 By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt A 4 min. Read Wanna know the difference between mild and severe allergies in dogs? For starters, it's several hundred bucks in vet bills 😜. While the weather, changing seasons and other environmental factors may be partially to blame for your pup’s issues, the main trigger and cause is usually always THEIR FOOD. Identifying the specific food allergen however, can be a daunting, expensive headache. First let's look at what a food allergy is: When a dog is allergic to a food ingredient in their diet, their immune system jumps into overdrive thinking that substance is attaching their body. The body goes to war in the same way it would if exposed to a real danger such as a deadly bacteria. Everyday I see frustrated pet parents trying to help their dogs who are suffering from food allergies. The first thing they frequently tell me is their vet says they're allergic to chicken. When I ask what brand of pet food has been giving them problems, often it’s a dry processed kibble loaded with corn, wheat, grains and gluten. The protein is typically a poor quality rendered poultry, and/or beef that is often pumped with growth hormones, antibiotics and other harmful chemicals. Many times it’s a combination of several different proteins (ie: fish, chicken, beef, duck.) When I switch them to a grain-free, low-glycemic carb, pet food that contains a single, novel protein that’s clean (free-range, grass-fed without antibiotics or hormones), the problems quickly clear up, even if it contains the suspected protein source. Not all pet-foods are created equally! Unfortunately, a high percentage of pet foods use massive amounts of starchy carbs “fillers” and the meat is the leftover, rendered pieces and parts of factory farmed meats. The same try,6. parts not deemed suitable for human consumption. Also there is ample deception in ingredient labeling in pet foods so it can be impossible to find the exact culprit. If your dog has a food allergy, they will typically have symptoms like itchy skin, rashes, and yeasty ear infections. And then there’s horrible gas and runny, smelly stools. There may be vomiting and diarrhea. However, it can often take some time for the immune system and GI tract to be significantly compromised enough for your dog to show digestive disturbances. While most of us use the term "food allergy" to describe the problem, true food allergies, also called “Adverse Food Reactions” are actually quite rare. According to Dr. Jean Dodds, a world-renowned veterinarian and creator of the NutriScan food intolerance test, in all likelihood, it is not an allergy but a food intolerance. A simple description is in the body's immune responses. A true food allergy produces a much harsher, more immediate reaction and a specific type of antibodies. A food intolerance or sensitivity produces a more delayed response of a different type of antibodies. Most conventional veterinarians who suspect a pet is dealing with a food intolerance typically recommend a highly processed “prescription” diet. Holistic vet's often take a different approach which I recommend. If you have a dog or cat over the age of one year who is dealing with a possible food sensitivity, ask your vet about the NutriScan food intolerance test which identifies 24 of the most common foods dogs eat, including: Beef Chicken Millet Soy Pork Rabbit Venison (deer) Barley Rice Sweet potato Salmon Quinoa Chicken eggs Wheat Potato Oatmeal Lamb Lentils (includes peas) Corn Turkey Peanuts/peanut butter Cow's milk Duck White-colored ocean fish (includes menhaden, pollack, herring and sardines) NutriScan is a simple salivary test, and is currently the most accurate food sensitivity test on the market. A simple swab not only takes away all the guesswork but also makes tedious and time consuming elimination diets unnecessary. It's important to note that NutriScan doesn't test for food allergies, but rather food sensitivities and intolerances occurring over the last six months to two years. When dogs eat the same food day after day, year after year they can develop a sensitivity to the protein source. Especially if the food is inexpensive, highly processed, and includes meat pumped full of antibiotics and hormones. This alone can cause the immune system to go into overdrive. Dogs can also grow sensitive to a host of other allergenic ingredients in the food such as the typical culprits: corn, grains, gluten, soy and other carbohydrates. The NutriScan test can quickly identify the specific ingredient(s) in your dog's food which are causing problems. This makes it much easier to revamp your dog's diet and successfully resolve problems. If your dog is experiencing adverse reactions to some aspect of their diet, it is imperative to give their body a break from the food they've been eating. This will give the immune system an opportunity to calm down and hopefully you will see improvement in symptoms. And don’t forget to stop all the treats too! Many times, it’s too many poor quality treats that is causing problems. After determining your pet has a food intolerance, the next step is to slowly introduce a new diet containing ingredients their body isn't familiar with. For example, if your pooch has been eating chicken and rice-kibble since you brought them home, I would suggest trying a salmon and sweet potato or lamb and lentils based food. Most vets suggest switching both the main source of protein as well as the primary carb to achieve the most effective results. I have seen dramatic results by just having pet parents eliminate TREATS, plus grains, corn, gluten and filler ingredients that are common triggers. They continue to thrive when they stay on low-glycemic carb diets that contain clean animal proteins. I have had tremendous success with Nulo pet food which uses free-range, grass fed meats with no hormones or antibiotics, low glycemic carbs and adds powerhouse probiotics. It takes all the guesswork out of it and makes it simple. There are many great foods options available, or you can make your pet’s food yourself. If you need assistance, visit my website where I have lots of blogs to help you select a nutritional, safe pet food. If you are transitioning your pet to a diet, I recommend working with a holistic or integrated veterinarian. To find a list of them in your area visit: http://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/ However, whatever you decide, the following tips from Dr. Karen Becker should be extremely helpful: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 A dog with food sensitivities should remain on a novel diet for a minimum of two months and preferably three, to allow the body time to clear out the allergenic substances and begin the detoxification process. During this period it's important to use good pre and probiotics to build up their inflammatory response in the GI tract. Because each case of food intolerance and dysbiosis is unique, I recommend working with a holistic or integrative veterinarian. Once a patient has completed two to three months on a novel diet, other foods are slowly reintroduced one at a time, and the dog's response is closely monitored. Some dogs show dramatic improvement on the new diet, and in those cases, I often don't rush the reintroduction of food that could be problematic. When the dog is stable and doing well, I encourage dog parents to find at least one and preferably two other protein sources their pet tolerates well so that every three to six months, they can rotate proteins and hopefully avoid further allergic reactions. In addition, the cleaner the proteins, the less chance your dog will become sensitive to them over time. Clean animal proteins are non-toxic. For example, animals raised on a natural diet (grass-fed, not factory farmed) as well as hormone-free animals, are better food sources for sensitive pets. During and after a novel diet, I recommend natural supplements to aid detoxification, relieve allergic symptoms and support your pet's immune system. Your holistic veterinarian can help you select the supplements most appropriate for your pet's individual needs. 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 Click here for my Farmecuticals blog featuring great, inexpensive things to enhance your pets health that can be found right in your own cupboards at home. Click the link below to watch a short video on the best foods for sensitive pets. 👍🏼💕  By, Katy Cable-TWR /A 4 min read Most of my followers are PUG-OBSESSED like I am, but for those joining The Weekly Runt who are interested in adding a Pug to your family, I want to educate you on some important facts about this special breed so you’re not "unpleasantly" 😳 surprised! Believe it or not I never originally wanted a dog. I actually dreaded getting one! And then I was introduced to PUGS! Now I know why people who love pugs say, "Its not just a dog, it's a PUG!" They are darling. They are hysterical. They tug at your heartstrings and all of the sudden you're hooked and HAVE TO HAVE ONE. -OR FIVE! First of all, no two pugs are alike. Don't assume that magical, snuggle bunny Pug on your neighbor's lap or that comical Pug dressed up singing on YouTube is what you're going to get. Pugs, like all dogs vary greatly in their temperament, energy, intelligence and independence ranging from go-with-the-flow to I'm-in-charge-of-everything. That being said, there are some generalizations that tend to be SPOT ON: PUG PUPPIES: If I'm lucky, everyday at work I might have the opportunity to help out new pet parents shopping for their first puppy. Usually the puppy is cuddled in their arms dozing in and out of sleep. Just like a new sleeping baby, that in the blink of an eye turns into a high energy toddler on the move, the same holds true for puppies. Warn as I do, these parents are usually astounded when all too quickly that same puppy is a whirling dervish of energy who snuggles for 30 seconds and then is off again to race around the house, leaving a trail of destruction in his or her path. Pug puppies are no different from any other puppy. Expect nipping, chewing, gnawing, jumping, pulling on your pant legs, shoe destroying, and lots of mayhem. Here's the reality. The only puppy that is a couch potato is a SICK puppy. Most are bundles of non-stop energy. You likely won't have a couch potato pug until at least the age of three and your pug may NEVER be a couch potato. Pugs from reputable breeders are more likely to have the typical pug temperament eventually, but even they will be little spitfires as puppies. If your puppy is from the internet, a pet store, a newspaper ad, or rescue, then it's up for grabs what kind of temperament you may end up with. You might luck out and get a pug that has the solid and stable temperament that is the signature of the breed, but you might also end up with a pug like my Olive who has deep-seated issues that take diligent, loving, consistent, training to transform. One of the best ways to wear a puppy out (or any busy dog) is to engage them in activities that make them work and think. This is why I cannot say enough about obedience classes! It will be money and time very well spent. Classes are a great way for both of you to bond, socialize and learn. One hour of training can really take the 'edge' off of a busy new pup! Even with CoVid raging, it may be safe to attend a small, outdoor class with everyone keeping safe distances. Jump on YouTube and check out all the free training videos, or hire a trainer to come to you or meet outdoors, one-on-one if that works better. A High Maintenance Breed: Don't get me wrong. I love my pugs, but they are, without a doubt, a high maintenance breed. They need and want a lot of attention. Pugs are and were bred for the sole purpose of being companion animals. They need people. If you’re going to be gone for long periods of time and/or be too tired to engage with your pug when you get home from work, then a pug likely isn't the dog for you. And pug puppies are developing and learning. They need stimulation, guidance, time and attention. Any puppy left crated for eight to ten hours will be absolutely manic by the time you get home and will need you to devote the remainder of the evening to them. They are often referred to as a "VELCRO DOG!” So if you don't want a dog that is going to be wherever you are all the time (including in the bathroom!), then rethink getting a pug. House training: Pug puppies will not be house trained in a month or two or possibly even six. Some pick it up quickly, but most take much longer before they are completely consistent and reliable. And most pugs won't ask to go out. Pugs generally will not just go outside and do their business while you relax comfortably on the couch enjoying a cappuccino. If they are outside, you'd better be outside with them. Most will not potty outside without your company and encouragement. (Actually the only thing they probably will do without your fanfare is EAT!) While some pugs can hold their bladders all day while you're at work, most can't and shouldn't be expected to. So if you're contemplating a pug (or small breed dog) then be sure that you can afford to have someone come in and let the dog out or make an 'approved' spot in your home for them to go. Punishing a pug (or any dog) for an accident is not an effective method of house training. Rubbing the dog's nose in the mess and yelling "No!", "Bad Dog!" and other choice words, will likely create a dog who becomes a sneaky excreter and fearful of your behavior. You must use praise and positive reinforcement to house-train. There are many good books, articles, videos and trainers to help you with house-training issues if needs be. PUG-ALICIOUS PUGS: Pugs have a variety of unique quirks that drive some people bonkers. They can be nosy, inquisitive, and often right under foot. Most are tremendously and dangerously food driven and will consume things that you don't consider edible. -I'm not kidding. They will eat poop, grass, rocks, coins, screws, anything they can get in their mouths. They ESPECIALLY love Kleenex and toilet paper. It is your most important job to pug proof your home to avoid tragedy! I never trust a pug around any food source, garbage or even cabinets they can reach. In my home, trash cans sit up high on cupboards, gates are installed, locks are secured on cabinets and chairs are pushed away from table tops. I’ve leaned even a sedentary pug will muster up the energy to "table surf!" if they can get to wherever the food is. I have many ER vet bills to prove it. And it's not just tables. I've had contents of entire trash cans ravaged. Things I never knew lived under the bed and in a jacket pocket or a backpack have been devoured in a NY minute. Pugs can be quite vocal barkers, criers, howlers, moaners and grumblers. You may have watched videos of them singing, "I love you.” Every pug I’ve ever known cries and sings with joy when their owners return home after time away. As a breed, they have the widest assortment of noises I've ever heard. And most snore like buzz saws. Pugs are referred to as “multim in Parvo” meaning “A lot of dog in a small space.” Pugs are tough little dogs that pack a lot of punch in their compact bodies. They are confident and have no clue how small they are. Most will not initiate a fight, but many will vigorously defend themselves or others TO THEIR DEATH if a scuffle starts. Often they are hopelessly outclassed in the fighting department and can get seriously hurt if owners aren't careful. To say they are a food driven breed is a huge understatement. Be prepared for issues with food aggression and resource guarding. Especially if you have other dogs. Pugs are not fans of inclement or extreme weather and will resist venturing outside in the cold, rain, snow, extreme heat or wind. They are prone to over-heating extremely quickly due to their "flat-noses.” Keep your environment in mind before getting a pug. Pug Smarts: While many people perceive pugs as dumb dogs. Most aren't. In fact, most are extremely smart. Their outrageous food drive usually makes them fairly easy to train. They make amazing therapy and service dogs and you won't find better sports about dawning costumes for photos and videos. And while they are so much fun to dress up and take out, it's often easy to forget they are DOGS. They need to do dog things such as go to parks, meet other dogs, play and have fun. Pugs are very adept at figuring out what you will and will not tolerate and will test the limits. You don't need to be a dictator, but all dogs want to know what the routine is and like a predictable world. Pug Energy: While pugs aren't ideal running partners or known for being athletic, sporting dogs, there are many, like Surf Gidget The Pug that excel at surfing, swimming, agility, run like Greyhounds and are fit as fiddles. And while most would prefer to flop on your lap all day, their only athleticism shown in racing to their dog dish at mealtime, that isn't good for either of you. It’s important to prioritize getting regular exercise together. Speaking of exercise, Pugs can easily get FAT. As cute as they look with their square, barreled shoulders and chest, and the way they always act like they haven't eaten in a week, it is really easy to let them get dangerously obese! Pugs in particular need the right amount of food for their activity level. You significantly shorten their lifespan and quality of life by letting them get obese. (-See last week’s blog on extra “Dog Pounds” ) PUG HEALTH: This, more than any other issue is often the undoing of many a pug owner. As with any pure breed dog, a plethora of expensive health issues may crop up. DO YOUR RESEARCH on the breed and especially on where you are getting your pug. Rescues** generally have a good idea of the health issues facing a given dog. Don’t assume that a rescued pug is going to be a health nightmare. You do put yourself at risk for expensive health issues with pugs from pet stores, internet ads and the newspaper. Though less likely, even reputable breeders who have genetic testing going back generations offer no guarantee that your pug won't have an issue. Pugs are a sensitive breed. They are prone to a host of chronic health problems such as breathing, eyes, and folds of skin, specific to brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds. In addition, they may also include: luxating patella, dental problems, and collapsed trachea, typically seen in the toy breeds. And then there is the dreaded Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) that is pug specific. Pugs have a very high rate of allergies—food containing grains being a big one. Pugs need a high quality diet. Grocery store kibble won't cut it and you can avoid a host of future problems if you start off feeding your pug with premium food. Check any of my food-related blogs for suggestions. Pug nutrition is my number #1 way to promote good health, lower vet bills and a provide them with a longer life. New Pug owners, myself included, are always surprised to learn that fawn pugs shed fur like trees shed their leaves in autumn. It's downright astonishing! They don't need extensive grooming you can't easily do yourself but they get enormous eye goobers and need regular cleaning of nose folds, ears and eye areas. And MY GOD are they notoriously fussy about having their nails trimmed. You can see some real dramatic behavior around nail clipping in particular. I've known several pugs to start squealing as if they were being killed at the slaughter before the nail trimming even started. They also do a horribly scary thing called reverse sneezing. I ran my first pug, Raisin to the ER, TWICE convinced he was suffocating and was politely told it was just a reverse sneeze and all pugs do it. That being said, Pugs are one of the most affectionate, funny and overtly loving breeds you can ever own. But, I don't want anyone blindsided. To me, they're worth every bit of effort, expense and time they require. I promise you these little clowns will provide hours of entertainment and completely melt your heart. Pugs and kisses! -Katy 😘 🐾**If you are interested in getting a pug, I hope you will consider rescuing one in need of a loving home. Message me for rescue groups in your area or check out the following rescues I work with here in So Cal: The Pug Queen Pug Nation Pugs and Pals Pugs and Roses SOCIAL MEDIA: @thepugqueen @surfgidgetthepug @pugsandpals @pugnationla.org  By Katy Cable-TWR A 3 min. Read What do you think is the number one New Year’s Resolution? If you guessed: Lose Weight/Get in Shape, you’re right! This is great news considering Americans are plagued by a growing epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and a host of other health issues related to lousy diets and not enough exercise. And, what’s worse, our pets have followed suit! Therefore this might be a great resolution for them as well. Did you know the number one, single most important thing you can do to add years and quality to your pet's life is: keep them from becoming overweight. What and how much you feed your precious fur-baby is the number one component for all aspects of your dog's health, longevity and quality of life. The good news is with just a little will power on your part it can be done quite easily. Keep in mind, YOU 'RE in control of the bowl and what goes into your dog's body is 100% your responsibility. I'm not trying to be judgmental or fat shame anyone’s pup, since I too had no idea of the severity of a few extra “dog pounds!” When our family first went looking for a Pug to adopt, I gravitated towards all the gi-normous ones. I found the portly Pugs cuter and more cuddly (maybe because they couldn't move) and that they were the true standard of the breed. I had no idea a huffing, puffing, fur baby with their belly dragging on the ground and no visible waistline was morbidly obese. Thankfully we ended up with a lean, active, healthy Pug and a valuable lesson in pet nutrition. The next eye-opener was how food-obsessed Pugs can be. They will literally eat themselves to DEATH if given the chance. I saw our first Pug Raisin, jump 3 feet onto a table, tear open and devour the contents of a raffle gift basket including a TIN of Almond Roca in less time than it took me to slide on a pair of flip-flops. Mission projects made of sugar cubes, holiday gingerbread houses, -Gone in less than 60 seconds. Nothing excites or motivates a Pug more than food. Most dogs (excluding Labs 😜) are not this obsessed but it's still very difficult to resist the longing gaze of a food-loving dog. I will admit, when my darling Pug Olive tips her head and pants longingly, I ALWAYS give her a small bite of any other human food that isn't harmful. However, I weigh my Pugs, and keep them fit, lean and trim. If the harness gets a bit snug or too loose, I adjust the portions and "small bites" accordingly. And, if they’re battling a health issue or illness, I'm extra diligent about nutrition. Why the big deal? Here’s the “skinny” on this issue: Dogs and cats are much smaller than adult humans. Excess weight on a smaller body has more significant, and immediate consequences than added weight on a bigger body. And when you factor in the short lifespan of the average dog or cat, it gets even shorter if that pet is overweight. Plus, the quality of their life will not be optimal as they develop the inevitable diseases that come with obesity. Believe it or not, dogs that are even A FEW pounds over their ideal weight are prone to FAR more arthritis, hip, vertebrae and mobility issues. Also cancers, and diabetes. Diabetes can lead to blindness and any issue negatively affecting mobility robs a dog of a big chunk of their quality of life. Tragically, it is often why many pets must be euthanized. If health issues alone weren't bad enough, there's also the expensive vet bills. According to Embrace, a pet insurance carrier, the average annual cost of vet care for a diabetic dog or cat is over $1,200. In the last year alone, insurance claims for pets with diabetes increased over 250 percent. Embrace, confirms orthopedic conditions are occurring in younger pets – and with greater severity typically because so many animals are overweight. And it's certainly not just one pet insurance company that’s concerned. "Seeing animals suffering from health conditions secondary to their obesity is a common situation," according to Crystal Sheran, DVM for Banfield Pet Hospital. So, if your pet is overweight, hopefully you are now convinced it's a big deal and you’re willing to “deal with the problem-before it's too late!" Here are a few common sense tips to help you get started:
🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By Katy Cable-TWR A 4 min read HAPPY NEW YEAR! -ALMOST! Is it just me or did 2020 seem like we lived it in dog years! Now that we’re finally down to the last few days of this extremely challenging year, most people start thinking about making a resolution of one kind or another. The top being: to get in shape, workout and lose weight. Those are great goals but how about adding something simple for your dog? This is a perfect time to do some: SPRING CLEANING! -In the dead of winter. With the end of the year, get rid of the old and bring in some NEW! Taking the best care of your furry family member means paying attention to things you might not even realize need to be cleaned, repaired, or just TOSSED! Here are some great tips on dog-supplies you should PITCH for the sake of your dog’s health and well-being (and ultimately yours!) 5 Things Dog Parents Need to Toss Right Now 1. The old, stinky and ill-fitting collar: Your dog’s collar is like your underwear. They wear it all the time and it’s very close to their skin. And while most people wouldn’t think of wearing the same underwear day after day without ever washing them or getting a new pair, many dog collars never get replaced or even cleaned. I learned this, like EVERYTHING ELSE I blog about, THE HARD WAY when my first pug Raisin got a horrible yeasty, foul-smelling rash around his neck. After an expensive trip to the vet, followed by a heavy course of antibiotics and expensive RX creams, guess who also got a brand new, clean collar to wear! It’s important to keep your pet’s collar clean to reduce the risk it will cause an infection or hot spot on their skin. Worn-out collars, those with an unpleasant odor and collars that have either grown too tight or too loose, need to go. Also check to make sure their tag with your contact info is still legible should they ever get lost. You may need to replace and update that as well. Replace with this: New collar/ID tag I found a clip for the ID tag and now change out collars all the time. I have an entire collection of cute festive collars I find on sale. Have fun with this! 😜 2. Plastic food and water bowls: Plastic food and water bowls are inexpensive and convenient. Unfortunately, not only are they impossible to thoroughly sanitize, but as the plastic begins to break down, it can leak toxic chemicals into your dog’s food and water. In addition, I have seen many dogs (including my own) get blemishes on their chins and other skin irritations from bacteria and oils which get easily trapped in the peeling plastic. This was another expensive trip to the vet and medications I could’ve avoided! More sensitive dogs can develop allergies to the materials and dyes in plastic bowls, and get tear stains, rashes and other complications. In addition, aggressive chewers have been known to gnaw their bowls into small pieces and swallow them. Also avoid the cute pottery bowls since these can contain dangerous lead-based paint and other toxic materials. Again, I have learned everything the hard way and I hope to save you from the same mistakes. Replace with this: stainless steel, porcelain or glass food and water bowls. 3. Broken or chewed up toys: Many dogs are toy slaughterers. My pug Olive can tear off the head of a toy and devour the stuffing faster than I can open a jar of peanut butter. There have been many times I’ve left a dog alone with a stuffed toy, only to find they have a belly full of chemical-tainted cotton stuffing before I get to the first commercial break during Real Housewives! With any luck, (and a few spoonfuls of canned pumpkin purée) the stuffing will pass in their 💩. However, God forbid, they should swallow a squeaker or get a piece of the toy lodged in their GI tract. Suddenly that $5.00 chew toy can become a life-threatening situation requiring expensive surgery to remove. It’s a good idea to review the contents your dog’s toy basket on a regular basis and get rid of anything that could pose a choking hazard or GI obstruction. Replace with this: Repaired or new non-toxic toys. I love the un-stuffed flat, crinkle toys, non-toxic ropes, and Tugga Kongs filled with a premium pet food. 4. Dull nail trimmers: Most dogs enjoy nail trims the way I enjoy a root canal. But one thing that can make a bad situation worse is a pair of dull clippers. After one too many bad experiences, I now leave nail trim to the pros. Plus, I’m as welcome as a rash when dogs see me come at them with nail clippers. (Talk about feeling unpopular!) With dull clippers, instead of a quick clean snip, the trimmers can crush and split the nail. Or, not cut at all! Not only is this extremely painful for your probably already anxious dog, but it tends to make you — the human at the other end of the clippers — tense up. Your dog, in turn, picks up on your stress, which doubles theirs. In a worst-case scenario, a nail trim botched by dull trimmers can FOREVER make your dog run like a pack of wolves every time they see them come out. Trust me on this one. Replace with this: Freshly sharpened or new nail trimmers, or a battery-operated rotary tool (e.g., a Dremel). Or visit your vet’s office, PetSmart or a trusted local groomer and let a professional do it. For highly anxious dogs try giving CBD 2 hours before their mani/pedi👌 5. Retractable leash “Leash” is probably not a good word to describe the thin cord or ribbon used in many retractable devices. The real purpose of using a leash is to keep the animal safe and under your control while out on walks. Retractable leashes often do just the opposite. They give the owner and the dog WAY TOO MUCH LEEWAY and then put you both at risk when you must quickly RETRACT. I never recommend these leashes as a good option for pet parents. I only recommend them for those who are working specifically with a trainer on commands but never for walking. There are many reasons to avoid or reconsider use of a retractable leash, starting with the fact it's easy for your dog to get too far away from you to be safe. Suddenly a car, aggressive dog, or skateboard appears and if it's not too late already, quickly retracting can result in SERIOUS injuries. I personally have gotten deep, horrible cuts and burns and also know of young children needing extensive surgery from retractable leash injuries! In most cases, these devices are also completely counterproductive to training a dog to walk well on a leash. The very nature of retractables trains dogs to pull on the leash to extend the lead. The dog is out front and in-charge. Needless to say, this pulling behavior will be repeated whenever the dog is on a standard leash. Replace with this: 4-6-foot flat leash and pull it in closely until your dog has learned to walk at your side without pulling. Practice daily by rewarding dog with small treats as they walk nicely at your side. By reinforcing the way you want them to walk, they will quickly get the hang of it! In addition to tossing, losing, stopping, quitting. Why not TAKE ON, START, BEGIN, FIND a new thing or two for the new year. Set a few small goals that will be healthy for both you and your dog. Here's a few ideas: 1. If your pup is a bit pudgy, commit to a long walk, better food, smaller/healthier treats, and reduced portions to get them fit and trim. 2. Join a dog meet-up group and make a few new friends. 3. Check local events and do a dog hike, yappy-hour or another dog-friendly social activity with your pooch once a month. The EVENTS page on my site lists lots of fun activities. 4. Sign up for a training class together to refresh skills, strengthen your bond and work on socialization. If your dog has the basics down what about agility, tricks, or train them to be a therapy dog. 5. Grab your camera or phone and start a social media account for your pup. Connect with other pet owners and tap into your creativity in a positive way. Does your dog do something funny, unique, or useful? Do they have a disability? Have they overcome a hardship? Do they have a story behind them? Why not share this with others and connect. Remember that $$$$ and time wisely invested in you dog will come back TEN-FOLD. I hope you will join me for fun, easy, healthy resolutions for you and your pup that you can do ALL YEAR LONG! I hope 2021 is a wonderful year for you and your beloved pets! I look forward to getting to know you better and seeing you on social media or maybe even at an event in the new year! Thanks for reading and being an awesome pet parent! 🎉 Pugs and kisses and HAPPY NEW YEAR WISHES! Katy & Olive 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By, Katy Cable-TWR A 2 min. read Merry Christmas! I feel like 2020 has been in dog years. As a pet parent I’m thrilled Nulo providing a holiday meal for your pet. E tea work is healing. Get your pet into the act this Xmas Funny there's a 50 year-old rumor that's still going strong amongst dog owners. Maybe you've heard it too. It's the one that says feeding your dog table scraps is a big-bad "No-No!" Well I'm here to squelch that myth and shed some light on the surprising truth. It always astounds me when I'm talking to pet parents about their pet's food and I encourage them to let their dogs eat table scraps! First let me clarify that when I say table scraps I'm referring to human-grade fish, meat, fruits & vegetables. -NOT pizza and beer. People are always surprised until I explain the true facts. Facts which confirm how the brilliant marketing machine driving the commercial pet food business has brainwashed us all. Today, it is estimated over 95% of all pet owners around the globe are feeding their pets dry, commercial pet kibble. What blows my mind is that a large majority of these people honestly believe this dry kibble is all their pet needs to be healthy and thrive throughout their entire lifetime. Furthermore, they believe that supplementing this kibble with “human food” would be extremely harmful. Also, that it’s better for their teeth to eat dry food. Just like eating a granola bar is a great substitute for brushing your teeth! -NOT! My how times have changed. Here's how this ridiculous "fake news" got started in the first place. Back in 1964, pet food manufacturers were having a difficult time selling their newly invented processed pet foods. At the time, pet owners by and large were feeding their pets foods from their own kitchens. In an effort to sell product, the pet food industry pumped loads of money into launching one of the most influential campaigns the pet world had ever seen: the “Ban All Table Scraps from your Pets’ Bowls” campaign! Every consumer was bombarded with newspaper, magazine, radio and TV ads warning of the dangers of eating "table scraps!" Pet owners were urged to introduce this new "balanced diet" of "processed" commercial pet food. Now, over 50 years later, this brilliant campaign is still going strong. So much so that even today, a majority of pet owners are still skeptical of offering their pets anything but big-brand commercial pet foods. It seems like a no-brainer to me. Feeding any living creature a diet of entirely dried, processed kibble for their lifetime is a bad idea. It may be the reason 1 out of every 2 dogs is dying of cancer at far too young an age. Diabetes, obesity, and other obesity-related illnesses are also skyrocketing. And it isn't just our pets suffering. A large percentage of Americans are also being plagued with the same diseases. I believe to find the reason why, one needs to look no further than our cups, bowls and plates. Food is either healing or it's hurting. For those who are still doubting, read on: A 2005 study conducted on Scottish Terriers at Purdue University confirmed my suspicion with some astounding findings. The results showed that simply adding some fresh vegetables to dry commercial kibble actually prevented and/or slowed down the development of transitional cell carcinoma (aka bladder cancer)! In the study, some dogs ate a diet of strictly dry commercial pet food, while others got an assortment of vegetables added to their food at least 3 times a week. When the study concluded, here's what the researchers found: Dogs that were fed ANY type of green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, or peppers had reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer by 90% and the dogs that consumed any yellow – orange vegetables like carrots reduced the risk by 70%! (http://ilarjournal.oxfordjournals.org/content/55/1/100.full ) (Raghavan, Knapp, Bonney, 2005) Imagine that! A floret of broccoli could stomp out the risk of cancer by 90%. -Pass Fido the broccoli please. Still skeptical? I tell pet parents reaching for that bag of dry kibble, "At best, you're feeding your dog a balanced diet made up of processed food. It would be the equivalent of you going your entire life eating a nutritious bowl of fortified cereal or protein bars. For optimum health, you still need to mix in a salad, and real FRESH foods now and then!" In 50 years we've seen our world drastically change. There has been an increasing demand for quick, inexpensive, easy, convenient food. (In other words: PROCESSSED!) We have gotten away from cooking real foods and turned to microwaving packaged foods. On the other hand, our resources and food supplies are dwindling. Livestock is being pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones. Most grains, fruits and vegetables are contaminated with pesticides and GMOs, and our over fed bodies are literally starving. Now more than ever, it is crucial for us to consume organically grown produce to flush out and detox our bodies from all the pollutants and toxins. Here's what you can do: Let your dog DIG IN!+ Use fresh foods as a "topper" to add to your pet's meals. Dogs are carnivores so let them indulge in some of your chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, fish, etc. (Set aside a few bites for your dog before you douse your dinner in A1 or BBQ sauce. 😜) -And save those organs too! Cut them up in small bits and freeze them to add to future meals. While you're at it, flash steam some fresh veggies then cut them in small pieces and purée them in a blender with a little water. Spoon a bit of this highly concentrated, easy to digest mixture over meals. Add fresh blueberries, apple, and other seasonal fruits to meals or use as healthy treats loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. +WITH ANY CHANGE IN DIET, ALWAYS INTRODUCE ONE NEW FOOD AT A TIME. NEVER ADD MORE THAN 10% NEW FOOD TO EXISTING DIET. GO SLOWLY TO AVOID GIVING YOUR DOG AN UPSET TUMMY. HOLD OFF ON THE SALT, SUGAR, SAUCES, AND SEASONINGS. STAY AWAY FROM FOODS THAT ARE DANGEROUS FOR DOGS. -See below A few words of caution. Dogs have been known to stop eating their kibble and "hold-out" until the delicious human food is offered. Or, they can start jumping in your lap each time you sit down for a meal. To avoid having these problems, add small amounts of food to their own bowl at meal times or offer fresh nibbles as treats. Never feed your dog off your plate at the table or you're asking for trouble. If this concept has you stressing. Perhaps you have barely enough time and money to prepare a decent meal for yourself let alone your dog. -Good news! You only need to pop in to any pet store to find prepackaged “toppers” and “mix-in” options. How about adding a heaping spoonful of canned premium food? Or add a spoonful or two of a topper! I have spent years researching and sampling many foods and I’m sold on Nulo. With their selection, price point, convenience and bang for your buck, I don’t think you can find a better option. This year they’ve even done the work for you with simple, quick recipe ideas from their product line. And it’s not just Nulo. Many pet foods have expanded their product options. Why not give your pet the gift of a healthy holiday feast! In the long run, you’ll save thousands in vet bills and have a happier healthier pet who’s around many more years. It's time to put an end to this crazy mindset about food and look at the writing on the wall (-or the numbers on the scale!) It's up to us to be educated, informed pet advocates and DEMAND the pet food industry be better! We have already made tremendous progress.Just take one look at all the slick new packages of dog food lining store shelves and our impact is evident. Huge brands with numerous food varieties including: "grain-free" , "single-protein", "farm-raised", "grass-fed" "fresh vegetables", "limited-ingredient" "all-natural" "GMO-Free" etc. This demonstrates our demands for higher-quality food are being heard. As exciting as this is, we are still outnumbered by skeptics watching those misleading TV ads who DIDN'T GET THE MEMO. And old rumors die a long, slow death. So, let's lead by example and get each and every pet owner on board. Adding some "table scraps" to better quality commercial pet food allows us to stretch our dollars, and most importantly, allows our pets to lead longer, healthier lives. Bone Appetite! ☠️6 Human Foods That Are Toxic and Potentially Fatal for Your Pets☠️ ☠️Chocolate and Chocolate based products. ☠️Plants containing allium, including onions, garlic, leeks and chives. ☠️Macadamia nuts. ☠️Vitis vinifera fruits, including grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants. ☠️Foods and product containing the sweetener xylitol. ☠️Ethanol in alcoholic beverages. 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  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 presently find it hard to carve out time to get out 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 includes training/obedience classes, daily walks, exercise, socialization, grooming, feeding and of course, belly rubs. If you leave the house before the sun rises and return completely spent 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. Three years later she was 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 this 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. 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’ve got covid wrecking havoc on our lives, 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 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 did a pretty good job 😜 but every year I ended up angry, exhausted and sick. Now I actually enjoy the holidays because I’ve learned how to do things entirely differently. With Covid drastically changing the seasonal landscape, this is a great year to try some new things and ditch things that don’t work anymore. 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 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! 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? …How about taking a holiday drive through a great 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 that Christmas music and enjoy! 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 butt 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 to 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 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 swim some laps and focus 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 has killed many of this year’s holiday soirées, there’s still no shortage of ZOOM parties and other invitations pouring in. Do yourself a favor and say “NO!” While the pandemic may have given you a hall pass for attending your niece’s painstaking production of The Nutcracker or holiday choral show, there’s a strong chance they’ve just moved it to ZOOM! 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, your relative just had a new baby or you can’t see the elderly grandparents this year so 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 Zoom cookie swap. Is a favorite tradition hitting holiday sales at the mall or outlets until your feet bleed with blisters…Jump online 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 with goals and dreams for the new year. This year’s party may be modified and done virtually and I may send vision boards, art supplies and holiday goodies ahead of time. Instead of simply cancelling, I’m figuring out how to safely make it work. 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. Plus, no need for social distancing when it comes to pets. Walking a dog is easy 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 pets. It’s such fun to see the joy on the faces of all the needy pets. It’s a magical day! This year, a monetary donation had to suffice but it was still nice to be able to give. Wishing you a peaceful, healthy, STRESS-FREE and happy holiday season. Pugs and (air) 😘 kisses! -Katy  By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt A 4 min. Read Happy Holidays! I think we all deserve to be at the top of Santa’s “GOOD LIST” for surviving this crazy year! I'll be honest with you, when it comes to the holidays, 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. This year, the universe did for me what I couldn’t do for myself and I’m enjoying the season so much more! Whatever your situation, here are a few suggestions and gift ideas for a less chaotic, “happier” holidays! It's all about the gifts. It astounds me when these catalogs and websites showcase “perfect” gift ideas that START at $300! 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 limited budget is difficult. More so when we’re socially distancing and most activities are closed! So, I spoke to pet experts and top pet retailers to find the newest, coolest, most unique finds PRICED UNDER $50. So here it is: The Weekly Runt's 5th Annual 🐾"Paw-liday" Gift Ideas 🎁 When it comes to Pugs (or Labs and several other breeds for that matter) nothing is a bigger hit than: F O O D! So why not treat your pet to delicious, healthy meals all year long with a splurge on a better premium food. This is the gift that will pay you back in huge dividends, with better health for your pet and less expensive vet bills. Check some of my pet nutrition blogs for recommendations. Then, how about remembering the four-legged friends in your life by taking a can or small package of Salmon or Turkey over so they can enjoy a healthy"Christmas dinner in a can". -Or it can be stuffed in a Kong for a holiday treat! Treats are also very high on the list and there is one MUST-HAVE: CBD treats by PAWS EFFECT Not just a nutritious, healthy, treat, these biscuits which come in a variety of flavors, as well as pure, medical-grade CBD oil. All ingredients are sourced in Hawaii. CBD is a MIRACLE WORKER on anxiety, pain management, mobility issues and even immunity. They are 100% safe for both pets and humans to enjoy. A large bag of treats is priced under $50 (Visit my site to order and use WEEKLYRUNT discount code for 10% off your purchase.) A large bag of treats will make a perfect gift or stocking stuffer pet parents will no-doubt thank you for. NULO has an amazing line of healthy jerky, training treats and raw toppers. While most treats contain wheat, molasses, sugars, and other additives, Nulo uses it’s clean, human-grade meat, poultry and fish proteins, one fruit pairing and a touch of organic honey for sweetness. These treats also contain their signature, patented, viable probiotic BC30 which activates in the gut and boosts health and immunity. So finally, a treat you can feel good about offering. A bag of treats is between $5-10 dollars so it’s a great deal. Especially for sensitive, sick or elderly pets. Training Classes make a perfect gift that keeps on giving. They can provide a fun way to bond with your pet while teaching them new skills. This can be especially important with rescue/shelter dogs trying to overcome past trauma and learn to trust again. Training classes are typically very reasonably priced and there are a number of different options to choose from. Some dogs enjoy agility and active training skills while others thrive learning basic skills or commands needed to work as therapy dogs. Check the ZOOM ROOM for a variety of agility classes and PETSMART for basic skills, tricks and therapy dog training. Both use positive reinforcement and fun to build confidence in your dog. They also teach YOU how to properly work with your pet for desired results. I have had a lot of bad mishaps when it comes to dog toys. Too many times I’ve watched teeny-tiny-teacup-sized-pups deceive me by ripping up stuffed toys faster than I can put down the lid on a toilet seat. Kongs, bones, and bully-sticks have also quickly been devoured turning into choking hazards. Now, my favorite toys are by Multipet! They have a duck that quacks, a pig that pinks and chew tits with calming aromatherapy. These have toys have been a favorite of my little Olive and with most items under $10, they make perfect gifts. Now that I've checked the dog off the list, my holiday gift guide wouldn't be complete without clueing you in on some great finds for YOU or your DOG-LOVING friends. A PET WITH PAWS offers the most amazing, designer handbag inspired, poop bag & pet carriers I have EVER SEEN! I went crazy when I saw these and I get complimented on mine everywhere I go. They are the PURRR-fect gift for any fashionista pet owner. Offered in a variety of sizes, styles and price points, these tres-chic items are also multi-functional. They can hold not just poop bags but keys, credit cards and of course, tennis balls. Pet carriers come with a patented “Pet Trek” roller attachment. The carrier can slide over the roller allowing for easy convenient travel with a pet. The real surprise is all the accessories are made from recycled plastic bottles. This environmentally conscious company creates cruelty-free products and plants a tree for every purchase. DOG IS GOOD offers perfect finds for NOT the DOG but the DOG LOVER. Created by my amazing friend, Gila Kurtz and her husband of more than 20 years, retired USN officer Jon. Gila is an award-winning author, motivational speaker and dog trainer turned entrepreneur. This creative, hard-working, husband/wife team started their company with a catchy "Dog is Good" T-shirt back in 2008. It has now evolved into a global lifestyle brand featuring unique decor, and gifts. Some of my all-time favorites are the pop-art T's, totes and prints. However, their "Dog is my Zen" yoga hoodie nearly gets ripped off my back every time I wear it. It was awarded "Best in Show" at the Global Pet Expo. So whether you're into yoga or just want to dress like you are, I know you (or one of your friends) will LOVE-LOVE-LOVE❤️ this piece. Check out their website catalog and go crazy with some one-of-kind gifts any dog-lover will treasure. While you're at it you will be supporting a wonderful small business and giving back to some worthy dog causes. The holidays can be a very difficult time for those who have lost a pet. ONE FUR ALL PET HOUSE CANDLES, offers a beautiful line of candles in a variety of fragrances and designs. My favorite is their “Rainbow Bridge Memorial Candle”. These candles are exquisite and the long-lasting fragrance is ideal for getting rid of pet odors. In addition they offer paw-shaped “no-flame” wax melts which are nice for college dorms or places where candles aren’t allowed. I have several of these candles and I just love them. With seasonal designs and fragrances, they make a perfect small hostess gift for a pet-parent year round! SHUTTERFLY, VISTA PRINT or WALGREENS offer a variety of creative ways to honor a special pet. You can make a coffee mug or other keepsake items with a favorite photo of a beloved pet. I have made several mugs with my first Pug Raisin’s picture on them and I always feel happier taking him along on my commute. Watch for sales where you can save up to 50% off list price. Ask the recipient for a favorite picture and create a personalized piece on your computer or download the app and make them a treasure on your smartphone. FOR A GOOD CAUSE: While there is no shortage of terrific holiday (and otherwise) books featuring Pugs, I would like to feature some local favorites which will support worthy causes. My daughter Karley wrote a book about our pug Raisin when she was just 12 years old. "Raisin, -A Doggie's Tale," received national attention from President Obama and Oprah Winfrey. This heartwarming, inspiring tale of overcoming obstacles and responsible pet ownership is told through the eyes of Raisin, a rescue pug. Great for all ages. A must-have for a pug lover! Speaking of fun books, my fellow pug lover and friend, LAURREN DARR has many terrific cat & dog themed books under her LEFT PAW PRESS website. but her PUGDALA/CATDALA/DOGDALA coloring books will certainly be a hit. Particularly after this challenging year. Books feature 50 Pugs (cats/dogs) in beautiful mandala designs with meditation worthy sentiments on every page. Visit her site to learn more and check out her entire library of titles. SURF GIDGET THE PUG is my hero! This little 16lb white Pug is originally a rescue who hails from Maine. She has now found her perfect home on the West Coast where she’s become the infamous “surfing Pug” who’s taking the world by storm. Surf Gidget is a true inspiration as to what is possible with love and dedication. Read her life story in her new book, then you can own a little piece of “surf-pug” culture and shop Gidget’s entire line of hip, cool collectibles for yourself or a pug-loving friend. All purchases support rescues and pugs in dire need. Speaking of your wallet, don't feel bad if you can't afford holiday gifts for your fur baby. The best gift of all is of course your love and devotion all year long. Heck, with that, it's Christmas everyday. If the pandemic has clobbered your finances, go on a long walk, look at the beautiful holiday lights, celebrate each other by watching a holiday movie together and giving belly rubs. If you're plagued with guilt you can celebrate a few days later and buy a few things on clearance. Your dog will never know the difference. Many of you strapped for cash can give the gift of your time. Instead of purchasing a gift, why not make up coupons for your dog-walking or dog-sitting services. Another idea is to donate some time volunteering at a local rescue or shelter. Many of them are featuring a “Home Fur The Holidays” program where families can foster a shelter pet for the holidays. This allows prospective adopters to try things out before committing and 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. and CoVid protocols. And lastly, to get in the holiday spirit, I went a little crazy and hit the 50% off sale at KOHLS. They had a huge selection of light-up Pug stocking caps, ugly Christmas sweaters, socks, ties and PJ's. And it wasn't all "Bah Hum Pug!" They had crazy-cat Christmas wear too. I love wearing my goofy Pug Christmas sweater. It's getting me in the holiday spirit and bringing a chuckle to everyone I meet. Go check out the dwindling selection FAST! I want to thank those of you who offered such terrific gift suggestions. It was a huge help. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.! 🎄🐾🎁. SOCIAL MEDIA: #Petsmart #Nulo #Treatibles #APetWithPaws #PupstarSonoma #OneFurAll #PussyAndPooch #surfgidgetthepug #ADoggiesTale #GraceFarm #DogIsGood #Walgreens #Shutterfly #vistaprint #TheZoomRoom #kohls  By, Katy Cable/A 4 minute read Happy Thanksgiving! No doubt many of you are busy, busy, busy, knee deep in preparations for the big event which, for many years was the case with me. Thankfully, this year we’re all gathering at Mimi’s Cafe and I will not have to worry about the fact my home is covered in a thin layer of dog fur and picking up all the clutter. The only thing I need to pick up is the VERY reasonable CHECK! But let's discuss our dogs for a second. I assumed since so many dog foods are turkey based and turkey is a very gentle protein that doesn't cause the allergies of say, beef or chicken, it was perfectly healthy for dogs. Also, with most of us wanting to indulge our pets with human "living foods" and not just processed food, "table scraps" can actually be a great thing. They key is HOW MUCH and WHAT KIND. So, here are some tips for enjoying a DOG-FRIENDLY Thanksgiving. TIPS FOR A DOG SAFE THANKSGIVING: 🦃 Keep the Dogs outside, in a bedroom or in a safe place. If you have a dog run, kennel, or crate, your best bet is to keep the dog safely inside it until all of the food has been put away and the scraps and bones disposed of. It's impossible to keep an eye on the dogs with guests coming and going and food everywhere. 🦃DON’T LEAVE UNCOOKED TURKEY UNATTENDED ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER – THE SMELL IS TOO TEMPTING FOR YOUR DOG. COOKED OR SMALL TURKEY BONES COULD CHOKE YOUR DOG OR BREAK/SPLINTER WHILE THEy'RE EATING THEM. BROKEN BONES CAN TEAR, OR GET STUCK IN, ANY PART OF YOUR DOG’S GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AS THEY WORK THEIR WAY THROUGH THE SYSTEM; 🦃 ONCE YOU’VE COOKED YOUR TURKEY, AND BEFORE YOU SIT DOWN TO EAT, CLEAR AWAY ALL THE WRAPPINGS SUCH AS TIN FOIL, CELLOPHANE WRAP, PLASTIC BAGS, STRING AND MEAT SKEWERS – THEY ARE ALL POTENTIAL HAZARDS FOR YOUR DOG; I also recommend having someone clear all the appetizers and food and drinks guests may have left laying around while watching football or chatting, prior to the meal. Clear trash immediately and IF YOU PUT THE WRAPPINGS IN THE BIN, MAKE SURE THE LID IS ON FIRMLY; WE HAVE USED BRICKS ON THE BIN LID IN THE PAST TO KEEP OUT PERSISTENT SCAVENGERS! 🦃 I PREPARE A TURKEY dinner for the dogs with Nulo canned turkey, dried organic cranberries, puréed canned pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and ground pumpkin seeds. If possible, I add some gizzards and fresh turkey meat to their food. It may be possible for the dogs to eat alongside the family, then return to an empty bedroom until the meal is finished. 🦃I also stock up on toys for my dogs to play with and present a Kong stuffed with kibble or white turkey meat to keep them entertained. If your dog is happily playing, they're not getting into mischief in the kitchen. 🦃A TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG. I try and get out and give my dog A GOOD ENERGETIC WALK IN THE MORNING, SOMETHING THAT’S MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY STIMULATING. If you have an older dog, maybe a long walk in the stroller for fresh air. This way, they will BE MORE INCLINED TO SLEEP OR AT LEAST LIE QUIETLY WHILST YOU ARE PREPARING AND EATING YOUR TURKEY FEAST! 🦃If Thanksgiving gets too hectic, grab all the dogs and go for a nice walk. It might be a great escape and help you and the dogs gets one fresh air and manage the stress of the day. 🦃For anxious, stressed-out dogs, try TREATIBLES (https://www.treatibles.com/collections/shop). I swear by these little turkey flavor treats containing CBD oil. These have a drastic effect and calms anxious dogs. Good news! They're human grade so you can indulge as well! These will do a lot to help calm and sooth holiday stress. -Especially if you don't drink alcohol or are the designated driver! JUST TO BE SAFE: 🦃Most Veterinary offices will be closed on Thanksgiving. Know the phone number and the closest 24hr. Emergency Animal Hospital. 🦃Dogs and cats can get anxious with the commotion and unfamiliar crowds, make sure they are wearing a proper ID should they get out. 🦃Remind guests not to indulge your dog and be cautious. Those who don't own pets may not understand their ability to get into food and the complete lack of willpower many pets have when it comes to food. As a reminder, dogs and alcohol don’t mix either. 🦃While turkey meat and organs can be a wonderful healthy meal or treat, RICH, FATTY FOODS SUCH AS TURKEY SKIN AND DARK TURKEY MEAT ARE DIFFICULT TO DIGEST AND CAN CAUSE VOMITING AND DIARRHEA IN YOUR DOG, AND IN EXTREME CASES, BLOAT OR PANCREATITIS.* SYMPTOMS OF PANCREATITIS INCLUDE LOSS OF APPETITE, LETHARGY, VOMITING, ABDOMINAL PAIN, DIARRHEA AND FEVER. IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR DOG HAS HELPED HIMSELF TO A TURKEY DINNER AND IS SHOWING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, I SUGGEST YOU TAKE HIM TO YOUR VET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! No-No's for dogs: Artificial sweetner: Xylitol (100x's more deadly than chocolate) found in sugarless gum, breath mints, candy, peanut butters, sugar-free foods. chocolate -The darker the more toxic. caffeine, alcohol, onions, grapes, raisins, popcorn, garlic, salt/sugar, macadamia nuts, avocado skin & pit. I want to wish each and every one of you, and your beloved pets, a wonderful, happy, SAFE Thanksgiving! Gooble-Gooble🦃❤️🐾 *(PANCREATITIS IS AN INFLAMMATION OF THE PANCREAS WHICH CAN BE LETHAL FOR YOUR DOG.) THE PANCREAS PRODUCES DIGESTIVE ENZYMES, AND WHEN INFLAMED THE NATURAL PRODUCTION AND RELEASE OF THESE ENZYMES IS DISRUPTED. WHEN THE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES ARE PRODUCED AND THERE’S NO FOOD TO DIGEST, THE ENZYMES WILL START DIGESTING BODY TISSUE INSTEAD. THIS CAUSES FURTHER INFLAMMATION OF THE PANCREAS – THE SEVERITY OF THE PANCREATITIS, AND YOUR DOG’S PROGNOSIS, WILL DEPEND ON HOW HE REACTS TO THIS INFLAMMATION. 🐾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.🐾 ONCE UPON A PUMPKIN...6 Amazing Health Benefits of This Superfood (and 2 Easy Treat recipes)11/16/2020  By Katy Cable- 3 min read Halloween may be over but don’t go smashing your pumpkins just yet! I bet you didn't realize what a nutritional powerhouse pumpkin is. -And not just for you, but your fur babies as well. I specifically saved this blog for today so if your pets get into something "naughty" and wind up with an upset tummy+ this may be the perfect cure-all! -Read on! These amazing tidbits about Pumpkin are guaranteed to make you feel all lit up and warm inside. 🎃 I learned about the Great Pumpkin many years ago. I vividly remember coming home from a quick trip to the market. The second I walked in the door I found my Pug Raisin on top of my dining room table, devouring the contents of a gift basket like a ravenous grizzly bear. A dozen gourmet marshmallows were long gone, and he was halfway through a tin of Almond Roca, (gold foil wrappers and all.) I raced him to the vet and after a thorough examination he was luckily given the OK to return home. The vet advised me to add a few spoonfuls of pumpkin to his diet. Well, genius that I am, I raced into the nearest market and grabbed pumpkin pie filling! But it still worked like magic! Since that incident, canned pumpkin is now my secret weapon for tummy troubles. I recommend every pet parent stock-up while it's readily available and keep a can or two in their cupboard year-round just to be safe. Your Halloween pumpkins may get an interested sniff from dogs but raw Jack-o-lantern pumpkin is not suitable for human or dog. However, canned and cooked fresh pumpkin, along with pumpkin seeds, is the new "SUPER FOOD" ! It can be a healthy addition to their a regular diet as well as a perfect ingredient to use in treats. Just look at all the health benefits it can also provide for you AND your dog.
Before you race out the door with your pooch to grab a few cans (and a Starbuck's Pumpkin Carmel Spiced Latte) consider this... The typical 13oz can of pumpkin contains around 29 tablespoons, and lasts about a week in the refrigerator. Unless you're catering for a small shelter or pack of canines, this is far too much pumpkin for your average dog or two to consume in a week. In an effort not to have this bounty end up in your garbage can, I suggest freezing extra in ice cube trays. Simply freeze, and pop out the cubes into a freezer bag. Thaw one out when you need it, mix with a spoon to blend any separation of water, and refrigerate the leftover pumpkin cubes to serve at your pet’s next meal. If you don’t want to retrieve pumpkin cubes from the freezer every other day, count out a week’s worth of servings into small freezer containers. Put them into the freezer and take out one container at a time to thaw and serve to your pet throughout the week. 🎃Just a note to those of you who may be considering buying a small jar of baby food. While the jar size may make it tempting, unfortunately pumpkin by itself is not a commercial baby food flavor; it’s usually mixed with sweet potatoes. So it’s not a good idea to feed this form of pumpkin to your pet. While pumpkin is readily available this time of year, good luck finding a can of it when you might need it in, say, April. Out of season you can still find it at many PetSmart stores. I like their brand of Authority, 100% pure canned pumpkin which runs between $2-3 for a 13oz a can or .90 cents for a small 4oz cat sized can. After my recent blog on how crummy most store-bought treats are, (MIS-treating your dog??) I now enjoy making my own creative delicacies using this super-food. These treats are far less expensive than most store bought ones and also healthier. An added benefit is baking the biscuits also makes your house smell wonderful! Now your sweet doggie can also enjoy a bit of the season while you are savoring your own slice of pumpkin pie. 🎃Crunchy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Biscuits🎃. Makes 75 small biscuits/50 medium Preheat oven to 350 degrees 1/2 cup organic canned pumpkin 1/4 tsp sea salt 2 1/2 cups organic brown rice flour/or coconut flour 1 tsp ground parsley (optional) 2 eggs *unsalted organic creamy peanut butter/coconut oil/dried cranberries for decor if desired Combine eggs and pumpkin until smooth. Add salt, parsley, and slowly add in flour. Roll mixture out using additional flour if needed for sticking. When dough is 1/4 - 1/2" thickness, use small or medium cookie cutters to make biscuits. Place on cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn biscuits over and bake for another 20 minutes. Drizzle or dip warm biscuits in organic, unsalted creamy peanut butter or coconut oil that has been melted in a microwave for 30 sec. Add dried cranberries for decor. Place on wax paper until cooled and dipping sauce has hardened. 🎃🎃Pumpkin Pie🎃🎃 1 can organic canned pumpkin 1 cup organic, plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup organic, creamy, unsalted unsweetened peanut butter unsweetened organic coconut flakes/dried cranberries if desired. 1 cup Dry Dog Food (I like Nulo Turkey) ground up Spray a glass 9x13 baking dish with Olive Oil/or line with parchment paper Spread crumbled dry dog food on the bottom of pan or paper. Blend all peanut butter and yogurt until smooth. Pour On top of crumbled kibble. Freeze for 3-4 hours. You can top the pie with add coconut flakes, dried cranberries, if you wish. Thaw for 10-15 minutes before cutting into small pieces. So whether you're enjoying the cooler fall temperatures or an Indian summer, I've got you and your fur baby covered with some Great Pumpkin options. And, best of all, neither one of you needs to feel guilty about indulging in a few tempting pumpkin delights. Enjoy!🎃🎃🎃 +This blog is not intended to take the place of veterinary advice/care! Always consult your vet if your pet is ill. 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾 For more great ideas, tips and events follow me on social media and subscribe to The Weekly Runt by clicking the button below.  By Katy Cable -Thrive Global On November 14th, I am celebrating my “little black Olive the Pug’s” 5-year “GOTCHA DAY!” That stands for the day her adoption was official and she became part of my family. In honor of this special event, I wanted to repost a blog I wrote for Thrive Global telling my story. Thanks for reading Five years ago I became an “empty-nester” wondering what I would do for the Second Act of my life. I’d spent the last 18 years consumed as a stay-at-home “MOM-ager” to my daughter who had been acting professionally since infancy. I had just put her on a plane to attend college clear across the country and the time had come to get off the runway and let her take flight. I sat in my quiet, clean, empty house battling severe depression while firing out job resumes through a waterfall of tears! I felt unqualified, irrelevant and OLD! While I was raising my daughter and managing her career, the entire world had changed and left me behind. Employers were now half my age and wanted to know how many Twitter followers I had. (Last count: 2) I didn’t have any of the new skills needed for the jobs I wanted and frankly I was just too overwhelmed and upset to learn. To say I missed my daughter was like referring to a category 5 hurricane as a heavy rainstorm! I felt sick, hopeless and wanted my life to end. And that’s what true depression is. I wasn’t being a drama queen, I literally did not want to live. I couldn’t sleep, yet I couldn’t get out of bed. I cried so much I was dehydrated. How many times I had screamed at my daughter over leaving dirty dishes out, borrowing my favorite clothes, and staying out too late, now I would’ve given anything to have those petty irritations back. 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, fancy meals and negotiating deals, but sneakers, a polo shirt and lanyard. Now the managers I was taking meetings with weren’t Hollywood’s top brass, but retail managers around the same age as my daughter. Ironically the company I represented was a new pet food company called “NULO” and at that moment I did indeed feel I had hit a “NEW-LOW” and my best days were behind me. I doubted I would last through the first pay period without being hauled off in a straight jacket. Then something snapped! Much to my surprise, I realized I was having the time of my life. Working with pet parents fulfilled me in a very special way no other career ever had. All my experience working with shelter pets over the years, made me a natural at my new “temporary job” and I found a new calling. My new career made it impossible for me to live without a dog of my own and I began obsessively searching every shelter. Thankfully all my early attempts fell flat or I may have snatched up any three legged, frothing-at-the-mouth, rabid beast needing a home. I was losing hope of ever finding a dog when I received a call from a shelter. They had found a young Pug on the side of a desert road who’d just had a litter of pups. She was likely a breeder dog who had never been out of a crate. She needed quite a bit of attention and care and they asked if I would be interested. I raced to the shelter feeling like an expectant mom. And then I saw her! The second I laid eyes on this frightened, adorable little Pug I fell head-over-heels in love. I named her “Little Black Olive” and reassured her that life was about to drastically change. Little did I know, so was mine. With this new dog my depression lifted like a helium balloon. Olive made me happier than I’d been since my daughter and my old life had “flown-the-coup.” I was having the time of my life getting to know and rehabilitate this darling, new (and previously abused) pug. She was so adorable I jumped on social media to share her pics and stories. I began making videos and blogging about products and fun things for pet parents to do. Suddenly I was becoming, “Aunt Katy, the Pug Lady” the “GO-TO” for pet questions. No sooner did I find my perfect new companion pug, I got offered the dream job I’d applied for a few months prior. With Olive at my side and the ability to be my own boss, I passed on the 60+ hours work week and non-stop corporate demands. -And not for one second have I regretted my decision. Although I rescued Olive from her “RUFF” beginnings, she rescued me from myself. Taking that high-profile corporate position would’ve killed me. Instead, my dog gave me a new “leash-on-life!” She inspired my pet health & lifestyle blog, THE WEEKLY RUNT. In just a few years, it’s now published nationwide, and being made into a TV show. Everyday I have the opportunity to help others save money and live happier, healthier lives with their pets. In my case, the hand of God was actually the paw of a dog. It came to my rescue when I desperately needed it and gave me a purpose and reason for living. So it’s no accident GOD SPELLED BACKWARDS IS DOG!  By, Katy Cable-TWR A 3 minute read It's time for a change! Sunday, if you live in the US, you got an extra hour to sleep in and recover from Halloween. Sunday, November 1st, at 2AM is when we (in the US*) FALL BACK! I typically love this time of year and getting the extra hour in the morning. However, this year, I really don’t want to roll my click back one hour! I’m ready for 2020 to be over and DONE! Then I got to thinking...”What about our dogs?” “Can your dog tell time?” Many people claim that their pets know, to the minute, when it's mealtime, walk time, or time for their owners to arrive home. Is it true? Can dogs tell time? As research shows, the answer is an overwhelming YES! It seems clear that dogs are aware that time is passing, but many pet owners are amazed by how well pets are able to learn household routines. Dogs are highly adaptable and able to tell time well enough to stick to a schedule. They can also quickly adjust to a new one. Dogs, in particular, have evolved to be very skilled at picking up social clues and reading human behavior. 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 “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, and interestingly enough, insects, fungi and even some microbes. An animal's circadian rhythm is governed by it’s 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 dogs always waking at the exact same time of the morning even though the time had 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 dog's, the sense of time. If your dog is having some trouble with the time change, I advise these 3 easy tips: ⏰ 1. 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 SPRING start a week prior. 2. 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 7 & 8 AM, 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. 3. Another easy tip is to tire your dog out with more exercise to help them sleep and adjust to transitions. I have also found using CBD/Hemp products* can drastically help a pet having difficulty adjusting to the new time or a schedule change. Your dog should adjust easily to the shorter daylight hours and new time change. You, on the other hand might want to hold off on taking your dog for a run after work (since it’s going to be pitch dark) and enjoy morning yoga or meditation while you adjust to the return of longer sunny days!. Happy FALL! Pugs and 😘 kisses! -Katy🍁🍂🦃 *Arizona & Hawaii are the only 2 US states which don’t participate in Daylight Savings Time and therefore stay on the same time schedule. *Visit my store on my website for excellent CBD products that I use and trust. 10% discount codes provided on your order. 🐾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.  By, Katy Cable-TWR/A 3 min. Read BOO👻! It's Halloween time and nobody could be more excited! Although CoVid 19 has put a damper on trick-or-treating and most events, I’ve always loved this holiday. What could be better than dressing up as whoever or whatever you want while also going door-to-door scoring free candy. I will never outgrow that! I love that all the cobwebs and dust around my house just enhance the scary decor! I was so eager to begin the season I dragged out all our scary decorations before we were even in the month of October. But in all my excitement I completely lost sight of little Olive. My husband Rick, who loves this holiday as much as I do, came out in a scary mask looking like a 200 year-old crusty sea monster, and Olive started frantically barking and darted behind the couch for cover. We felt terrible giving her such a fright. Even when Olive watched Rick slowly put the mask on in front of her she still barked and ran away the minute it covered his face. And it only got worse. My little Pug Olive isn’t alone when it comes to “getting spooked” by Halloween! Think about it, a dog witnesses a barrage of boisterous costumed strangers pounding on the door. Their normally safe environment is now dark or billowing with fog, candles, and flashing lights. Their highly sensitive ears pick up sounds of dogs barking, cats hissing, chains clanking, footsteps, plus deafening screams and moans. If you’re not careful, pets can literally be “scared to death!” Many pet owners, myself included, get so caught up in the fun they can easily forget how frightening things can be for a fluffy and Fido! Halloween is one if the busiest holidays for pet emergencies so here are a few “TRICKS AND TREATS” to keep your pet safe! 1. Keep Your Pet Calm: A frightened pet can react by barking incessantly, losing bladder control, racing out the door or escaping, and often with aggression and biting. Keep your dog happy and calm with CBD treats or oil. CBD doesn’t contain harmful THC and will do wonders for calming a frantic pet. 2. Keep your pets safe inside. Not everyone has good intentions and there are always several awful stories about killed, tormented, injured, or stolen pets on Halloween. Don't allow your dog to be the helpless victim of an evil prankster. 3. Keep your pets away from the front door. The constant knocking or ringing of the doorbell and excited chanting "trick-or-treaters" can send dogs into protective mode. Don't risk your doggie bolting out the door and running away or getting hit by a vehicle. Also, you don't want your terrified dog biting a costumed visitor. 4. Be careful with decorations. I've seen wagging dog tails knock over candles and nearly burn down a house. I've witnessed many excited pets jump up on tables, knocking over candles, eating harmful foods and causing total mayhem! Make sure all decorations are secured and not in reach of pets. Check that they cannot get trapped or entangled in large spider web decorations. Also, they may think decor is a chew-toy and eat something hazardous if it's within their reach. 5. It should go without saying not to give your dog candy. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be lethal if ingested. Lollipop sticks can be a chocking hazard or cause damage to internal organs if swallowed. Ditto for caramel apples and the wooden sticks. Foil wrappers can be as sharp as razors if swallowed. The very worst are the sugar-free gum and treats which contain toxic Xylitol. Dogs love the smell and bright colors of sugary candy and it just takes a few minutes of distractions to realize your dog has consumed an entire bowl of Halloween goodies. Even dog treats can cause major GI problems if too many are consumed. Remember, ONE, SMALL dog treat, or a few healthy nibbles is PERFECT! 6. Use good judgement and think twice before you take your dog in the car or out with the kids trick-or-treating. All the crowds and excitement might turn your normally chill dog into a terrified, aggressive or protective bully. It may be way too distracting to manage both costumed kids AND a dog that gets freaked! 👻If you do venture out with your pet for Halloween festivities here are a few tips: 1. Give costumes a trial run to let your dog get used to them. Make sure their costume is not too binding or restrictive and that your pet can walk normally. Be very careful of masks. Dogs need to be able to see and breathe with ease. Nothing should go over their nose. Be extremely careful about dogs overheating, especially Pugs, Bulldogs and other flat-nosed (brachy) breeds. Make sure dogs can freely drink water in their costume. Some dogs (like my Olive) simply don't do well with costumes. Perhaps a lighted collar, decorative harness or bandana would be a better option. 2. Make sure your dog is micro-chipped and wearing a collar or harness with your contact number on the tag. If you will be out after dark, add reflective strips to your pet's costume and grab a small light to attach to their collar so they remain visible. 3. BE AWARE! While you are admiring those amazing costumes, your dog could well be devouring chocolate bars someone tossed on the sidewalk. If you are planning on hosting a Halloween bash, consider keeping your dog safe at a boarding facility like Petsmart’s Pet’s hotel. With guests coming in and out, even if your dog is secluded in a quiet bedroom, it just takes one person to open a door and BOOM! Your dog escapes. Loud guests in strange costumes can scare and overwhelm even a normally easy-going dog. Some guests aren't familiar with pets and don't know alcohol, sweets and many human-foods can be deadly. A well-intentioned guest wanting to indulge your dog may bring them undue harm. Even if they aren't offered, a cup left on a table or half-eaten plates of food and desserts laying around can be far too tempting and could make your dog very sick. It's very difficult to keep your eyes on pets while hosting a party. Don't take the risk. PetsHotel and other boarding facilities have special packages and fun activities planned. This way you won't end up with a real Halloween horror of a sick or injured dog on your hands. This year in particular, Halloween may be a perfect night to bake some healthy treats, stay in, cuddle up and enjoy watching a Halloween movie with your furry best-friend. If you can't stay in with your dog, give them some yummy CBD calming treats, put them in a quiet room with some soothing music, low lights and douse the room in some lavender oil. I recommend, if possible, take your dog out during the day for a good run, a long brisk walk and plenty of exercise. This should wear them out and burn off excess energy. Make sure they potty before all the festivities begin at dark. If you're looking for more great tips and fun activities you can do WITH your dog, check out: http://weeklyrunt.weebly.com/ So go EAT, DRINK, and be SCARY! 👻 Have a wonderful 🎃Halloween! Pugs and Kisses! Katy & Olive  By Katy Cable-TWR A 4 min. Read TRICK or TREAT??? It's that time of year again. And now, even pet retailers are getting into the act by offering costumes and Halloween dog treats in every shape and size. But it's not just because it's almost Halloween. Take your dog for a walk around my neighborhood on any given day and they will be offered a plethora of Pup-peroni, Milk Bones, and Beggin'Strips before you even reach the corner. Many local shops also have water bowls and treat dishes filled with doggie delectables right at the entrance door. Of course any pet shop is certain to have goodies at all the check-out stations. Basically everyday is a "trick-or-treat" opportunity for canines. We all love rewarding our dogs and giving them goodies. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the joy dogs get devouring treats. Let's face it, isn't my charming personality that's winning over the hearts of most dogs I meet, it's THE TREATS! But it's very important to apply the same principles of healthy ingredients when selecting them. ☠️There are also some very popular treats you should avoid at all costs.☠️ My first Pug, Raisin knew exactly where to walk in our neighborhood to get the goods and would drag me on his preferred route. As Raisin aged, and I began to notice a direct correlation between the treats and the tummy issues. I learned many expensive lessons so hopefully I can save you some similar pitfalls. Here are a few startling facts as well as some nutritious alternates to keep your pet happy healthy and "well-treated!" SIZE MATTERS: Treats should be tiny, bite-sized morsels of food you use to reward your pet for training and reinforcement of positive behavior. But remember, even tiny amounts of treats can add up over time. Dog's can quickly start packing on pounds or stop eating their more nutritious meals. And much worse is the fact some of the most popular treats contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, artificial colors and even toxic ingredients. These can make a pet, especially one with a compromised immune system, deathly ill. For starters, many popular pet treats are not dainty morsels, but biscuits as big as SmartCars. Not only are they too large for most dogs, they contain harmful ingredients like those highlighted below. Here's a list of a few "No-No" ingredients found in many popular varieties of treats currently sold in most grocery and pet stores. I personally would stay away from any treat containing these ingredients but most certainly those in BOLD:
BUYER BEWARE! Some of the worst, deadliest treats can also be the most deceiving. Such is the case with RAW HIDE. You can't go into a big-box pet store or even a pet section in a large retailer without seeing numerous raw-hide products. Bones in every shape, size and color are front and center. Like me, most pet parents ASSUME if it's sold at Target or Petco it must be safe! That couldn't be further from the truth. Rawhide is extremely dangerous and in my opinion should be pulled from the shelves of every pet store. Just watch the short video below by Rodney Habib to see the truth about how this product is made and all the hazards associated with it. The same holds true for many of those packaged chicken/meat/fish JERKY treats. These are some of the most popular treats around. But what many people don't know is that the misleading bag that reads: "All Natural / Made-in-the-USA" may contain toxic additives from China. These products have killed or made thousands of dogs deathly ill. Although they claim the problems were identified and sourcing was changed, with no regulation on pet treats, it's impossible to know the truth. I personally stay away from all treats except the ones I make or treats from trusted sources. If you've just realized you're feeding your dog toxic treats or they are not up to par, don't panic or feel guilty. There are lots of healthy options your dog will love! When I'm at home with Olive I use blueberries, apple slices, carrots and broccoli as tiny treats. But again, Olive is a Pug who will devour anything she can wrap her jaws around. A dog with a pickier pallet may not go for those options. I recommend if you're cooking and have any meat trimmings or organs, you cut them up in small bites and freeze them to use as healthy treats or toppers. If you want some healthy options you can grab at PetSmart, Nulo (http://nulo.com/) has a line of popular, nutritious treats. They offer several varieties of bite-sized training bites, jerky, and raw toppers. All are made with the same thoughtful consideration that goes into their food: Low carb, high animal protein. No corn, wheat, soy, tapioca or molasses and amazing patented BC30 probiotics. Grab some next time you're in PetSmart or your independent pet retailer. Now when I'm out and about and kind strangers want to offer my dogs a treat, I explain they have tummy issues and give them my own goodies to offer. I always carry a small sample bag of a high-end kibble in my pocket. If I'm in a pinch, Cheerios are a far better alternative to toxic treats. Small, gluten free, low sugar morsels. Right now they have pumpkin flavored ones. Having some nutritious treats with you can be a great way to meet new friends. Lastly, for those of you in the mood, here are some treat options you can make yourself. These treats are easy, healthy, and will work for even a very sensitive dog. They are also far less expensive than what's available in stores! So toss out those toxic Milk Bones, raw hide and chicken jerky treats and give a few of these options a try! 🎃 🎃Crunchy Pumpkin Biscuits🎃. Makes 75 small biscuits/50 medium preheat oven to 350 degrees 1/2 cup organic canned pumpkin 1/4 tsp sea salt 2 1/2 cups organic brown rice flour (coconut flour can also be used) 1 tsp ground parsley (optional) 2 tablespoons dried milk 2 eggs (grind up the egg shells finely in a coffee grinder for extra nutrients) *unsalted organic creamy peanut butter/coconut oil/dried cranberries for decor if desired Combine eggs and pumpkin until smooth. Add salt, parsley, milk and slowly add in flour. Roll mixture out using additional flour if needed for sticking. When dough is 1/4 - 1/2" thickness, use small or medium cookie cutters to make biscuits. Place on cookie sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Drizzle or dip warm biscuits in organic, unsalted creamy peanut butter or coconut oil that has been melted in a microwave for 30 sec. Add dried cranberries for decor. Place on wax paper until cooled and dipping sauce has hardened. 🎃🎃Pumpkin Pupsicles🎃🎃 1 can Organic Pumpkin 1 cup organic, plain Greek yogurt or plain Kefir 1/2 cup organic, creamy, unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter unsweetened organic coconut flakes/dried cranberries if desired. Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into ice cube tray. You can add coconut flakes and/or dried cranberries, if you wish. Another option is top with crumbled kibble and make a mudd pie. Freeze for 3 hours and add to meals or as a cool treat. For more information on toxic treats watch this short, entertaining videos by Planet Paws blogger Rodney Habib: https://youtu.be/Oc265q0ZRss https://www.facebook.com/PlanetPaws.ca/videos/1041383642603184/ *(In researching this blog, the pet food manufacturers make the argument that these chemicals are used in very trace amounts and not enough to be worried about. Well after millions of recalls and pet deaths I'm not taking any chances or trusting their word.)  By Katy Cable-TWR-A 3 Min Read Fleas suck! -Pun intended! Unlike bees that pollinate our planet and keep us alive, or ants who are brilliant little armies of team players, capable of carrying an entire picnic a GA-ZILLION times their own size and body weight on their tiny backs, what purpose do fleas and ticks serve anyway? Here in Southern California fleas can be year-round invaders. Although the dog days of summer are over, your pup may still be wearing more than a cute collar and bandana. Right now, no matter where you live, chances are these blood sucking monsters are just waiting to spread like wildfire on your pet. When I rescued my current Pug Olive she was on Revolution, a monthly flea and heart-worm preventative I have used successfully in the past. Although Olive doesn't have fleas, she did suffer a terrible allergic reaction to a flea bite. I raced a sneezing, coughing, incessantly itching Olive to the vet. Upon examination, the vet discovered red bumps all over her and was convinced it was an allergic reaction to a flea bite. I couldn't see how that was possible as she was on flea prevention. The vet explained that even with protection, fleas can jump on and bite a pet before dying. If a pet is allergic, that's all it takes. After Olive's incident, I am extremely diligent about washing her and keeping fleas away. I have discovered some excellent natural alternatives to products containing harsh chemicals. I currently apply organic coconut oil to Olive's coat. It acts as both a great moisturizer and flea repellent. I also make sure to bathe her following adventures where she may have been exposed to fleas. I am SO happy I made the smart decision to replace all my carpets with wood and tile flooring and “knock-on-wood”, haven't had any flea problems. Believe me, it's much easier to keep fleas away in the first place than it is to get those pests to leave once they've invaded. My advice, use something strong and powerful to kill them then hopefully you can lighten up and use some natural, less toxic remedies to keep them at bay. This does bring up a good point: It certainly doesn't have to be a harsh, toxic chemical for your pet to have a horrific reaction. Just like a human who can't touch a strawberry or a peanut. -Be it an unsalted raw one or a Reese's cup, pets too can have adverse reactions or even die from wholesome, organic products if they happen to be allergic. Before trying ANY product or food, I urge you to first research it. Check out the company, the ingredients, and where it's produced. Talk to trusted vets and pet parents and always test it out with a very small amount first. So while natural products are usually preferred, even those can have disastrous outcomes if your pet has the rare allergy. Also fleas, ticks and other parasites may be resistant to some natural, less intense repellents and your pet won't be protected. Hopefully you can try a few of these tips and find a perfect, less toxic balance. And, as always, a clean healthy pet with a strong immune system will naturally repel more parasites than a sickly one. That starts and finishes with a nutritious, balanced diet 😃. Every flea season I consult with frustrated pet parents looking for flea repellent shampoos. I always advise against strong, harsh, shampoos loaded with chemicals. Any soap and water will kill and remove fleas. For heavy infestations. Here's a recipe for a gentle, non-toxic, flea repelling shampoo you can make at home. I use this on my shelter/rescue dogs who typically come in poor shape infested with fleas. Again, always sample a small amount first to check for adverse reactions. 🐞ALL-NATURAL FLEA BUSTER SHAMPOO: Slice 1/2 lemon and add to 1 Cup boiling water. Stir for 5 minutes then remove from heat, steep and cool. Remove lemon parts, drain juice into large canning jar or bottle. Add 2/3 Cup Dr Bronner's Purecastle Soap Add 1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar 1 TBS organic coconut oil 15 drops pure organic lavender oil Mix together and WASH your PUP! In addition, here are some recommendations for healthy flea/tick control: 🐾Remember, there is simply no chemical based pest control pill, dip, solution, shampoo, or collar that is without the potential for side effects. Just because a compound is applied to or worn on your pet’s fur doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Remember: what goes ON your pet goes IN your pet, by absorption through the skin.
Hopefully, with some easy tips, going forward, blood-sucking monsters will not be a bother and your pet can manage on safer, natural remedies! Pugs and 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 4 min. Lifesaving Read “It’s Cancer!” Hearing those dreaded two words can feel like a kick in the gut and would make most of us to go into a fear-induced coma. During October, it’s hard NOT to think about cancer. The month has gone from pumpkins, ghosts and Halloween decor to PINK! In honor of breast cancer awareness, we’re dressing, running, walking, playing sports and purchasing everything with pink ribbons. And, while all this support and enthusiasm towards the fight is great, the bad news is, this horrific epidemic has also taken our pets hostage at alarming rates. It’s bad enough when the “C-word” strikes a human, but when your dog receives that dreaded diagnosis, there’s a whole new set of challenges? You may be thinking, “Can I afford treatment?” “What will their quality of life be?” “What level of care will be required?” And of course…”How long do they have?” Many people view a dog or cat as a measly pet, but for other “crazy, obsessed, pet parents” like myself, this is a beloved family member who holds the key to your heart in the palm of their precious paw. And while we want to do the best for our four-legged babies, when it comes to cancer, the options for support, community and treatments can be far more limited and difficult to find. If you’re in the throws of this fight with your pup, here are a few lifesaving things to do NOW: 1. First of all, YOU must prepare! -Emotionally! This isn’t the time to enter a complete state of hysteria and despair. You must stay strong, positive, hopeful and be your dog’s advocate. It will only make matters worse and add stress to their immune system if you’re falling apart. Get your support team in order. Reach out for help! This is not the time to cower and hide but lean in. Cancer can be beat! Healing can happen! -Even with the most aggressive forms. The resources and tips here could very well save your pets life. 2. Make your environment as clean as possible. Remove toxins, pollutants, smoke, and other chemical hazards. Don’t add more stress to an already compromised immune system. Toss pesticides, toxic fertilizers, cleaning products, shampoos and and go as natural and organic as possible. 3. Start exercising your pet! This isn’t the time to let your “sick” dog flop around in their doggie bed sleeping all day. GET THEM MOVING! The electric voltage in a healthy cell is critical for recovery. You get that by upping your pet’s metabolism through movement and exercise. Even slower, older dogs can benefit from fresh air and exercise. Not only will this strengthen their body and keep muscles from atrophying, it will help fight depression. Start slowly but get regular exercise. If your pet is older, badly out of shape or in chronic pain, CDB can dramatically help with pain relief and appetite without any ill side effects. 4. Start feeding your pet a Ketogenic diet. This simple diet has become one of the leading tools in the fight against cancer and other metabolic diseases. Cancer lives on glucose (sugars) This diet basically starves cancer cells by drastically limiting carbs and putting the body into a state of ketosis. Several years ago, I wrote an eye-opening, exciting (and popular) blog: “Is The Cure For Cancer In Your Dog’s Bowl” It showed how a simple, inexpensive “Ketogenic” diet was reversing deadly aggressive cancers in dogs. It featured the Ketopet Sanctuary where over 150 dogs with terminal, aggressive cancers were pulled from shelters and treated. These dogs made miraculous recoveries and most were then adopted to loving homes. Visit my site for a copy of the FREE diet used at the Ketopet Sanctuary, or you can also purchase their pre-formulated foods for about the same cost as doing all the work. 5. Discuss medical procedures and treatments with your vet. Many cancers can be surgically removed and treated with chemotherapy. These procedures can be lifesaving and often necessary. When combined with the other natural options, the success rate can be even higher and chances of re-occurrence much, much less. 🐾Ask about using hyperbaric oxygen therapy which naturally increases pure oxygen to all the body’s cells. Cancer tumors can’t thrive in environments with high oxygen levels. Pure oxygen also promotes healing and rejuvenates all cells in the body. 🐾Another innovative solution without any harsh side effects is biomodulation therapy. Electro stimulation delivers pulsed electromagnet currents into the body which greatly increases the body’s healing process. It also provides quick pain relief. Pets gravitate to this relaxing sensation and it’s extremely cost effective. If you live in So Cal, I can give you some integrated health centers that provide reasonably priced treatments and services for pets. I am always saddened to hear of your pet’s health problems and cancer is particularly scary. It is my wish that one day soon cancer is completely eradicated. Until then, I hope this blog has given you some exciting new options to investigate. Please keep me posted! -Pugs and kisses!💕 Fold more support and info, follow the conversation on Facebook (Ketogenic Dog Group ) and check out: THE DOG CANCER SERIES: https://www.dogcancerseries.com/  By, Katy Cable-TWR a 3 min read Not a week goes by without helping handfuls of frustrated pet owners. Lately, most are trying to choose foods for pets with digestive issues. So many options, marketing “BUZZ” words and different recommendations, can make anyone a little “sick to their stomach!” Last week a nice lady blurted out, “I keep hearing about probiotics...What the heck are they and why does my dog need them!” I was as happy as if I’d known the answer to the final Jeopardy question. I’ve battled “tummy” issues all my life. Recently I put my own debilitating autoimmune condition (Hashimoto’s) into remission through diet, and probiotics. There can be many PROS to probiotics, but if you don’t know the facts, they can often be just a big, fat marketing CON! So let me break everything down into easy-to-digest pieces for you. What Are Probiotics: In both humans and canines, a majority of our bodies immune cells reside in the gut. Therefore keeping our tummies in balance is crucial to maintaining overall health. Probiotics are tiny microorganisms that work primarily in the gut. Think of them as “good bacteria!” Microorganisms are called good bacteria because they provide tons of health benefits both inside and out. There are good and bad microorganisms in every gut which need to be kept in balance for our bodies to work at their best capacity. When a dog's microbiome becomes unbalanced, the result can be more than just digestive issues. An out-of-whack microbiome can cause yeast infections, rashes, arthritis and other chronic inflammation diseases so prevalent today. Plus, as a dog ages, their gut becomes less efficient at absorbing nutrients. Probiotics become even more crucial for maintaining good overall health. Many factors from antibiotics to aging can influence the health of your dog's GI tract and microbiome. Another biggie is your pet’s diet! Believe me, food is either making you sick or making you healthy. And same goes for our four-legged friends. More than anything else, what you feed your pet has a tremendous impact on how well their guts are able to absorb vital nutrients throughout their lives. The “PROS” of Probiotics: 1. IMMUNITY/FIGHTING DISEASE: Believe it or not, around 70% of your canine’s immune cells are in their gut. Probiotics not only supply good microorganisms back into their system, they also prevent harmful bacteria from growing. Keeping the growth of bad bacteria down will help keep their immune response in prime condition. 2. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: Simply put, probiotics help aid digestion. Easier digestion will increase metabolism. With a good metabolism, fat will be burned and used as fuel thus keeping your dog fit, trim and full of energy. 3. SHINY COAT: Probiotics do a number on your dog’sm outward appearance too. With the good and bad bacteria balance being kept in check, you’ll see a huge decrease in itching, skin irritations, hot spots, yeast infections, and ear infections. You’ll also notice your pet’s amazing soft, silky coat. 4. ALLERGY RELIEF: When an imbalance of good and bad bacteria occurs, it’s harder for your dog to fight off an allergic reaction. Probiotics can bring back balance which will, in turn, help their system fight allergies. 5. FRESH BREATH: They don’t call it “Dog Breath” for nothing! There is a certain bacteria in your dog’s gut that produces sulfur. This bacteria is attracted to areas that have dirty plaque and tartar buildup. -Your dog’s MOUTH. Probiotics can help prevent smelly bacteria from growing. This and regular brushing should do the trick getting rid of awful dog breath. And The “CONS“: Now that you’re ready to run out and grab probiotics, realize NOT ALL PROBIOTICS are PROS! There’s a lot of “con-artist” probiotics that get killed off before they reach your dog’s gut. The best way to get a healthy dose of probiotics is in your food as opposed to supplements . Good sources of probiotics are: kombucha, Kefir, plain Greek yogurt, kimchi, and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut. I don’t know many dogs that will devour a brimming bowl of sauerkraut, so it’s a good thing there are better options. The recent marketing hype in pet food is “PROBIOTICS!” It seems everyone is touting it on their bags. But most of these probiotics are sprayed on the kibble. They’re not remotely strong enough to survive the processing and shelf life of most pet foods, not to mention the rigors of digestion. Nulo pet foods is one of the exceptions. Since it’s inception, they have used ®️GaneadenBC30, a patented powerhouse probiotic. It’s viable and delivers a guaranteed amount of active, healthy bacteria spores to the gut. In addition, the food is low-carb and packed with MEAT so you won’t be undoing all the good with a bunch of sugar and junk. Nulo also uses this probiotic in their toppers and treats. Another great option for pets is goat’s milk Kefir. You can find it where yogurt is sold. Think of it as “healthy” Haagen Dazs for your pet. Start with 1-2 Tbs for a 15-30 pound pet. Build up to @1/4 cup! I freeze Kefir with pumpkin purée, bone broth or berries and make pupsicles. You can also drizzle it over kibble or mix with wet food for a creamy mousse. Most cats and dogs love it! -Whike you're at it, make yourself a little smoothie, since you need a healthy gut too! For a delish treat, I love Bazzy’s Kefir. A frozen probiotic treat for your pup. (However, I enjoy them too.) For human’s, an alternative to ice cream is Coconut Cult’s probiotic gelato. A non-dairy, heavenly dessert that’s filled with billions of healthy probiotics. If you want a simple vitamin, Digestive Advantage by Schiff, makes yummy gummy bears packed with @GaneadenBC30! The powerhouse probiotic used in Nulo. I believe in the next decade a huge shift will take place. Gut health will be a vital key in managing many chronic conditions. Not just for humans, but for our pets too! Why not try incorporating probiotic-rich foods into everyone’s diet! A healthy gut means a healthy body and mind! Pugs and kisses! 🐾❤️😍 This video shows you how to make a delicious, healthy Mudd Pie for cats or dogs:  By, Katy Cable A 3 min. Read This is a painful blog to write but an important one. My story begins while waiting for a job interview at a high-kill animal shelter. It was a position I was excited about and thought I stood a good chance of landing. As I paced the lobby, I watched what I thought was prospective dog owners walking potential new family members around the courtyard. What I witnessed next still brings me to tears. A well-dressed couple arrived in a luxury car that cost more than most homes. They emerged outfitted wearing from head to tippy-toe in designer clothing. In a woman’s arms was a senior dog also outfitted in “canine couture!” As they approached the reception window I overheard the woman say, “We’re moving and can’t take the dog. She’s also gotten too old!” The woman working at the shelter “intake” window asked for a fee to relinquish the dog and informed her this was an overcrowded, high-kill shelter. Due to the dog’s age, the chances of her being adopted were slim-to-none. The couple was completely unfazed after hearing their pet’s almost certain fate. They couldn’t get rid of this dog fast enough. They tossed the dog and a wad of cash through the window without a hint of remorse. -Or a pat goodbye. Hearing that heartbroken dog howl and whine as she was abandoned, is a scene I can never erase from my mind. I couldn’t hold back my tears listening to a surround sound stereo of crying dogs in cages. I realized that all the dogs I’d seen in the courtyard that afternoon were not adoption candidates but actually pets being relinquished. I knew right then and there I couldn’t work in this environment. I opted to be an advocate for senior pets. We live in an “out with the old, in with the new” culture. We value shiny, new things and quickly replace anything the minute an upgrade or latest version hits the market. We’re all too interested in what’s trending with “millennials” yet disregard the experience and wisdom held by those eligible for “Medicare.” And the same holds true for our dogs. Nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing so many people surrendering older dogs. For some, it’s the mounting medical expenses. For others, it’s the care they need. And tragically, sometimes it’s the simple fact people want a younger, new pet. Whatever the case, that loyal companion that has always had your back, loved and adored you, now needs your care and attention more than ever. As a dog ages, their some purpose becomes being your faithful companion. (Pugs in particular are bred for that very reason!) Providing unconditional love is what they DO! Having nobody to love compromises their fragile immune systems terribly. -As our shelters and rescue groups see all too often. I realize I’m singing to the choir! The fact you’re reading this blog tells me you would sever your own arm before discarding your aging pet. So, here’s a few ways you can help: ❤️LET’S BE ADVOCATES FOR ADOPTING SENIOR PETS AND PROMOTING THE ADVANTAGES❤️ 1. Shelters and rescues charge far less for senior pets and those with special needs. 2. With some pets considered “senior” at only 5-6 years old, many “older” pets can still live long, healthy lives. 3. Most older pets are already well trained and know commands. However, you can definitely teach “old dogs new tricks” and, with patience, can train them at any stage of their life. 4. Senior pets are quite capable of transferring affection and you’ll be regarded as their hero. 5. Older pets are quite content with a slower-paced, simple lifestyle. They don’t have the same energy levels or require nearly as much exercise. If you’re considering adopting an older pet or if you currently have one that’s “getting up there”, here’s a few helpful tips: 1. Pets age as quickly as a couple Hollywood ingenue, about 7 dog years to every 1 human year. It’s important to have more frequent vet checks. This way you can hopefully catch any problem while it’s less risky and EXPEN$IVE! Your vet can also be helpful in recommending supplements and medications to ease issues and give your pet a good quality of life. 2. Dogs thrive on familiarity and routine. Any change to can be huge stressors. Don’t accelerate your dog’s aging process by adding more stress to their life. For instance, when planning your vacation, it’s perhaps better to leave your dog home with a trusted familiar pet sitter or relative, rather than put them through the upheavals of travel. Do your best to stick to a regular routine. 3. Keep things accessible. Be mindful of stairs, slippery floors, and other hard to navigate surfaces. Keep food, water and potty areas in well lit, easily accessible places. Be thoughtful about how you rearrange the house and move things. This can be difficult and stressful to your dog as their senses decline. 4. Don’t neglect dental care! It all starts in the mouth. Billions of bacteria can flood into the bloodstream and attack every organ in your dog’s body. Don’t forget to brush their teeth regularity as well as get their teeth checked. It’s never too late to start brushing their choppers! 5. Senior/mature dogs have different dietary needs than a growing or more active dog. As dogs age, their sense of smell and taste diminish. Teeth can also be sensitive (or in the case of many pugs, GONE!) Your once happy eater may become bored with current food. Now may be a great time to switch from dry kibble to canned, moist, or raw food. At the very least try switching to a variety with less carbs, or a senior formula of food. READ THOSE INGREDIENTS (See video below for tips or discuss with your vet.) 6. Exercise is still important but modify activity. Those all day hikes and 5 mile runs along the beach may need to be replaced with a slower walk in a wagon or stroller. Or some play in the pool. It’s still crucial to keep your pet moving! Try CBD oil and other natural supplements for muscle pain relief. 7. Know the signs of pain. Dogs are stoic. By nature the don’t want to appear vulnerable to predators. They can endure ungodly amounts of pain without you having the first clue something’s wrong. Here’s a few possible indicators that your dog may be in pain: *Any changes in their eating, sleeping, activity, pottying routines. *No enjoyment from treats, play or other pleasures. *Unusual lethargy. *Your dog has begun isolating. *Your normally docile dog has acted aggressively. They may try to bite or growl to avoid being touched if in pain. *Limping or favoring one side or area of their body. *Shivering, drooling or panting when it’s not particularly hot or cold. *Yelping or whimpering when moving or touched. **Listen to your gut! If you feel something isn’t right don’t delay! Get them checked! Nobody EVER said, “Gee, I wish I’d waited longer to get my dog to the vet!” I’ve been privileged to watch a few pups go from young puppies to ripe-old seniors and there’s something extra special about older dogs. Just like an infant, they’re totally reliant on you for their care. And while giving to them, you’ll be the one receiving a precious gift. You’ll truly feel unconditional love in action. Your heart will expand. You will become a much more humble compassionate person. You will become a hero. While you’re just one person in this great big world, to your dog you ARE the entire world and YOU make their life worth living.❤️🐾  By, Katy Cable -TWR A 4 min. Read With deadly brush fires devastating the Southwest, this is a perfect time to remind EVERYONE, regardless of where you live to HAVE A DISASTER PLAN! Waiting until the last minute to have an emergency plan and supplies in place is not only foolish but may be deadly. So, in the midst of this crisis, while it's fresh on everyone's minds, I hope each and every one of you will take a few minutes and: MAKE A DISASTER PLAN FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS! Here are some important tips to keep pets safe in natural disasters and emergencies: 1. HAVE ALL YOUR PETS MICRO-CHIPPED and make sure they are wearing ID collars when home alone. You'll increase your chances of being reunited with pets who get lost by having them micro-chipped; make sure the micro-chip registration is in your name. I advise having your vet scan it to check its working next time you're in for a visit. But remember, the Good Samaritan who finds your pet likely won't be able to scan for a chip, but they will be able to read a basic tag! Put your cellphone number on your pet's tag. It may also be a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area in the event you have to evacuate. 2. *PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT: Include essentials such as: 🐾2 weeks of clean drinking water & non-perishable food. Store in water-tight containers. 🐾First aid kit (I use this one: https://www.rcpets.com/Pet-Safety-Products/Pet-First-Aid-Kit/Product.aspx 🐾Any medication your pet takes plus first-aid meds: (antacid/sm can pumpkin/Benadryl/baby aspirin) 🐾Crate labeled with photo of pet and ER contact # 🐾Comfort toys/in crate 🐾Booties or baby socks 🐾T-Shirt/warm coat/sweater/blanket/pillow 🐾Reflective harness/leash 🐾Life preserver 🐾Puppy pads/poop bags 3. BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES: Make sure there's a sign on your door for emergency personnel that you own pets and where they typically hide in the house if scared. If you have a pet-sitter, or neighbor entrust then with a key and discuss the possibility of looking out for your pets in the event of an emergency. Make a plan with a specific meeting spot to retrieve your pets should there be an emergency. Ask friends/relatives outside your immediate area if they would be able to shelter you and your pets—or just your pets—if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may need to arrange to house them at separate locations. Prior to a disaster, check with hotels and motels outside your immediate area to find out if they accept pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size and species. Inquire if a "no pet" policy would be waived due to an emergency. Keep a list of animal-friendly places handy, and call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home. For help identifying pet-friendly lodgings, check out these websites:
Contact your veterinarian's office. Ask for referrals or services in outside areas. Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in disaster emergencies (make sure to include their 24-hour telephone numbers). Check with your local animal shelter. Some shelters may be able to provide foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. But keep in mind that shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched during a local emergency. I highly recommend playing it SAFE! If there is a threat- Evacuate early. Don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order. Some people who have waited had to be evacuated by emergency officials and their pets were often left behind. The smell of smoke, rapidly rising water, or the sound of high winds or thunder may make your pet more fearful and difficult to locate or load into a crate or carrier. Evacuating before conditions become severe will keep everyone safer and make the process much less stressful. IF YOU MUST EVACUATE, TAKE YOUR PET: This goes without saying. If it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets. You have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able—or allowed—to go back and retrieve your pets. Pets left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost or killed. If you cannot get your pet, do not leave them chained, tied up or locked in a crate. At least give them the opportunity to escape. 4. IF YOU STAY HOME, PLAY IT SAFE: If your family and pets must wait out a storm or other disaster at home, identify a safe area of where you can all congregate.
More likely than a category 5 hurricane or F5 tornado, are everyday emergencies such as sweltering heat-waves, severe winter storms, and brush fires. There may be times that you can't get home to take care of your pets. A sudden brush fire or icy roads may trap you away from home overnight, or an accident may send you to the hospital. But you can make sure your pets get the care they need by making arrangements NOW :
HEAT WAVES: Just an hour or two in the sweltering heat can be life-threatening. If you stay at home during a summer power outage, check your local emergency center for pet-friendly cooling centers in your area. Keep a cooler filled with ice and water handy if sweltering temperatures are in the forecast. If you cannot leave, during a power/AC outage, set-up a cool zone in a bathroom where pets can sit in a tub filled with a few inches of cool water. If you have a full tank of gas, you can drive around in an air-conditioned car. (Do not for any reason leave a pet in a car unattended with temperatures over 70 degrees.) WINTER STORMS: Don't be fooled by your pets' fur coats; it isn't safe to leave them in an unheated house. Paws need protection from freezing ice and snow so have jackets, booties and blankets on hand should you lose power in your home. REMEMBER plans aren't only essential for the safety of pets. If you're responsible for other animals, make sure you have disaster plans for them as well. That would include feral or outdoor cats, horses and/or other farm animals. I hope if an emergency or disaster strikes, these tips will protect both you and your beloved pets! Let's keep our friends in the midst of these devastating fires in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻💕 *RC Pets has wonderful safety/outdoor/ products that I use. I encourage you to check out their website and entire product line: https://www.rcpets.com/ to donate to relief efforts visit: http://www.redcross.org/ https://secure.humanesociety.org/ 🐾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 It's kind of a funny story, but I originally came across Roxy, Bono & Blue, the darlings who are the models/actors and inspiration behind Pupstar Sonoma, by accident. While searching for an image to use on a flyer for my Pug Beach "Bone-anza" event, I stumbled across what still remains one of my absolute favorite pug pics (not counting pics of my own pugs) of all time...Little did I know the man posting this beautiful image on my social media timeline was in fact the creator, photographer, and mastermind himself, Philip Lauer. -And here I just thought he had excellent taste. The event drew quite a bit of publicity, (-no doubt that perfect pic had something to do with it.) And I quickly came to find out it was HIS work which I had never asked permission to use. Whoops! In what could've ended up in some "un-friending" at the very least, instead resulted in a new friendship and treasured experience. After a heartfelt apology and explanation of my mistake, I was excited to receive an invitation to the launch celebration of Pupstar Sonoma's first FANTASY PUGS calendar. It turns out Phillip Lauer and his wife Susan are not just the creators of the picture I fell in love with but a whole collection of amazing images, videos, costumes and products. Their company PUPSTAR SONOMA, specializes in bringing together Pugs, costumes and photography to create magic! And just as their website promises it's: "Seriously cute and absolutely fun!" Using their three pugs (and now adding their newest Pug Zed who just turned 2) they create breathtaking, ethereal works which include everything from life-like depictions of costumed pugs in Game of Thrones, to regal pugs, pugs of anarchy, newsies pugs, hellboy pugs, and even Hobbit Pugs! The Lauer's found wonderful creative outlets with their pugs: Roxy and brother Blue (age 12) and half-brother Bono (age 11). Susan, who holds a degree in fashion print and pattern design, once enjoyed a long, successful career as a graphic print and couture designer in Hawaii. She now hones those talents creating fun pieces for her stocky, barrel-chested, darling pugs. Philip, who holds a degree in graphic arts and photography, captures and creates the magic behind the camera. And while they clearly have remarkable talent, believe it or not this is just a fun hobby. Philip has a full-time "day job" doing IT work at an ad agency. What began with creating darling holiday cards for family and friends took a dramatic turn in 2008 when the iconic Italian designer Valentino, who coincidentally owns his own grumble of pugs, launched a "Most Fashionable Pug" contest for the premiere of his film, "The Last Emperor." The Lauer’s took third place out of hundreds of entries with their jeweled, fur-collared, colorful pug parkas. (Anna Wintour pug won the title.) Soon adorable holiday costumes and everyday wear for pugs, expanded to include life-like replicas of favorite characters and genres. The Lauer's then upped their game by producing a short film "The Pugs of Westeros.” The beautiful take-off of "Game of Thrones" quickly went viral attracting the attention of Good Morning America, Perez Hilton, Buzz-feed, and Mashable. That fall brought more excitement when Zooey Deschanel, best known for her role in the movie Elf, requested the Lauer's help with a video for her band (She & Him) They were recording a country version of the holiday classic "Winter Wonderland" for their "Christmas Party" album. It turns out Deschanel, who also enjoys a successful career as a singer/recording artist, is a Pug lover and huge fan of the Lauer's work. While it was no problem creating the 12 holiday costume changes for the short video, coming up with the necessary snow was a much different story. With deadlines drawing near and no snow in sight, the Lauer’s anxiously checked weather feeds. As luck would have it, just in the nick of time, a storm was predicted for their nearby mountains. Not wasting a second, they jumped in the car and headed out. They made it to the mountains and were greeted with the much-needed snowfall. However, there was no time to waste since the minute the sun rose, the light dusting of snow began melting faster than an ice cream cone in July. With no back-up plan, Roxy, Bono and Blue were quickly outfitted in holiday attire and rushed out to romp in some snow. Then came the final challenge: finding the perfect fireplace for the closing shots of the pugs sleeping soundly in their Christmas jammie's in front of a roaring fire. Their dear friend Lisa Haderlie-Baker, offered up the beautiful, Victorian hearth in her nearby home. -As well as her Pug Diego, (Bono's brother) who got himself a cameo role in the video. He can be seen sleeping by the fire with his buddies. With the release of the family's first FANTASY PUGS calendar, Roxy, Bono & Blue invited all their friends (pug and human) to a celebration party. Olive & I were thrilled and honored to be included. The festivities took place on a perfect sunny Saturday afternoon at the Lauer's lovely home in Sonoma county, which is about an hour outside of San Francisco. Around 25 perfect, pugs, attended including Peggy Bennington, owner of Pug Wine (http://pugwine.com/) whose irresistible Pug had just come from a dog show where she had taken the title: "Best Bitch" -My husband might argue I hold that title every morning before my first cappuccino. Other guests included artist Lisa Haderlie-Baker, with her Pug Diego. (Bono's brother who is a regular fixture in many of the Lauer's works.) And Sand Chang (Co-founder of the Vegas Pug Parties) with her darling Pug Zelda Sesame. I was in heaven surrounded by cherubic, adorable pugs. As expected at any soirée, the hosts treated guests to a lavish spread of delectables for both humans, and pugs. In addition, each received a Pupstar Sonoma "sWAG-bag" which included cards, stickers and a copy of the beautiful Fantasy Pugs Calendar. But unlike other gatherings, this one also came equipped with poop bags placed all around the backyard, as well as an assortment of dog beds, pillows, and toys for the Pug's enjoyment. In the center of the lawn sat the show-stopper: A pug-sized replica of the GAME OF THRONES, iron throne used in the Pupstar Sonoma photo shoots. Every pug-parent in attendance was eager to seat their fur baby on the throne for a prized photo opp. Susan then brought out various hats, and costume pieces for pugs to wear. And while Pugs are typically super good sports about dawning goofy get-ups and costumes, Roxy Bono & Blue are true pros that would give any super-model a run for their money! It took a handful of treats and two extra hands to try and keep a sailor hat on Olive just long enough to snap a quick photo. At the same time R, B & B, were running behind mommy Susan the minute they saw she was ready to play dress-up. All three jumped into position, let her adjust the costumes, and hats, then tilted their heads, and held their poses for what seemed like hours. There was no pawing at strings or bucking heads to break free, but sheer pride in their familiar role. It gave me chills watching how they delighted in wearing heavy velveteen regal robes, fur parkas and crowns on a hot sunny day. -And actually LOVE every minute of it. If one was featured in a shot, the other two jumped in and insisted on being included in the fun. The Fantasy Pugs Calendar is a collection of a few of the Lauer's favorite works from Game of Thrones to Gilligan's Island. Yet, unlike most pug novelties featuring kitschy-tacky pug images, FANTASY PUGS is a luxurious beautiful work of art. The calendar is guaranteed to make a perfect gift which will delight both Pug lovers and non-pug fanatics alike. The Lauers kindly donated several calendars and a signed print to benefit PUG NATION LA and PUGS AND PALS two local rescue groups I support. Thank you Phillip and Susan! Your work is inspiring and fills me with joy. I am forever grateful to be included in your life and wish you all the success in the world. And it goes without saying look no further if you ever need a pug sitter for those sweet babies of yours. Here's a glimpse at the launch party and my chat with the extremely talented Lauer family. Enjoy! For more information or to order a calendar visit: http://www.pupstarsonoma.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA: @pupstarsonoma @pugwine @zooeydeschanel @pugnationla #pugwine #pupstar sonona #game of Pugs #fantasy pugs #pugsandpals #pugnationLA HOW TO SHAVE YEARS OFF YOUR DOG’S LIFE...Not Doing This Will Drastically Cut Your Pet’s Lifespan8/23/2020  By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt A 4 min. Read No that's not a typo! You read the headline correctly. Now that I have your attention, I'm going to switch it up and give it a PAWsitive spin. In this blog I will be covering something every dog owner can do to add years to their pet’s life. I'm sure you'll agree, it’s inexpensive and very simple to incorporate. Even better, not only will doing these things give your pet a longer life, it will be a happier, healthier one as well. Another added bonus, you should also save a considerable amount of money in Veterinary bill$! The number one, single most important thing you can do to add years to your pet's life is keep them from becoming overweight. The best way to do that...Unleash Your Dog's Inner-Athlete. Prior to CoVid, I was so excited to watch the summer Olympic Games. I'm always awestruck and inspired by the fitness, endurance and strength of the athletes. The Olympics were also a huge motivator for me to become a "TRY-athlete" with Olive. I'm hoping I can encourage you to do the same with this game plan and some fun ideas. Another great thing, not only will your dog be happier and healthier, you are going to benefit as well. You know your pet's energy levels and abilities at better than anyone. While some of you with extremely active dogs are already hitting the running and biking trails, a majority of us are super busy and know we could and SHOULD do more. If you're like me, sometimes the best I can muster up is a few quick walks down the street or throwing a ball a couple times. Unfortunately, that's not enough. Although it's a good start and anything is better than nothing, in order to stay lean, fit, well-conditioned, emotionally balanced, and fully mobile as they age, your dog needs some physical activity every day. Not only that, if they don't get opportunities to run, play and get regular aerobic exercise, even if they're not overweight, they can end up with arthritis and other debilitating conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles and internal organs. In addition, many canine behavior problems are the direct result of a lack of physical activity. For optimum health and longevity, your dog should be getting a minimum of 20 minutes of sustained heart-thumping exercise three times a week. Although canines are designed for movement and activity, what most people don't realize is that like their owners, dogs need some enticing to get moving. Even the largest, most exciting, backyard or the best ball isn't enough to motivate your pet to get the required exercise for staying in good physical condition.The only way to make sure your dog gets adequate exercise is to provide them with the companionship and incentive. So, that's the goal we are striving for and taking a brisk hour-long power walk everyday will be a great start. Now, if your dog is out of shape, injured or ill you will want to modify activity. Also, be aware of environmental conditions that might make exercise unsafe such as poor air or water quality, and extreme temperatures. If you aren't able to move at this pace, consider involving your dog in other types of cardiovascular exercise like a gentle swim or some Tug-A-War (I don't recommend this if your dog has neck, back, or aggression issues.) Another fun thing would be to hide different treats in boxes around your home and yard and involve them in scent-tracking games. Once you're up to speed on walks, gradually increase the length of time of the walk and get your dog's heart rate up (and yours) by mastering some sand, gentle hills, inclines or hiking trails suitable for dogs. If you're not in an area to find those options, why not bring along a Frisbee or ball to throw and play "Go Fetch" during your time out. For active breeds, high-energy or young dogs that are a challenge for you to keep up with, try getting a special bicycle leash and letting your dog run beside you while you ride. Again you can gradually add duration, hills and speed. And while I myself have a young, healthy, active Pug (who thinks she's a greyhound when she's racing down the beach,) be careful with certain dogs and bicycles. I see many people out on skateboards or riding bicycles with Pugs and Bulldogs. And while it's always nice to see them out exercising and enjoying their pets, these breeds in particular have difficulty regulating their body temperature and breathing. And while the exercise is great, they MUST be able to stop and/or go at their own pace if they feel tired, out of breath or getting overheated. These brachycephalic breeds (flat-smooshy faces) are typically not suited to be ideal running partners. -Unless the runner is like me and can't race to the end of my block without tripping or stopping to use my inhaler. Swimning is another great exercise but not for every dog. Many dogs such as Dachshunds, Bulldogs, and Pugs are not designed to float or swim well. They can also be prone to horrible inner ear infections if they get their head's wet. I recommend ear plugs and a dog floatation vest attached to a long rope just to play it safe. Also many dogs are fearful of the water so it's best to introduce them in a manner that doesn't traumatize them. That being said, swimming can be a wonderful, fun, cardiovascular activity that doesn't put stress on the joints so don't rule it out. Plastic kiddie pools filled with some balls and water can be a fun way to get your dog acclimated to water. My Olive is terrified of the water. It's unfortunate living just a few blocks from Rosie's Dog Beach. I still take her several times a week and keep exposing her to the gentle ocean but I go at her pace and never force her. Hopefully one day she will go charging into the ocean to retrieve those balls that get thrown. For today, she lets the water-loving dogs have them and abruptly stops at the shoreline. With my Olive's traumatic past and fear issues, agility training was a great exercise option. This fun activity not only helped build her confidence but it also strengthened our bond. She became much more trusting, and she's in terrific, agile shape. She might even become a champion. As you get out and begin your fun fitness plan don't forget to have plenty of fresh drinking water. I recommend a stainless water bottle with a rollerball spout for hygienic, spill-proof drinking. Or a portable dish for water. Nulo pet foods just introduced HYDRATE. Just add a squirt to water and provide your dog not only yummy flavors like roasted lamb, beef, chicken or pork but also give them amino acids, vitamins, and electrolytes. Grab them at Petsmart or your pet retailer. Regardless of your dog’s athleticism (or lack thereof) always watch for signs of overexertion such as: limping, excessive panting, stopping in their tracks, or extreme fatigue. Hopefully you and your fur baby will be "off and running" this fall having fun, and getting into great shape. -Pugs and kisses! 🐾💕  By Katy Cable-TWR a 5 minute read Calling all teachers! With CoVid 19 forcing most learning to be done on-line this fall, here’s an idea that’s sure to keep students motivated and engaged...A PET! Learning online can be challenging. It’s hard for most adults to stay engaged and attentive. Having a pet will certainly keep things interesting and fun. Last year, I published this blog featuring all the many benefits of having a pet in the classroom. These unprecedented times call for some adaptability and some fresh ideas. This year, more than ever, including a pet can be an A+ addition to your on-line curriculum as well. It will take some additional creativity on your part but there’s no reason why you can’t give it a try and see how your students respond. Here’s a few ideas: Have students practice reading or teaching lessons back to their pet or schedule time they can “tutor” your pet. If they learn it well enough to teach it you’ve done your job. -Don’t have a pet...how about adopting a senior dog or fostering one for the school year and see how the students engage. Maybe a student (or YOU!) will end up adopting it! Everyone can help choose the pet’s name and be involved in the care and upkeep. Start an online reading program with a dog. I got to see firsthand the benefits of therapy dogs. Here’s my story: I had my eyes opened to the power of pets in the classroom years ago. Therapy dogs were just being introduced for reading programs in select elementary schools. My then eight year-old daughter, Karley had been approached about training our pug Raisin for such a program. Three months later they became the youngest therapy dog team in the nation. Each week Karley took Raisin to local elementary schools and worked with struggling "at-risk" students. While she (and Raisin) were beyond excited, I was as scared senseless. These were not the well-mannered children seated Indian-style in a circle calmly petting a dog, but boisterous, out-of-control kids, screaming profanities, throwing tantrums and chairs. These children were more than most behavioral specialists and seasoned teachers could manage, let alone a new therapy dog team as green as Kermit-the-frog. What I witnessed over that school year was nothing short of miraculous. Just having a dog in the classroom for these students to sit with, talk to, read to, and pet, completely turned them around. Behavior dramatically improved because they were motivated not to miss their "reading with Raisin" session. By the end of the school year, every child was reading at or above grade level and best of all, confidence and enjoyment in school was off the charts. These children once labeled "problem kids" destined to fall through the cracks, were instead pronounced "success stories". And it was all the result of a free therapy dog program. Just bringing a dog into the classroom brought more positive changes than you can shake a stick at! Just look: 1. Decreased Behavioral Problems: In some of the schools we visited, behavior problems were an extremely serious issue. Typically, 3 out of 10 young students suffered from a behavior disorder bad enough to interfere with learning and development. Students had far fewer disciplinary actions after dogs were introduced. Their behavior greatly improved towards both their teachers and fellow students. Additionally, parents reported that children seemed more interested in school as a result of having the therapy dog visits. 2. Reduction in Truancy Problems Many elementary schools we regularly visited had severe truancy problems. Typically the students with the poorest attendance records were also participating in our program. A handful of students previously missing 40 days of school or more, had nearly perfect attendance once the therapy dog program was introduced. Seeing the dogs was a key motivator to come to school each day. 3. Improved Reading Skills Watching children practice their skills by reading to a dog was fascinating. Normally shy, embarrassed students, came alive choosing stories and doing their best to read to the dogs. The dogs never judged or made fun of them. Quite the opposite! They loved the attention. On top of spending time with a favorite therapy dog, students were also offered incentives. After reading 10 books, students earned a book of their choice “pawtographed” with a stamped paw print of their favorite therapy dog. Karley was so inspired by the children's curiosity about her Pug Raisin, she wrote and published a heartwarming and inspiring story "Raisin, -A Doggie's Tale..." which taught children to be responsible pet owners and was the fictional story of Raisin's own "RUFF" beginnings. This book motivated the kids to meet their literacy goals and is currently available at the link below. 4. Social Development Having dogs in the classroom was especially helpful in teaching students social skills. There was a notable decrease in discipline issues and tension in the classroom with the addition of the dogs. Students learned that their behavior and actions make a difference. Students showed an increase in sensitivity and awareness for the feelings and needs of others—both animals and humans. Interestingly, young boys who, in our culture, often don't get the chance to practice nurturing skills the way girls do, became much more compassionate. 5. Teaching Responsibility Having a dog or pet in the classroom may be a student's first opportunity to care for another living thing. With dogs or even smaller classroom pets, teachers can distribute chores among the class. Involving students in the daily care of classroom animals helps teach responsibility. Simple tasks such as filling the hamster's water bottle or measuring the cup of kibble to feed the rabbit each day, are wonderful learning opportunities. Often a child follows through in their own grooming as they see the importance of brushing their teeth and washing. 6. A Decline or End in Bullying Bullying is a serious problem in so many classrooms, with children anxious about school for fear of taunting and abuse. Dogs can make a huge difference in the fight against bullies. Dogs visiting schools teach kids about compassion and fairness. Kids identify with animals, and show empathy for dogs. It was found that violent behavior in participating students declined by 55%, and general aggression went down 62%. 7. Help With Autism Children with autism typically have trouble with concentration and interactions with others. Having a dog in the classroom helps with both socialization and focus. Autistic children were able to sit calmly and work for longer periods with the presence of a dog. The children were also far less anxious and rigid. When the children did get upset it was less likely to become a tantrum. 8. Allergy Alerts Just as dogs can be used to detect drugs, bombs, and blood sugar levels, they can also be used to detect life threatening allergies such as to peanuts. Although schools often enact policies designed to help students avoid the problematic allergens, mistakes can happen. For students with severe allergies, these dogs can be life-savers and also provide peace-of-mind to parents and schools. Should any of you teachers wish to bring a pet or therapy dog reading program into your classroom you can expect more than just happier students. Shari Young Kuchenbecker, Ph.D., research psychologist at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, points out, “The child who cares for a pet knows that what he does matters, and so he’ll want to do more of it. The more successfully he feeds, walks, or emotionally bonds with the pet, the more confident he’ll feel.” In fact, studies conducted by the Waltham Centre have shown that children with pets have higher levels of self-esteem than those without pets. Hopefully it won’t be too long until everyone can get back to the classroom. Until then, having a fun “pet project” and including pets in the mix may be the key to a successful school experience. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have a wonderful start to the school year. ❤️🐾 To purchase "Raisin, A Doggie's Tale" click here (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1453699929/ref=cm_sw_su_dp_nodl) For more information about Therapy Dogs visit: Therapy Dogs International: http://tdi-dog.org/ For More information about the No More Bullies Program Visit: http://www.handinpaw.org/pawsitive-living-and-no-more-bullies.php 🐾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 3 min. Read If you're like me your heart melts over the Pugs (and/or Frenchies, Bostons, Bullies, Shihtzus, etc.) 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 creatures. 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 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 going so far as to run 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 many 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 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 soon to be extinct? Thankfully the answer is an overwhelming NO! With their enormous popularity and appeal, the darling Pug is in no danger of going away anytime soon. However, I do feel the need to raise awareness and stress more responsible breeding. For an example of how this crisis is transpiring, one needs only look at pugs over the years. Since the early 1900's pugs seem to have gotten shorter legs, larger heads, smaller nostrils, double curled tails and more exaggerated barrel chests. Carolinе Kisko, thе Kеnnеl Club sеcrеtary, said thе problеms with brachycеphalic dogs are bеing perpetuated by in reputable 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.” 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 an amazing resource and support. 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. 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 pugs 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 **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-A 3 min. Read 😎Here in So. Cal it seems we get more clouds, drizzle and chill in summer than we do in spring. Still, now that the summer (and the pandemic) is in high gear, people are more excited than ever to get out to the beach with their dogs. I’ve also unfortunately witnessed a few tragedies that could’ve been easily avoided. Therefore, I felt it was important to share tips on how to help your dog keep their cool at the beach. I live a short walk from one of the most popular beaches for DOGS in Southern California, Rosie’s Dog Beach. Long stretches of fine white sand, gentle waves, easy parking, drinking fountains, restrooms, showers and a snack bar make this a popular destination for people and their pups. -Rain or shine! And, as with most popular spots, I always manage to witness a few incidents that could have been easily prevented. So, in addition to safety tips, during warmer weather, it’s also very important for everyone to be aware of the signs of overheating. Pugs and other brachycephalic breeds (dogs with flat faces and short noses, such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Pekinese, and Shih-tzus), older pets, dogs that are ill or have a chronic health condition, and dogs not used to warm weather are extremely susceptible to overheating so be mindful of the following signs: Heavy panting or rapid breathing Elevated body temperature Excessive thirst Bright or dark red tongue and gums Excessive drooling Glazed eyes Increased pulse and heartbeat Vomiting bloody diarrhea If your dog is exhibiting any of the above symptoms you need to to start cooling them down immediately and keep close watch on their behavior. Take your pet to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice any of the following SIGNS OF LIFE-THREATENING OVERHEATING: Staggering, stumbling Weakness and collapse Seizures Unconsciousness Now that you’re aware of the warning signs here’s how to keep your pup from getting overheated in the first place. ⛱ BEACH SAFETY 101 ⛱ Before you head out for the beach, I recommend bringing an umbrella, tent or Easy-Up so you have a shady spot for your dog to retreat from the sun. You’ll also want to bring 2 large towels or blankets. It's good idea to have one for your dog to lay on as well as one you can soak and use to cool your dog off if they get overheated. If the sand, or pavement is burning your tootsies, you can bet it will burn your doggie's paws. Make sure you put them in booties or socks if they’re too large a dog to carry across the hot surface. Fresh drinking water and a bowl are MUSTS! Always have fresh water to keep your doggie hydrated and also so they are not tempted to drink seawater or from pools of standing water which may be filthy. Also communal water bowls can provide a lot more than hydration in the form of parasites and nasty doggy germs. Have your own bowl of water handy. Many people don't realize dogs are susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. The most sensitive dogs are: shaved short-coated light colored and if course hairless dogs. For those breeds, I recommend staying OUT of the sun on extremely hot days and during peak hours (10AM-3PM). The best protection is to dress your dog in a T-shirt, sun-shirt with UV protection or a cooling vest which shields from harmful rays and keeps dogs from overheating. I also advise getting a sunscreen for your dog. Please note, make sure the sunscreen is a formula safe for dogs. Human sunscreens can contain ingredients (such as zinc) which are toxic if ingested. Be sure to cover your dog's nose, ears, belly, and inside hind legs. Along with sun safety, you'll need to be equally prepared to keep your sweetie safe in the water. Surf Gidget the Pug, makes it look easy but Pugs, and several other breeds are not strong swimmers (actually they're genetically designed to sink like stones!) I would recommend a life vest if you're out at the beach, in a boat or on open water. Even with a life vest you must supervise your dog in the water. An unexpected wave, rip current, rapids or even stepping on a dead bee, sharp coral or jellyfish can be major hazards. It goes without saying if your dog may be sick, is lethargic, has the runs, or is in heat, do not visit the beach, dog park or any other public dog area. Hold off on visiting a dog beach or park until your dog is trusted to obey commands. If you are dog sitting, have a new shelter or rescue dog, this may pose too much risk until you are more familiar with your pet. Many people love letting their dogs run around off-leash (I'm one of them) but it can be a major hazard. If your dog isn't consistent with following your commands, I recommend you wait or keep them on a leash until they’re better trained. It can extremely dangerous if your dog is racing down the beach and not aware of a potential threatening situation. And finally, just a few “Golden Rules” for the dog beach. Remember beaches depend on all of us to keep them safe and clean. Bring waste disposal bags, -and maybe a few extras for those who may not be as conscientious. Be the bigger person who picks up and takes care of keeping the beach safe and clean. So many people don’t. Be attentive to your dog. This is not the time or place to relax with a good book or your nose in your IG feed. Be on the lookout. A fun run down the beach chasing a ball can quickly turn to an aggressive dog fight. If you notice play getting a bit rough and you’re concerned, call your dog and distract them with some one-one-one play. Also, be mindful of how much time you spend in the great outdoors. Too many hours can result in dehydration, overheating and other problems. If everyone adheres to some basic safety precautions we can cut down on a lot of injuries. Let's keep dog friendly beaches a fun place to make memories. See you at the beach.⛱ Pugs & kisses 😘 -Katy Cable & Olive  By Katy Cable, TWR A 3 minute read Sunday I ran into a woman who had just found a darling little Pug roaming on a busy street. She was relieved when I informed her of my background working with Pugs and relinquished him to me to help. It’s not surprising. Did you know more dogs and cats go missing and/or get injured over this holiday than on any other day of the year. With that in mind, I had planned to write about what steps to take should your dog be lost and ironically life imitated my editorial calendar. Shivering, skinny, banged up and dirty, I fell in love with the little Pug the second I saw him. I picked his boney little body up and promised him he would be safe. He wasn't wearing a collar and his back was covered with infected wounds. The poor little pug was so infested with fleas that after 30 minutes of continuous washing and five flea baths, the white grooming tub still looked like someone had spilled black pepper all over it. The woman who found him said she had been asking around the neighborhood to see if anyone recognized him. There were no "lost dog" signs posted or notifications on social media so I assumed he would be in need of a loving new home once he was healthy. I'll be honest, this little Pug, reminded me of my beloved Raisin. He was a fawn Pug with the same perfect smoosh little face. A big part of me wanted to say, "finders keepers!" and take him for myself. After all, he was in deplorable condition so I assumed he was either a bait dog used for dog fighting or a breeder stud since he wasn't fixed. Once he was cleaned and dried I put him in a darling harness and whisked him off to the vet to see if he was micro-chipped, and make sure he didn't need any urgent care. My first instinct was relief when they found no chip. In my mind whoever let a dog live in this kind of condition didn't deserve to have them. The vet was swamped with critical emergencies and said the pug was in no immediate danger and could be seen first thing the next morning. He armed me with potent heavy-duty flea meds since those relentless pests were still having a field day in his freshly cleaned coat. I dressed his wounds then cleaned his ears and yeasty wrinkle folds. He then looked and felt like a new dog. I immediately called one of the rescue groups I work with, Pug Nation Rescue LA and asked for their assistance. This pug was in bad shape and needed veterinary care. His wounds were infected he was covered in yeast. He had a painful ear infection and he was skin and bones. I assumed he must have parasites as well and didn't want to expose my own Olive to a possibly sick dog. While Pug Nation prepared an isolation room for Louie, I called my family and asked them to secure a safe spot since I was bringing home a new addition. My daughter instantly fell in love with the little pug and named him Louie. We shot cute pics and posted notices on social media, -not tipping my hand with too much information. I fed him a healthy dinner of turkey & sweet potatoes which he devoured in a New York minute, then I took him out for a nice walk around the neighborhood. Louie was happy and enjoyed all the love and attention. A few blissful hours later it was time to turn my new friend over Pug Nation. I was sad because I had now grown very attached to sweet Louie. Pug Nation assured me they had a foster home waiting with a volunteer who could care for Louie until he was available for adoption. They had a long list of hopefuls who were waiting for a darling new pug to adopt. As much as I wanted to put my name at the tippy-top of that list, I had Olive. I will never forget how desperately I wanted a pug and how thrilled I'd been when I got the green light to adopt my pugs. I wanted to "pay it forward" and give somebody the same opportunity. I knew Louie would be treasured and that's what mattered. At the crack of dawn the next morning, I got a call from Louie's (real name Leroy) owner. They had been worried sick. Her young son had not shut a door securely when they left for the day and Leroy had snuck out. He had just been given a bath and wasn't wearing his collar. When they returned home and couldn't find him they went immediately to a shelter and were so relieved to see the posts and know he'd been found alive. They made a donation to Pug Nation and collected their baby Leroy. I will admit, as mad as I was with their negligence, I've done the same thing myself on more than one occasion. My hands were full and I raced out the door without checking if it had been securely shut. Thankfully, in my case, I've noticed my Velcro pug Olive right on my heels and she's micro-chipped so I've avoided a lost dog. The best eat advice I can offer is to try and prevent your pet from going missing in the first place. Here's a few important steps you can take: ✅First and foremost. Get your pet micro-chipped. Have it scanned and checked periodically when you visit the vet to confirm it's reading. ✅Confirm ID tags have correct contact info and are easy to read. Make sure dogs are wearing ID tags and collars before leaving them home alone. ✅Keep records on in a zip drive and carry updated photos of your dog. Use a close-up, full body and a full body next to another object to gage the size of the dog. ✅Double (and over the 4th) TRIPLE check all doors, windows, gates and "escape-routes" are secure before leaving the house. ✅Remind children to be diligent about closing doors, windows and gates. ✅Take your dog to a boarding facility or hire a pet-sitter if your dog exhibits severe separation anxiety. -Or if you cannot be with them during stressful times such as Fourth of July. If dogs are fearful they can scale a 16ft wall and accomplish other miraculous feats. Don't take chances. WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS MISSING: If your dog has gone missing, quickly make up a flier showing good, clear, recent pictures of your pet. Don't use the shot with funny costume or glasses. Have one picture with another object by the dog to get an idea of their actual size. Leave tear-off strips with your contact # at the bottom to post around nearby neighborhoods. I would use bright yellow or neon paper. Free fliers can be made and printed as well as shared online. They are available in both English and Spanish at: HeLP (www.helpinglostpets.com) 🐾Include the Pet's Name 🐾Where/When it Was Last Seen 🐾Any Identifiable Markings or Characteristics ✅Notify Animal Control Services ✅Contact the Police Station ✅Post flier on all your social media platforms. Here's a few good ones: 🐾 Facebook: Lost And Found Dogs in your community. ROMP (Return Our Missing Pets) Community/Shelters/Rescue Groups in your area ✅POST FLIER and INFO on: 🐾Craig's List (both "Lost" and "Found" sections) *(Be cautious about posting any type of "reward" if found. Lots of scanners looking for a quick buck of someone's misfortune.) 🐾FidoFinder https://www.fidofinder.com/ 🐾PetHarbor http://petharbor.com/ 🐾Pawboost https://www.pawboost.com/ 🐾NextDoor https://nextdoor.com/ 🐾Patch https://patch.com/ 🐾Any local/community papers in your area. Check sites often to look for postings. ✅Post a large sign in your front yard. Put signs in the windows of your cars. ✅Canvas your area posting and handing out fliers. Give fliers to your neighborhood postal worker, Amazon, FedEx, UPS delivery drivers, dog walkers, groomers, vet's, realtors and your neighbors. Post fliers at all major intersections, post offices, police stations, fire department, pet stores, CVS stores, Target, grocery stores and all places people frequent often. ✅Enlist the help of the TV news WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A DOG: ✅Use caution Approaching: Fearful, anxious, neglected dogs can be aggressive. You don't know this dog so be extremely careful. The dog may not have been immunized and could have parasites, fleas or other problematic conditions. ✅Call Animal Control or 9-1-1 if it is a large or aggressive dog or if it is in immediate danger. ✅If the dog is mild tempered, and has no ID, take them to the nearest veterinary clinic or animal shelter and have them scanned for a microchip. They will direct you from there. They will take your name and contact info. if you are relinquishing the dog to their care. They may have additional questions if the owner comes forward. Or, you should get the first option to adopt the dog should they not be claimed. All shelters/rescues have slightly different protocol on holding periods, fees, adoptions, surrenders, and other timelines. ✅If the dog has not been turned over to a rescue or shelter, or if you are waiting for their owner to retrieve the dog, keep them in a secure safe place away from other pets and children. ✅Check neighborhood for signs and ask the people listed above to notify you if they hear of anyone looking for a missing dog. Make them aware and provide your contact info. ✅Photograph the dog and post on social media using the sites/steps listed above under: lost dog. Hopefully we can get lost pets returned safely! Have a SAFE and wonderful summer. Pugs and kisses😘🐾 |
BY:
|
PARTNERSHIPS
...Let’s Work Together
I love collaborating with other influencers and brands! Whether you need assistance with social media, creating an unforgettable event or want to be featured in my nationally syndicated blog, I can help. Let’s talk!