By Katy Cable-TWR
A 3 min. Read

Happy Spring! Now that we’re thawing out from our harsh winter here in So Cal (we got a few days of some hard rain!) it’s time to hit the hiking trails, beaches and dog parks! With that, one of the biggest mistakes dog owners can make becomes very apparent! Can you guess what that is? If you answered: NOT TRAINING THEIR DOGS TO BE CANINE GOOD CITIZENS, you get a gold star!

Several of my close friends are dog trainers and puppy-raisers for Canine Companions. I also have friends who train and handle animals for TV and movie shoots. One important thing I've learned is
A GREAT DOG IS MADE NOT BORN.

Sadly, animal shelters are full of dogs who didn’t get a proper start in life to meet their basic needs. As a result they developed behavior problems. An unpredictable or out-of-control family dog is not only exhausting and difficult to be around, but worse, they can pose a huge danger to property, your family members, other animals or themselves.

I learned this first hand when our family was asked to participate in a TV show for Animal Planet called "Who Gets The Dog". The concept was three different families share a shelter dog chosen as a good match for their lifestyle. The dog spends an entire day and night with each family while the show documents the visits. Lastly, a team of dog experts chooses who the best-suited family is to adopt the dog. The winning family is awarded the dog and a year's supply of dog food.

​We were looking for a small Pug or similar dog that was good with small children and didn't need a lot of space. I also had bad allergies and couldn't have some dog breeds. No sooner did we get the news from the pug rescue that we could adopt Raisin (our first Pug), we also received a call from the show. I declined their offer to appear but they twisted my arm insisting the dog they had was perfect and we would probably want to have this one as well. I again politely refused. The last straw was when they pleaded with me to please do them a favor as they needed just one more family to complete this episode. Poor Raisin went right back to his foster family for an overnight and the TV crew came out.

The minute the cameras started rolling, in bulldozed an enormous, shedding, ball of energy named SULLY. After knocking me flat on the ground Sully proceeded to run upstairs and unleash a good liter of urine on our new white carpet. I took one look at this huge furry dog and realized in an effort to make interesting television, they had pulled a total bait-and-switch. Sully went on to ransack furniture, tear up pillows and destroy pricey decor and it just got worse from there. My then 7 year-old daughter Karley, loved the dog and it was too dangerous for us to let her walk him or go near him. I wanted this "DOG-GONE " and our darling Raisin back.

To begin one of the most exhausting stressful days of shooting in my entire life, we took Sully to our local dog beach to play some games. We no sooner got out of the car when the poor dog went completely crazy tearing down the beach chasing a bird. He nearly got flattened by a UPS truck and was so out of control it took 5 huge crew members to contain him. And it just went downhill from there. By the end of the day, I looked like a basset hound from allergies and sobbing.

I told the producers we weren’t interested in keeping the dog. He was not a good fit and it was terribly dangerous. I was so upset at both their negligence and the trauma it put on this poor animal and our well-intentioned family. The final blow was watching the show on TV only to discover they had further manipulated us by editing our segment to only show Sully sleeping or calmly laying down and catching our reactions when he had been bouncing off the walls or trying to catch him before he ran out in the road and was flattened by a delivery truck. We came across as manic and Sully looked like a perfect pet anyone would be crazy not to want.

Fortunately the show was quickly cancelled! We got our sweet pug Raisin and lived happily-ever-after. The good news is, thankfully the trend of people seeking relinquished shelter/rescue pets, as well as senior, special needs or problematic dogs, is going strong! With that, it’s extremely important to understand the best way to rehabilitate and train animals who got off to a "ruff" start.

First of all: Expect some behavioral issues and address them from the get-go. The most common being housebreaking problems. Other stress-related behaviors include excessive barking, chewing & destroying inappropriate items, escape attempts, jumping up on people, and hiding.

The most important thing to remember when trying to eliminate problematic canine behaviors is the best way to teach a dog what you desire is through positive reinforcement training. Simply put, you must reward good behavior and ignore the bad. What doesn’t work is any kind of physical punishment or yelling. This will simply add to your dog's anxiety and stress plus it can make your new family member fearful of you.

Training should begin the second your new dog comes home with you. Right from the first meeting you should begin addressing your dog by their name and using basic training commands like: "Come","Sit", "Stay", "Down" and "Off!" If you're lucky you might be surprised to learn your dog can already follow a few. And when they do, give lots of love, praise and positive attention. Treats work great too!

On the other hand, you might find that you need to do a lot more work. If your dog isn't getting the hang of basic commands, take it very slow, and work on just one command a day or for a couple of days (or weeks) before overwhelming them with others.

Your dog doesn't speak English and repeating commands over and over and LOUDER and LOUDER won’t make your pooch listen any better or learn any faster. In fact, it will just set-back progress. I know first-hand how frustrating it can be so if you find yourself having issues, I recommend enlisting the help of a professional trainer who practices positive reinforcement to show you how to communicate more effectively and offer helpful tips.

Although I'm a huge fan of group training classes, when it comes to a new shelter or rescue dog, I often recommend having a trainer work with you in your home or one-on-one first to get the basics down. You will have much more success in a group class if you have waited until a trusting bond with your new dog has been formed. This might take more time, patience and work. Remember your dog possibly had a life of complete chaos and fear prior to meeting you.

It’s also a good idea to assume your dog wasn’t socialized by their previous owners. They might be distracted by other dogs making training nearly impossible.

When I rescued my current pug Olive, she was a frightened little breeder pup who had never lived outside a crate. She had never seen stairs, been on a walk, or had any loving experiences with humans. She was scared to death being put in a harness, driven in a car and led into a brand new home. In an effort not to completely overwhelm her, I enlisted the guidance of top-notched trainers who advised me to gently and slowly begin exposing Olive to all the sights, sounds, smells, and other living creatures in her new environment. When she got scared, which was often, I backed off and went at her timid pace. After nearly eight years with me she still has fear issues and she can be a resource guarder but she's come such a long way. She now knows complex commands and loves agility games. I still work daily on her more serious issues and give her lots of praise and love! A daily dose of CBD has also been a game-changer for improving her anxiety and aggression.

Do your best to make training fun for both you and your dog. Be a life-long learner and continue in classes, refresher courses, agility, therapy, nose-tracking work or other activities. Get suggestions from your vet, PetSmart, or your local pet store for dog trainers, fun classes, or clubs to participate in. You don’t even need to have a puppy to take classes and learn how to train one. Canine Companions offers puppy training classes and you can learn from the best. At the end of the day, you’re learning and getting just as much out of it as your pooch is.

By addressing behavior issues immediately, they can be corrected and not turn into bad habits which follow your dog into their new life with you. From there, you can literally be off and running on a good solid footing of trust and it's anyone's guess where that may take you. For more great tips and blogs on other pet topics, visit my website and sign up for my weekly blog. Thanks so much for reading.

​By Katy Cable, The Weekly Runt
A 4 minute read

Can you guess one of thee most dangerous places you can take your dog? If you guessed the dog park, you are correct. I know firsthand. As a former organizer for several dog “meet-up” groups in So Cal, I typically attend many events every month. Plus in Long Beach, CA where I live, there are 14 off-leash 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 and often do occur. Unfortunately, it’s all too common to visit a public dog park only to find 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 pre-occupied, glued to their social media or obliviously chatting on their cellphone. Meanwhile, their dog is stealing toys, humping any leg they can find, knocking over anything in their path and pooping with reckless abandon. Worst of all, their dog may be aggressive or ill and putting others in harm’s way. 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:

1. Check first and avoid any dog beaches or parks that have closed recently due to unsanitary conditions. If it looks dangerous or unclean, go elsewhere. Be on the lookout for fallen tree branches, trash, and people failing to clean-up after their dogs. The beach can be littered with trash, debris and unhealthful water after severe storms, so I recommend checking with the health department and having a look around at the conditions before a visit.
2. Before you actually enter the dog park, take a few minutes to observe how the dogs already there are behaving. If they are mostly milling around, fetching balls, or playfully chasing each other, it's probably a safe environment for your dog. If play looks aggressive and it's crowded with highly energetic dogs, try again another time.
3. Don't forget to bring your (fully-charged) cell phone. You will probably want to shoot some TikTok videos and maybe exchange IG’s with a new friend, but you also want to have your phone in the event of an emergency. Make sure you know where the nearest emergency vet is located and that you have the numbers for the police and animal control handy should an injury take place. It's unfortunate, but I have never visited a dog park without witnessing a scuffle of some type. Always be prepared!
4. If you have a new dog or are dog-sitting, hold off on the dog park. If you insist on going, do wait until you've seen their temperament around a few dogs in the neighborhood or dogs belonging to friends or family. Be certain they have good interactions with other dogs before venturing out to the dog park. Make sure they follow basic commands (even with distractions) and always check with their owner first.
5. If your pet is anxious, aggressive or fearful of other dogs, or if you have little or no control over them, DO NOT TAKE THEM TO THE DOG PARK! A dog park is NOT a good setting to train your dog. As a matter of fact it can be downright dangerous!
6. As a responsible dog owner, please realize the dog park isn't a good idea for everyone. Wait until your dog is better trained, older, or more socialized before you make a visit.
7. Leave the dog treats and favorite toys at home. Dogs can smell treats left in old jeans or pockets that have been through ten wash cycles. Often they get overly excited or even aggressive around food and toys. Not all dogs should be eating certain things and you don't want to provoke any food fights or unnecessary trouble. Dogs by nature aren't skilled in the art of SHARING.

When You Arrive:

1. If this is your dog's first visit to the park or if it's a different place than they're used to, let them greet the other dogs gradually. I like to do a lap "on-leash" around the park or perimeter before I enter the fenced area. This is a good opportunity for me to scope out the conditions and temperament of the other dogs.
2. Don't enter the fenced area or gate if there's a gaggle of dogs crowding around the entrance waiting to play with your dog. This will be too tense a situation. Hold off until the crowd thins out.
3. Keep an eye on your dog's behavior. If they seem scared, or other dogs are playing too aggressively, take your dog out and go for a walk instead. Try another time when it's a better mix of dogs. Again, the dog park isn't for everyone. It just takes that one bad dog to ruin everyone's experience.
4. I stay clear of dog parks that don't offer separate play areas for small and large dogs. Big dogs can pounce or play too roughly around little ones and it's more likely injuries can occur. If the dog park you frequent doesn't have a separate area for small dogs, maybe avoid it if there's too many large playful dogs in attendance.
5. You Must Supervise Your Dog At All Times! The dog park is just like taking a toddler to the playground for the first time. This is not the place to relax on a bench with a good book or be texting away on your cellphone while your dog is on the loose.
6. Pick up after your dog. Don't assume there will be a poop bag dispenser (with bags still available) and have a few on-hand, should others need one. I keep baby wipes and antibacterial lotion with me as well. Please don't be one of those annoying people who pretends they don't see their dog doing their business. Be sure to dispose excrement as well. Nothing kills the buzz of a fun time at the park faster than trekking a shoe full of doggie doo-doo home with you.
7. It's important to know when your dog is anxious, frightened, tense, stressed, sick, playful, and aggressive. Sometimes rowdy-rough play can look similar to aggressive or threatening behavior. Know your dog. Know their moods. Be ready to break up the party if necessary before a problem arises.
8. Be ready to leave the park if your dog or another starts getting overly excited or aggressive. Don't make the assumption your "mellow" dog --who's never hurt a flea, wouldn’t break character and nip or attack another dog (or human) in a certain situation. It happens all the time. The #1 thing vets hear after an accident is, "But they've never done this before!" Remember you can't predict behavior 100% of the time.
9. Know some basics for breaking up a dog fight. An empty water bottle filled with coins, a whistle, a spray bottle of water or a big stick might come in handy to stop a fight from escalating.
10. In order for the dog park to be a good experience, your dog should enjoy interacting with others in a friendly way.

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 “hygiene 🦠 Precautions” These tips should make your trip to the dog park as safe as possible:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. If dog flu or another highly contagious outbreak is going around, avoid the park until it’s either much less crowded or after things calm down. The dog park can be a breeding ground for spreading germs and illnesses.

4. 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. Not only will this help with sun exposure, it can help keep pollens and other allergens off your dog’s coat.

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.
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y Katy Cable -The Weekly Runt
A 5-min. read
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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. I just lost my beloved mother in January and this holiday has brought my own grief right back to square one. I hope sharing my story of battling depression and my survival tips will help make it a SPECIAL day, or, at the very least, one you can get through.

Mother's Day a few years ago, was particularly difficult. 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, 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 with young toddlers or who home-schooled kids during the 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, 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. 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

So you’re thinking about getting a second dog. Are you envisioning a new BFF for your current dog? Imagine a playmate to keep them company when you’re not around. How great to have a buddy for them to run around and play with. A new pal to cuddle up and snore with on the dog bed at the end of the day. But wait… How do you know they’ll get along much less be best friends? We all have people in our lives we put up with simply because we have to. We certainly don’t like and become best friends with everyone we meet. Dogs are no different. Just because you fell in love with another dog and want to bring them home doesn’t mean your current dog will. The good news is, by following these effective tips, you can offer them the highest odds for a successful companionship.

FIRST THINGS FIRST…ARE TWO DOGS BETTER THAN ONE, OR JUST DOUBLE TROUBLE?
Before you run out and fall in love with a new dog, consider your motives. Is it really going to be better to have two dogs? While I’m the first person to admit, for me, pugs are like potato chips…you can’t have just one. I’d like to own a ranch and have so many I’d be tripping over them. The reality is, I don’t have the time, energy, or resources for more than one pug right now. Having two dogs might be great for you, but a bad choice for someone else. Consider everything that goes into owning two dogs. It’s much more than just adding some kibble to the grocery list and picking up a bit more dog poop. There can be expensive and time-consuming training, pet-sitting/boarding costs, and don’t forget vet bills which can add up faster than a dog devours a bone. And, if you think adding another dog will tame some of your current dog’s behavior issues, think again. Those bad behaviors are most likely only going to get worse when getting a second dog. Think about your living situation right now and whether the timing is right. Read my blog: A New Addition. If you have a big work project, a house remodel, or other important events happening, it might be best to put off getting another dog for the time being. If it’s all systems go, read on:

​FIND A GOOD MATCH:
Try and find a new dog that will compliment and match your current dog’s energy and personality traits. Think about your current dog. Are they fearful or do they have anxiety issues? A perfect companion may be a very relaxed, easy-going, chill dog to help calm and ease them. Is your dog a senior or low-energy dog? If so, bringing in a puppy or high-energy dog may drive your current dog bananas. Puppies like to play, bite, chase, climb, and crawl. They will not leave your adult dog alone. In this case, look for a 3-5-year-old dog or even another senior dog.
DON’T FORGET GENDER: Typically dogs of the opposite sex get along better than dogs of the same sex. I highly recommend adopting opposite sexed dogs. When that is not possible, the second best option is to have two males. Two females are the most likely to have issues. Especially if one is a black female pug. In my experience, these seem to be the most alpha and difficult.
BE CAUTIOUS OF SIZE: Mixing a toy, or small breed dog with a larger dog can be tricky. Even simple dog-play can be outright dangerous. It’s easy for a smaller dog to be hurt by a larger, heavier, dog. A smaller dog may act aggressively towards a much bigger dog, or worse, the larger dog acts out. Ideally, stick to dogs around the same size.

MEET AND GREET:
I recommend scouting the rescue or shelter and selecting a few options. Talk to the volunteers to get a feel for the prospective dog’s temperament. Plan to meet at a neutral location for a walk with the new prospective dog. Avoid setting up the meeting in your dog’s (or the other dog’s) territory, which may make the dogs feel an intruder is coming in. Your dog should meet new dogs one at a time, as group meetings can be overwhelming. This is one reason why some dogs don’t do well at dog parks.
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON: Your dog will sense your emotions about the meeting and respond in suit. If you’re nervous, stressed, or overly excited, your dog may be too. A better option is to stay calm, breathe slowly, and portray a relaxed attitude to your dog.
AVOID BRINGING TOYS AND TREATS: Meeting a new dog is stimulating enough — add in treats and toys and the situation can quickly escalate out of control. Plus, your dog may feel possessive about the food and treats, leading to issues between the dogs. Use lots of praise and pats on the back for positive reinforcement.
SHORT AND SWEET: A few minutes is long enough for an initial interaction between two unfamiliar dogs. It keeps the meeting fun and interesting while leaving less time for things to get tense. For dogs that are easily stressed, a short meeting will be essential to keep your dog from feeling overwhelmed. Better to have a few short positive interactions than a stressed out dog getting anxious and aggressive.
LET THE DOGS OUT: Sometimes a dog will urinate when meeting a new dog, and then walk away to help diffuse tension. The other dog can then sniff the urine and get to know the other dog this way before coming into closer contact. If the meeting is indoors, housetrained dogs will probably avoid urinating and therefore miss out on this important method of introduction.
A MOVING INTRODUCTION: If you walk purposefully during the introduction (such as between two dogs on a sidewalk), it helps prevent the meeting from getting overly intense. Put both dogs on leashes with separate handlers. Bring both dogs into the meet area and carefully observe their body language. This is a great indicator how to proceed. Ideally, both dogs are wagging their tails and eager to engage. If they seem calm, try walking them around together at a comfortable distance.
If all goes well, slowly bring them in closer together. Observe them closely while doing this, and do not force a greeting if there is extreme stress or signs of aggression.

Reward both dogs for a nice interaction by giving lots of praise

LET THEM ROAM: After a successful walk, find a fenced yard or contained area to drop the leashes and let the dogs approach each other. (Leave the leash on, however, in case you need to grab it to diffuse tension).
DON’T HOVER OVER YOUR DOG: You may want to stay close in case something goes wrong, but hovering over your dog will add to his tension. You should give the dogs space to say hello, and if the situation seems to be getting too stressful, move away from the dogs to lower arousal.
Hopefully you have a positive experience and can move to the next TEST DRIVE phase. If not, repeat the steps above with a different dog or at a slower pace. Remember, most dogs are social animals but they don’t all get along well with others. You may end up with two dogs that co-exist instead of BFF’s.
TAKE THE NEW DOG FOR A TEST DRIVE: The next step is to take the new dog home for a test week. Most good breeders and adoption/rescue organizations are flexible with the initial try-out period. In fact, they are usually willing to take a dog back, even when things do not work out long term. After all, everyone wants what is best for the dog.

​BRINGING HOME THE NEW DOG: These steps are very important to keep the balance in your house. I learned about this process when I first started fostering. The rescue insisted we keep our foster dogs separate from our resident dogs for a minimum of 24 hours. I’ll be honest, when I first heard this I thought they were crazy. How was I going to possibly keep the dogs separate for an entire day! But they are right; it really works and creates a much smoother transition. As hard as it may seem, these steps help create a SAFE, calm, and balanced transition. Even the most chill, happy dogs can get stressed when another dog enters their domaine. It’s only 24 hours… one day of separation that can change the relationship of your dogs forever.

​WHO LET THE DOGS IN: Do not allow the new dog to run loose in your house yet. Keep them on a leash. In fact, I recommend keeping them on a leash until you get to know their behavior inside the house. Use a bedroom or a baby gate to designate a special area in your home for the new dog to relax and adjust to their new surroundings. I recommend putting a crate with the door open (or off) in this area so the dog has a safe, quiet retreat. After 24 hours of separation, if both dogs seem to be calm and easy going, you can move to the next step. If not, remember, your new dog is experiencing a lot of new things and is likely stressed out. If your current dog won’t give them space, or either dog seems agitated, consider a longer separation.

SECOND OR THIRD DAY WITH YOUR DOGS: After the separation period, now that both dogs are calm and have had time to settle, you can start the introduction stage. You need someone to help you with this step. Never introduce your new dog inside your house. If you have more than two dogs, introduce one dog at a time, beginning with the most easy-going dog first. Start by taking both dogs out for a long walk. Keep your current dog in front with you, and have the newly adopted dog behind with your helper. Begin the walk in a single file, not side-by-side. Slowly begin walking parallel to each other about 10 feet away, gradually working your way closer together. After a good long walk, if both dogs seem calm, allow them to do a background check (sniff each other’s rears…it’s a dog thing). Keep these first interactions short and sweet. Don’t overwhelm either dog with too much sniffing. Closely watch their body language. If you notice showing of teeth, growling, stiff erect tail, stiff body stance, or ears back, give a firm NO, and continue walking. Do not allow things to escalate! If you see ANY of those signs, separate the dogs and start to walk again. Repeat several times until everyone is calm. Once this first walk is successful, you may go on to the next step of bringing the dogs inside the house.

WELCOME TO MY DOG HOUSE: The resident dog should be allowed to enter the home first, and then welcome the new dog inside. You can take down the baby gate now and give your new dog a little more freedom. I still recommend keeping the new dog separated for at least a week, gradually increasing their time together. If you have a fenced backyard, this is an ideal spot to give the dogs some playtime together. Keep these sessions short. You don’t want to overwhelm either dog. Gradually, allow both dogs to come inside and investigate. For the first few weeks limit their together time depending on how they are adjusting. Never leave the two dogs alone. If you cannot closely supervise, then put them in their crates or separate rooms.

​LIFE WITH YOUR NEW TWO-PACK: Continue taking a lot of long walks together as a pack. Keep both dogs tired by giving them more than enough exercise. A bored dog equals trouble. For the first few months, be very aware and don’t let your guard down. Continue watching for any signs of stress in either dog. If you notice either dog is getting agitated or overwhelmed, reduce the time they have together and slow it down even more. REMEMBER, a newly adopted dog is under a tremendous amount of stress and possibly fear. Your current dog is wondering who this new dog is, and what the heck they’re doing in THEIR territory. Mix these intense emotions together and you can get a dogfight quicker than a cheetah can pounce on a limping gazelle. This is not because either dog is aggressive, but rather it takes time for both dogs to settle and adjust to a new living situation.

RESOURCE GUARDING: Is the guarding of people, food, dog beds, toys, or any object the dog wants to claim. Until I rescued my current pug Olive, I had no idea what this was. Once I saw my normally sweet little Pug, try and tear the face off of another dog approaching me, I learned this term firsthand. Wow! It took me completely off guard. If your dog has never had another dog in the house, or you’ve never had a rescue/shelter dog, or a food-motivated Pug, you may not know about resource guarding. Now is the time to learn your dog’s body language. Watch for a showing of teeth, growling, a stiff erect tail, stiff body stance, ears rolled back, and/or wide bulging eyes. If you have a resource guarder, then you will need to be super vigilant on feeding time, bones, toys, dog beds, or whatever your dog likes to guard. Even if you don’t think either dog is going to resource guard, I still highly recommend having separate feeding areas and keeping special toys out of the other dog’s reach.

I wish you the best of luck with the new addition to your pack. Having two dogs can certainly be double the love and double the fun! Leave a comment below and let me know all about your new dog and how the introductions went. Do you have additional tips to share with the pug community?

By Katy Cable,TWR

Whether you’re filling your car with gas or stocking up on chocolate eggs for an Easter egg hunt, prices are going through the roof. Now more than ever, anything you can do to avoid an expensive trip to the vet should be welcomed. One of the most common problems I “hear about” from dog parents is ear infections. Since we’re coming up on the Easter season, that got me thinking about the floppy-eared bunny and I thought the timing was perfect to share these great tips. If you know what to look for and what to do, 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 about a year after I switched him from homemade organic dog food to a crappy, expensive "prescription" food used to treat his urinary issues. We
After a few years of misery and living on pricey antibiotics, Raisin underwent an extensive surgery where 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 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 knew 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 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 and/or swelling.

Another cause of ear inflammation is moisture. This is commonly known as "swimmer's ear." Although it is very common during the warmer months when dogs are playing in the water more, if you live here in So Cal, where we enjoy outdoor beach weather year-round, or you live in a rainy or humid area, your dog can be at higher risk. Wetness and moisture in the ear canals coupled with a warm body temperature can create an infection quicker than President Trump can send out a heated tweet. 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 sweet Raisin, needed his ears cleaned 2x's daily and little Olive has rarely needed a cleaning. Certain breeds, such as English & French Bulldogs, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Poodles, Labradors 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:

• Moisture in the ear which creates a warm breeding ground for infection.
• Heavy ear wax production. Excess glands in the ears that produce wax and sebum and clog up.
• Narrowing of the ear canal.
• Heavy, hanging ears such as a Cocker Spaniels & Bassett’s.
• Foreign material in the ear, such as from a plant like a foxtail.

If your dog has an ear infection, it's very important to identify whether it's a bacterial or a 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 are normally inhabitants of your dog's body, such as 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 infections that constantly plagued Raisin. Some yeast is always present on the bodies of animals, but when the immune system isn't in prime condition, (or they are eating a diet high in starchy carbs, as was also the case with Raisin), 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 grain-free, low-carb diet, using fresh, raw or moist foods. I could always detect a yeast infection since Raisin's ears would either smell very sweet or horribly rancid. In any case, there was a distinct odor.

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, CLEAN THEM. An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a TON of cure! There are many ear solutions available in pet stores and your vet may recommend a good medicated rinse, but this is an all-natural, inexpensive one you can easily make at home for far less money. This can also be used regularly:

• Mix equal parts distilled or alkaline water with organic apple cider vinegar (Great for frequent yeast infections)
• Add one drop tea tree oil ( NEVER for cats!) 1 TBS organic coconut oil.
• You can also dab a cotton ball, cotton round or sterile gauze with Witch Hazel, cooled green tea, or hydrogen peroxide, add a dash of coconut oil and begin cleaning.

***NEVER use rubbing alcohol or wipes containing alcohol to clean your dog's ears. It is much too abrasive and can cause extremely painful burning especially if there's inflammation.

​Apply a generous amount of solution on 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.

• Put your dog on your lap or for large dogs, lay their head in your lap with one ear facing up so solution can roll down their ear canal.
• Squirt a small amount of solution directly into the dog's ear filing up the canal.
• Gently massage the jawline under the ear as solution dissipates.
• Repeat on other side. At this point your dog should begin shaking their head like crazy, spraying you with ear cleaning solution🤣!
• Now, grab that cotton and clean all the loosened wax and debris out of your dog's ears as directed above.
• Follow with lots of praise and a treat. 😜 (A HEALTHY TREAT-not a big Milk Bone made of junk!)

You may need to do this once a day if ears buildup wax quickly.

***If you suspect your pug 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 their 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 grow like wildfire. 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 the second your dog's infection clears. This can lead to regrowth of resistant organisms and eventually make them completely ineffective. Currently there are many strains of bacteria causing ear infections which are resistant to many (if not all) conventional medications.

I also recommend adding some probiotics to replace the healthy bacteria being destroyed by antibiotics. A few tablespoons of plain Kefir is ideal and can be found where milk and yogurt drinks are sold. Also, Nulo pet foods offer low-carb, high-protein jerky treats with patented probiotics resistant to antibiotics. Olive loves the soft salmon jerky.

If your dogs ear issues are driving you nuts, I HEAR YOU! These tips should be a game changer. If you’d like recommendations on products I like please watch my YouTube videos or reach out to me. Pugs and kisses!🐾💕

By, Katy Cable/TWR/A 5min. “HIGH”

April 30th is WEED DAY, and a national holiday for cannabis culture. The date supposedly comes from what adds up to the numerical code for marijuana. In honor of the big day, I thought I’d tell you everything you ever wanted to know about CBD, but were afraid to ask.

Several years ago, before it was even a “thing,” 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 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. 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 (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 the two most 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 until I was informed CBD was NON-PSYCHOACTIVE, meaning it contains NO THC. It is 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 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 CBD 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 my pug 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 available. 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. CBD is the perfect remedy for anxious dogs visiting the vet, having nail trims, or dental procedures! And it’s not just for your pets. CBD 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 has been 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 fights free radicals that cause aging and helps 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 CBD 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. 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:

• Decreasing nerve-related pain
• Decreasing inflammation pain and premature aging
• Decreasing pain from acute pancreatitis & intestinal inflammation (associated with irritable bowel disease, Colitis and Crone’s.)

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 helps the immune system’s killer cells to cause cancer cell death.
• CBD kills cancer cells by blocking their ability to produce energy.
• CBD can help increase the efficacy of conventional cancer treatment.

CBD is Legal, Safe & Non-Toxic: Because CBD oil for pets contains no THC, all 50 states have now approved the use of 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:

• Check the sourcing: Only use companies that farm without the use of pesticides, fungicides or solvents.
• Get the analysis: Ask for a lab analysis of the amount of CBD in the product. Many CBD oils contain only small amounts of poor quality CBD. The manufacturer should provide a certificate of analysis. You’ll also want to make sure there is no THC in the product.
• Don’t shop based only on the price: This isn’t where you want to be pinching pennies. Don’t bargain hunt with CBD. It’s plain and simple, the higher the quality and purity, the more expensive it usually is. Make sure the quality is human grade and has good ratios of CBD.
• For serious/chronic conditions use CBD in a tincher: You can buy CBD in treats but I recommend you use a dropper bottle first. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop to make sure he gets the most benefit. Then you can supplement with treats or use treats sparingly and adjust your pet’s dosage.

While there are several excellent CBD companies that I trust, my favorite is BAILEY’S CBD. I love that they use their pug Bailey as the mascot but more importantly, they use only the highest quality, human-grade ingredients. All products are grown, and farmed by hand in Colorado. Their treats are grain & gluten free. Products are also vegan, non-GMO and certified organic. They use medical-grade hemp which is put through three rounds of extensive testing for purity and potency by an outside 3rd party medical lab at every stage of production. Use the QR code on the product packaging to verify purity and potency. Best of all Bailey’s CBD has their own veterinarian on staff who formulates the product specifically for dogs, cats and horses. I love supporting this wonderful, family-owned business that’s located right in my community. I encourage you to visit The Pet Shoppe on my website and learn more. Plus, if you wish to purchase products you’ll receive a 20% discount.

​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/A 5 min. Read

Wow! We barely rolled into spring and it seems many dog owners are in TEARS! -Literally! The great outdoors has been anything but for allergy sufferers.

All week long I’ve had weepy-eyed, runny-nosed pet parents coming to me in desperation. And it’s not just them…their poor dogs are relentlessly itching, chewing their paws and covered in rashes and hot spots. If the allergies weren’t bad enough, the vet bills, medications, and products have set them back hundreds of dollars.

I have good news! Take a deep breath and read on. As someone who has suffered from severe allergies all my life and also worked with highly sensitive dogs, these tried and true remedies will get both you and your dog feeling brighter than a spring day in no time.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO MY DOG...
When a dog constantly licks and chews certain spots on their body, they eventually become red, raw, inflamed and ITCHY! The area never gets a chance to heal because the dog won't leave it alone. At this point it’s easy to develop a bacterial or fungal infection which are also extremely itchy. The secondary condition then makes the itch much worse exacerbating the itch-lick cycle.

If your dog is suffering from any sort of skin infection, they should be evaluated immediately by your vet. Typically it’s an allergy to a flea bite, food or something in the environment. But, it’s quite possible they have skin mites or have developed a fungal or bacterial infection that requires prompt attention. It may also be the result of compulsively licking and biting their skin to relive stress and anxiety.

​GET RID OF HOT SPOTS...
Regardless of the cause, start building up your dog’s immune system with a nutritious diet. GET RID OF THOSE BAD CARBS! I would switch to a wet/moist, raw or fresh food diet since kibble by nature is nearly twice as high in carbs. Wet food is much easier to digest due to the higher water content. Same holds true for you. Try eating low-histamine, fresh, whole foods.

Stick to a limited ingredient diet using one single meat, fish, fowl, or poultry protein source. Typically, turkey and lamb cause the least amount of issues. Feeding foods that contain multiple animal proteins can be too taxing on your dog’s already weakened immune system right now.

READ THOSE LABELS! Look for high quality meat protein as the first 3 ingredients! Stay away from corn, wheat, potatoes, rice and other grains. These can exasperate the problem. I’m astounded at how many vets put allergy suffering dogs on popular brands of RX foods. Basically it’s the same as serving yourself a heaping bowl of sugar chunks to cure your yeasty-rash! While you’re at it, cut out all fruit and treats. It’s not forever, just while your dog is healing. Again, if your own allergies are flaring up, removing sugar and high glycemic carbs will do a world of good.

Next, give your house a good sweep, vacuum and scrub. Wash all bedding, blankets and toys in Dreft, Pure Castile or fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic soap. Close up those windows during peak pollen hours and on high count days. If you haven’t already vested in an air purifier, get one! Visit my website if you want product suggestions.

Grab a hypo-allergenic, gentle, fragrance/color-free, puppy shampoo and read the label. Don’t use any products containing OATMEAL. While oatmeal can be a gentle exfoliating ingredient, many dogs are highly sensitive to grains and applying it directly to their coats can possibly further aggravate things. Your vet may prescribe a medicated wash to use as well.

Plan exercise and walks for later in the afternoon when winds calm and pollen counts are lower. Upon returning home, wash your dog’s coat to remove any environmental allergens. At the very least, use the shampoo on a wet cloth and wash their paws, around their bottoms, face, ears and any wounds. These cleansers are gentle enough to use daily without drying your pet’s coat. If they need some extra moisture, rub a dollop of organic coconut oil in your hands and massage it on them after cleaning.

TREATING THE WOUNDS...
It’s critical to keep your dog's mouth away from the wound while it heals. The sooner the licking stops, the faster the healing. Many dogs will chew right through bandages which adds another problem to your growing list, so pick up an Elizabethan (E-collar) or soft collar. If your dog’s obsessive licking is caused by a behavior issue, this collar will also do the trick by breaking the cycle.

Keeping the wound clean is imperative. I recommend disinfecting with Betadine twice a day. After disinfecting the wound, apply a topical remedy to speed healing and relief. Your dog may be very uncomfortable so I use CBD oil both topically and on the wounds to calm dogs down. It brings enormous relief and healing. The following options can also be used in addition to CBD. No one remedy works for every dog, so my advice is to try different topicals until the wound is healed. A few options to consider:

• MANUKA HONEY (This is a special type of anti-bacterial honey found in New Zealand & Australia. NOT the honey found in the plastic bears at the supermarket!) applied to the wound twice a day
• RAW ALOE Break open a fresh filet of aloe leaf and place it, gooey side down, on the wound. Hold in place with a bandana, t-shirt or dressing and replace every four hours.
• PAVIA NATURAL WOUND CARE CREAM applied twice daily.

Your vet may prescribe antibiotic creams or medications but these will hopefully work to keep things from developing or getting worse. You can also give the above mentioned remedies a try immediately while waiting to see your vet.

Another great way to promote healing is through physical activity. If your dog gets a lot of exercise they’ll be preoccupied and also sleep better at night. If the outdoors is too high on the allergy index, jump into some indoor agility, nose work or training classes.

This is the time to keep stress levels under control. A bored dog left home alone all day or a dog who’s been sent to a kennel while you’re away on vacation can begin obsessively licking or bring wound healing to a screeching halt.

Get in the habit of running your hands over your dog and inspecting his coat and paws daily checking for fleas, ticks, bumps or damp fur. Some hot spots can pop up within a matter of hours, while others take longer to appear. Don't wait until there's a nasty irritation before seeking advice from your veterinarian. And as the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” Trying these suggestions will certainly reduce a lot of problems AND COST!

I hope these tips bring relief to your dog and you can get out and enjoy the springtime! Be sure to follow me on social for lots of fun, pet-friendly activities going on. Pugs and Kisses!

By Katy Cable, TWR
A 5-Minute Read That Just May Save Your Dog’s Life

Each morning I begin my day by swirling a heaping tablespoon coconut oil in my cappuccino. The next hour plus is spent answering emails and checking my social media threads. Each day my heart breaks and my prayers go out to many of my beloved canine friends who have been diagnosed with cancer. I feel that horrible kick in the gut any pet owner feels when they get that dreaded diagnosis. The story you are about to read would've seemed just too good to be true had I not witnessed the miraculous healing with my own eyes. ----Several times over. So, get ready! I'm beyond excited to share with you one of the most important pieces I've ever written. I hope it gives you some much needed hope and optimism about new possibilities.

On what looks like any other rural road just outside Austin Texas, is ground zero for where canine cancer met its match. It was called the KetoPet Sanctuary. Here, local shelter dogs with terminal cancers, "RED-TAGGED" dogs, set to be euthanized, were given a second-chance. They were taken in and provided, (free-of-charge) the highest quality, state-of-the-art, cancer treatment options available. -And the results are absolutely ASTOUNDING!

If you pictured this KetoPet Sanctuary to have been an extravagant, high-tech medical compound, where dogs were kept like "research-rats" in a sterile lab, you are completely off-base. Surprisingly it looked just like any other comfortable, unassuming Texas ranch. The big difference was this ranch proved, time and time again, to hold the key to treating canine cancer.

The KetoPet Sanctuary was a 53-acre facility, idyllic for dogs. It boasted an outdoor water park, dog run and agility area, while the interior was furnished with sofas, dog beds, blankets, and every dog toy imaginable. The fascinating thing was that right there alongside all the fun and comforts, we’re the most technologically advanced, state-of-the art, human-grade diagnostic equipment such as the PET/CT scan (A nuclear medicine imaging test used to evaluate normal and abnormal biological function of organs and cells.) As well as two hyperbaric oxygen chambers, which have been proven to shrink cancer tumors.

Believe it or not, the astounding thing was that the top weapon in the battle of cancer was not in a complex machine or new research drug but rather a simple diet anyone could follow at home. It was called a ketogenic diet (thus the sanctuary's name) and it was shown to literally melt away cancer.

You’d have to be living under a rock not to know about ketogenic diets, but this sanctuary was groundbreaking in making this into the mainstream miracle diet it is today.

What exactly is a ketogenic diet anyway? The ketogenic diet is based on a theory presented by Otto Warburg in 1924. Warburg hypothesized that cancer feeds on sugar (which is what carbohydrates break down in to) and it cannot process fats well. Therefore if you eliminate the carbs (sugars) and add fats, you’ll stop the growth of cancer. The true meaning of the ketogenic diet is any nutritional approach that encourages the body to produce ketones. What are ketones? Ketones are simply short-chain fats that are produced in your liver and used for energy. Eating ketogenically and using ketones for fuel has been shown to provide a host of overall health benefits, including increased cognitive function, improved insulin sensitivity, and enhanced performance.

A typical Ketogenic diet looks like this: 80 to 90% fat from MCT's (such as coconut or olive oils) 5 to 15% protein (usually beef) and 5% low-glycemic carbohydrates (from mostly green vegetables). In addition, all of the dogs participated in MetCon, (their term for metabolic conditioning) was the other key defense in their cancer-blasting arsenal.

Each day dogs participated in MetCon which involved a very strenuous regime of exercises specifically designed to boost the metabolism as well as maximize the number of calories burned. As you can imagine, this level of physical activity had proven benefits including greater heart health and far better metabolic functioning.

In addition, weekly blood work was performed on every dog as well as monthly CT and PET scans. These tests closely monitored and evaluated their cancers. The results they are saw were nothing short of astonishing. So much so that even some of the biggest skeptics became excited.

One of their most remarkable success stories to date was that of a six-year-old Vizsla, named Cali. Cali was originally thought to be pregnant when she first arrived at the animal shelter. A pregnancy ultrasound revealed not a litter of puppies but tragically, only one pup and one massive tumor. The findings got worse. Cali was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, one of the most aggressive, deadly cancers in canines. The mortality rate is nearly100%. This particular type of cancer does not respond to chemotherapy and other types of cancer treatments. Cali's prognosis was grim. Given less than a month to live, Cali was scheduled to be euthanized until, she was offered a second chance at the KetoPet Sanctuary.

Cali underwent treatment and, after 30 days half her tumors had literally melted away. The other half had shrunk drastically. After 180 days, Cali was completely cancer free with no tumors found on any of her scans. At 680 days cancer-free and running around like a young puppy at the sanctuary, Cali was adopted by the founders of the KetoPet Sanctuary after she had completed her treatment.

And Cali is not just some miraculous fluke. Since the KetoPet Sanctuary opened their doors in October 2014, HUNDREDS of dogs have also gotten "a new leash on life" and are living cancer-free after following the KetoPet regime. Dogs like Trooper, a boxer, who has been free of a rare type of blood cancer since November, 2015 and Blazer, a Staffordshire mix who has been devoid of mast cell cancer for over eight months. And this story gets even better. Not only are dogs beating death sentences with their cancers, they were also available for adoption once they had successfully completed treatment. Every dog brought was provided care and love until they found a forever home.

It's unbelievable that something as simple as a diet and exercise regimen can kill these deadly cancers, but that is exactly what's happening. When it comes to fighting cancer it's a DIET that has proven to be far more powerful than any drug currently available. A diet that's affordable, simple, and doesn't come with the adverse side effects of many drugs. A ketogenic diet actually uses the body's metabolism to halt and burn cancer.

If this all sounds just too good to be true and you’re wondering why you hadn't heard about something this remarkable before, think about this…Because there is no miracle drug to unveil, no pet food or product to promote, and no financial “pot-of-gold” at the end of this rainbow, nobody had been putting money into researching this approach. -That is until the founders of the KetoPet Sanctuary came along. One of the really cool things about the efforts at the KetoPet Sanctuary was that it wasn’t dependent on grant money from a large drug company or one selling pet food or products. It was simply the passion and dream of two entrepreneurs who also had the necessary dollars to try and solve the #1 killer facing canines today.

The heros behind this unprecedented effort are husband and wife team, Shannan & Ron Penna, who are the makers of Quest Protein Bars. As one of the nation's fastest growing companies with half a billion dollars in annual sales, they decided to empty their deep pockets and fund research on metabolic disease and the profound effect diet plays. They formed the Epigenix Foundation and hoped to cure the #1 killer of canines (with 1 out of 2 dog affected in their lifetime) and the #2 killer of Americans. After all, regardless of the massive amounts of finances and research devoted to finding a cure for cancer, little headway has been made.

Co-founder Shannan Penna and her husband Ron are also passionate dog owners who always dreamed of having an animal sanctuary. Not long after they created Epigenix, they realized combining their dream with this new endeavor was a perfect fit and the KetoPet Sanctuary was born.

KPS led to many other exciting developments in the fight against canine cancer. A remarkable documentary, "The Canine Cancer Survival Series" created by my friend, Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker is available. It features interviews with groundbreaking researchers from around the globe as well as the option to purchase personalized coaching, meal plans, and join the canine cancer forum. The miraculous victories they show in the workshop videos will completely astound you. -And give you HOPE. Visit my website for links to these resources.

Best of all, the founders of the KetoPet Sanctuary have shared their Keto Pet Diet for canines and I am happy to send it to you for FREE by simply going to my website and requesting a copy. If making your dog’s ketogenic food is simply too much, they also offer it ready-made which you can purchase and have it sent right to your dog’s bowl.

If your dog is suffering from cancer or another metabolic disease, I encourage you to work with your pet's veterinary team and discuss giving this a try.

I hope you will share this information and spread the word to anyone who might be in need. And of course, I look forward to seeing the day when cancer is no longer a dreaded death sentence but a treatable condition. Keep me posted on your miracles. Pugs and kisses!

​http://www.ketopetsanctuary.com/

https://www.dogcancerseries.com/

Social Media:
@rodneyhabib
@karenbecker
@mercolapets
@ketopetsanctuary
@baileyscbd
#caninecancersurvivalseries
#ketogenicdiet
#caninecancercures
#canabisforcaninecancer
#cbd

By, Katy Cable/ 3 minute read

​It's time for a change! Did you remember to "SPRING FORWARD" and turn your clocks ahead? I was completely confused when last Saturday night my commute home from a fashion show in LA began at 11:44pm, the next thing I knew, when I walked in the door and glanced at my phone it was 1:38am! Traffic had been a breeze and I thought I was losing my mind. Later that morning I was again thrown off when my phone said one time but my wall clock said another.

Unless you’ve heard the news reminding you or checked your calendar, it’s very easy to forget the time change. As much as I love the extra hour to sleep in and putter around in the fall, forgetting the time change in the spring means you’re running an hour LATE! This time change got me thinking...What about our dogs? Can dogs tell time? Many people claim that their pets know, to the minute, when it's mealtime, time for a walk, or time for their owners to arrive home. Is it true? Can dogs tell time? As research shows, the answer is an overwhelming YES!

We know that every year of our "human" time equals about 7 in dog years. Therefore a day in dog time equals about a week. A week equates to roughly a month, and every 4-6 weeks round out to nearly a year. That means a 3 year-old pup would actually be an adult of legal drinking age in dog years. Wow! I didn't think anything could age quicker than an ingenue in Hollywood! So, when it comes to time, instead of measuring in hours and minutes, dogs differentiate between long and short time spans as well as schedules.

In 2010, a group of Swedish researchers used hidden cameras to find out how dogs reacted when their owners left for different lengths of time. The research team wanted to know whether dogs behaved differently when left alone longer and whether they seemed to miss their owners more during longer periods of time.

The dogs in the study became much more excited when their owners returned after 2 hours compared to when they returned after just 30 minutes. Researchers reported more tail wagging, attentive behavior, and overall energy from the dogs after longer periods of time apart. This indicated that dogs knew that time had passed, and that they seemed to care. Interestingly, the researchers didn't observe a significant difference in the dogs' reaction to a two-hour separation verses a four-hour separation. And that's good news for those of us who feel bad leaving our fur babies at home alone for several hours each day.

You may not realize that your body language sends subtle cues about your mood and intentions, but your dog certainly does. Maybe you always grab the leash or your commuter mug before you venture out on your afternoon walk. Perhaps you stand up and walk toward the kitchen just a little more purposefully than usual when it's feeding time. If your dog is paying attention, they may be able to convince you that they're anticipating your every move in advance.

Most dogs are also quite good at figuring out associations between events, so your dog probably knows that when you pick up his leash, it's time for a walk, and that when they hear a can opener or the pitter-patter of kibble, it's mealtime. And those are the easy, “no-brainer" cues. They also seem to know when you're preparing to travel long before the luggage appears. The stacks of clothes, the way things are being organized and you're general demeanor is a dead giveaway to your dog.

Internal Clocks: Like most living things, dogs derive most of their time sense from their circadian rhythms. Earth takes approximately 24 hours to rotate once around its axis and experience a full cycle of night and day, so most life on the planet has evolved to wake, eat, survive, and sleep on that 24-hour schedule. Scientists have observed this in humans, dogs, cats, insects, fungi, and interestingly enough, even some microbes.

An animal's circadian rhythm is governed by its genes, but these cycles are also very dependent on light and dark. Your dog's circadian rhythm probably plays a big role in when your dog thinks it's time to play, sleep, or eat. This was very clearly demonstrated by my dog Olive, waking at the exact same time of the morning even though the time had been changed. It also explains why as the daylight hours get shorter they will adjust to the new time and sleep a bit later. This internal clock along with aligning to the circadian rhythms is what gives all of us, including our dogs, the sense of time.

If your dog is having some trouble with the time change, or if you’re traveling and need to get them on a new schedule, I advise a few easy tips: Begin slowly adjusting feeding and walk times by 10-15 minutes the week PRIOR to the time change. They should be adjusted within the week. Since, in this case you didn't get the memo until AFTER the time change, you can still slowly adjust time their schedule in 10-15 minute increments until your dog has transitioned. Then, in the FALL, start a week prior.

What I personally do is keep my feedings & walks not at a specific time but within a 1-2 hour time window. I get up and walk Olive between 8 & 9 in the morning, then feed her when we return home. I have the same 1-2 hour window for walks. This makes it an easy adjustment not just for time change, but also when we travel or have unexpected delays that throw off our schedule. Another easy tip is to tire your dog out with more exercise to help them sleep and adjust to transitions. I have also found CBD* products, can drastically help a pet having difficulty adjusting to the new time or a schedule change.

Happy SPRING! 🌷☘️🐣Here's hoping you and your dog can enjoy longer days outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air.

*I personally use: Bailey’s CBD (-Tap to visit site) (For 20% Discount on your order use code: TWR at checkout)

By Katy Cable/A 3 min Read

So you’re rescuing a new dog! Congrats! There’s nothing more exciting than sharing the joy of a dog off to their new forever home. As a volunteer with many shelters and rescues, one of my favorite jobs is doing home checks and meeting potential dog adopters. My job is to identify potential safety hazards in the new home and educate new pet-parents on the breed, expense and time commitment to care for a new dog.

I live down at the beach and it’s a Mecca for dog’s. Pet-friendly shops, cafes, and beaches make it a very popular destination. Not only do I meet a lot of amazing dogs and their owners, but I also see a lot of problematic behaviors. Most often, it isn’t the dog, but the negligent OWNER that’s to blame. Many people are simply uninformed and don’t get their dog properly trained.

Unfortunately, many dogs get dropped off at shelters more than once, because of problematic behaviors that haven’t been corrected and continue in the new home.

The top issues include:

• Excessive Barking
• Aggression towards other dogs
• Lack of obedience training
• Lack of adequate veterinary care has caused health issues.
• The owner did not anticipate the time and attention a dog requires each day.

The good news is, a majority of these issues can be resolved but, they may take extra patience and time.

When a dog is surrendered to a shelter, it brings a tremendous amount of stress to the animal. Here are tips to help them make the transition from rescue dog to family pet much smoother!

It’s so important for adoptive pet parents to understand what their new dog may need in order to reach his full potential as a beloved family pet. A rescued or adopted dog will react a bit differently when introduced to a new home, but common behaviors can include:

• Fearful body language and facial expressions (Tail hung low, droopy head, not making eye contact. Shaking their head, shaking. Licking.
• Finding places to hide
• Wariness and general inhibited behavior
• Lack of appetite

​
This conduct may or may not linger as your dog adapts to their new family and living situation. You should keep in mind your new pet’s personality and temperament may not emerge on his first day home, or even during the first week or two. Heck, I feel like it took me 2 years to get Olive out from under the table after I rescued her.

Before bringing your dog home, be sure you’ve puppy proofed it for safety. Even an older or seemingly well trained dog will be curious of their new surroundings and needs to be kept safe from harm.

Set up a crate with a few toys in a slightly out of the way spot of the room. Find a place where your new pup can still see and hear his new family, but from a safe distance. Leave the door off or open so they can use this as a quiet, safe retreat. NEVER force the pet into the crate. Keep in mind, some dogs may be extremely fearful of them after possibly living exclusively in this type of quarter.

When it comes to attention, affection and new experiences for your dog, set a slow, consistent pace. As difficult as it is, lavishing too much attention on your new pup can result in major separation anxiety behaviors when you must leave. After all you’ve probably just saved them and watching you leave is extremely scary.

​Some dogs will be very uncomfortable with too much affection. Hugging and snuggling may be a way off. Start slowly and let your dog lead the way as they get to know you better. My first rescue pug was literally my shadow and wanted to be held and near me at all times. My current pug likes to be near me but not touched. She likes her space, unless I’m eating then she comes close.

In the beginning, less is more. Aim to have a slightly bored pup. The worst thing is to over-stimulate them from the get go! Try and get them on a regular routine that works for you. Perhaps start with a few short walks and tossing around some new toys. This fun interaction will help their physical and mental state.

If your dog doesn’t walk well on a leash or has anti-social manners, consult with a positive-reinforcement dog trainer immediately. Don’t delay beginning to work on forming new, appropriate socialization skills. Most dogs that act aggressively towards other dogs are simply feeling scared and trying to protect you and themselves. It’s necessary to practice proper socializing skills ASAP! This can take a long time. My pug Olive still gets anxious and aggressor she’s around too many other dogs or feels threatened. We work on socialization every day.

Mealtimes may also be a challenge. While some dogs, live for food, others might not have much appetite in the first few days at home. Try to keep their diet as familiar as possible, slowly adding more nutritious, fresh foods. Feed them in a calm, quiet setting. After an appropriate amount of time, pick up their food dish and get them on a regular feeding schedule. Don’thesitate to call the vet if their appetite has not improved after a day or so of adjustment. -Or if anything seems off!

Building a strong bond with your new pet is a process. Expect some resistance at times. You are building a whole new relationship with a pet that might have severe trauma and trust issues to overcome. It’s common to compare the new pet to a former pet you may have had for years. Every dog is different and you will develop a new relationship with this dog over time.

A dog learns desired behaviors through positive reinforcement. There are dozens of techniques you can learn to effectively control your dog. Not only can you eliminate problem behaviors, you can build and reward good ones! In the beginning, I would carry small treats at all times and reward EVERYTHING they do correctly. Even looking at you when called is a great skill!

Physical punishment should never be part of the equation. It’s not effective long-term, and it backfires by terrifying your pet into submission. It rips away at the still-fragile bond you’re trying to form. There are a million great training videos on YouTube or ask for references from your vet or pet store. Ditto if you discover your rescued or adopted dog has a deep-seated behavior issue you can’t resolve on your own. Remember to INTERVIEW and get a feel for perspective trainers. They are your coach and you and your dog need to feel comfortable.

The keys to successfully transitioning most dogs from a shelter to a forever home are:

• Consistent daily exercise
• Nutritional species-appropriate diet
• Good veterinary care
• Socialization, obedience training and behavior modification as required. ​​

​By being aware and practicing these skills you and your pet can make a much smoother and happier adjustment. Here’s to a wonderful experience for both you and your pet! Pugs and kisses!😘🐾💕

By Katy Cable-A 4 min. Read

Everyday I am flooded with pictures of pets in dire need of a loving home. So many tragic stories of neglected, discarded, abandoned dogs makes me want to save them all. I myself am adopted and always felt strongly about adopting rescue or shelter pets instead of buying them from a breeder or pet store. And while I’m the world's biggest adoption advocate, what you may be entirely surprised to learn is HOW DIFFICULT IT CAN BE TO ADOPT A DOG!

Not a day goes by when I don't hear some pet parent share a horror story of how impossible it was to rescue a pet and how badly they were treated by a rescue/shelter. I can definitely relate to their plight.

We got our first Pug, Raisin through the former rescue Pugs and Pals and our current Pug, Olive from the shelter. However, it wasn't without my own heartbreaking, exhausting, trials.

Before we got Raisin our family attended several adoption fairs, filled out applications, and were interviewed at length. We had our house thoroughly checked and scrutinized for suitability. Finally, we were presented with a laundry list of rules, terms and conditions such as agreeing to cook and feed the dog organic, fresh, human-grade food. (Meanwhile my family was surviving on take-out, frozen pizza and canned soup.) Providing top veterinary/dental care, letting the dog sleep in our bed, and everything else just shy of providing the dog an Ivy League college education. A month later, we were finally approved as suitable candidates to adopt a “wayward dog in need of a loving home!”

Regardless of jumping through all those hoops, we still lost out on several dogs we had selected. A "better fit" (usually by someone in the rescue circle) always beat us out. Just when I couldn't take any more disappointments and was ready to contact a reputable breeder, the call came in: WE GOT THE PUG WE APPLIED FOR, RAISIN!

After 11 wonderful years with Raisin, we had the devastating task of sending him to Rainbow Bridge. My heart was broken in a million pieces and I wanted to be put to sleep right along with him. I couldn’t live without a dog, so I began my search for a new rescue companion and the ordeal began, AGAIN!

Regular trips to the shelter routinely put me on "waiting lists" for dogs that never panned out in my favor. Various rescues chose other families for the dogs I wanted and it seemed my only options were "hospice" or senior dogs requiring significant medical care.

I'm glad I was patient and didn't settle because two months later, I lucked out and stumbled upon Olive. I got a text alert a Pug had come into a shelter out in the desert. I just so happened to be there on vacation and made a visit.

When I arrived, the dog had been turned over to a rescue group due to some extensive medical issues. As I went to leave, filled with disappointment once again, I heard yelpng and saw a tiny black paw darting out of a cage. I ran back thinking a dog was hurt or fighting. When I got to the cage there stood tiny Olive desperately trying to get my attention. I pet her through the bars and asked if she'd like to come home and live with me.

I knew then and there that was my dog and went on a mission to get her. She too had many people interested, but this time luck worked in MY favor. The director of the shelter was familiar with Raisin and my work with the breed. Then, after an embarrassing tearful meltdown while showing him pictures of Raisin on my cellphone, I was awarded Olive.

Although a completely different dog, in sex, color, and personality, she has been a huge blessing. My grief and depression over losing Raisin began to heal by having such a happy new experience with Olive.

So, here’s the takeaway...If you luck out and get the companion of your dreams from a rescue or shelter, on the first go, YEAH! But, if not, don’t give up. Please understand that while rescues can be a royal pain, making you jump through lots of hoops, they’re doing God's work day-in and day-out. They’ve seen, over-and-over, helpless victims of horrific neglect and abuse at the hands of irresponsible people.

Rescues and shelters have to make tough choices on a daily basis and be advocates for helpless creatures. They are constantly fighting for needed funds and volunteers to try and heal injured, sick dogs.

I now work very closely with several rescues. One of my favorite jobs is helping out Pug Nation Rescue in LA by doing house-checks for adoption applicants. I check their home looking for any hidden dangers to a new pet. I also spend time getting to know them and getting a feel for their lifestyle. I take very detailed notes so the rescue can make the best matches possible. I spend a lot of time discussing what they can possibly encounter having a new pug. I go over everything from potty training to feeding. Not to be harsh but to paint a realistic picture. Especially for a first-time dog owner.

Try and remember the LAST thing a rescue or shelter wants is an uniformed pet parent not prepared to make the huge, often 15-18 year commitment of time and money a dog requires. There's nothing worse than having to re-home dogs again and again.

The number one reason our shelters are full, is that people sometimes get pets on a whim. They’re just a darling impulse buy and people are unrealistic of the time, expense, care, and commitment a dog requires. A good rescue (or breeder) spends ample time thoroughly vetting applicants in order to find the best “Happily Ever Afters!”

Rescues stand by their animals. They will always take one of their pets back into their care should you not be able to keep it due to some unexpected situation.

Looking back, that "demanding" rescue was my lifeline when we first got Raisin. I knew NOTHING about dogs. During the first 6 months of him coming home, I called them DAILY. They were never bothered and always helped, advised, recommended and taught me. All those requirements I initially found obsessively ridiculous, actually allowed us to provide a happy, healthy life for Raisin and our family.

​Do you feel like you have better odds of hitting a Lotto jackpot than getting the dog you want from a rescue or shelter? Before you run to a breeder or Craigslist with a fist full of cash, you’ll hang in there with the adoption this route. I hope you now have a better understanding of how things work for rescues and shelters and why it can be challenging. Good luck! I’d love to hear if you’re adopted a dog from a rescue or shelter and your experience.


🐾Next Week, I continue this topic with tips to acclimate your new shelter/rescue dog!😃

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 in rescues and shelters are harder to adopt out and get euthanized the most 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 typically 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 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 not only the month of Valentine’s Day, heart health and black history, it’s also Doggy Dental Health Care month. Here’s an interesting fact…believe it or not, neglecting this crucial element of your pup’s overall health can be deadly. It can also lead to a host of other major health issues for your dog. 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. That is, until my vet informed me my 7 year-old pug needed to have 13 rotten teeth pulled out of his mouth. I was handed a bill large enough for me to sink my own teeth into. Right then and there, I realized how important dental care is to a dog’s health.

Unless you're a three-year-old child, you probably wouldn't dream of going days 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 is 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.

I began brushing my current pug Olive’s teeth the second I brought her home. Now she’s 7-years-old and still hasn’t needed professional dental cleaning. Her teeth and gums are healthy and 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.

To be fair, 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.

If your dog’s teeth are in particularly bad shape, or you have a Pug, your vet can likely recommend some tartar-removing sprays, which might be another useful line of defense. Hopefully, you can get things under control and a professional 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:

• Feed your dog a nutritious, species-appropriate, diet. This sets the stage for vibrant good health. However, I can't tell you how many pet-parents assume feeding their dog a hard, dry kibble is all that's necessary to take care of their pet's teeth. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, it would be just the same as thinking that eating crunchy granola bars was all you needed to do to keep your own teeth clean. Unfortunately, feeding great food of any kind is not enough to prevent dental disease for the life of your pet.
• Perform routine inspections of your dog’s mouth. Your pet should allow you to open his mouth, look inside, and feel around. Check for loose teeth, unusual lumps or bumps on the tongue, under the tongue, along the gum line and on the roof of their mouth. After you do this a few times, you'll become sensitive to any changes that might occur from one inspection to the next. You should also make note of any differences in the smell of your pet's breath that isn't diet-related. ​
• Offer your pet raw bones to gnaw on. This is an excellent way to help remove tartar the old fashioned way -- by grinding it off through repetitive chewing. There are some rules to offering raw bones (not for pets with pancreatitis, diseases of the mouth, weak or fractured teeth, resource guarders, "gulpers," etc.) so ask your vet if raw bones would be a good "toothbrush" for your dog. I recommend offering a raw bone about the same size as your pet's head to prevent tooth fractures.

One of the secrets to successful tooth brushing is to progress slowly and gently, allowing your dog to adapt. When you first get your dog, you can begin a cleaning routine by wrapping a small piece of sterile gauze around your finger and letting them become familiar with having your finger in their mouth. Gently rub the top front teeth and slowly work your way to the back teeth. Then do the same on the lower teeth. Praise your dog often and keep these sessions short. If your dog resists, try doing this while they're relaxing and more mellow which is typically around their bedtime. If they resist, stop and try again another time. Also, confirm they don't have another underlying problem causing mouth pain.

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. I personally use Bailey’s CBD for it’s trusted purity and potency. Use Code: The Weekly Runt for 20% off Bailey’s CBD products 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, I have seen many dental chews soften just enough to become major chocking hazards. 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 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.🐾

By Katy Cable
No question, our pups fill our hearts with love ❤️ but they also play an important role in the vital health of that organ as well. You may be very surprised to learn dogs offer much more than just companionship. The following are 10 health benefits of owning a dog you may not have known:
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1. Since it's ❤Valentines Day❤ (almost) Let's start with your ticker! An astounding amount of research concludes that owning a dog will give you a much healthier heart! Not only are dog owners less likely to have a heart attack, if they do, their survival rate is much higher than those who don't own a dog. Studies have shown that the simple act of petting a dog lowers a person’s heart rate. Men tend to fare even better, as male dog owners in particular tend to experience a reduced rate of heart disease.

2. Your overall health will improve. Dog owners experience far fewer illnesses compared to non-dog owners. Perhaps because dogs expose their owners to lots of germs which builds up their immunity. As a result, not only do dog owners get sick less often, should they fall ill, it is with much less severity than a non-dog owner. Dog owners also tend to have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels compared to non-dog owners.

3. Believe it or not, your dog may save your life by helping you detect cancer. Dog’s have an amazing sense of smell which can be used for many purposes including tracking, drug detection, finding missing persons, and even detecting cancer. A number of dog owners credit their dogs with saving their life when their dog began repeatedly nudging, licking, and sniffing spots that turned out to be cancerous. Finally, many dogs are trained service animals who provide life-saving skills by detecting seizures, low blood sugar and other possible life-threatening health issues.

4. You’re less likely to suffer from "the blues" as owning a dog helps depression. Dog owners are far less likely to suffer from clinical depression and those who have been diagnosed, aren’t likely to be as severely depressed as those who do not own a dog. Caring for a dog naturally relieves depression symptoms since owners tend to be more positive around their pet.

5. Dog owners are much less "stressed-out!" Many studies have shown all the ways owning a dog reduces stress hormones. Playing with your dog, walking your dog, petting your dog, and even looking at your dog can greatly reduce your stress levels. Believe it or not, the stress of a new pet, training a pet, or caring for a sick pet, are also far outweighed by the overall stress-relief benefits.

6. You will exercise more and be in better shape. Owning a dog motivates you to get outside and exercise every day. On those days when you'd much rather flop on the couch and stuff your face with potato chips while watching TV, the sight of your doggie waiting by the door anxious to go for a walk, will likely be the perfect motivation to get out there. Just a 30 minute walk every day can greatly improve your overall health.

7. Your social life (and maybe ❤love❤life) will improve. Forget Match.com, your very own dog might also help you land a hot date! Not only is walking your dog great exercise, people are much more likely to stop and talk with you when you’re walking a dog. Going to the dog park or running errands with your dog may just lead to other dog-loving strangers striking up a conversation with you about your dog. -And who knows where that may lead!

8. Your kids will be less likely to have allergies. Children raised with a dog in their home are less likely to have allergies. In fact, living in a home with a dog can help kids grow up to have an increased immunity to pet allergies later in life as well.

9. You’ll feel safer. Dogs can be an effective home security system. Studies show that barking dogs deter burglars. Just knowing that you’ve got a dog who can use their keen sense of hearing to detect anyone prowling around can help increase your sense of security. That alone is good for both your mental and physical health.

10. Dog owners grow old gracefully. The elderly also greatly benefit from owning a dog. Not only do dogs offer wonderful security and companionship, caregivers of elderly patients report they experience far less stress. Research also shows Alzheimer’s patients have fewer outbursts when there is a dog in the home.

Olive and I would like to wish you a Valentine’s Day filled with lots of pugs, kisses and everything that makes your ❤️❤️sing!

By Katy Cable-TWR
A 3 min. Read
​
This week, Norway banned the breeding of English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They deemed these “brachy” dogs a product of cruelty due to their inherent, man-made health problems.1 This got me wondering exactly what this means for the fate of these breeds and also, will Pugs be next?

If you're like me your heart melts over the Pugs (and/or Frenchies, King Charles Cavaliers, Bostons, and English Bulldogs!) You dote on their darling wrinkles while spending a king's ransom on Botox to remove your own. Their bulging eyes, curly "cinnamon bun" tails and soft folded ears that feel like rose petals make your day! I bet you can't imagine life without these special breeds!

We "smooshy-faced" dog lovers are not alone. Look no further than your TV and you're bound to see a Pug or two promoting products. They are adored by some of the biggest celebrities. Jessica Alba, Robin Williams, Hugh Laurie, Gerard Butler, Paris Hilton, George Clooney, Andy Warhol, and Valentino, are Pug lovers. While Lady Gaga, Madonna, Hugh Jackman, Reese Witherspoon, Micheal Phelps and the Beckham's own Frenchies. They have replaced the Scottie dog and Poodle gracing everything from T-shirts to gift wrap to decor. Doug the Pug is currently one of our most celebrated pug-lebrities.

In Great Britain, the French Bulldog replaced the Labrador Retriever as the most popular dog breed. With Pugs and English Bulldogs not far behind.
However this popularity does come at a price and in the case of Pugs, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Kind Charles Cavaliers, and other Brachycephalic** dogs, it can be an extremely high one. -Enough to leave you with both an “achy-brachy” heart AND pocketbook.

When it comes to pugs and other brachy (smooshy-faced) dogs, it's buyer beware. What many are surprised to learn is these breeds come with a laundry list of common conditions that can be astronomically expensive. And, due to their exploding popularity, irresponsible breeders hoping to cash-in, are perpetuating the problem. We currently have an epidemic of suffering, compromised pets and heartbroken owners facing financial ruin.

In fact, veterinarians in Britain are likely going to follow Norway’s lead. They’re already running huge public campaigns urging people to stop getting this breed due to their plethora of costly, serious health issues.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) president, Sean Wensley sends a strong warning that flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs typically come with numerous debilitating health problems, and "breeding them just encourages more pain and suffering."

Due to their altered facial construction, flat-faced breeds have what is called brachycephalic respiratory syndrome to varying degrees. These pets often have very small, tightly scrolled nostrils that are so narrow it can be hard to move air in and out. We would liken it to us as humans having to spend our entire life breathing through a drinking straw.

Brachycephalic respiratory issues are often progressive conditions, so breathing problems tend to worsen over time leaving many older dogs in complete respiratory distress. Because of all their respiratory issues, they are at severe risk when needing anesthesia and most are banned from airplane travel. They also overheat quickly and easily develop serious heatstroke.

They also have an elongated soft palate, which is a flap of skin at the back of the throat that causes the characteristic snorting and other respiratory sounds often heard in "brachy" breeds. Another common problem for these breeds is collapsed trachea, which also causes breathing issues.

The Pug also has a "highly desirable" double-curl tail, which is actually a genetic defect that can result in paralysis. Other breed-specific issues include: high blood pressure, heart problems, low blood oxygen levels, dental issues and skin fold dermatitis.

If you own a Pug, Frenchie or English Bulldog and have ventured into social media you have no doubt experienced the backlash of haters. Calling your precious fur baby everything from ugly to wanting to kill you for owning a dog they feel is suffering.

So is the beloved Pug and these other “brachy” breeds soon to be extinct? Thankfully the answer is an overwhelming NO! With their enormous popularity and appeal, these darling dogs are in no danger of going away anytime soon. However, there will be much stricter laws to prevent irresponsible breeding. In addition, breeders will be working with animal welfare agencies to verify humane and regulated breeding practices. Also, using s isn’t cross-breeding to try and weed out inherent health issues.

For an example of how this crisis transpired, one needs only look at pugs over the years. Since the early 1900's pugs seem to have gotten larger heads, flatter faces, smaller nostrils, shorter legs, double curled tails and more exaggerated barrel chests. Carolinе Kisko, thе Kеnnеl Club sеcrеtary, said thе problеms with brachycеphalic dogs are bеing perpetuated by puppy farms.
“Brееds such as thе Frеnch Bulldog and Pug havе sееn a suddеn incrеasе in popularity in rеcеnt yеars, lеading to a hugе dеmand for thеm. This has providеd a rеady markеt for unscrupulous brееdеrs to еffеctivеly churn out puppiеs for profit, outsidе of any rеgulation or umbrеlla of influеncе, with no rеgard for thеir hеalth and wеlfarе." She adds,
“It’s likеly that thеy’rе dеlibеratеly brееding еxaggеratеd dogs in thе hopе that thеy’ll appеar ‘cutе’ to puppy buyеrs. Rеsponsiblе brееdеrs will brееd with hеalth as thе top priority, and thе Kеnnеl Club brееd standards makе it clеar that еxaggеrations in any brееd should bе avoidеd.”

Norway will be taking the lead on these practices. Hopefully it won’t be long before all countries follow suit.
​
Sadly, what I see all too often are well-intentioned pet owners who can no longer afford the astronomical costs associated with these dogs and they’re relinquished to shelters and rescues in their senior years. Unfortunately, it’s not only happening here in the USA!

According to a headline in the UK's Telegraph, "While the purchase of flat-faced dogs in the U.K. is trending upward, dog parents are also reportedly abandoning their brachys in alarming numbers." The reason? Owners can't cope with the health problems associated with these breeds.

At the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in South London, the number of older Pugs, Frenchies and Shih Tzus entering the shelter almost tripled in just five years. And the rescues I work with here in So. Cal are also over-run with sick, older Pugs who have expensive conditions to treat.

Here’s what you can do to help:
1. First and foremost, educate yourself on the breed of any dog you’re considering. It will give you indicators on energy levels, temperament, lifespan and possible health issues.

2. Always consider rescuing or adopting a pet from a shelter. Many times shelters have pure-bred dogs and certainly rescues can be a wonderful resource and support system.

3. Only use responsible breeders. Responsible breeders thoroughly interview perspective owners and take the utmost care and selection in breeding.

4. Whatever you do: DO NOT SUPPORT backyard breeders, pups being given away, sold or “re-homed” on Craig's list and other sites. Stay clear of that neighbor who has a cousin that is breeding his cute pup.

5. If you are the parent of a brachycephalic dog, it's important to understand that breathing difficulties can prevent your furry companion from enjoying the very simplest things dogs naturally love to do, like eating, sleeping, play and exercise. Especially as they get older.

6. It's important to know the difference between normal and abnormal breathing sounds, and to make an appointment with your vet if you notice any unusual breathing or other signs of respiratory distress.

7. It’s vital to keep a “brachy” dog fit and trim. Overweight and obese dogs have much more serious respiratory difficulties ANYWAY but keeping them at an ideal weight is imperative.

8. Keep your Pug dog out of hot, humid environments is also crucial in order to prevent overheating.

9. Stress exacerbates virtually every health problem, especially breathing difficulties, therefore keeping your brachy's life as stress-free as possible is a must. It will do wonders for their health and quality of life.

I’ve said many times that I poured more money into my dogs than a vacation home or luxury car and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. However, I do want people to be well informed before they’re blind-sighted by these irresistible, yet sensitive/expensive little creatures. Heck, it’s one of the main reasons I do this blog. Thanks for reading, and please pass this on to any new “smoosh-faced” pet parents that may benefit from the info. Pugs & 😘 Kisses! -Katy

​1. https://nypost.com/2022/02/02/norway-bans-breeding-cavalier-king-charles-spaniels-bulldogs/

**Brachycephalic dogs: "Brachy" is a Greek word meaning short, and "cephalic" means head. Brachys are short-headed, short-muzzled breeds. Other examples of brachy dogs include the Boston Terrier, Boxer, Shih Tzu and Pekingese.

By, Katy Cable - The Weekly Runt

Ahhhhh, it’s February! The month of LOVE! Everywhere you go, everywhere you look, love is in the air. From ❤️balloons and flowers at the grocery store to jewelry ads on TV. This month more than any other, the pressure is on to find the love of your life.

I feel very fortunate that in addition to having a wonderful husband of 25 years, (8 of them blissful, 1 of them miserable, the rest pretty darn good!) I also have at least that many years with single friends desperately searching for spouses. In addition, I have spent over 18 years with beloved dogs. Between the three, I have learned a thing or two about finding a perfect mate that may completely shock you and convince you to change your strategy.

All my single friends think I have it made because I’m happily married. I have what appears to be the “perfect” relationship everyone is trying desperately to find. Not a day goes by when I don’t meet singles hinging all their happiness on finding that perfect someone. While I do consider myself very, VERY, blessed, I want everyone to learn the truth. My marriage is far from perfect and it’s certainly not always easy. It usually boils down to a daily conscious choice to stay together rather living in some romantic fantasy straight out of a Lifetime Television movie.

​In today’s world, 25 years of marriage is pretty much the equivalent of winning an Oscar, or an Olympic gold medal. It takes a lot of dedication, sacrifice, hard work, and a little bit of dumb luck. Marriage can and often is, extremely challenging. It’s never equal. There are many times the scales get tipped and one person is doing a lot more of the “work” in the relationship. The first important thing to realize is marriage and love are not about FEELINGS that are right out of a Disney movie, but two imperfect people choosing to honor their commitment to the relationship! -PERIOD! And even with that, ultimately the marriage is only as good or bad as the people in it!

For those of you feeling hopeless and defeated, striking out with your search to find that “perfect person” why not put on some training wheels and start with a dog. Here are 5 great reasons why:

1. Finding a perfect dog is much cheaper and far less time consuming than finding a perfect mate. Like many things, it’s a numbers game. The more people you meet, the greater your odds of finding “The One!” Plus, it requires the same diligence, time, and priority as anything else you want to succeed in. This means being available for dates, building on-line profiles, searching social media, attending parties, events, mixers and even agreeing to be “set-up!” That’s going to be tough to juggle, if not impossible, should you be finishing your Master’s degree or trying to get a promotion at work. Actually, it may be hard to manage in addition to your normal day-to-day demands.

​Dogs are easy! Going out of town on business? Send them to boarding camp. Working day and night for tax season or the holidays? Get a dog walker. A new romantic relationship will not blossom nearly as well under extreme schedule demands. A dog on the other hand will be a great partner at the end of a business trip or long, stressful day.

2. You don’t have to deal with the dating scene. Whether it’s bars, clubs, set-ups, dating sites, or Tinder swipes, dating can be time consuming, expensive and downright ego crushing. Most people would rather have a root canal than relive an awful date.

​Not so with a dog! No painful dating required. Dogs just need to get out in the fresh air and walk around. If you’re active, you can find one to run, swim or hike with you. For those whose idea of a strenuous day is peeling your exhausted body off the leather recliner to grab the remote, a dog will happily flop at your feet and FETCH things for you. Whatever you enjoy, there’s a dog out there that loves that too. Every outing and date can be fun when choosing a dog. If it’s not a good match, there’s plenty more to consider. And even better, you’ll never go home feeling completely discouraged by some dating disaster straight out of a bad reality show.

3. they build your confidence. When it comes to dating most people lack confidence. We all have that nightmare relationship that kicked us to the curb. Or maybe we did the kicking and now we are riddled with guilt. Many singles who are knocking it out of the park in every other area of their lives are shocked to find those credits don’t transfer when it comes to dating. But a dog, that’s a whole different ballgame.

A dog will love you unconditionally whether you have an MBA or you dropped out of high school. And a dog’s love never wanes! They’re ALWAYS happy to see you regardless of whether you’re wearing designer duds or last night’s dinner thanks to the stomach flu. Having a darling creature who always wants to be near you is amazing for your self-esteem and happiness. Marriages require give-and-take. Even the strong ones can’t compete with the undying attention of a dog.

4. Finding a perfect dog to love is much easier than finding a perfect spouse. Just make a trip to any animal shelter or pet store holding an adoption event. Watch how fast you fall head-over-heels with the loving gaze of an often stinky, shedding, drooling mess of a dog that’s desperate to go home with you. One look and 3 seconds can have you going from zero-to-psycho over this creature and losing all rationality.

Finding a marital spouse takes much more work and searching. There are so many deal-breakers and issues to consider beyond if the toilet seat stays up or down. Whether your standards are ridiculously high or you have no standards other than, “Doesn’t live with their parents and has their own Netflix account” It’s tough to find available, suitable mates. On the other hand, when it comes to dogs, chances are probably 100% EVERY SINGLE ONE would love nothing more than to spend forever with you.

5. AND FINALLY, THE VERY BEST REASON: A dog will show you unconditional love. You will naturally become a more loving, kind, compassionate person by partnering up with a dog. You will become healthier and happier having a dog as well! -Not so with a crummy relationship! And, although a dog will one day get wings and leave you, (and it will kick you in the gut the way any major love-loss does.) remember…Having your heart broken by a DOG always leaves you in gratitude for having gotten to spend time with them in the first place. Grief won’t be coupled with resentful spinning on what you did or didn’t do or what that new person has that you don’t.

A dog is never going to dump you for another owner! And best of all, while you’re out living life and enjoying your newfound DOG-MATE, you might just attract an amazing human relationship. In the meantime, you’ll be having a lot of FUN!

What about you? Are you ready to open your heart to a dog? Have you already found love with a four-legged fur baby? I’d love to hear your love story. Happy Valentine’s Day!


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 very important 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:

• I'm a HUGE fan of obedience classes. They provide an environment where all the dogs (and their owners) are kept under the control and guidance of a skilled trainer. This can be very helpful if your pet seems wary or fearful around other dogs. Organized classes give them the opportunity to be around other pups, but from a safe, trusting, supervised distance. With CoVid, you may want to opt for an outdoor class or a much smaller class size.
• If you have friends with dogs, arrange play dates. Begin with one dog at a time. Start the introduction with a short walk in a neutral territory. Once the dogs have gotten to know each other try letting them play in a safe, enclosed area. This is a perfect low pressure social situation in which your pup can hone their skills without being overwhelmed by too many dogs, or an overly dominant or possessive pooch. If things go well, you can arrange future outings for the four of you to take walks, go hiking, toss Frisbees, fetch tennis balls, go swimming, etc. Always practice safe social distancing and wear a mask.
• If it makes sense for you and your dog, get involved in dog agility classes. These provide a great opportunity for your dog to be around other dogs and people while getting lots of exercise, mental stimulation, and building a stronger bond with you. If classes aren’t available in your area right now, check out free videos online and set up your own agility drills. Maybe you can do competitions with your dog one day.
• If agility isn’t for you, some other high-energy activities, including flying disc, dock jumping/dock diving, fly-ball, fly-gility, herding, hunt and field trials, musical freestyle and heel work, to name just a few.
• Not all socialization activities need to be physically demanding. One of my favorites is therapy dog work. Depending on your dog's temperament and personality, you can have them pass simple training to be a therapeutic visitation dog. You and your dog can make visits to hospitals, nursing homes, detention units, rehab facilities, schools, senior citizen apartments and other places where people aren't permitted to keep pets or aren't able to care for them. It's extremely rewarding for everyone. Find more information at: http://tdi-dog.org/. Again, due to Covid restrictions this might not be an option right now, but I would recommend checking out the qualification test skills and begin working on those with your dog. Then you’ll be ready to go when it’s safe.
• Another possible option for socialization and exercise is to enroll your pet in a doggy daycare program one or two days a week. It's very important the facility you choose has a knowledgeable staff trained in dog communication and interaction, separate play areas for dogs of different sizes, and supervised playgroups. Be certain they are doing extensive temperament tests on all dogs to evaluate their behavior in the daycare environment. Introduction to the pack should be gradual for all new dogs.
• I enjoy doing "meet-ups" with other dog groups. Twice a month we meet at the local dog beach and or dog park to see old friends and make new ones. For new or more timid dogs, try a visit to the park or dog beach during slower weekday times. It is less crowded and intimidating.
• Last but not least, never underestimate the socialization value of good daily walks. Maybe mix it up and try a new, unfamiliar neighborhood for a change of pace with your dog. You both get fresh air, stress-relieving endorphins and perhaps even a little cardio exercise. I LOVE dog walking and the fun opportunities it brings for us both to meet old and new friends! -Both two and four-legged!
  
  

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 first calendar launch PAWTY!

By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt

Last week, my beloved 93 year-old mother passed away. Although she went peacefully surrounded by her loved ones, the grief is overwhelming. We were very close. This huge loss sits at the tippy top of a few years filled with sadness and goodbyes.

It’s been a difficult few years for all of us. I think we have all been kicked to the curb by more loss than we can throw a stick at. For New Year’s, I made a TikTok memorial video featuring all the dogs who were near-and-dear to my heart that are no longer with us. I thought for this week’s blog I might just do a repost a blog on losing a pet and include the TikTok. Then I remembered a post I saved by a brilliant, creative, amazing friend of mine, Kristen Andrews, and I changed directions.

What happens in Vegas stays in our hearts forever.
Andrews is a rainbow haired, anime-animal-loving, pug-mom, and practicing Veterinarian in Kingman, Arizona. She was an OG social media influencer and the mom of the infamous Chubbs the Wampug. Before there was a Doug-the-Pug, Chubbs became a pug icon melting the hearts of thousands with that adorable face, quirky costumes, and crazy pug antics.

In 2017, Chubbs sadly passed, leaving hundreds of thousands of fans heartbroken. Kristen and a friend who had also lost a beloved pug around the same time, poured their hearts and souls into organizing The Las Vegas Pug Party. It was an over-the-top, weekend Pug-a-Palooza for over 200 pug-obsessed party goers. -And I was one of them! When I saw it on social media I immediately paid in full, introduced myself to Kristen, and asked how I could help.

April 2018, hundreds of impeccably dressed pugs embarked on the Las Vegas strip and had the adventure of a lifetime. Kristen introduced us to her then adorable new pug puppy, Saty (AKA Mrs. Worldwide.) Saty is a darling, feisty, turbo-charged black pug with royal bloodlines and the inheritance of thousands of captive followers.

The first Vegas Pug Party, led to 2 more. In 2019 there was a Las Vegas Pug Wedding, officiated by Elvis himself, and in 2020, the ‘80’s themed Pug Prom, just weeks before the Covid quarantine began. The trips Kristen created have been not only some of the best getaways of my life, but they have also introduced me to an entire pug family of loved ones. And Kristen is part of this close-knit group. We keep in touch daily on social media and also have frequent get-togethers. I hope you’ll check out some of my blogs and videos of these fun gatherings.

You’ve got a friend
I recently cashed in my friend card and called Kristen at home on a weekend. I had just returned from a vacation in Hawaii and while I was at work, my pug Olive managed to get into my souvenir bag. She devoured every Hawaiian delicacy from chocolate mac-nuts to shortbread cookies faster than you can say, “ALOHA!” Olive seemed perfectly fine when I returned home, but I was sure I needed to race her somewhere and have her stomach pumped. Kristen picked up my call and assured me Olive might have diarrhea like a tourist returning from a Mexican vacation, but she’d likely be A-ok! That gave me more peace than she would ever know.

Too many goodbyes.
That scare reminded me of the very worst thing about owning a dog, -saying goodbye. Recently I’ve had to walk through way too many farewells. It got me thinking about our vets. How do they do this day in and day out? Doing the work they do must be extremely difficult. First there’s the schooling. Imagine putting in all the years of college and straddling the hefty student loans of a medical doctor, and then not having the big salary pay-off at the end.

Veterinarians work grueling hours, many weekends, and much of it can be pro-Bono. Our insurance system isn’t set up the same for pets. Many life-saving and necessary treatments are either not covered or still require enormous out-of-pocket costs. And while vets can offer some “friends -and-family” discounts, they aren’t in a position to do much more to offset huge costs.

Pet parents are a whole different animal. Wewant answers. We want a guarantee. We want to know that if we pay the equivalent of a rent payment in additional vet bills each month, it will work. We need them to save our dogs. And when that can’t be done we’re devastated. But so are they. Did you know, according to Choices Psychotherapy, veterinarians are in the top 5 for careers with the highest suicide rates? Their job is a whole lot more than petting kittens and puppies all day. Yes, they’re with us for one of the happiest days, when we bring our new addition in for a first exam, but they’re often there on the hardest day too. The day when we have to let them go. And, as Kristen’s piece so eloquently shows, being a vet doesn’t make it much easier to say goodbye.

When you know better you do better
Every day I hear at least one pet parent say they disagree with their vet or feel intimidated by their vet. If there’s one piece of advice I can give you (and will, free of charge) if you don’t like and trust your vet, or you don’t feel comfortable talking to them, go elsewhere! Keep looking. Keep asking around. You can find a better fit. You can find a vet you like and trust. And when you do, show some gratitude and compassion for the often difficult, heartbreaking job they do. Most of them are pet parents too! They made their life’s work about caring for animals.

If you’re up to your “puffy from ugly crying” eyeballs in grief, you’re not alone. Nothing can prepare you for such a huge loss. I feel it too! But so does your vet and so many others. It hurts to love so deeply and then say goodbye! But keep opening your heart. If your dog is still here, go make those memories. Savor each and every precious moment because they go much too fast.

If possible, build a community around your dog. It’s not too hard to find other dog-obsessed people. Who knows, that nice gal you meet at the dog park may end up being one of your closest friends. You may not end up at a pug prom in Vegas, but perhaps instead of locking your dog up in a jail-like kennel while you trek through Europe, they may get an equally fun invitation to stay with their new BFF (best furry friend!) You will likely get some great pet tips and recommendations. Maybe even for an amazing new vet! Have fun together! Enjoy the good times and hold each up other when there’s sadness and loss. Remember, for a much-too-short amount of time you have the presence and unconditional love of an angel from heaven.

I want to give a huge heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kristen Andrews, Dr. Gail Renehan, Dr. Karen Becker, VCA Airport Irvine Animal Hospital and all the vets out there who are doing God’s work here on earth. I appreciate you more than you will ever know.


RIP Dotty, Phillip, Simon, Blaze, Jayla, Jasmine, LuLu, Joey, Blue, Maya, Raisin, Buddy, Chubbs, and so many others. I hope you’re running free at Rainbow Bridge and will be there with kisses and squeals of joy when we arrive and are reunited.






​
How your vet sees euthanasia.....
​by Kristin Andrews, DVM


So, you bring me this puppy - she kisses my face, devours the cookies I offer, and our friendship starts.


Several visits later, he starts to learn where all the cookie jars are in the clinic, and that lady in the white coat, well she’s okay....


Fast forward many visits later, now I am in love with your dog and your whole family because, well, you are just really really good people and I have not only watched that pup turn into a really sweet family member, but I got to watch the kids grow every year and be a very small part of your journey.


Remember that time she ate your teenage daughter’s thong underwear? 😝😝😝 yeah we all had a good laugh over that once the surgery was done and she was recovered. Your daughter probably never forgave me for bringing that up and showing the whole fam-jam when they came to pick her up from the clinic.


So many adventures, so little time.....


And here we are, fifteen or so odd years later, having to say goodbye.


He’s got heart disease and I can’t fix it anymore. She’s got cancer and there is no cure. He has arthritis and the meds just aren’t working. I want her to live forever for you. I want that so badly it hurts. I feel like I have failed him and you when I have run out of options to keep them, and you, comfortable and happy.


So now it’s time, and I am supposed to be professional. Objective. I am the doctor. Calm. Cool. Collected. Always under control.


Fuck that.


I have known you and her for a third of my life, and most of my professional career.


But I keep it together. My superhuman amazing technicians have put the catheter in. My support staff from reception to assistants have done all the paperwork. Trust me they may not show it but their hearts are breaking for you. They have been there. They know. And they know you and care about you too.


And I have the needle in the pocket of my white coat. The same pocket that was always full of treats for him. I take a deep yoga breath and come into the room. Gotta stay strong now.......


She’s giving me that sweet look she always does, the one that is followed by puppy kisses and a glance at the cookie jar. But she is too weak now. She is ready. You are not. I am not. But this shit has to happen because we love her too much to let her suffer.


She would keep going as long as we asked her to. But we can’t ask her to anymore. It’s not fair to her. I wish our human hearts could be so giving all the time. I wish I could be the person my dog thinks I am. I wish I wish I wish I could find a way for them to live forever. But I don’t have those magical powers. I am just a vet.


So we kiss him back, not much left of his body that still works, but that old tail wags, just enough that I lose my shit on the inside but I try not to cry. Gotta stay strong.


Her body relaxes, she is in your arms and your are sobbing. Another family has lost one of its most cherished members. I put my stethoscope to her heart to make sure it has stopped but she is held so tight to your chest that maybe that is your heart I hear pounding or maybe it’s mine and all the blood rushing through my ears as I try so so so hard not to turn into a blubbering mess.


Confirmed, he has passed. You lay him gently on the table and we hug tightly as you go to leave.


The door closes behind you and I don’t know if you hear this, but I sob hysterically into your pet’s ear. She is gone, he will be missed, and you have to face what I know will be one of the hardest parts of today.


Entering that house and they are not there to greet you.


Please know that I know how you feel. As you leave the clinic I just wish with every fiber of my being that you never had to face that. I wish they could live forever.


And please know, I am so grateful that I was a small part of your journey.


Love always, Your vet.

Follow Kristin on social media at @Chubbsthewampug
​Find out about future events on my website: https://www.weeklyrunt.com/

​

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, 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 barometer for all aspects of your dog's health, longevity, and quality of life. The good news is with just a little willpower 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 Crocs! 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 tilts her head and pants longingly, I ALWAYS give her a small bite of any 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 its 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 $1,500. 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 correct the problem before it’s too late. Here are a few common simple tips to help you get started:

• Feed a species-appropriate, balanced diet to your pet. Regardless of their weight, your dog still needs the right nutrition, which means food that is high in animal protein and moisture, with low CARBS! Look for moisture-rich foods containing animal-based proteins as the first 2-3 ingredients. (*check my You Tube videos and blogs on how to de-code pet food labels and select premium foods.)
• Practice portion control, which typically means two, carefully measured, meals. Although leading pet nutrition researchers are finding feeding just one meal in the morning is optimum for health. A high animal protein, low-carb diet with the right amount of calories for weight loss, controlled through the portions you feed, is what will take the weight off your dog. And don’t forget to factor in calories from treats. -I would stay clear of treats altogether unless it’s a small bite or two of a lean protein.
• Regularly exercise your pet. An overweight body gets back in shape by taking in fewer calories and expending more energy. Daily exercise, including at least 20 minutes of consistent aerobic activity, will help your pet burn fat and increase muscle tone. It will also make you both feel better. Be careful to start at a slower pace for out-of-shape, older dogs and gradually increase the duration and intensity. For less mobile dogs start with slow walks and a game of fetch.

I guarantee by practicing these simple nutrition steps you will have a dog that looks AND feels much better! And you’ll spend much less money at the vet’s office. Nutrition, love and exercise are the most important ingredients to optimum health and happiness. Best of all you will enjoy more quality time with your best friend. Happy New Year!

​
🐾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

As we begin a New Year! 🎉most people make a resolution of one kind or another. The most popular 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. 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!
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 pricey 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 information is still legible should they ever get lost. You may need to replace and update that as well.
Replace with this: A 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 for all holidays and seasons. I find great collars 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 faster than butter melts on a hot pancake. 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 bout of the flu! 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 trims to the pros. Plus, I’m as welcome as a rash when dogs see me come at them with nail clippers. 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, 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 leashes:
“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 only recommend retractable leashes for those who are working with a trainer on specific commands, but never for daily use.
There are many reasons to avoid 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. If suddenly a car, aggressive dog, or skateboard appears, quickly retracting the leash can result in SERIOUS injuries. I personally have gotten deep, horrible cuts and burns from retractable leashes. I 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: A 4-6 foot, flat leash. 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. If Covid is a concern, look for outdoor activities with
smaller groups of dogs.

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 trying 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 money and time wisely invested in you dog will come back ten-fold. I hope you will join me with some of these easy, healthy, resolutions for your pup that you can do ALL YEAR LONG!

​II hope 2022 is a happy, healthy, wonderful year for you and your beloved pets! I look forward to getting to know you better and seeing you at a fun event or on social media in the new year! Thanks for reading and being an awesome pet parent! 🎉 -Pugs and Kisses! -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 4 min read

Most of my followers are PUG-OBSESSED like I am, but for those joining The Weekly Runt interested in adding a Pug to your family, I want to educate you on some important facts about this special breed that should come with the buyer’s manual. I don’t want anyone to be "unpleasantly" 😳 surprised!

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 just like that you’re hooked and have to have one.

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 on YouTube is what you're going to get. Pugs, like all dogs, vary greatly in their temperament, energy, intelligence, and independence. Personalities range 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, every day 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. They snuggle for 30 seconds and then are 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!
​
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 six to eight hours will be absolutely manic by the time you get home. You will need you to devote the remainder of the evening to them. And definitely have someone available to care for them during the day. Pugs 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.

Housetraining: Pug puppies will not be house trained in a month or two. It might possibly take six months. 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 and trainers to help you with house-training issues if needs be. Pugs are very adept at figuring out what you will and will not tolerate, but they also like to 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-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, packaging, and basically anything they can get in their jaws around. They especially love Kleenex and toilet paper. It is your most important job to pug-proof your home in order to avoid tragedy! I never trust a pug around any food source, garbage can or even cabinets that they can reach. In my home, trash cans sit up high on cupboards, gates are installed, cabinets are locked, and chairs are pushed away from table tops. If there’s a possibility they can get where the food is, even a sedentary pug will muster up the energy to "table surf!" -I have many ER vet bills to prove it. And it's not just tables. I've had contents of entire trash cans devoured. Things I never knew lived under the bed and old food left in a jacket pocket or a backpack have been devoured in a NY minute.

Pugs can be quite vocal and can be barkers, criers, howlers, moaners and grumblers. You may have watched videos of them singing and saying, "I love you". Mine all cry and sing with joy when I return home after time away. As a breed, they have the widest assortment of noises I've ever heard. And speaking of noises, check out TikTok and watch pugs sleeping. 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 fight 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 possible 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. They 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. You also won't find better sports about dawning costumes for photos and videos. Although they are loads of 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.

P.E=Pug Exercise: While pugs aren't known for being athletic, sporting dogs, there are many, like Surf Gidget The Pug that excel at surfing, swimming, and agility. Some can run like Greyhounds and are fit as fiddles. And while most would prefer to flop on your lap all day, running only to their food bowl at meal time, that isn't good for either of you. It’s best if you both get daily fresh air and exercise.

Pugs can easily get FAT! No matter how much you feed them they will tilt their head’s and act like they haven't eaten in a week, As cute as they look with their barreled chests, thick necks, round faces, and broad shoulders, 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 my blog on “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 both the breed and where you are getting your pug from. 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. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Rescues rehabilitate sick pugs PRIOR to adoption and disclose any known special needs or issues. They stand by their pugs. As do reputable breeders. You do put yourself at risk for expensive health issues with pugs from pet stores, internet ads and the newspaper. These people are out for the sole purpose of making money. They have no consideration for the care snd welfare of animals.

Pugs have issues Be prepared for some degree of health issues associated with brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds. Although not always serious, most pugs suffer from some degree of breathing problems, heat intolerance, dry eye, dental problems, rashes in their wrinkles and skin folds and collapsed tracheas. Although not as common, there is also Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) that is pug specific. It is a deadly, awful disease, but thankfully not very common.

Pugs are very sensitive: The have a high rate of allergies with food sensitivities topping the list. Pugs must be fed a high quality diet. Grocery store kibble won't cut it! You can avoid a host of future problems if you feed your pug wholesome, premium food. -And that usually isn’t the food you see on TV commercials. Check any of my food-related blogs for suggestions and watch for my upcoming cookbook with simple, healthy, recipes. Pug nutrition is the number #1 way to promote good health, lower vet bills, and give your pug a longer life.

Ahh-chooo! God bless you! Pugs do a horribly scary thing called Reverse Sneezing. I ran my first pug, Raisin to the ER, TWICE in a complete panic! I was convinced he was suffocating and was politely told it was just a reverse sneeze and all pugs do it. It sounds like they’re coughing, honking and gasping for air all at once. They gaze at you as if they can’t breathe. It can be brought on by stress, excitement and/or allergies. Usually, if you remain calm, pinch their nostrils together and gently blow in their face, they will open their mouths and breathe normally. Take note of when it happens to avoid triggers.

Pug grooming: New Pug owners, myself included, are always surprised to learn that fawn pugs shed like crazy. It's downright astonishing! The good news is they don't need extensive grooming you can't easily do yourself. In addition to shedding, most have dry eye and they get enormous eye goobers. You will also need to regularly clean their nose folds and ears. And then there’s a pugs nails! Pugs are 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 screaming as if they were being killed at the slaughter before the nail trimming even started. I recommend frequent (every 3-5 weeks) nail-trim appointments, and offering CBD treats 2 hours prior.

Pugs are one of the most affectionate, funny and overtly loving breeds you can ever own. But, I don't want anyone blindsided. For me and many others, 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. What about you? Do you have a pug? How many of these characteristics do they have?

🐾**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 as well as rescue groups I work with.

By, Katy Cable-TWR
A 2 min. read

​Merry Christmas! The holidays are all about food and I’m thrilled to share some ideas to include your “picky” pet in the occasion. I’m so excited about these tips, I’ve created an entire cookbook which should be out early next year!

Funny, there's an age-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 dog's food and I encourage them to let their pups 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 reveal the science and 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, highly-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 diseases are also skyrocketing. And it isn't just our pets suffering. A large percentage of Americans are also being plagued with the same illnesses. 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 other 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 to death. 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 or bone broth. 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. I would bet even the pickiest of dogs will enjoy some fresh, “human” foods. Meal time will be met with a new excitement and you should notice a healthier, more vibrant pet.
+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! 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 you will notice 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" options. 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 "human food" 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.

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For several healthy, delicious recipes you can enjoy with your dog, visit my website and be sure to grab a copy of my new book.
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🐾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-A 4 min. Read

Happy Holidays! I hope all of you are delighting in the merriment of the season and not stressing out over schedules, finances, obligations and expectations. I'll be honest with you, when it comes to Christmas, I tend to be a bit of a "Grinch"! I over-commit and never remember to take traffic, crowds, budgets, or my own energy levels into consideration. I’m usually left sick, tired, broke and frustrated before most people have their Christmas lights up.

Every year I promise I'm going to "scale-back" and do things differently but it never happens. I would do much better if the holidays came every FOUR years like the Olympics or Presidential elections. So, if you’re re anything like me, here are a few suggestions that I’m trying out this year. I’m hoping to have a much less chaotic, “happier” holidays!

🎁It's all about the gifts🎁
It astounds me, all these catalogs and websites showcasing “perfect” gift ideas that START at $500! If I had funds like that, I sure wouldn’t need a gift guide for assistance. But coming up with a personal, unique wonderful gift on a minimal budget is difficult. And not only that, it’s very stressful. So here are some ideas that have gone over well for me and will hopefully a big hit for those on your gift-giving list. Best of all, the gifts range from very inexpensive to fun “experiences” that you can treat yourself to as well.

If you have even less money than time, don't feel bad. Some of the most cherished gifts are those that come from the heart and don’t cost much money. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
🎁Are you great with a camera or love social media? How about offering to set up an Instagram for a friend’s new pet. Last year I made holiday videos for my friends. I used clips and photos of fun things we did all year long. On Christmas morning I sent them in a text message.

🎁Have a flair for fashion? Why not give your “styling” services for a friend that would appreciate your help. Offer to select some nice pieces for an occasion or work. Depending on your budget, you can possibly buy them a nice accessory or one piece from their new wardrobe. Even better, hit a vintage store and select a special piece not found in stores.

🎁How about giving a friend a facial, massage, or show them how to make that amazing dish of your grandmother’s that they rave about. You can either take your friend and book appointments, or you can get nice products and do the facial or massage yourself.

🎁Have a cookie swap with some friends and place them on an inexpensive pretty plate. Hit thrift or vintage stores for great finds.

🎁Fill small sachets or jars with Epsom salts and add a few drops of peppermint oil. Tie them with a holiday ribbon. Epsom salt is like a magic elixir for pain relief and relaxation. It also helps flush toxins from the system.

🎁Buy a pretty vintage tea cup and add a sachet of tea. Perhaps a classic book or book of poems.

🎁Fill a small holiday stocking and with a coupon offering to do some dog walking or pet sitting for a friend.

My favorite holiday tradition is my “White Elephant Christmas” Postpartum Party. In between Christmas and New Year’s, I invite a few close friends over. Everyone brings a favorite dish and a “re-gift” We have a “re-gift” exchange and play some fun games like PUG-OPOLY or Jenga. Some years we decorate gingerbread houses, other times we make vision boards by cutting inspirational photos from magazines and making collages. It’s such fun to spend quality time with friends and it doesn’t cost much money. Plus we usually trade an unwanted gift for something we like better.

Other ideas are movie nights, a sporting tail-gate party or meet for pedicures or massages where everyone can treat themselves to some post-holiday pampering.

As a pet owner, nothing could be better than receiving some much-needed help from another trusted pet owner. Offer to help with pet sitting or dog walking if their schedule is crazy

Another wonderful idea is treat yourself to a shelter pet. Many rescues and shelters offer “Home Fur The Holidays” programs where families can foster a shelter pet for the holidays. This allows prospective adopters an opportunity to try things out before committing and it gets a needy animal out of the stressful shelter for the holidays. Hopefully the pet will end up being a “foster-fail” and become a new family member. Check your local shelters or rescues for info.
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I hope this year you’ll spend much less money and have much more fun by trying a few of these ideas. -HAPPY HOWLIDAYS!
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🐾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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By, Katy Cable-TWR / A 4 min. Read

Wanna know the WORST possible holiday gift you can give someone...-A NEW DOG they didn’t ask for! This time of year I see lots of happy pet parents stocking up for the “new addition!” And usually nothing makes me happier. But at the same time, many of these dogs are surrendered to shelters come February 1st. About the same time the novelty wears off and the responsibility becomes apparent. So as much as you may love dogs, here’s a checklist to review before you take the big leap and become a pet parent.

1. What are your plans for the next 5-15 years? If you’re lucky, a pet may be around for 15 years. Prior to getting one, evaluate your plans and goals. Like anything else, a new family member requires additional time and attention. You may want to hold off if you’ve just started a new job or are adjusting to the demands of a new baby. Also think about what the next 15 years holds. Will you be retiring, will you be in a position to care for a then aging pet.

2. Can you afford to care for a pet? New pet parents are often blind-sighted by the expense of a new dog. They assume adding a large bag of dog kibble to the grocery list and the costs of a few quick vet check-ups will be about all it sets them back. While my blog tips will certainly help with costs, you must anticipate the additional expenses of a high-quality food, pet training, initial pet supplies, regular vet care, dental care, grooming and pet daycare/boarding. If a pet gets injured or suffers from a medical condition you could be looking at thousands of dollars for treatment. It’s best to be realistic about your financial situation prior to bringing home a new pet.

3. Are all the adults in your home ok with getting a pet? Take it from someone who initially never wanted a dog. I was filled with anger and resentment that my feelings weren’t being considered. Thankfully I was actively involved in the decision making process and we had clearly defined agreements on pet care duties. I advise getting everyone’s input on the pet selected and who will be responsible for various pet care details.

​4. Do you have the time and energy for a pet? Many new pet owners are surprised at how much time a new pet requires. -Especially a new puppy. If you’re rarely home, travel extensively or find it hard to carve out time for a quick workout, a new pet may put you over the edge. New pets need time to bond with you and get a stable routine. That routine may include training/obedience classes, daily walks, exercise-play, socialization, grooming, feeding and of course, belly rubs. If you leave the house before the sun rises and return completely wiped-out late in the evenings, you’ll need to seriously consider if you want to set that alarm even earlier for a morning run with your new dog. Will you be ok with hiring a dog sitter while you’re away all day? Will you have the energy to throw on sneakers and get out for another walk after putting in a grueling 15-hour-day? A bored, neglected dog will typically develop behavior problems and create unnecessary stress. Think seriously about whether you have the time to provide a new pet a good quality of life.

5. Lastly, are you prepared for a disruption in your home? One reason I initially dreaded getting a dog was the mess! I suffered from bad allergies and liked keeping my home obsessively neat. The thought of dog hair covering all my furniture and my designer shoes serving as the chew toy of choice for a new pet was my idea of a living hell. Be realistic about how important your fine clothing, furniture and household tidiness is.

If you’ve considered the above-mentioned points and it’s still a “GO,” let’s consider a few more important details:

What type of dog will be the best fit for your lifestyle? This is a biggie? Read up on different breeds and get an idea of energy levels and temperament. Do you want a cute designer dog you can pack in a purse and take with you everywhere? Are you the outdoorsy type that enjoys hiking, camping and water activities? A retriever might be the perfect breed. If you’re an avid runner or swimmer, some breeds are perfectly suited for those activities while others, like Pugs, overheat easily and typically sink like stones in water. Many people are misinformed and choose a breed that conflicts with their lifestyle and energy levels. I urge you to research breeds wisely first.

Are you prepared to deal with emotional or behavioral issues? I’m hoping and praying you will opt for getting your new pet from a rescue or shelter, but do want to remind you that most of these innocent animals were completely let down by humans. They weren’t properly cared for, trained or socialized. Often it takes time for the new pet to form a bond and trust again. Poor little Olive was a breeder dog who was tossed out in the streets after having a litter of puppies. Just a puppy herself, she had lived in a crate her entire life. She had no interaction with humans or other dogs. Coming into a new home was terrifying and overwhelming. She ran and hid at the slightest noise or anyone approaching her. I was so heartbroken for her but remained loving and patient. Six years (and much CBD) later she is thriving, but it took lots of time. Remember most dogs are relinquished for house breaking problems, barking and other issues due to fear and anxiety. Are you committed to rehab a new pet if needed.

Do you have an existing pet to consider? Usually after an adjustment period, a new pet can be happily added to the family but there are times when two pets simply DO NOT GET ALONG and leaving them alone together is an outright dangerous situation. I recommend planning a meeting at a neutral setting that’s not too busy and stimulating. Try a nice walk with both on leashes and slowly see how a short interaction goes with the ability to pull them away if one gets aggressive. If it’s not a match made in heaven try consulting with a good trainer before ruling things out. Often shelters and rescues have ideas and recommendations to help you welcome a new pet into the pack. Typically it just takes some time for the pets to adjust and have a balanced relationship.

I realize I’ve just painted a terribly grim and unpleasant picture of dog ownership. I left out all the best parts which is the unbelievable amount of joy they can bring to your life. The true unconditional love they shower you with, and all the happiness they bring typically FAR OUTWEIGH all the hassles and extra expense. However, I would rather prepare you for the worst case scenario and not have you blindsided by a rude awakening. These tips will hopefully make it a smooth, wonderful experience.
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I hope many of your holidays include a special new addition. Please pass my website and blog on to any new dog owner friends that may find it helpful. Until next week: Pugs & Kisses 😘❤️🐾


​🐾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
A 3 Min. Read

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! -Or is it? For some it’s magical but this is also the season when suicides and domestic violence skyrocket and everyone seems spread WAY too thin. This time of year, far too many people feel depressed and sad instead of loving and thankful. And this happens during the best of times. Now that we’re trying to recover from a pandemic, in some ways, it’s much worse. If you’re feeling down in the dumps, these tips should help brighten your spirits and allow you to enjoy the holidays.

As a “recovering” co-dependent, I used to feel obligated to do everything and then guilty that I didn’t do enough. I dreaded the holidays because I had enormous expectations for myself. It was up to “ME” (not Santa Claus) to make everyone’s holiday magical. I always ended up angry, exhausted and sick. Now I actually enjoy the holidays because I’ve learned how to do things entirely differently. Here’s a few tips that have turned things around for me.

​1. SELF CARE is the name of the game. Most people (especially parents) don’t do anything for themselves until everyone else is OK. They put themselves last on the list. I’m giving you permission to put yourself FIRST! Nobody’s going to give you what you need or set your boundaries. In order to feel happy and joyful you simply must “put your oxygen mask on first!” Shut down and rest if you’re stressed out or getting sick. Eat well. Get some fresh air and connect with those special people in your life that lift you up. Spoil your dog with an extra walk and watch how great you feel. Make a list of 5 things you’re going to do EACH day for self care! Do fun little things that recharge and rejuvenate you.

​I enjoy taking my Pug Olive on a walk through the beautifully decorated canals near my home. It always puts me in good spirits and a place of gratitude. No canals or picturesque walking spots where you live? …How about taking a holiday drive through a festively decorated neighborhood. Grab your dog, jump in the car, fire up the heated seats, treat yourself to a latte (and a PUPpuccino for your pet) blast “All I want for Christmas is you,” belt out your best Mariah Carey impersonation, and feel that holiday magic!

​2. BE STILL AND BREATHE! If you’re like me you’re addicted to going, going, going! Sitting still and doing nothing is extremely uncomfortable. AND, all the more reason I need to do it. Sit your overworked bootie down for a few minutes and breathe. Go online and do a 5–10 minute guided meditation, or just sit quiet and do your best to think calm, happy, beautiful, thoughts. When your “to-do” list or negative thoughts crop in, immediately shut them off by thinking of something peaceful. I can hear it now, “That might be fine for you but it’s so hectic right now I don’t have a minute to breathe!”…Well, make 10 and watch what happens. I now enjoy doing a 15 minute meditation first thing in the morning with my little Pug Olive. It’s so calming and helps set the tone for our day. I also have enjoyed sitting in a bubble bath with candles and meditating in the warm, soothing, water. Listening to the water fill the tub is also very relaxing. This practice has also calmed Olive’s anxiety and strengthened our bond. Check out the FREE meditation app: Insight Timer which I use. Find some soothing meditations to try. And don’t forget to include your pets. Your stress is contagious. It weakens their immune system and accelerates aging. While your serenity keeps pets calm and balanced.

☯️Sometimes it’s just impossible to stop my busy mind. When this happens, I do active meditation by swimming some laps and focusing on the cold, blue water and my breathing. Another helpful thing is taking a gratitude walk and thinking about all the things I’m thankful for using every letter of the alphabet. Try this when you can’t fall asleep or you’re obsessing about something! (-Bonus points for getting 5 things for each letter!) Usually I’m out like a light before I get to the letter “X” but if not, that takes some serious thinking!

3. JUST SAY “NO!” While Covid killed many of last year’s holiday festivities, this year everyone is more than making up for it! Even my 93 year old mother has a slew of parties and other invitations pouring in. Do yourself a favor and say “NO!” Last year, the pandemic may have given you a hall pass for attending your niece’s painstaking production of The Nutcracker or holiday choral show, this year you’re just going to have to put on your big-kid pants and decline lower priority events. And even things opening back up, Zoom is still wildly popular snd adds another layer of options. I personally would rather have a root canal (with laughing gas) than spend one more second of my free time on ZOOM! If you feel the same way, -JUST SAY NO! Everyone’s busy and either they’ll understand or they’ll get over it. Doing things you have zero interest in will only build up stress and resentments.

Now, in the true spirit of the holidays, there are some things that you should do. For instance, if your relative just had a new baby or you can’t see the elderly grandparents in person this year, some extra video chats or Zoom calls are important. But, there will certainly be many, MANY, other invitations you can pass on that aren’t a big deal.

4.“YES PLEASE!” That’s right! Now that you’ve cleared your calendar, go crazy with things that sound warm, fuzzy and FUN! Things that make your holidays MERRY! Start planning, inviting, organizing and doing a few of those! Love those holiday cookies, -host or attend a cookie swap. Is a favorite tradition hitting holiday sales at the mall or outlets until your feet bleed with blisters? …Jump online or slip on some kicks and get those deals! Why not visit small retailers and pick up some unique treasures while avoiding the holiday crowds. Again, be honest about what is truly fun and not an obligation. Lift your mood being creative and trying a few new things as well as modifying some of your holiday favorites.

​🎁One of my favorite things to do is have my friends over a day or two AFTER Christmas. Everyone comes in sweats or PJ’s with a “RE-GIFT.” Each friend brings left-over holiday goodies and we drink lattes (or champagne) while catching up on everyone’s celebrations. Sometimes we make vision boards by cutting inspiring photos and headlines out of magazines representing our goals and dreams for the new year.

​5. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH DOGS! (Or cats, puppies, kittens, etc!) Seriously! Petting a dog actually makes the neurotransmitters in your brain go crazy. Oxytocin (a stress reducing hormone) is released and cortisone (a nasty stress hormone) is reduced. Walking a dog does the same thing PLUS you get some exercise. It forces you outside in the fresh air getting your heart pumping and your blood flowing. Dogs are filled with love. Any attention drives them bonkers. Hug a few dogs, talk to them, pet them, love on them and watch how you feel. Why not see if a rescue or shelter will let you foster one for the holidays.

​’Tis is the season do something kind! Buy someone a coffee! Tip ridiculously! Donate to needy kids. Be someone’s secret Santa. Low on funds…hold the door for someone. Let the other driver take that prime parking spot. Offer to take someone’s “selfie” or just smile and give a genuine compliment. Doing kind things for others doesn’t have to cost a cent! It will make you feel wonderful! And you’ll be doing a kind deed during the holidays!

​🐾BONUS: One of my favorite traditions is participating in Justin Rudd’s Operation Santa Paws. Right after Thanksgiving, collection bins are put out all around the community. The weekend before Christmas all the items collected are taken to a variety of shelters and given to all the animals. It’s such fun to see the joy on the faces of all the needy pets. It’s a magical day!

​Wishing you a peaceful, healthy, STRESS-FREE and happy holiday season.