut oil, to Olive's coat. It acts as both a great moisturizer and flea repellent. I also make sure to bathe her following adventures where she may have been exposed to fleas. I also am SO happy I replaced all my carpets with wood and tile flooring and “knock-on-wood”, haven't had another issue. Believe me, it's much easier to keep fleas away in the first place than it is to get those pests to leave once they've invaded. My advice, use something strong and powerful to kill them then hopefully you can lighten up and use some natural, less toxic remedies to keep them at bay. This does bring up a good point: It certainly doesn't have to be a harsh, toxic chemical for your pet to have a horrific reaction. While natural products are preferred, even those can have disastrous outcomes if your pet has the rare allergy. Just like a human who can't touch a strawberry or a peanut. -Be it an unsalted, raw, one or a Reese's cup, pets too can have adverse reactions or even die from wholesome, organic products if they happen to be allergic. Before trying ANY product or food, I urge YOU to first research it. Check out the company, the ingredients, where it's produced. Talk to trusted vets and pet parents and always test it out with a very small amount first. In addition, fleas, ticks, and other parasites may be resistant to some natural, less intense, repellents and your pet won't be protected. Hopefully you can try a few of these tips and find a perfect, less toxic balance. And, as always, a clean healthy pet with a strong immune system will naturally repel more parasites than a sickly one. That starts and finishes with a nutritious, balanced diet 😃. Every flea season I consult with frustrated pet parents looking for flea repellent shampoos. I always advise against strong, harsh, shampoos loaded with chemicals. Any soap and water will kill and remove fleas. For heavy infestations. Here's a recipe for a gentle, non-toxic, flea repelling shampoo you can make at home. I use this on my shelter/rescue dogs who typically arrive in poor shape, and infested with fleas. Again, always sample a small amount first to check for adverse reactions. 🐞ALL-NATURAL FLEA BUSTER SHAMPOO: Slice 1/2 lemon and add to 1 cup boiling water. Stir for 5 minutes then remove from heat, steep and cool. Remove lemon parts, drain juice into large canning jar or bottle. Add 2/3 Cup Dr Bronner's Purecastle Soap Add 1/2 cup organic Apple cider vinegar 1 TBS organic coconut oil 15 drops pure organic lavender oil Mix together and WASH your PUP! In addition, here are some recommendations for healthy flea/tick control: 🐾Remember, there is simply no chemical based pest control pill, dip, solution, shampoo, or collar that is without the potential for side effects. Just because a compound is applied to or worn on your pet’s fur doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Remember: what goes ON your pet goes IN your pet, by absorption through the skin during grooming.
🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  y Katy Cable -Thrive Global A 5-min. read In honor of Mother's Day, I'd like to dedicate this blog to those special, often overlooked women whose “children have paws.” My heart goes out to women who anticipate having a difficult time on this holiday. CoVid may keep you from seeing your mother or your family from visiting you. There may be awkward family dynamics and unmet expectations making "Martyr's Day" seem more apropos. I hope sharing my story and survival tips will help make it a SPECIAL day! Mother's Day a few years ago, I was approaching “empty-nester" status, wondering what I would do with my life. My daughter was graduating high school then heading off to college. If that wasn’t enough, my beloved Pug Raisin made his final departure for Rainbow Bridge. For the last 18 years,: I’d been consumed as a stay-at-home “MOM-ager” to my daughter who had been acting professionally since infancy. Very soon I would be putting her on a plane to attend college clear across the country. The time had come to get off the runway and let her take flight. When my daughter had left for school a few months later, I began battling severe depression. I sat in my quiet, clean, empty house firing out job resumes through a waterfall of tears! I missed my daughter and Raisin terribly. I even found myself missing things I'd always complained about like dog hair covering everything, dirty dishes left out, my daughter “borrowing” my favorite clothes, and endless high-school booster meetings. In an effort to keep busy and get out of the house, I checked my ego at the sliding glass doors of PetSmart and took a part-time job consulting pet parents. My job no longer required high-heels and designer attire, but sneakers, yoga pants, a name tag, and a lanyard. Gone were the days I was taking meetings with top brass managers. The managers I was working side-by-side with now, were the same age as my daughter. Ironically the company I represented was a new pet food company called “NULO” and at that moment I truly felt I had hit a "NEW-LOW" and my best days were behind me. I doubted I would last through the first pay period. Much to my surprise, I was having the time of my life at my new job. Working with pet owners fulfilled me in ways no other career ever had. It did nothing however to quell my desire for another dog. -Just the opposite. I was so desperate to fill the huge hole in my heart Raisin left, I began an obsessive search at every rescue and shelter. Had my husband not threatened divorce if I took in a dog without his approval, I would've snatched up any three-legged, frothing-at-the-mouth, rabid beast needing a home. The more I searched, the more frustrated and disappointed I got. My husband quickly grew tired of my insanity so I agreed to call off the hunt until after the holidays and join him on a business trip. -Something I hadn't been able to do since complimentary meals and free checked bags were still offered on flights. No sooner had we pulled up to our hotel when I received a text alert. It was a photo of a pug who was the spitting image of Raisin as a pup. Strangely enough, the pup was in a shelter located not two miles away from where we were staying. I was just certain it was a sign from God! -Kismet! I pushed hubby out the door for his meeting and secretly raced over to the shelter. When I arrived, his cage was empty and he was listed “unavailable!” -It was yet another disappointment! As I went to leave I heard yelping from another cage. I was sure a dog was injured and rushed over to help. When I arrived at the scene, I noticed a tiny black pug sticking her paw through the kennel bars yelping for me. My heart melted. I knew then and there she was my new dog. I pet her and assured her I would be back to take her home. As luck would have it, I was able to pull some strings and adopt what was a very sick little pup. It was apparent, though just a puppy herself, she had just had a litter. The shelter said she'd been found on the side of a desert road and was likely a breeder dog who had never been out of a crate. She was just terrified of everything. I named her “little black Olive” and promised her that life was about to drastically change. For me, the cure for depression was this new dog. Olive made me happier than I'd been since everyone had "flown-the-coup". I was having the time of my life getting to know this darling new (and previously abused) pug. No sooner did I find my perfect new pug, I got offered the "dream job" I’d applied for a few months prior. With Olive at my side and the ability to work in sneakers, I passed on the 80 hour work weeks and non-stop corporate demands. -And not for one second have I regretted my decision. The takeaway of my story is: KEEP THE FAITH! Be optimistic and hopeful. And most importantly, don't rule out something that involves wearing comfy shoes, a name tag, and a lanyard. You might find you’re happier, healthier, and far more fulfilled if you fall off the corporate ladder and try something completely new. If Mother's Day is getting you down, consider this, most mothers claim “CHILDCARE” is the #1 thing they want on their official holiday. 🤣 Here’s a few other things you can do to feel better: 1. Indulge in a 5-minute pity party. Cry, scream, throw something, and feel sorry for yourself.-YOU GET 5 MINUTES! 2. Get out and count your blessings. Write or think of 20 things you’re grateful for. Over-achievers or severely depressed, go through the entire alphabet and find a blessing for each letter. Extra credit: Call ANY mother quarantined at home with young toddlers or home-schooling kids over this pandemic. 3. Treat yourself to something nice. Better yet, treat yourself to a special day. Visit, or grab take-out from your favorite restaurant. Buy yourself a present. SPLURGE on YOU! Buy yourself flowers, candy, a nice bottle of wine, how about a pair of cute “pet mom” socks with a picture of your beloved fur baby? Whatever makes you happy. Start a new tradition honoring what a wonderful “Pet Mom” you are! 4. Honor special women who are mothers to PETS! Why not plan your own little party. Not up for a big production, there are some fun, unique gifts for pet moms. I love running around in my personalized “dog mom” socks. Or how about a unique “quarantine mask with a cute design honoring your pet? Dog is Good has lots of darling dog mom products that will make you happy. If you're short on cash, offer to dog sit or walk a friend’s dog. 5. Don’t have family or friends with pets, how about volunteering some time to an animal shelter or rescue. Call ahead and find out about their Covid-19 policies first, but many shelters and rescues are allowing fostering and adoptions. Getting out and doing for others or spending time with an animal will definitely make you feel much better. (-If it doesn't I will personally refund your misery!😜) Who knows maybe you'll come home with a new "fur baby" of your own. A dog will love you unconditionally in ways a mother or child never can. Happy Mother's Day! -Whether it's to a child by birth, blood, or choice. And Happy Mother’s Day to those special moms whose children have paws! 🐾Pugs & Kisses -Katy  By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt / A 4 min. Read When I was eight years old. my dad, in an effort to get me to give up Ding-Dongs and Oreos, told me about how “junk food” was made. He insisted that all kinds of bugs often got mixed into these crummy processed snacks. Turns out, those very insects may have been the healthiest thing about my indulgence. If you’d have told me just a year ago, there may come a day when insects are a major staple in our diets, I would’ve thought you were CRAZY! Now, I’m excited to share my experience and hopefully open your minds to joining the swarm of “insect eating” people and pets! While visiting a popular beach town in Central Coast CA, I remember a street vendor selling crickets and grasshoppers dipped in dark chocolate. He also had tequila lollipops with a worm inside. It all seemed repulsive and I couldn’t believe people actually paid money to eat them. For me, this was just like a challenge that would get me booted off the island on a reality TV show. At the Las Vegas Pug Party, I had my eyes opened and my mind changed when I met Laura Colagrande, co-founder of Chippin Snacks. She kindly offered my little Pug Olive one of her apple, cricket, and flaxseed snacks. Olive has never met a treat she didn’t like, and devoured the biscuit faster than you can say “Jiminy!” Colagrande told me her story and I was intrigued. While studying design at U of Penn, she agreed to help her roommate, Haley Russell, a grad student at The Wharton School of Business, with a research project. The two examined using crickets as a viable alternative to meat for pet treats/meals and things have been hopping ever since. 🦗 WHY CRICKETS? 🦗 For starters, crickets pack a whole lotta punch! They’re an excellent source of omegas, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, they’re very low in fat compared to other proteins. Best of all, there’s no threat of e Coli, Staph or other pathogens. HUMANELY SOURCED That cricket chirp is their mating call. They live to reproduce. The process begins with crickets being cared for in numerous small farms which are all housed in warehouses. After the crickets have reproduced the temperature of their environment is slowly lowered until they reach a hibernation state. They are then frozen and ground into a powder. The cricket is never traumatized or feels any pain unlike nearly all other live animals used for food. REDUCING YOUR CARBON PAWPrint🐾🐾🐾🐾 Did you know 80% of water in the USA is used for food production? The natural resources used for the production of meat is staggering. I got “bug-eyes” when I llearned the statistics. 🐂 It takes roughly 2,000 gallons of water to produce 1lb of beef. 🐓 It requires around 560 gallons of water to produce 1lb of poultry. 🦗Now consider, it takes only 1 gallon of water to produce 1lb of edible cricket protein. According to the Seattle Times, Americans eat more meat than ever before, nearly 223lb per person, per year! In 2018 America surpassed the all-time record eating over 100 billion pounds. The World Atlas names Australia and the USA as the world’s largest consumers of meat. With Americans owning 90 million dogs, pets in the USA consume more meat than 90% of the world’s countries.* That’s a lot of meat! And that’s not all... The global demand for meat is leading to environmental destruction. Livestock agriculture requires almost half of the earth’s total land. It’s wasteful AND TOXIC! For example, 55% of water used in the US is for factory farming. Runoff contaminates waterways with nitrogen and phosphates. The greenhouse gasses produced by livestock agriculture make up at least half of all man-made emissions. Methane, an emission, has a global warming potential that is 86 times more than carbon dioxide. The evidence is clear that animal consumption is the leading cause of reduced biodiversity, water pollution, and deforestation which are all causes of global warming. WHAT YOU CAN DO... Start with trying some cricket snacks. If you come to one of my events, I typically have samples. You can also find them at many pet stores, or order right here and use “WEEKLY RUNT” for a 10% discount. If you’re really adventurous you can purchase cricket powder and start experimenting. Try making your own meals and snacks. (Watch for my favs in an upcoming blog & show!😜) A FINE GATEWAY BUG You may find crickets are your “gateway bug” into a whole new way of eating for YOU AND YOUR PET! Mark my words, insect protein is going to explode like ants at a picnic! A complete, viable protein that’s easy to farm, inexpensive and packs a lot of punch for a lot less water! Very soon all of us will be saying, “There’s a bug in my food!” And, “Please pass the crickets!” BUGS, PUGS & KISSES, 😘🐾❤️ -Katy CHIP IN & SAVE WATER *https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/top-meat-consuming-countries-in-the-world.html 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By, Katy Cable/TWR/A 5min. “HIGH”
Several years ago, I wrote a blog about the astounding results I was seeing in dogs using CBD oil to keep them calm during 4th of July fireworks. And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Arthritic pets, pets with seizures, anxiety, psychosis, depression, end-of-life issues, trauma, even cancer and metabolic diseases were all seeing unbelievable results from CBD oil. In a very short amount of time CBD and hemp products have gone from underground to the hot new thing! What was once only a handful of established companies selling CBD pet products, is now a booming market with everyone including Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog in the CBD business. If all this “buzz” (-pun intended 😜) about CBD/Hemp products has you confused and apprehensive, let me clarify all the important things you need to know. When I first heard the words “HEMP”, “CBD” & “CANNABIS”, the thing that came to mind was getting “high” and I got scared. I would never want to turn my little pugs into "pot-heads" and have these CBD's cause more excessive sleeping and binge snacking. Even worse, what if it became the new “gateway" drug leading to opiates and heroin. I was extremely reluctant and apprehensive about using them. Once I turned to my trusted, holistic/integrated vets for some clarification, I realized I was way off base. These vets have been using CBD's successfully for some time and straightened out my misconceptions. What is CBD anyway? All mammals have an endocannabinoid system which is located in the brain and central nervous system. It’s crucial for establishing and maintaining health. Among its many functions are regulating memory, metabolism, immunity, sleep, mood, appetite and pain sensation. CBD’s (short for cannabinoids) act on any imbalance in these various receptors in the body. They create balance and provide the support needed for relaxing, repairing, or restoring any deficiencies in the body. There are many varieties of cannabis plants with hemp and marijuana being two popular ones. These plants contain, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is a "psychoactive" cannabinoid that produces the "high.” Dogs naturally have an abundance of receptors in their brains and are therefore extremely sensitive to THC. So much so that should your pet get into your stash of edibles it could make them gravely ill. That put the fear of God into me about ever giving my pet CBD’s until I was informed these CBD’s were NON-PSYCHOACTIVE, meaning they contain NO THC. They are 100% non-toxic and safe. So, you get all the relaxation without the intoxication. And now they’ve become a mainstream health-boosting miracle worker. HOW CBD’s CAN HELP YOU & YOUR DOG! -THE ABC’s A’s- ANXIETY: CBD Has Been Extensively Studied For Its Amazing Effect On Stress, Anxiety And Noise Phobias. I couldn’t believe how great it worked on dogs who would typically go off the charts ballistic on the 4th of July. With CBD they were calm and content. It also worked miracles on Olive. Although she has no issues with the 4th of July, car rides and nail trims were another story. These caused such extreme stress and anxiety she would vomit, drool and shake even after trying nearly every anti-anxiety drug and natural supplement. Now after taking CBD, she relaxes and has no problem. I have also witnessed amazing results with frantic barking dogs in shelters or suffering separation anxiety. It’s the perfect remedy for anxious dogs visiting the vet, having nail trims or dental procedures! And it’s not just for your pets. CBD’s can be a tremendous help for those suffering from panic disorders, PTSD, and anxiety. Best of all there are NO SIDE EFFECTS. APPETITE: I know many cancer patients taking medical marijuana to increase appetite and now CBD’s are found to also work wonderfully. Not only with cancer but for many illnesses and aging. So if you’re having trouble getting your pet to eat, try some CBD to help stimulate their appetite. ANTIOXIDANT: With natural antibiotic properties, CBD is shown to be a more powerful antioxidant than vitamins C, D and E. CBD protects the brain from cell death caused by free radicals and toxins. It’s a great anti-aging supplement. AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: CBD has been shown to decrease the production and release of inflammatory cytokines that can cause allergies and a wide range of autoimmune conditions. B’s- BRAIN HEALTH: CBD Can Help With Neurodegenerative Diseases:For dogs suffering from spine and nerve issues, CBD shows a lot of promise. CBD’s fight free radicals that cause aging and help repair dying brain cells. CBD Can Treat Seizures And Epilepsy: I know so many pugs (and other breeds of dogs) suffering from seizures. Most dogs are put on strong drugs such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide. While they may help control the seizures, they can be extremely harmful to your dog’s liver and other organs. And the drugs don’t work in all cases. CBD has been working well in about 15 dogs I personally know. Dogs went from such frequent seizures they were considering euthanizing until the CBD’s cut the frequency from hourly to monthly! I am SO excited about this and hope more people will look into this option for their pets suffering from seizures. C’s- CHRONIC INFLAMMATION/PAIN RELIEVER: CBD inhibits the production of inflammatory macrophages and decreases chronic inflammation. I've seen over 20 dogs unable to walk without assistance or limping after an injury or over-exertion, bounce back quickly after using CBD's. They work so well for pain that scientists are considering them a new class of drug for the treatment of chronic pain. Studies show CBD to be very effective for:
CANCER: With it’s anti-tumor effect, CBD has even been shown to stop cancer cells from growing and increased tumor cell death. This is HUGE! Cancer is the #1 threat facing our pets with 2 out of 3 dogs getting cancer in their lifetime. How exciting to have this promising new option which is affordable and doesn’t have the horrible side-effects of most conventional treatments.
CBD’s Are Legal, Safe & Non-Toxic: Because CBD oil for pets is derived from hemp oil and contains no THC, all 50 states have now approved the use of hemp-based CBD for human and animal products. With so many studies showing the health benefits of CBD, the most encouraging result is that CBD is completely safe, even when taken in high doses and over extended periods of time. CBD is non-toxic and animals don’t appear to build up a tolerance. Choosing A High Quality CBD Oil I’m sure you’re excited to race out and purchase some of this magic CBD oil but I urge you to do your research first! With any product that has this kind of interest, you must be very mindful. Not all CBD oils are the same and with minimal regulation you must be extremely careful. Here are a few things to look for:
I now enjoy CBD myself when flying (no anxiety and no hangover!🤪) and I give CBD treats to Olive as a healthy snack. I also give them to friends who are trying to use more natural pain relief methods for everything from chronic pain management to mensural cramps. I hope if you try it out you’ll keep me posted on your own results. Pugs and kisses! 😘🐾💕 🐾Katy Cable is an actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By Katy Cable,TWR This Sunday, April 7th is Easter. In honor of the floppy-eared bunny, I thought this was a perfect time to discuss one of the most common problems I “hear” from Pug parents...EAR infections. Good news, if you know what to look for and some follow easy tips, you can prevent a lot of bigger, more expensive problems. My first pug Raisin was plagued with ear infections throughout most his life. Ironically they began coming on a few months after I switched him from homemade organic dog food to a crappy, expensive "prescription" food used to treat his urinary issues. As time went on, and I kept filling him with processed corn, wheat, grains, gluten and poultry by-product meals, the infections got much worse. After a few years of misery and living on pricey antibiotics, Raisin underwent extensive surgery. A small hole was drilled under his jaw and a tiny tube was inserted deep in the canal of his inner ear allowing it to drain and heal. It was a traumatic, painful, ordeal for the poor little guy, but it was successful. However, not too long after, he began having problems in his other ear, and eventually, the infections returned with a vengeance. At age 13 he got another extremely painful infection, deep in his inner ear. Antibiotics were no longer effective and he was not in any condition to undergo another exhaustive surgery. We made the heartbreaking yet humane decision to let him go. I wish I had known then what I know now because I truly feel I could've avoided most, if not all these chronic ear issues. If your dog is experiencing persistent ear problems or is a breed predisposed to them, -read on. These simple tips should save you a lot of expense, hassle, and heartache because preventing ear infections is actually quite easy. Ear problems in dogs are the result of inflammation and/or infection. Any untreated inflammation can lead to infection. If your dog's ears are warm to the touch, red, swollen, smelly, and/or itchy, but there's little to no discharge, chances are the problem is inflammation. However, if one or more of those symptoms is present along with a brown, green, or bloody discharge, that can be anywhere from thin and runny to a thick sludge, chances are it's an infection. The most common reason for ear inflammation in dogs is allergies. An allergic response to food or something in the environment can cause inflammation anywhere throughout your pet's body, including the ears. A dog with allergy-related ear inflammation will shake their head a lot and also scratch incessantly at their ears. It is also common for them to butt their head along your legs or furniture in an attempt to relieve their discomfort. If you notice your dog doing any of these things be sure to check their ears for any signs of irritation, redness, odor, and/or swelling. Another cause of ear inflammation is moisture. This is commonly known as "swimmer's ear." It’s very common during the warmer months when dogs are playing in the water more. For those of us in So Cal, that’s year-round. Your dog can also be at higher risk if you live in a humid, rainy climate. Wetness and moisture in the ear canals, coupled with a warm body temperature, can create an infection quicker than flies can collect on a can of soda left in the sun. It's extremely crucial to thoroughly dry your dog's ears each time they come out of the water or are groomed. -Particularly if you have a high-risk breed! The third major reason for ear problems is wax buildup. The presence of some earwax is healthy and normal, and, just like humans, different dogs have varying amounts. Some dogs, like my first Pug Raisin, need their ears cleaned 2x's daily. My current Pug Olive is fine with a quick weekly cleaning. 😀 Certain breeds, such as English & French Bulldogs, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Poodles, and Retrievers, in general, produce more earwax. If you have one of these breeds, you should get your dog accustomed to having their ears cleaned regularly from the time they’re a puppy. Ear infections typically involve the outer canal, which is actually very deep. The medical term used for these infections is "otitis externa." An infection that frequently recurs or never really clears, is termed, "chronic otitis." There are a number of things that can cause these infections including:
If your dog has an ear infection, it's very important to identify whether it's a bacterial or fungal infection, (or both), in order to treat the problem. Bacterial infections of the ear are the most common. They can either be pathogenic, which is a bacterial picked up from a source OUTSIDE the body, such as contaminated ocean water. Or, non-pathogenic, which is a bacteria that normally lives in your dog's body, like staph. Any bacteria can become overgrown and quickly cause an infection. Fungal ear infections in dogs are most commonly caused by yeast. This is the type of ear infection that constantly plagued my pug Raisin. Some yeast is always present in the bodies of animals. When the immune system isn't in prime condition, (from extreme stress, overuse of antibiotics or eating a diet high in starchy carbs), the fungus can grow out of control and cause an infection. Most dogs prone to yeast infections need to have their ears cleaned and dried frequently. I would also recommend a fresh, wet, grain-free, low-carb, diet. As well as good probiotics. How To Prevent Ear Infections in Your Dog: Unfortunately, pugs are much more prone to ear infections than many other breeds. If you’re a pug parent (or have another susceptible breed) YOU MUST BE DILIGENT and check their ears daily. Any dirt, wax, or whatnot, left in the ear canal can bring on a raging infection quicker than norovirus spreads on a cruise ship. If your dog's ears aren't squeaky clean, WASH THEM. An ounce of prevention is worth a TON of money in saved vet bills! If you have a dog getting frequent ear infections, ask your vet for an anti-fungal ear rinse. For everyday use, there are many excellent ear solutions available in pet stores or you can easily make this one at home for far less money:
Apply a generous amount of solution to a cotton ball, round, or sterile gauze. (Never use a Q-tip inside the ear canal as it can damage or rupture the eardrum.) Gently wipe the ears clean. You may need to repeat and use several cotton balls to adequately clean the ears. Once the cotton is clear of any dirt and wax, you are finished. This should do the trick for most dogs, but if you have a dog with heavy wax buildup, like my Raisin, I would do the following ear cleansing routine and I would ask your vet for a stronger medicated rinse until it’s under control.
***If you suspect your pup might possibly have an ear infection, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately! -DON’T WAIT! *** Should your sweetie be suffering from an infection they may require antibiotics and/or special medicated cleaning solutions. Letting an infection go untreated can lead to rupture of the eardrum and further complications. If your dog is being treated for an ear infection it’s even more important to keep the ears clean. Adding topical medication to dirty, waxy, ears filled with gunk will just be adding fuel to the fire. Extra moisture and warmth will allow the bacteria to spread like ants at a picnic. Also, the medication will not easily reach and penetrate the infected tissue. If your vet diagnoses your dog with a bacterial ear infection, make sure they determine the EXACT STRAIN and course of treatment. This will be extremely helpful if your dog has re-current infections and/or develops a resistance to certain antibiotics. And, just like with humans, it is extremely important to finish any medication your veterinarian prescribes. Don't try and save a few bucks by stopping the course of treatment early and stashing the extra medication. This can lead to the regrowth of resistant organisms and eventually make them completely ineffective. Currently there are many strains of bacteria causing ear infections that are resistant to many (if not all) conventional medications. I recommend adding some probiotics to replace the healthy bacteria being destroyed by antibiotics. A few tablespoons of plain Kefir or goat’s milk is ideal and can be found where milk and yogurt drinks are sold. Also, Nulo pet foods offer low-carb, high-protein jerky treats made with patented, viable, probiotics. These will replace good bacteria being destroyed by the medication and keep your dog’s gut healthy. -A healthy gut means a healthy, strong immune system. If your dog’s ear issues are driving you nuts, I HEAR YOU! These tips should be a game-changer. Not only for the health and comfort of your dog, but also for your bank account! Happy Easter! Happy Spring! Pugs and kisses!🐾💕 If you’d like recommendations on products I use, please watch my YouTube videos or reach out to me. FROM COVID 19 TO THE ROARING 20’s...A Post-Pandemic Pug Party Was a Perfect End to a RUFF Year3/23/2021  By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt All eyes were on us! I felt like royalty as my dapper husband dressed in a Versace suit (that’s been collecting dust in the closet since our wedding) helped me out of the car. Outfitted in a vintage gown, jeweled high-heels, and a black and white faux fur and feather coat, we were quite out of the norm for a mid-afternoon spring day in the country. And it just got better! The second our adorable black pug Olive, jumped out of the car, every bystander’s mouth dropped (and cellphone came out.) Olive was wearing a pearl necklace and show-stopping, pink glitter gigantic bow harness from the Christian Cowan couture collection for Moshiqa. This ensemble was made popular by celebrities like Lady Gaga and Paris Hilton. Our family was dressed to the 9’s,10’s and in this case, “roaring 20’s!” For someone who has spent the better part of a year holed up at home in sweats and Pug PJ’s, I jumped (and barked) at the chance to attend a “live and in-person” Pug event! My husband, feeling somewhat self conscious at all the attention asked, “are you SURE we’re supposed to dress up too and it’s not just the dogs?” Knowing our “pug peeps” and the year we’re stepping out of, I was certain they too would be going all out. The occasion was Chai the Pug’s 5th “Great Gatsby” birthday celebration. When last year’s highly anticipated soirée fell victim to CoVid-19, an appropriately themed “roaring 20’s PAWTY” was on the calendar the minute the city moved into the red zone. We walked into a dream that was well-worth the wait. And the commute! Chai is the “Pug-spiration” behind The Chai Coffee Co. A quaint cafe about two hours (make that four in traffic) from LA in the Historical District of Yucaipa. With emporiums, sweet shoppes and cherry blossom trees lining the charming street, one feels as though they stepped back to a simpler time. A time when everybody knew more about their neighbors than just their on-line profiles. For this occasion, The Chai Coffee Co. had been transformed into a scene straight out of the Great Gatsby. Small jeweled lamps, beads, and Art Deco frames graced each table. Jazz music played. Several themed backdrops for InstaGram pics were set up. But the highlight was a large table featuring a jaw-dropping cake in the likeness of flapper pug, Chai. To my husband’s relief, the place was packed with many of our beloved pug family, and everyone was impeccably outfitted for the occasion. And then there were the pugs! Imagine nearly 35 poshly dressed pups in tuxedos and bowlers, flapper gowns, sequins ball gowns, pearls and feathered headbands. Funny enough, the canines seemed to be enjoying the fancy dress festivities as much as the humans. We quickly got the party in full swing with a game of musical chairs to the tune, “Who Let The Dog’s Out!” Pugs were held in the arms of their humans although several eliminated pugs chose to stay in the game and play follow-the-leader. Guests were treated to Chai’s amazing coffee, beverage and food concoctions while the hosts deliberated on who would win the prize for “Best Dressed!” The favorite game for the pugs was filling small bowls with whip cream and seeing who could devour it the fastest. My little Olive had to sit that one out. When it comes to food, her resource guarding issues can come out faster than you can say “woof!” and she often lives up to the name sake “bitch!” The party was a FUN-draiser for The Pug Queen who rescues pugs. Many of the pugs in attendance were adopted from her. Recently she received an influx of Pugs rescued from the China meat trade and they needed costly medical attention. In addition to donations, a raffle was held with gift cards and must-have pug paraphernalia. Then came the highly anticipated cutting of the cake. The Chai flapper-pug cake was a true work of art. This creation could’ve easily “taken-the-cake” as the winner of TV’s “Cake Wars.” While the guests serenaded the happy birthday song, Chai sat patiently in front of her cake. Her trademark tongue hanging perfectly out the side of her mouth. And so was ours! Everyone gasped when the knife made the first cut. It seemed to beautiful to destroy. One taste and that thought went right out the window. The cake was every bit as delicious as it was impressive. It took the will power of a super hero not to eat myself into a diabetic coma. The party cake, cookies, pup cakes and treats were the creation of Crystal, owner of Divine K-9 Treats. Not only is Crystal a talented baker but she’s also a Purple Heart Air Force Veteran and brain tumor survivor. It melted my heart watching Chai and her friends decimate their cake. If ever there was a moment made for video, this was it! In fact, writing about this soirée is a bit like writing about your favorite song without listening to it. Although my pug community did our best to stay connected over this past year, it didn’t come close to actually being together. I realized how much I’ve missed seeing friends and all the great things we do. Chai’s post-pandemic pug party was a perfect way to celebrate life getting back to normal after a very “ruff” year. Pugs and kisses on your 5th birthday Chai. Thank you for sharing your special day with us.  by Katy Cable, TWR A 3 min. Read What you put in your dog's dish is the single most important thing you can do for their health and well-being It's a major deal. You're either promoting health and healing or destroying it every time you feed your pet. This is so important and such a hot topic I've decided to break things down into small "kibble-sized" pieces. I became a pet blogger because I saw a HUGE need for quick, simple, easy, tips that would often save pet parents "a house payment in vet bills!" These blogs are based solely on MY experiences, research, observations and testimonials I have received. I want to help you be a better pet parent by knowing the real deal and not making the same costly mistakes I did. Now, just like the song "Do-Re-Me" from The Sound of Music says, "Let's start at the very beginning..." When it comes to pet food it starts and ends with knowing how to READ A PET FOOD LABEL. Don't be misled by commercials, displays, fancy marketing, celebrities and all the hype around particular pet foods. Many companies are putting far more dollars into the outside of the bag than what's going in. My recommendation is pretend all pet foods you are considering are in "brown paper packages tied up with strings...." (Another SOM reference) Then just read the ingredients on the labels and research who manufactures the food. While the ingredient list alone won't tell you about the food's true sourcing, neither will the slick bag. You need to do your homework and research these companies. Find out who owns them; How many lawsuits and recalls have they had; Where are their ingredients sourced, and what kind of reviews do they have. A lot of trickery goes into pet food marketing and people are often horrified to learn what's really hidden in their pet's food. For an in-depth look at this information and a source for a lot of my research visit. The Truth About Pet Food http://truthaboutpetfood.com/ If you want to truly understand how the pet food industry works I encourage you to watch the incredible documentary film: PET FOOLED (http://www.petfooled.com/) and read my other pet food blogs. In a nutshell, you will learn pet food has become a great opportunity for big primarily candy and cereal companies to make billions on their waste that cannot be used or sold in their human products. In an effort to control costs and sell garbage, they've created brilliant marketing campaigns convincing everyone from vets to pet parents that a bag of highly processed, dry kibble is ideal, life-long nutrition for their pets. But it gets so, so, SO much worse. A complete lack of adequate regulation and safety practices allows many substitutions with ingredients. -Often resulting in deadly consequences. As long as the ratios and ingredients are listed properly, it's basically: ANYTHING GOES! When the pet food company’s negligence is met with lethal consequences, they typically get away with paying out a few bucks and some bad PR. Such was the case with the huge pet food scandal in 2007, This disaster, which killed thousands and thousands of pets, saw companies scrambling to do damage control. Not long after, new marketing was in place, and it was business as usual. Hills Science Diet had serious problems with 44 of their regular and prescription formulas containing toxic vitamin D levels. Bad enough it happened ONCE, but these serious incidents have happened repeatedly for nearly TWO YEARS since February 2018. Yet it still flies of the shelves at the recommendation of many vets. Fortunately, small companies wanting to do things better, have sprung up and started taking a bite out of these giant's market share. This has resulted in forcing these big corporate pet food companies to offer healthier options such as: "grain-free" , "No GMO's" "organic" and including higher quality ingredients. But, are they? In many cases pet food giants gobble up some of these smaller competitors and keep the packaging exactly the same, so you never know. Then the cost-cutting begins. Typically, it starts with switching out ingredients for less-expensive options. Most consumers never know they’re favorite brand is now owned by a huge corporation. One example of this is the brand Castor & Pollux which promotes organic, farm-raised fresh ingredients: Typically, pet parents purchasing this food are horrified to learn that as of 2015, this once top-of-the-line pet-food is now owned and operated by Purina. It's no accident you will not see that information on the bag. If you shop for pet food at the grocery store or a big box pet store, or if you turn on a TV you will see all the well-known brands. Understand that most are owned by Mars: (Royal Canine/Nutro/Greenies/Eukanuba.) Nestle: (Purina brands such as Merrill and Castor & Pollux.) Smuckers:(Natural Balance) and General Mills: (Blue Buffalo.) I also stay away from celebrity brands.I love Rachel Ray, but she’s definitely not formulating and cooking pet foods. She likely doesn’t even use her own pet products. Rather, she is paid handsomely to lend her name to promote a line of food typically owned and operated by one of these huge conglomerates. Again, check out the ingredients and the manufacturer/parent company first. I pay close attention to small brands in big stores. I also visit independent pet retailers and check out what brands they carry. Ask them questions. They tend to research and do their vetting on products. Here's why: If a pet food has a major deadly recall, (and in the past few years there were many.) A big box company or grocer may feel a sting, but a local retailer could very well go out of business. Smaller independent retailers simply cannot afford to risk their livelihoods and reputations.1 As you pull those bags, or cans off the shelf, (bring those readers so you can see the fine print) keep in mind, ingredients are listed by weight PRIOR to cooking. So when you see a label saying, "Chicken is the #1 ingredient!" If you plop that chicken on a scale then cook off all the water and fat, it loses between 50-75% of its weight. Therefore, while it's great to feature chicken as the #1 ingredient, more important are the #2 and #3 ingredients. Another tip is: look for more specifics: DEBONED, chicken, verses MEAT or POULTRY (-WAYYYYY to vague!) Worse yet is beef/chicken/salmon FLAVOR. While dogs are scavenging omnivores that eat a variety of things that would turn our stomachs, "by-products" "remnants" or "rendered meats" are also things I run away from. I also stay clear of any fish ingredients unless I completely trust the company's sourcing. Fish in particular can have high levels of mercury and may be rancid or contaminated. It's far too dangerous. More and more people are fooled by the "grain-free" hype. Corn, brewer's rice, white rice and potatoes are often even higher in carbohydrates and can be just much MORE irritating to a dog than many grains. Ancient grains such as oats and quinoa are a far better option. The ratios of carbohydrates to animal/poultry/fish proteins and the quality of the ingredients is of utmost important. I look for humanely, sustainably sourced foods, with 2-3 animal/fish/poultry proteins before I see carbs. I also choose low-glycemic carbs such as sweet potatoes, peas, quinoa and lentils over white rice and potatoes. To finish off, I want to list ingredients to avoid at all costs. If you see these "no-no's" on your pet food label it will clue you in to the quality and care going into the food in general. AVOID PET FOODS THAT: ❌List potato, soy, corn, rice or any other grain or plant-based protein as the first or second ingredient. ❌Use two different types of listings for the same grain or starch (i.e: corn, corn-gluten meal/potato, potato-starch.) ❌Use any by-products, renderings, unidentified fish, poultry or animal products. (i.e: animal meal, meats, meat meal, fish meal, poultry by-products, poultry remnants, poultry by-product meal, animal fat, poultry fat.) ❌Contains known carcinogens: BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin, dyes or flavors. ❌Sugars such as fructose, sucrose, dextrose, cellulose, tapioca, corn syrup, molasses. I think many of you will be quite surprised to see that some well-known and pricey foods are comprised of nothing more than inexpensive fillers and poor quality meat protein. Hopefully, you will also find some great new foods that offer much more bang (and health) for your buck. If you have any questions, or want suggestions, feel free to message me. Whatever you choose, you can stretch your dollar and GREATLY increase your pets health by incorporating your own fresh fruits, veggies, and meats to your pet's food.⚠️ Happy shopping and "BONE" Appetite! 😜🐾 ⚠️ALWAYS add new foods ONE-AT-A-TIME and very slowly (10% or less per day) making sure pets can tolerate. ☠️ Never feed dogs: ☠️ onions/garlic/chocolate/alcohol/fruits with pits/raisins/grapes/currants/macadamia nuts/foods with salt-sugar-sauces/sugarless candies-gum-peanut butter or foods containing Xylitol.3 Social media: #susan thixton @TAPF @nulo @petfooled #kohl Harrington 🐶Watch my PET FOOD SERIES anytime on YouTube. Segments run approx 10 min. Also Message me your ??’s 😜 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt One of my guilty pleasures is the super-natural. Psychics, mediums, tarot cards, fortune tellers, even the Ouija Board.... I’ll admit, I’m OBSESSED. Some of my favorite shows are The Long Island Medium, Tyler Henry, the movie BIG! I love ‘em all! When Liz Murdoch, a Los Angeles based pet psychic reached out on LinkedIn, and invited Olive and me to be guests on her popular podcast, "Talking With The Dogs!" we jumped (and barked) at the chance. On occasion, I’d seen shows using dogs to locate missing persons. I’d also seen mediums give people messages from pets that had crossed over. But to get a reading on a current, living pet, that was something totally new! Anyone who spends five minutes on my site, “The Weekly Runt” will learn my background and how I found Olive. In addition, most of my blogs are personal stories pertaining to relevant pet issues. I figured doing a reading on Olive would be as predictable as a 70 degree, sunny day in LA. I walked into this experience a huge skeptic. Beginning in Kindergarten Murdoch remembers having a unique connection with animals. For show-and-tell, a classmate brought in their pet standard poodle. Murdoch instinctively knew what the dog was thinking and their mood. This sparked her interest and she begged her parents for a dog of her own. Two years later, a family move made that dream a reality. Not long after getting her first dog, she was competing against adults and winning blue ribbons in Dog Obedience at fairs. Years later, while recovering from a traumatic car accident, Murdoch paid a visit to the Humane Society and adopted Sam, a black Lab puppy she immediately bonded with. Together, they became a certified therapy dog team and made regular visits to children’s hospitals and rehab centers. It was here she cut her teeth as an intuitive pet whisperer and realized her unique gifts went far behind training and obedience. Murdoch went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Education and continuing studies in Animal Communication from Columbia University. In addition to her popular podcast, she’s a frequent guest lecturer and does readings at events, in homes and online. She’s a go-to for many celebrities who call on her for assistance with their pets. Our podcast was scheduled for the early afternoon at a studio out in Burbank. It was located in an industrial part of town with low-key, unmarked store fronts. Typically these facades hide high-profile film and TV production being created inside. Good luck finding a Starbucks in this part of town. Not many buildings had numbers and I felt I needed a psychic to find where we were going! It was an eerie day right out of a super-natural scene in a movie. Unusually warm for a January afternoon, -even in SoCal. Once we arrived on the desolate block, out of nowhere, huge super-bursts of wind began kicking up sending random furniture and trash cans flying out into the street. It was as if ghosts were causing a stir around our car. Olive suddenly woke from her nap and began frantically barking at whatever loomed outside. This seemed very odd. Once we found the studio, Murdoch greeted us at the door and buzzed us in. She had a kind loving smile and energy making me immediately feel right at home. Olive did as well. After rubbing against her pant legs like a cat, my normally tentative Pug, raced right into the recording studio. She wasted no time making herself at home on a chair directly behind the microphone. This seemed extremely out of character. “Olive is very excited! She wants to tell her story!” Murdoch chimed. That seemed obvious but again, Olive rarely acts that enthusiastic about anything She can’t put in her mouth and devour! After a few quick selfies, we got underway with the podcast. Murdoch began by watching Olive, while scribbling symbols, words and pictures on the notepad in front of her. Just like I’d seen Tyler Henry do. She told me how excited Olive was to share HER story. “She doesn’t want people to feel sorry for her. She’s very proud of her story!” I was calling B-S on the comments and thought, this isn’t anything uncommon. Based in Olive’s behavior, any perceptive person could’ve come to this conclusion. And then something happened. Murdoch began gesturing areas of her own body and asking me very specific questions about Olive that have not been addressed in my blogs. Unless she somehow obtained Olive’s vet records she would never have known these particulars. No “spoiler alert” You’ll have to listen to the podcast if you want to learn Olive’s story from HER prospective. I will tell you, something shifted. Within 5 minutes of starting the podcast I was completely surprised at how overcome with emotion I became. It was a good thing Murdoch was doing all the talking since I had a lump in my throat that felt like a wet gym sock. Tears began streaming down my cheeks while Murdoch conveyed interesting specifics on what Olive wanted to tell me. When I glanced at Olive she would cock her head when Murdoch spoke. I could see in her eyes and body language, this was the real deal and quite incredible! I don’t expect people to understand. Some things just can’t be conveyed in a blog or podcast. You can’t witness Olive’s unusual behavior or feel the strange surge of energy that made me overcome with emotion. If I hadn’t experienced it myself, I would’ve quickly written this whole thing off. Another ”cheesy, bull-sh—ty” LA frivolity right up there with $15 CBD bath bombs and bottled collagen water. Now my logical brain had some questions. The first was, could Murdoch communicate with pets that have crossed over to Rainbow Bridge. The answer was an overwhelming “YES!” She then filled me in on some questions I had about my beloved first pug, Raisin. The next question I had was whether or not she could talk to other animals, -like Dr Doolittle. First off, Murdoch made it known she isn’t a fan of that movie. While she has nothing against the actors or story, she is adamant that pets don’t communicate like that at all. (By that I mean talking in English, or other languages, with funny human voices.) Murdoch can and does do readings on cats, horses, hampsters, bearded dragons and even snakes. So, yes she is a regular Dr Doolittle herself. I asked what type of situations people reach out to her for. She said gets a wide range of requests. Some are from people with a new pet they want to understand. Or a pet with behavior issues they can’t control. People reach out trying to help pets that are injured or sick and not acting normal. Murdoch also frequents animal shelters and does assessments helping people make more compatible adoption choices. And sadly, some people want to know if a pet is ready to cross to Rainbow Bridge. Good news, if you’re curious about your own pet, you don’t need to travel to LA to get a reading with Murdoch. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home. She is readily available for readings via the internet. All you have to do is supply a photo of your pet and book a convenient time. And of course her podcast is available for you anytime. If you ARE in the LA area, Murdoch attends lots of events and does readings. Check my events page or her social media to find out her schedule. I’d like to give a great big thank you to Liz for having us as guests. It changed my view on “animal communicators” and it was a bonding experience I will never forget. I hope you’ll check out the podcast and let me know what your thoughts are. Do you believe? Pugs and kisses! -Katy & Olive  By Katy Cable- TWR Poor King! The black Lab puppy was in agony! He lay on the floor of the pet store, moaning while incessantly licking and gnawing at his swollen, red paws. He shook his head as if to try and relieve the discomfort of his foul-smelling ears. His fur was brittle and crusty with numerous bald patches. Equally distressed was King’s dad, “I don’t know what else to do! The vet said to add grains to his diet but he seems to be getting worse every day!” he explained. My interaction with King isn’t uncommon. In the past five years working with pet parents, I have seen the demand for "grain-free" pet foods make a meteoric rise only to drop like a lead balloon due to a DCM scare. When discussing pet foods with people, the first thing they typically request is either food with grains or without. So, what’s the difference? Is "grain-free" really better? And what about this DCM issue? In July of 2019, an alert was issued by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) warning grain free diets may be linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM.) DCM is a disease of the dog's heart muscle that results in weakened contractions and poor pumping ability. It can lead to enlarged heart and congestive heart failure. Even death. And then came the backlash! Suddenly every pet parent, usually on the insistence of their vet, wanted a grain-inclusive pet food. I was extremely concerned, and began investigating the report. The report begins by naming the breeds of dogs most commonly affected by DCM as well as the brand and type of foods (kibble, wet, moist, raw, unknown) fed. The first thing that struck me was all the pet food brands listed were relatively popular, high-end, quality brands. I found it strange there wasn’t one mention of a low-rated, inexpensive, pet-food brand listed. The FDA researchers observed that most of the DCM cases were associated with dogs eating DRY, GRAIN-FREE, foods. (That seems logical since far more dog owners feed dry-food and most options available today are marketed as “grain-free.”) The report failed to list any information or statistics of how dogs were reacting when using other brands of pet foods. I highly doubt dogs eating the 2 top foods named (Acana & Zignature) were fairing more poorly than dogs on Beneful, or Kibbles-n-Bits. In fact, the Acana/Zignature feeder is likely more educated on pet food, willing to spend more money on their pet’s food and visits their vet more frequently for routine care. They may also be more prone to own the breeds of dogs more prevalent to get DCM. This report had more holes in it than Swiss cheese The report goes on to say, “It’s important to note that the reports include dogs that have eaten grain-free and grain-containing foods and also include vegetarian or vegan formulations. They also include all forms of diets. Kibble, canned, raw and home-cooked.” “Therefore, we do not think these cases can be explained simply by whether or not they contain grains or by brand or manufacturer.” (This was written and underlined in RED TYPE!) My biggest takeaway of this scare was the following: “To put this issue into proper context, the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that they are 77 million pet dogs in the United States. As of April 30, 2019, the FDA has received reports about 560 dogs diagnosed with DCM suspected to be linked to diet. Tens of millions of dogs have been eating dog food without developing DCM.” (This was also written and underlined in RED TYPE) So, there it is! The whole study was nothing more than BOGUS HYPE! Designed to put the fear of God into pet parents, sell certain dog foods and sell news. I wouldn’t be surprised if a big brand pet-food company, feeling the pinch of some of these competitors taking market share, was behind the whole scare. Now you might be completely confused as to which option of pet food to choose. My advice remains the same as when I began blogging and discussing "grain-free" diets way back in 2015. -Before they were even A THING! When selecting a food for your pet, whether it’s wet, dry, “grain-free” or “grain-inclusive”, the FIRST THING I advise is, READ THE LABELS! Grain-Free" doesn’t mean “Carb-Free!” Funny enough, many pet foods marketed as "grain-free" contain even higher amounts of carbs, or “sugars.” They may contain more corn, soy, rice and vegetable proteins than foods that contain grain. Therefore, a “grain-free” pet food can often be a LESS HEALTHY option. Dogs and cats thrive on animal, fish and game protein. They do however, need a variety of trace minerals and vitamins found in veggies. Meat is expensive, and labor intensive, so, pet foods often keep prices low by adding corn, rice and potatoes as MAIN INGREDIENTS. Although “grain-free”, ingredients such as: white potatoes, white rice, soybeans, and corn, quickly turn to glucose in the system and cause surges in blood sugar. That’s why many dogs eat and eat and eat without feeling satisfied. It’s no different than the CRASH that happens after consuming a bag of potato chips or a candy bar. Dogs typically pack on the pounds and all the health issues that go with it. Our pets are literally getting obese and starving to death at the same time. The most important thing to consider when selecting ANY pet food, is choosing one that lists premium meat proteins as the first two or three ingredients. Read some pet food labels and you’ll notice several popular brands that substitute nearly all the animal protein with high-carb, starchy, plant-based protein. They charge a premium for nothing more than a “grain-free” bag of corn, brewers rice, wheat gluten and some poor-quality meat “by-product” meal. But the beautiful dog on the package and commercials reel consumers in every time. If the first two or three ingredients are meats, THEN, look for low-glycemic carbs (grain-free or grain-inclusive) to round out the nutritional platform. Peas, oats, quinoa, lentils and sweet potatoes, don’t convert to sugar as quickly, but they're still NOT A SUBSTITUTE for animal protein. I think you may be surprised at what you find. Many popular, expensive foods are quite high in sugars and others can be terrific options. Last week while making a visit to one of my regular pet stores, I had a real thrill. I was nearly knocked over when, out of nowhere, a beautiful, energetic, black Lab puppy came racing over to me. While he was whimpering and smothering me with doggie kisses, when his owner appeared. Then I made the connection. The dog was KING! He had made an amazing transformation and was thriving on his new food. Next to winning the SuperLotto, nothing could’ve made me happier! One thing is certain, regardless of whether you prefer your pet’s food with grains or without, there are many excellent choices and many horrible ones. What you put in your dog’s bowl is either keeping them healthy or making them sick. I can help you make the best choices. My website offers lots of valuable information to help you. You’ll find over 100 blogs and videos on a variety of popular topics. Plus I’m happy to answer and questions or provide some recommendations. Bone Appetit! -Katy 🐾🐾❤️ 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾 *For those of you who wish to read the report in it’s entirety, here’s the link: DOG FOOD ADVISORY REPORT  By Katy Cable-TWR / A 4 min. read CoVid19 pretty much took a dump on 2020, but just a couple weeks shy of the lockdown, “Pug-aholics” from around the globe gathered in Las Vegas for our annual pilgrimage. Little did we know, our world was about to come unglued. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but in my case, PUGS are! Feeling horribly depressed as my recent birthday hit me like a slap in the face, my amazing husband gave me the gift of a lifetime. He kindly agreed to accompany me to the annual Las Vegas Pug Party. A weekend adventure equivalent to Coachella for Pug lovers! Pugs from the around the globe including social media “PUG-lebrities”: Minnie & Max Pugs, (@minniemaxpugs) Surf Gidget the Pug, (@surf_gidget_the_pug), Milo & Otis the Pugs,(@otisthepugwalsh) and the new baby sister to the late Chubbs the Wampug, (@chubbsthewampug) Ms Worldwide, converged on Las Vegas for a “Pug-a-Palooza” of our own. Typically having a child or pet with you in “Sin-City” will make you as welcome as a rash, but we a found a perfect base camp at an all-suite hotel right off the Vegas strip and took over the town. The weekend kicks off with nearly 100 pugs and their peeps boarding a fleet of party buses and heading to the infamous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign for a group picture. It’s “Pugs-Gone-Wild” and this year was no exception. The darling pugs, dressed to the nines, doing their version of “lap & pole” dances, had us crying in hysterics!. Several became viral TikToks which will live in infamy. Following our heroic efforts to gather over 100 people and their pugs for a group photo, it was off to enjoy dinner. It takes a lot to stand out in Vegas, but the controlled chaos caravan of pugs did just that. Hundreds of pugs parading down the strip in strollers and canine contour was definitely the talk of the town on that night! The pugs gave the superheros and showgirls a run for their money and were by-far the most sought-after photo-opp! And what could have been “dog-gone” madness, with crazed dogs running amuck and lifting legs with abandon, was instead a group of purrrrectly behaved Pugs. Unlike toddlers throwing temper-tantrums, there were no screaming-crying melt-downs with our fur babies. The Pugs were quite happy flopping around as food tidbits from our meals fell to the ground like a spring rain. And did I mention how dog-gone cute they looked in their fabulous attire! The following morning we rose at the crack of dawn to brave the sweltering heat for a hike at picturesque Red Rock Canyon. Pugs aren’t known for their hiking agility. These stocky, bowling-ball shaped dogs are more likely to tumble down a hill than climb up one. With temps soaring in the high 90’s, most pugs preferred sleeping like rocks in their comfy, luxurious, all-terrain wheeled strollers. Friday night’s “Pugs, Pizza, & Pajamas” party was a sell-out with over 165 pugs invading every square inch of the hotel lobby. Tripping over pups romping in their festive pug-jamas was the cutest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on! Pugs had the option of indulging in bites of whatever their human would share, or could stick to their “summer-body diets” and enjoy grain-free, low-carb, lamb, beef & turkey “aPAW-tizers” sponsored by Nulo pet foods. Guests were treated to sWAG bags filled with amazing pet products including organic pet shampoo, designer poopy bags, CBD treats and promo items from some of the famous Pugs. The evening concluded with a champagne toast to Chubbs and other pets who have left us for Rainbow Bridge. Early Saturday morning, my Pug, Olive and I headed to the “Pugs in the Park” meetup while hubby took in a much needed-round of golf. Hundreds of pug-obsessed locals joined the “Pugs Take Vegas” weekenders at a beautiful dog park for “mutt-mingling” and photo-opps with their favorite “pug-lebrities!” My pug Olive and I had the pleasure of hitching a ride to the meetup on Surf Gidget the Pug’s pimped-out tour bus. Her Sprinter included plush carpet, a mini-fridge, toilet, designer beds and even her own pug-sized convertible parked inside. Her ride was nicer than many apartments. Later that afternoon, back at the hotel, a raffle was held with must-have pug “para-FURnalia!” Everything from signed artwork, to books, pillows, posters and pottery, created competitive bidding wars. Proceeds from the weekend event and raffle raised nearly $20,000 for several pug rescues. The weekend’s headlining event was Saturday night’s Pug Wedding officiated by Elvis himself. It was everything you’d expect from a Vegas wedding and a lot more. Fancy wedding cakes for canines and humans adorned the beautifully decorated hall. Guests and pugs were lavishly outfitted for matrimony. Pugs were marrying other pugs. People were marrying pugs, and everyone was getting in the act celebrating love and friendship. Elvis serenaded us through the entire experience with favorite hits like “Hound Dog” and “Love Me Tender!” Come Sunday morning everyone was “dog-tired” as we dragged ourselves to the weekend’s farewell brunch. The venue was packed with pugs dressed in their finest “Sunday Brunch Attire.” While a few pranced around the room posing for Instagram pictures, most were tucked into their luxury strollers sleeping soundly. That is until the candied bacon and eggs hit the table. With tears in our eyes (partly from pet allergies and no sleep) we said our goodbyes and promised to keep in touch via social media. My depression over having another birthday and turning another year older, had melted faster than a snow-cone in July. I learned getting old sure beats dying young. Age is just a number! As for wrinkles, well they’re an adorable pug trademark. From now on, my birthdays would be celebrated by attending the Vegas Pug Weekend and they would be highly anticipated events. Two weeks later the world went into lockdown. Things got very scary and unpredictable. Life as we knew it got turned upside down. This year’s 2020 Las Vegas Pug Party was another casualty of CoVid 19. As sad as that was, I’m so very grateful to have all my treasured memories and many new friends to help get me through a difficult time. Plus, the next Vegas Pug Party will certainly be one for the record books. To enjoy more videos and photos of this event and find out about more fun activities, Including The Vegas Pug Party 2021, follow me on social media and sign up to receive my weekly blog.  By Katy Cable-TWR A 4 min Read As Black History Month comes to an end, I decided to look into whether there was any truth to the urban myth that black pets are harder to find homes for and get euthanized more often. I was surprised and saddened to learn this is actually true. Research from a variety of sources shows that black pets do typically sit in shelters longer and are often harder to find homes for. I know many people are superstitious about black dogs and cats, but as the owner of “little black Olive the Pug” I’m a huge fan of an all-black pup. As a matter of fact, I’m not alone; For not a day goes by without somebody telling me how much they adore and want a black dog or cat. While they’re many wonderful things about having a black beauty, here are my top five reasons NOT to be “Puppy Prejudice!” 1. BEST DRESSED: As someone OBSESSED with fashion you can’t beat a black dog. Especially when it comes to dressing them. From hot pink to royal blue. Stripes, polka dots and bling collars all POP and look amazing on a black pet. 2. A BEAUTIFUL BLACK COAT: Their fur is sleek with a beautiful sheen. Photographers always love to use them as models. Plus, there’s far less shedding with a black dog. When you do love them up, their dark fur often blends right in and is far less noticeable than fur that’s lighter in color. 3. BLACK NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE! Whether it’s cars, jackets or a little black dress, you can never go wrong with black. 4. BLACK DOGS LOOK CLEANER LONGER. Fetching a toy in the dirt, or a splash in a puddle can turn a lighter dog 50 shades of filthy. While a black dog needs cleaning like any other dog, you can certainly go much longer without them looking like they need a bath. 5. BLACK DOGS ARE THE MOST LOVING. Perhaps it’s because they have sat in shelters longer, but black dogs are some of the most loving pets you’ll find. Some breeds of black dogs like Pugs, Labs, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels also make the best family dogs. Dogs, just like people, are unique. They come in a variety of breeds, shapes, sizes and idiosyncrasies. Let’s embrace that. Whether you chose a dog whose fur is black, brindle, grey, white, red, a mix, or they have no fur at all, isn’t important. Our dogs warm our hearts and teach us everyday. We can disagree with someone on everything from music to politics to whether or not Bigfoot exists, but the minute we see they’re a dog owner, none of that matters. We instantly forget our differences and connect over how much we treasure our dogs. In these heated you times when there’s so much division, let’s follow the lead of our dogs and be more loving and accepting of others. And if you’re considering a new pet, go consider that broken soul hoping for a chance to cherish and adore you. Pugs and kisses! -Katy 🐾  By Katy Cable/TWR A 3 min. Read 💕 February is Doggy Dental Health Care month and believe it or not, neglecting this crucial element of your pup’s overall health can be deadly. Or, lead to a host of other major health issues, here are some very important tips and facts for you to “brush-up” on: I used to think people who brushed their dog's teeth were being a tad obsessive. Then my vet informed me they pulled 13 teeth out of my Pug Raisin's mouth and handed me a bill large enough for me to sink my own teeth into. Right then and there I realized how important doggie dental care is. Unless you're a three-year-old child, you probably wouldn't dream of going day's on end without brushing your teeth. Believe it or not, your dog shouldn't either. When plaque is allowed to accumulate on your dog's teeth, within a few days it hardens into tartar. Tartar adheres to the teeth and irritates the gums. Irritated gums result in an inflammatory condition called gingivitis. Dogs with gingivitis have red rather than pink gums, and stinky breath. If the tartar isn't removed, it builds up under the gums, eventually causing them to pull away from the teeth. This creates small pockets in the gum tissue that trap additional bacteria in the mouth. Once things progress to this stage, your dog will have developed an irreversible condition called periodontal disease, which not only causes considerable pain, but can also result in abscesses, infections, loose teeth, and bone loss. But here's what's really shocking: Should your dog develop periodontal disease, the surface of his gums will be weakened, which can allow mouth bacteria to invade the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. If their immune system doesn't kill off the circulating bacteria, it can reach the heart and infect it with a multitude of serious issues. Some types of bacteria found in the mouths of dogs produce sticky proteins that can adhere to artery walls, causing them to thicken. Mouth bacteria are also known to promote the formation of blood clots that can severely damage the heart. If that's not bad enough, studies have linked periodontal disease in both humans and pets to systemic diseases of the kidneys, liver, and lungs. It can also result in diabetes complications, problems during pregnancy, and even cancer. These serious health problems can either develop or be worsened as inflamed or bleeding gum tissue allows harmful oral bacteria to filter into the bloodstream quicker than a pug can devour a meal. In addition to systemic diseases, infections in the mouth often create other problems including tooth root abscesses, jaw fractures, nasal infections, and in extreme cases, eye loss and oral cancer. If your dog is lucky they may get by with a simple cavity or chipped tooth. That probably scared you enough to start looking for a new doggie toothbrush. And that's good news since most of these conditions can be avoided or greatly improved once good oral hygiene has begun and any dental disease has been resolved. As you can see, your dog's oral hygiene is much more than just an obsessive grooming afterthought. It's an extremely important factor in maintaining your dog's health and longevity. I suggest you begin by talking to your vet and getting a thorough evaluation of your dog's teeth, gums and mouth. In my case, I began daily brushing the second I brought home my new Pug Olive. Now she’s 6 years old and still hasn’t needed professional dental cleanings. Her teeth look great. But with my first Pug Raisin, I learned the hard way. He needed twice-yearly cleanings and major oral surgery to repair just a few years of neglect. Pugs and other "flat-nosed" breeds come genetically disadvantaged in terms of dental health. They seem to have teeth settled in the far reaches of their throats. Not only are they hard to find, but they’re also even harder to clean. Their cramped, flat muzzles and the shape of their mouths make properly cleaning back molars about as easy as resisting homemade brownies straight out of the oven. Again, your vet can recommend possibly adding some tartar-removing sprays, (or check out TEEF) and other products which might be useful. Hopefully, you can get things under control and deep cleaning with anesthesia will not be necessary. Here are a few simple tips for keeping your pet's mouth healthy and introducing the toothbrush:
The next step is to use a safe, natural dental cleaning product designed for pets and apply a small amount to the gauze before you rub your dog's teeth. I am a fan of Oxyfresh products. With minimal time and effort, all that brown gunk around the back teeth comes right off and usually professional cleanings can be avoided. If you don't have canine toothpaste, you can use organic coconut oil. Once they get used to this, you can progress to either a finger brush or a soft toothbrush the right size for their mouth. Remember, the more rubbing and brushing your pet will allow, the more quickly you'll see results, and the easier it will be to maintain dental health. If your furry companion is highly resistant to having their teeth rubbed or brushed, or, in the case of a new rescue/shelter dog that comes with a mouth needing major attention, you can try a new, amazing product called TEEF. Simply add a small pinch of this all-natural, tasteless, odorless powder to your dog’s water each day and BAM! A clean mouth, fresh breath, whiter teeth, and NO MORE harmful bacteria, plaque and tarter. It’s the easiest thing EVER! This product is a game-changer for Pugs or other pets with dental issues. Also, before attempting dental care, consider using CBD treats and oil. This all-natural cannabis works miracles to chill-out an anxious dog. ( Use Code: TWR10 to receive 10% off Paws Effect CBD from my store) ☠️ALERT REGARDING DOGGIE DENTAL TREATS Please be cautious when purchasing doggie dental treats. Many contain harmful if not toxic ingredients. Before You Buy Dental Care Treats, Read The Ingredient List! I see lots of pet parents gravitating to dry kibble and dental treats to keep their dog’s teeth clean. This is a popular misconception. In addition to not containing healthy, species-appropriate ingredients, they are loaded with harmful additives and preservatives. Some of the most popular products such as Milk Bone Brushing Chews and Purina Beneful Healthy Smile Dental Twists contain the synthetic toxic preservatives BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) which are used to prevent fats and oils in food from turning rancid. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program has identified BHA and BHT as cancer-causing agents that consistently produce certain types of tumors in laboratory animals. Unfortunately, the FDA still permits the use of these chemicals as preservatives in food, deeming them "generally recognized as safe" in low doses. In addition, smaller treats that are chewed and swallowed in a matter of seconds provide no real dental benefit for your pet. Remember, even with bones, dental treats, and a healthy diet, it’s still necessary to use TEEF or brush your dog’s teeth. It’s one of the best things you can do to keep your sweetie from becoming “All Bark and No Bite!” 😁 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  y, Katy Cable-TWR A 2 min. Read Is your dog as popular as the middle seat on an airplane? With so many people getting “a new addition” for the holidays, I thought it was important to address this topic. In fact, failing to properly socialize your dog can mean MAJOR headaches for everyone. Why is this such a big deal? Believe it or not, dogs that aren't properly socialized usually display serious behavioral problems making them unsuitable family pets. Nearly half the dogs relinquished to shelters have at least one behavioral problem. The most common being aggression and destructiveness. These traits are usually rooted in fear and anxiety. Hopefully you had the opportunity to begin socializing your dog as a new puppy. But it's never too early to begin exposing them to as many new people, animals, environments and other stimuli as possible. The best way to help your dog handle a variety of new experiences without having them exhibit behavioral problems is this: Each and every day, engage all your dog’s senses through exposure to the sights, sounds, and snells of daily life. In addition, expose them to new ones as often as possible. Being able to trust your dog will handle situations with acceptable behavior brings peace of mind to you and your confident canine! Here are a few suggestions to try with your new dog or puppy that has completed some basic puppy training:
With a little time and attention, you can transform most dogs into “social animals!” Not only will it be fun but you will both end up happier and in better health. 🐾 💕Speaking of “PAW-pular dogs”, big thank you's to Pupstar Sonoma's Roxy, Bono & Blue appearing in one of my all-time favorite photos which I love so much. Here’s a fun clip from their calendar launch PAWTY!  By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt A 4 min. Read Wanna know the difference between mild and severe allergies in dogs? For starters, it's several hundred bucks in vet bills 😜. While the weather, changing seasons and other environmental factors may be partially to blame for your pup’s issues, the main trigger and cause is usually always THEIR FOOD. Identifying the specific food allergen however, can be a daunting, expensive headache. First let's look at what a food allergy is: When a dog is allergic to a food ingredient in their diet, their immune system jumps into overdrive thinking that substance is attaching their body. The body goes to war in the same way it would if exposed to a real danger such as a deadly bacteria. Everyday I see frustrated pet parents trying to help their dogs who are suffering from food allergies. The first thing they frequently tell me is their vet says they're allergic to chicken. When I ask what brand of pet food has been giving them problems, often it’s a dry processed kibble loaded with corn, wheat, grains and gluten. The protein is typically a poor quality rendered poultry, and/or beef that is often pumped with growth hormones, antibiotics and other harmful chemicals. Many times it’s a combination of several different proteins (ie: fish, chicken, beef, duck.) When I switch them to a grain-free, low-glycemic carb, pet food that contains a single, novel protein that’s clean (free-range, grass-fed without antibiotics or hormones), the problems quickly clear up, even if it contains the suspected protein source. Not all pet-foods are created equally! Unfortunately, a high percentage of pet foods use massive amounts of starchy carbs “fillers” and the meat is the leftover, rendered pieces and parts of factory farmed meats. The same try,6. parts not deemed suitable for human consumption. Also there is ample deception in ingredient labeling in pet foods so it can be impossible to find the exact culprit. If your dog has a food allergy, they will typically have symptoms like itchy skin, rashes, and yeasty ear infections. And then there’s horrible gas and runny, smelly stools. There may be vomiting and diarrhea. However, it can often take some time for the immune system and GI tract to be significantly compromised enough for your dog to show digestive disturbances. While most of us use the term "food allergy" to describe the problem, true food allergies, also called “Adverse Food Reactions” are actually quite rare. According to Dr. Jean Dodds, a world-renowned veterinarian and creator of the NutriScan food intolerance test, in all likelihood, it is not an allergy but a food intolerance. A simple description is in the body's immune responses. A true food allergy produces a much harsher, more immediate reaction and a specific type of antibodies. A food intolerance or sensitivity produces a more delayed response of a different type of antibodies. Most conventional veterinarians who suspect a pet is dealing with a food intolerance typically recommend a highly processed “prescription” diet. Holistic vet's often take a different approach which I recommend. If you have a dog or cat over the age of one year who is dealing with a possible food sensitivity, ask your vet about the NutriScan food intolerance test which identifies 24 of the most common foods dogs eat, including: Beef Chicken Millet Soy Pork Rabbit Venison (deer) Barley Rice Sweet potato Salmon Quinoa Chicken eggs Wheat Potato Oatmeal Lamb Lentils (includes peas) Corn Turkey Peanuts/peanut butter Cow's milk Duck White-colored ocean fish (includes menhaden, pollack, herring and sardines) NutriScan is a simple salivary test, and is currently the most accurate food sensitivity test on the market. A simple swab not only takes away all the guesswork but also makes tedious and time consuming elimination diets unnecessary. It's important to note that NutriScan doesn't test for food allergies, but rather food sensitivities and intolerances occurring over the last six months to two years. When dogs eat the same food day after day, year after year they can develop a sensitivity to the protein source. Especially if the food is inexpensive, highly processed, and includes meat pumped full of antibiotics and hormones. This alone can cause the immune system to go into overdrive. Dogs can also grow sensitive to a host of other allergenic ingredients in the food such as the typical culprits: corn, grains, gluten, soy and other carbohydrates. The NutriScan test can quickly identify the specific ingredient(s) in your dog's food which are causing problems. This makes it much easier to revamp your dog's diet and successfully resolve problems. If your dog is experiencing adverse reactions to some aspect of their diet, it is imperative to give their body a break from the food they've been eating. This will give the immune system an opportunity to calm down and hopefully you will see improvement in symptoms. And don’t forget to stop all the treats too! Many times, it’s too many poor quality treats that is causing problems. After determining your pet has a food intolerance, the next step is to slowly introduce a new diet containing ingredients their body isn't familiar with. For example, if your pooch has been eating chicken and rice-kibble since you brought them home, I would suggest trying a salmon and sweet potato or lamb and lentils based food. Most vets suggest switching both the main source of protein as well as the primary carb to achieve the most effective results. I have seen dramatic results by just having pet parents eliminate TREATS, plus grains, corn, gluten and filler ingredients that are common triggers. They continue to thrive when they stay on low-glycemic carb diets that contain clean animal proteins. I have had tremendous success with Nulo pet food which uses free-range, grass fed meats with no hormones or antibiotics, low glycemic carbs and adds powerhouse probiotics. It takes all the guesswork out of it and makes it simple. There are many great foods options available, or you can make your pet’s food yourself. If you need assistance, visit my website where I have lots of blogs to help you select a nutritional, safe pet food. If you are transitioning your pet to a diet, I recommend working with a holistic or integrated veterinarian. To find a list of them in your area visit: http://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/ However, whatever you decide, the following tips from Dr. Karen Becker should be extremely helpful: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 A dog with food sensitivities should remain on a novel diet for a minimum of two months and preferably three, to allow the body time to clear out the allergenic substances and begin the detoxification process. During this period it's important to use good pre and probiotics to build up their inflammatory response in the GI tract. Because each case of food intolerance and dysbiosis is unique, I recommend working with a holistic or integrative veterinarian. Once a patient has completed two to three months on a novel diet, other foods are slowly reintroduced one at a time, and the dog's response is closely monitored. Some dogs show dramatic improvement on the new diet, and in those cases, I often don't rush the reintroduction of food that could be problematic. When the dog is stable and doing well, I encourage dog parents to find at least one and preferably two other protein sources their pet tolerates well so that every three to six months, they can rotate proteins and hopefully avoid further allergic reactions. In addition, the cleaner the proteins, the less chance your dog will become sensitive to them over time. Clean animal proteins are non-toxic. For example, animals raised on a natural diet (grass-fed, not factory farmed) as well as hormone-free animals, are better food sources for sensitive pets. During and after a novel diet, I recommend natural supplements to aid detoxification, relieve allergic symptoms and support your pet's immune system. Your holistic veterinarian can help you select the supplements most appropriate for your pet's individual needs. 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 Click here for my Farmecuticals blog featuring great, inexpensive things to enhance your pets health that can be found right in your own cupboards at home. Click the link below to watch a short video on the best foods for sensitive pets. 👍🏼💕  By, Katy Cable-TWR /A 4 min read Most of my followers are PUG-OBSESSED like I am, but for those joining The Weekly Runt who are interested in adding a Pug to your family, I want to educate you on some important facts about this special breed so you’re not "unpleasantly" 😳 surprised! Believe it or not I never originally wanted a dog. I actually dreaded getting one! And then I was introduced to PUGS! Now I know why people who love pugs say, "Its not just a dog, it's a PUG!" They are darling. They are hysterical. They tug at your heartstrings and all of the sudden you're hooked and HAVE TO HAVE ONE. -OR FIVE! First of all, no two pugs are alike. Don't assume that magical, snuggle bunny Pug on your neighbor's lap or that comical Pug dressed up singing on YouTube is what you're going to get. Pugs, like all dogs vary greatly in their temperament, energy, intelligence and independence ranging from go-with-the-flow to I'm-in-charge-of-everything. That being said, there are some generalizations that tend to be SPOT ON: PUG PUPPIES: If I'm lucky, everyday at work I might have the opportunity to help out new pet parents shopping for their first puppy. Usually the puppy is cuddled in their arms dozing in and out of sleep. Just like a new sleeping baby, that in the blink of an eye turns into a high energy toddler on the move, the same holds true for puppies. Warn as I do, these parents are usually astounded when all too quickly that same puppy is a whirling dervish of energy who snuggles for 30 seconds and then is off again to race around the house, leaving a trail of destruction in his or her path. Pug puppies are no different from any other puppy. Expect nipping, chewing, gnawing, jumping, pulling on your pant legs, shoe destroying, and lots of mayhem. Here's the reality. The only puppy that is a couch potato is a SICK puppy. Most are bundles of non-stop energy. You likely won't have a couch potato pug until at least the age of three and your pug may NEVER be a couch potato. Pugs from reputable breeders are more likely to have the typical pug temperament eventually, but even they will be little spitfires as puppies. If your puppy is from the internet, a pet store, a newspaper ad, or rescue, then it's up for grabs what kind of temperament you may end up with. You might luck out and get a pug that has the solid and stable temperament that is the signature of the breed, but you might also end up with a pug like my Olive who has deep-seated issues that take diligent, loving, consistent, training to transform. One of the best ways to wear a puppy out (or any busy dog) is to engage them in activities that make them work and think. This is why I cannot say enough about obedience classes! It will be money and time very well spent. Classes are a great way for both of you to bond, socialize and learn. One hour of training can really take the 'edge' off of a busy new pup! Even with CoVid raging, it may be safe to attend a small, outdoor class with everyone keeping safe distances. Jump on YouTube and check out all the free training videos, or hire a trainer to come to you or meet outdoors, one-on-one if that works better. A High Maintenance Breed: Don't get me wrong. I love my pugs, but they are, without a doubt, a high maintenance breed. They need and want a lot of attention. Pugs are and were bred for the sole purpose of being companion animals. They need people. If you’re going to be gone for long periods of time and/or be too tired to engage with your pug when you get home from work, then a pug likely isn't the dog for you. And pug puppies are developing and learning. They need stimulation, guidance, time and attention. Any puppy left crated for eight to ten hours will be absolutely manic by the time you get home and will need you to devote the remainder of the evening to them. They are often referred to as a "VELCRO DOG!” So if you don't want a dog that is going to be wherever you are all the time (including in the bathroom!), then rethink getting a pug. House training: Pug puppies will not be house trained in a month or two or possibly even six. Some pick it up quickly, but most take much longer before they are completely consistent and reliable. And most pugs won't ask to go out. Pugs generally will not just go outside and do their business while you relax comfortably on the couch enjoying a cappuccino. If they are outside, you'd better be outside with them. Most will not potty outside without your company and encouragement. (Actually the only thing they probably will do without your fanfare is EAT!) While some pugs can hold their bladders all day while you're at work, most can't and shouldn't be expected to. So if you're contemplating a pug (or small breed dog) then be sure that you can afford to have someone come in and let the dog out or make an 'approved' spot in your home for them to go. Punishing a pug (or any dog) for an accident is not an effective method of house training. Rubbing the dog's nose in the mess and yelling "No!", "Bad Dog!" and other choice words, will likely create a dog who becomes a sneaky excreter and fearful of your behavior. You must use praise and positive reinforcement to house-train. There are many good books, articles, videos and trainers to help you with house-training issues if needs be. PUG-ALICIOUS PUGS: Pugs have a variety of unique quirks that drive some people bonkers. They can be nosy, inquisitive, and often right under foot. Most are tremendously and dangerously food driven and will consume things that you don't consider edible. -I'm not kidding. They will eat poop, grass, rocks, coins, screws, anything they can get in their mouths. They ESPECIALLY love Kleenex and toilet paper. It is your most important job to pug proof your home to avoid tragedy! I never trust a pug around any food source, garbage or even cabinets they can reach. In my home, trash cans sit up high on cupboards, gates are installed, locks are secured on cabinets and chairs are pushed away from table tops. I’ve leaned even a sedentary pug will muster up the energy to "table surf!" if they can get to wherever the food is. I have many ER vet bills to prove it. And it's not just tables. I've had contents of entire trash cans ravaged. Things I never knew lived under the bed and in a jacket pocket or a backpack have been devoured in a NY minute. Pugs can be quite vocal barkers, criers, howlers, moaners and grumblers. You may have watched videos of them singing, "I love you.” Every pug I’ve ever known cries and sings with joy when their owners return home after time away. As a breed, they have the widest assortment of noises I've ever heard. And most snore like buzz saws. Pugs are referred to as “multim in Parvo” meaning “A lot of dog in a small space.” Pugs are tough little dogs that pack a lot of punch in their compact bodies. They are confident and have no clue how small they are. Most will not initiate a fight, but many will vigorously defend themselves or others TO THEIR DEATH if a scuffle starts. Often they are hopelessly outclassed in the fighting department and can get seriously hurt if owners aren't careful. To say they are a food driven breed is a huge understatement. Be prepared for issues with food aggression and resource guarding. Especially if you have other dogs. Pugs are not fans of inclement or extreme weather and will resist venturing outside in the cold, rain, snow, extreme heat or wind. They are prone to over-heating extremely quickly due to their "flat-noses.” Keep your environment in mind before getting a pug. Pug Smarts: While many people perceive pugs as dumb dogs. Most aren't. In fact, most are extremely smart. Their outrageous food drive usually makes them fairly easy to train. They make amazing therapy and service dogs and you won't find better sports about dawning costumes for photos and videos. And while they are so much fun to dress up and take out, it's often easy to forget they are DOGS. They need to do dog things such as go to parks, meet other dogs, play and have fun. Pugs are very adept at figuring out what you will and will not tolerate and will test the limits. You don't need to be a dictator, but all dogs want to know what the routine is and like a predictable world. Pug Energy: While pugs aren't ideal running partners or known for being athletic, sporting dogs, there are many, like Surf Gidget The Pug that excel at surfing, swimming, agility, run like Greyhounds and are fit as fiddles. And while most would prefer to flop on your lap all day, their only athleticism shown in racing to their dog dish at mealtime, that isn't good for either of you. It’s important to prioritize getting regular exercise together. Speaking of exercise, Pugs can easily get FAT. As cute as they look with their square, barreled shoulders and chest, and the way they always act like they haven't eaten in a week, it is really easy to let them get dangerously obese! Pugs in particular need the right amount of food for their activity level. You significantly shorten their lifespan and quality of life by letting them get obese. (-See last week’s blog on extra “Dog Pounds” ) PUG HEALTH: This, more than any other issue is often the undoing of many a pug owner. As with any pure breed dog, a plethora of expensive health issues may crop up. DO YOUR RESEARCH on the breed and especially on where you are getting your pug. Rescues** generally have a good idea of the health issues facing a given dog. Don’t assume that a rescued pug is going to be a health nightmare. You do put yourself at risk for expensive health issues with pugs from pet stores, internet ads and the newspaper. Though less likely, even reputable breeders who have genetic testing going back generations offer no guarantee that your pug won't have an issue. Pugs are a sensitive breed. They are prone to a host of chronic health problems such as breathing, eyes, and folds of skin, specific to brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds. In addition, they may also include: luxating patella, dental problems, and collapsed trachea, typically seen in the toy breeds. And then there is the dreaded Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) that is pug specific. Pugs have a very high rate of allergies—food containing grains being a big one. Pugs need a high quality diet. Grocery store kibble won't cut it and you can avoid a host of future problems if you start off feeding your pug with premium food. Check any of my food-related blogs for suggestions. Pug nutrition is my number #1 way to promote good health, lower vet bills and a provide them with a longer life. New Pug owners, myself included, are always surprised to learn that fawn pugs shed fur like trees shed their leaves in autumn. It's downright astonishing! They don't need extensive grooming you can't easily do yourself but they get enormous eye goobers and need regular cleaning of nose folds, ears and eye areas. And MY GOD are they notoriously fussy about having their nails trimmed. You can see some real dramatic behavior around nail clipping in particular. I've known several pugs to start squealing as if they were being killed at the slaughter before the nail trimming even started. They also do a horribly scary thing called reverse sneezing. I ran my first pug, Raisin to the ER, TWICE convinced he was suffocating and was politely told it was just a reverse sneeze and all pugs do it. That being said, Pugs are one of the most affectionate, funny and overtly loving breeds you can ever own. But, I don't want anyone blindsided. To me, they're worth every bit of effort, expense and time they require. I promise you these little clowns will provide hours of entertainment and completely melt your heart. Pugs and kisses! -Katy 😘 🐾**If you are interested in getting a pug, I hope you will consider rescuing one in need of a loving home. Message me for rescue groups in your area or check out the following rescues I work with here in So Cal: The Pug Queen Pug Nation Pugs and Pals Pugs and Roses SOCIAL MEDIA: @thepugqueen @surfgidgetthepug @pugsandpals @pugnationla.org  By Katy Cable-TWR A 3 min. Read What do you think is the number one New Year’s Resolution? If you guessed: Lose Weight/Get in Shape, you’re right! This is great news considering Americans are plagued by a growing epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and a host of other health issues related to lousy diets and not enough exercise. And, what’s worse, our pets have followed suit! Therefore this might be a great resolution for them as well. Did you know the number one, single most important thing you can do to add years and quality to your pet's life is: keep them from becoming overweight. What and how much you feed your precious fur-baby is the number one component for all aspects of your dog's health, longevity and quality of life. The good news is with just a little will power on your part it can be done quite easily. Keep in mind, YOU 'RE in control of the bowl and what goes into your dog's body is 100% your responsibility. I'm not trying to be judgmental or fat shame anyone’s pup, since I too had no idea of the severity of a few extra “dog pounds!” When our family first went looking for a Pug to adopt, I gravitated towards all the gi-normous ones. I found the portly Pugs cuter and more cuddly (maybe because they couldn't move) and that they were the true standard of the breed. I had no idea a huffing, puffing, fur baby with their belly dragging on the ground and no visible waistline was morbidly obese. Thankfully we ended up with a lean, active, healthy Pug and a valuable lesson in pet nutrition. The next eye-opener was how food-obsessed Pugs can be. They will literally eat themselves to DEATH if given the chance. I saw our first Pug Raisin, jump 3 feet onto a table, tear open and devour the contents of a raffle gift basket including a TIN of Almond Roca in less time than it took me to slide on a pair of flip-flops. Mission projects made of sugar cubes, holiday gingerbread houses, -Gone in less than 60 seconds. Nothing excites or motivates a Pug more than food. Most dogs (excluding Labs 😜) are not this obsessed but it's still very difficult to resist the longing gaze of a food-loving dog. I will admit, when my darling Pug Olive tips her head and pants longingly, I ALWAYS give her a small bite of any other human food that isn't harmful. However, I weigh my Pugs, and keep them fit, lean and trim. If the harness gets a bit snug or too loose, I adjust the portions and "small bites" accordingly. And, if they’re battling a health issue or illness, I'm extra diligent about nutrition. Why the big deal? Here’s the “skinny” on this issue: Dogs and cats are much smaller than adult humans. Excess weight on a smaller body has more significant, and immediate consequences than added weight on a bigger body. And when you factor in the short lifespan of the average dog or cat, it gets even shorter if that pet is overweight. Plus, the quality of their life will not be optimal as they develop the inevitable diseases that come with obesity. Believe it or not, dogs that are even A FEW pounds over their ideal weight are prone to FAR more arthritis, hip, vertebrae and mobility issues. Also cancers, and diabetes. Diabetes can lead to blindness and any issue negatively affecting mobility robs a dog of a big chunk of their quality of life. Tragically, it is often why many pets must be euthanized. If health issues alone weren't bad enough, there's also the expensive vet bills. According to Embrace, a pet insurance carrier, the average annual cost of vet care for a diabetic dog or cat is over $1,200. In the last year alone, insurance claims for pets with diabetes increased over 250 percent. Embrace, confirms orthopedic conditions are occurring in younger pets – and with greater severity typically because so many animals are overweight. And it's certainly not just one pet insurance company that’s concerned. "Seeing animals suffering from health conditions secondary to their obesity is a common situation," according to Crystal Sheran, DVM for Banfield Pet Hospital. So, if your pet is overweight, hopefully you are now convinced it's a big deal and you’re willing to “deal with the problem-before it's too late!" Here are a few common sense tips to help you get started:
🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By Katy Cable-TWR A 4 min read HAPPY NEW YEAR! -ALMOST! Is it just me or did 2020 seem like we lived it in dog years! Now that we’re finally down to the last few days of this extremely challenging year, most people start thinking about making a resolution of one kind or another. The top being: to get in shape, workout and lose weight. Those are great goals but how about adding something simple for your dog? This is a perfect time to do some: SPRING CLEANING! -In the dead of winter. With the end of the year, get rid of the old and bring in some NEW! Taking the best care of your furry family member means paying attention to things you might not even realize need to be cleaned, repaired, or just TOSSED! Here are some great tips on dog-supplies you should PITCH for the sake of your dog’s health and well-being (and ultimately yours!) 5 Things Dog Parents Need to Toss Right Now 1. The old, stinky and ill-fitting collar: Your dog’s collar is like your underwear. They wear it all the time and it’s very close to their skin. And while most people wouldn’t think of wearing the same underwear day after day without ever washing them or getting a new pair, many dog collars never get replaced or even cleaned. I learned this, like EVERYTHING ELSE I blog about, THE HARD WAY when my first pug Raisin got a horrible yeasty, foul-smelling rash around his neck. After an expensive trip to the vet, followed by a heavy course of antibiotics and expensive RX creams, guess who also got a brand new, clean collar to wear! It’s important to keep your pet’s collar clean to reduce the risk it will cause an infection or hot spot on their skin. Worn-out collars, those with an unpleasant odor and collars that have either grown too tight or too loose, need to go. Also check to make sure their tag with your contact info is still legible should they ever get lost. You may need to replace and update that as well. Replace with this: New collar/ID tag I found a clip for the ID tag and now change out collars all the time. I have an entire collection of cute festive collars I find on sale. Have fun with this! 😜 2. Plastic food and water bowls: Plastic food and water bowls are inexpensive and convenient. Unfortunately, not only are they impossible to thoroughly sanitize, but as the plastic begins to break down, it can leak toxic chemicals into your dog’s food and water. In addition, I have seen many dogs (including my own) get blemishes on their chins and other skin irritations from bacteria and oils which get easily trapped in the peeling plastic. This was another expensive trip to the vet and medications I could’ve avoided! More sensitive dogs can develop allergies to the materials and dyes in plastic bowls, and get tear stains, rashes and other complications. In addition, aggressive chewers have been known to gnaw their bowls into small pieces and swallow them. Also avoid the cute pottery bowls since these can contain dangerous lead-based paint and other toxic materials. Again, I have learned everything the hard way and I hope to save you from the same mistakes. Replace with this: stainless steel, porcelain or glass food and water bowls. 3. Broken or chewed up toys: Many dogs are toy slaughterers. My pug Olive can tear off the head of a toy and devour the stuffing faster than I can open a jar of peanut butter. There have been many times I’ve left a dog alone with a stuffed toy, only to find they have a belly full of chemical-tainted cotton stuffing before I get to the first commercial break during Real Housewives! With any luck, (and a few spoonfuls of canned pumpkin purée) the stuffing will pass in their 💩. However, God forbid, they should swallow a squeaker or get a piece of the toy lodged in their GI tract. Suddenly that $5.00 chew toy can become a life-threatening situation requiring expensive surgery to remove. It’s a good idea to review the contents your dog’s toy basket on a regular basis and get rid of anything that could pose a choking hazard or GI obstruction. Replace with this: Repaired or new non-toxic toys. I love the un-stuffed flat, crinkle toys, non-toxic ropes, and Tugga Kongs filled with a premium pet food. 4. Dull nail trimmers: Most dogs enjoy nail trims the way I enjoy a root canal. But one thing that can make a bad situation worse is a pair of dull clippers. After one too many bad experiences, I now leave nail trim to the pros. Plus, I’m as welcome as a rash when dogs see me come at them with nail clippers. (Talk about feeling unpopular!) With dull clippers, instead of a quick clean snip, the trimmers can crush and split the nail. Or, not cut at all! Not only is this extremely painful for your probably already anxious dog, but it tends to make you — the human at the other end of the clippers — tense up. Your dog, in turn, picks up on your stress, which doubles theirs. In a worst-case scenario, a nail trim botched by dull trimmers can FOREVER make your dog run like a pack of wolves every time they see them come out. Trust me on this one. Replace with this: Freshly sharpened or new nail trimmers, or a battery-operated rotary tool (e.g., a Dremel). Or visit your vet’s office, PetSmart or a trusted local groomer and let a professional do it. For highly anxious dogs try giving CBD 2 hours before their mani/pedi👌 5. Retractable leash “Leash” is probably not a good word to describe the thin cord or ribbon used in many retractable devices. The real purpose of using a leash is to keep the animal safe and under your control while out on walks. Retractable leashes often do just the opposite. They give the owner and the dog WAY TOO MUCH LEEWAY and then put you both at risk when you must quickly RETRACT. I never recommend these leashes as a good option for pet parents. I only recommend them for those who are working specifically with a trainer on commands but never for walking. There are many reasons to avoid or reconsider use of a retractable leash, starting with the fact it's easy for your dog to get too far away from you to be safe. Suddenly a car, aggressive dog, or skateboard appears and if it's not too late already, quickly retracting can result in SERIOUS injuries. I personally have gotten deep, horrible cuts and burns and also know of young children needing extensive surgery from retractable leash injuries! In most cases, these devices are also completely counterproductive to training a dog to walk well on a leash. The very nature of retractables trains dogs to pull on the leash to extend the lead. The dog is out front and in-charge. Needless to say, this pulling behavior will be repeated whenever the dog is on a standard leash. Replace with this: 4-6-foot flat leash and pull it in closely until your dog has learned to walk at your side without pulling. Practice daily by rewarding dog with small treats as they walk nicely at your side. By reinforcing the way you want them to walk, they will quickly get the hang of it! In addition to tossing, losing, stopping, quitting. Why not TAKE ON, START, BEGIN, FIND a new thing or two for the new year. Set a few small goals that will be healthy for both you and your dog. Here's a few ideas: 1. If your pup is a bit pudgy, commit to a long walk, better food, smaller/healthier treats, and reduced portions to get them fit and trim. 2. Join a dog meet-up group and make a few new friends. 3. Check local events and do a dog hike, yappy-hour or another dog-friendly social activity with your pooch once a month. The EVENTS page on my site lists lots of fun activities. 4. Sign up for a training class together to refresh skills, strengthen your bond and work on socialization. If your dog has the basics down what about agility, tricks, or train them to be a therapy dog. 5. Grab your camera or phone and start a social media account for your pup. Connect with other pet owners and tap into your creativity in a positive way. Does your dog do something funny, unique, or useful? Do they have a disability? Have they overcome a hardship? Do they have a story behind them? Why not share this with others and connect. Remember that $$$$ and time wisely invested in you dog will come back TEN-FOLD. I hope you will join me for fun, easy, healthy resolutions for you and your pup that you can do ALL YEAR LONG! I hope 2021 is a wonderful year for you and your beloved pets! I look forward to getting to know you better and seeing you on social media or maybe even at an event in the new year! Thanks for reading and being an awesome pet parent! 🎉 Pugs and kisses and HAPPY NEW YEAR WISHES! Katy & Olive 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By, Katy Cable-TWR A 2 min. read Merry Christmas! I feel like 2020 has been in dog years. As a pet parent I’m thrilled Nulo providing a holiday meal for your pet. E tea work is healing. Get your pet into the act this Xmas Funny there's a 50 year-old rumor that's still going strong amongst dog owners. Maybe you've heard it too. It's the one that says feeding your dog table scraps is a big-bad "No-No!" Well I'm here to squelch that myth and shed some light on the surprising truth. It always astounds me when I'm talking to pet parents about their pet's food and I encourage them to let their dogs eat table scraps! First let me clarify that when I say table scraps I'm referring to human-grade fish, meat, fruits & vegetables. -NOT pizza and beer. People are always surprised until I explain the true facts. Facts which confirm how the brilliant marketing machine driving the commercial pet food business has brainwashed us all. Today, it is estimated over 95% of all pet owners around the globe are feeding their pets dry, commercial pet kibble. What blows my mind is that a large majority of these people honestly believe this dry kibble is all their pet needs to be healthy and thrive throughout their entire lifetime. Furthermore, they believe that supplementing this kibble with “human food” would be extremely harmful. Also, that it’s better for their teeth to eat dry food. Just like eating a granola bar is a great substitute for brushing your teeth! -NOT! My how times have changed. Here's how this ridiculous "fake news" got started in the first place. Back in 1964, pet food manufacturers were having a difficult time selling their newly invented processed pet foods. At the time, pet owners by and large were feeding their pets foods from their own kitchens. In an effort to sell product, the pet food industry pumped loads of money into launching one of the most influential campaigns the pet world had ever seen: the “Ban All Table Scraps from your Pets’ Bowls” campaign! Every consumer was bombarded with newspaper, magazine, radio and TV ads warning of the dangers of eating "table scraps!" Pet owners were urged to introduce this new "balanced diet" of "processed" commercial pet food. Now, over 50 years later, this brilliant campaign is still going strong. So much so that even today, a majority of pet owners are still skeptical of offering their pets anything but big-brand commercial pet foods. It seems like a no-brainer to me. Feeding any living creature a diet of entirely dried, processed kibble for their lifetime is a bad idea. It may be the reason 1 out of every 2 dogs is dying of cancer at far too young an age. Diabetes, obesity, and other obesity-related illnesses are also skyrocketing. And it isn't just our pets suffering. A large percentage of Americans are also being plagued with the same diseases. I believe to find the reason why, one needs to look no further than our cups, bowls and plates. Food is either healing or it's hurting. For those who are still doubting, read on: A 2005 study conducted on Scottish Terriers at Purdue University confirmed my suspicion with some astounding findings. The results showed that simply adding some fresh vegetables to dry commercial kibble actually prevented and/or slowed down the development of transitional cell carcinoma (aka bladder cancer)! In the study, some dogs ate a diet of strictly dry commercial pet food, while others got an assortment of vegetables added to their food at least 3 times a week. When the study concluded, here's what the researchers found: Dogs that were fed ANY type of green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, or peppers had reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer by 90% and the dogs that consumed any yellow – orange vegetables like carrots reduced the risk by 70%! (http://ilarjournal.oxfordjournals.org/content/55/1/100.full ) (Raghavan, Knapp, Bonney, 2005) Imagine that! A floret of broccoli could stomp out the risk of cancer by 90%. -Pass Fido the broccoli please. Still skeptical? I tell pet parents reaching for that bag of dry kibble, "At best, you're feeding your dog a balanced diet made up of processed food. It would be the equivalent of you going your entire life eating a nutritious bowl of fortified cereal or protein bars. For optimum health, you still need to mix in a salad, and real FRESH foods now and then!" In 50 years we've seen our world drastically change. There has been an increasing demand for quick, inexpensive, easy, convenient food. (In other words: PROCESSSED!) We have gotten away from cooking real foods and turned to microwaving packaged foods. On the other hand, our resources and food supplies are dwindling. Livestock is being pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones. Most grains, fruits and vegetables are contaminated with pesticides and GMOs, and our over fed bodies are literally starving. Now more than ever, it is crucial for us to consume organically grown produce to flush out and detox our bodies from all the pollutants and toxins. Here's what you can do: Let your dog DIG IN!+ Use fresh foods as a "topper" to add to your pet's meals. Dogs are carnivores so let them indulge in some of your chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, fish, etc. (Set aside a few bites for your dog before you douse your dinner in A1 or BBQ sauce. 😜) -And save those organs too! Cut them up in small bits and freeze them to add to future meals. While you're at it, flash steam some fresh veggies then cut them in small pieces and purée them in a blender with a little water. Spoon a bit of this highly concentrated, easy to digest mixture over meals. Add fresh blueberries, apple, and other seasonal fruits to meals or use as healthy treats loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. +WITH ANY CHANGE IN DIET, ALWAYS INTRODUCE ONE NEW FOOD AT A TIME. NEVER ADD MORE THAN 10% NEW FOOD TO EXISTING DIET. GO SLOWLY TO AVOID GIVING YOUR DOG AN UPSET TUMMY. HOLD OFF ON THE SALT, SUGAR, SAUCES, AND SEASONINGS. STAY AWAY FROM FOODS THAT ARE DANGEROUS FOR DOGS. -See below A few words of caution. Dogs have been known to stop eating their kibble and "hold-out" until the delicious human food is offered. Or, they can start jumping in your lap each time you sit down for a meal. To avoid having these problems, add small amounts of food to their own bowl at meal times or offer fresh nibbles as treats. Never feed your dog off your plate at the table or you're asking for trouble. If this concept has you stressing. Perhaps you have barely enough time and money to prepare a decent meal for yourself let alone your dog. -Good news! You only need to pop in to any pet store to find prepackaged “toppers” and “mix-in” options. How about adding a heaping spoonful of canned premium food? Or add a spoonful or two of a topper! I have spent years researching and sampling many foods and I’m sold on Nulo. With their selection, price point, convenience and bang for your buck, I don’t think you can find a better option. This year they’ve even done the work for you with simple, quick recipe ideas from their product line. And it’s not just Nulo. Many pet foods have expanded their product options. Why not give your pet the gift of a healthy holiday feast! In the long run, you’ll save thousands in vet bills and have a happier healthier pet who’s around many more years. It's time to put an end to this crazy mindset about food and look at the writing on the wall (-or the numbers on the scale!) It's up to us to be educated, informed pet advocates and DEMAND the pet food industry be better! We have already made tremendous progress.Just take one look at all the slick new packages of dog food lining store shelves and our impact is evident. Huge brands with numerous food varieties including: "grain-free" , "single-protein", "farm-raised", "grass-fed" "fresh vegetables", "limited-ingredient" "all-natural" "GMO-Free" etc. This demonstrates our demands for higher-quality food are being heard. As exciting as this is, we are still outnumbered by skeptics watching those misleading TV ads who DIDN'T GET THE MEMO. And old rumors die a long, slow death. So, let's lead by example and get each and every pet owner on board. Adding some "table scraps" to better quality commercial pet food allows us to stretch our dollars, and most importantly, allows our pets to lead longer, healthier lives. Bone Appetite! ☠️6 Human Foods That Are Toxic and Potentially Fatal for Your Pets☠️ ☠️Chocolate and Chocolate based products. ☠️Plants containing allium, including onions, garlic, leeks and chives. ☠️Macadamia nuts. ☠️Vitis vinifera fruits, including grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants. ☠️Foods and product containing the sweetener xylitol. ☠️Ethanol in alcoholic beverages. 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾 |
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