 Katy Cable -TWR A 5 minute read My blog this week is two-fold. I first want to clarify the often misunderstood differences between a "Therapy", ESA (Emotional-Support-Animal) and a "Service" dog. I also want to introduce you to the many rewarding opportunities in therapy dog work and let you know how to get involved. I will never forget the horror I felt watching "Bear" a 135lb, out-of-control black Lab, jump up and knock over a tiny 5 year-old girl just a fraction of his size. He proceeded to grab the soft-serve ice cream cone right out of her hand and snarf it down in all of 5 seconds. The poor little girl was completely terrified and began crying as Bear then tore through the crowds, lift his leg and peed on a decorative planter at the elementary school graduation ceremony. The real kicker was this dog was wearing a "Therapy Dog" vest. Unfortunately, situations like this have become all to common. Many dog owners, wishing to have their pets accompany them to more and more activities, pop a vest on their back and BOOM! -Now they've got a dog they can take anywhere they please. Now I'm all for dog-friendly places and nothing makes me happier than meeting service and therapy dogs when I'm out and about. On the other hand, people ordering service-vests on-line then parading their barking, disobedient dogs through crowded malls, restaurants and hotels. infuriates me. These selfish, clueless people, whose dogs couldn’t don’t have the temperament or skills to pass a basic obedience class, are doing a major disservice to those true assistance dogs. They also put everyone in danger. According to the ADA, a "service animal" is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. This includes detecting drops in blood sugar, on-coming seizures, anxiety attacks, and assisting the impaired or disabled with tasks. These animals are legally allowed to accompany their owners anywhere and are not limited by restrictions which may sometimes be placed on "pets." For example, a disabled renter does not have to worry about finding housing that allows pets. Legally, these highly trained, highly skilled assistance animals are not considered "pets." It it is also not legally required that a service animal wear a vest or disclose that they're assisting someone with a disability. Under the law, if the animal isn’t immediately identifiable as a service dog, staff may only inquire if the dog is a service animal for a disability and what task they perform. They may NOT ask to see any ID, medical documentation, or require the animal perform the task. Unless the dog is out of control and can’t be managed by their handler, they may not be denied access or service. What is is completely taboo is leaving a so-called "Service Animal" unattended barking at home or in a hotel room, while the owner pops out for the evening. A true assistance dog accompanies their owner or abides by the rules for "pets" when not formally working. The owner of a service animal is also responsible for any damages incurred by their dog such as a cleaning fees or carpet steaming. Therapy Dogs on the other hand, provide comfort and emotional support through specialized visits. Any legit therapy dog organization should require that dogs master all Canine Good Citizen skills as well as other specialized tasks that may be required in medical/hospital settings. In addition, extensive temperament tests are done to confirm dogs don't get aggressive or act inappropriately. Any dog a year or older who passes the evaluation can become a therapy dog. Dogs only need to have the required vaccines and cannot be in heat during visits. If you have a dog that is well trained (or could be well trained) enjoys attention and petting, isn't easily agitated or anxious, I would encourage you to look into trying some therapy work. I have listed a link below to Therapy Dogs International, the company I worked through. TDI is one of the largest, most respected companies, however, there are many groups around if you check online. Most sights have a list of required skills as well as evaluation dates and locations. Make sure the organization carries insurance since you don't want to be liable if an accident occurs during a visitation. The group should also list opportunities and places seeking visits from therapy dogs. Hopefully you can read testimonials and see photos from current members as well. By far some of the most rewarding experiences in my life have been making therapy dog visits with my first Pug Raisin. Unfortunately, my current Pug Olive, is still overcoming anxiety issues from her abusive past. She isn't a good candidate for therapy work just yet but I'm hopeful she'll be ready someday. I really miss it. My experience doing therapy work began as a fluke. A woman approached my then 7 year-old daughter about bringing Raisin to elementary schools and helping kids develop their reading skills. I chimed in asking what was involved and how much it cost. The first step was my daughter had to take Raisin to a formal evaluation and make sure he had the right temperament. He also needed to demonstrate he could perform all the Canine Good Citizen skills on command. Karley surprised me with her interest and went right to work training Raisin. Not long after, we took him for his evaluation at a medical facility packed with beautiful dogs practicing their commands with their owners. I immediately turned into a nervous stage-mom wondering if he would make the cut. Most the dogs being evaluated before Karley and Raisin didn't pass. They were encouraged to come try again once they had mastered certain skills. I wasn't optimistic and had my "good try" speech prepared. Low and behold, Raisin passed with flying colors. That afternoon Karley became the youngest therapy dog handler and our life-changing journey began. After-school Karley took Raisin to elementary schools and started helping "at-risk" students learn to read. These children were more than most trained, mature teachers could handle let alone a child of roughly the same age. Seeing the students were not interested in reading they only wanted to play with Raisin, Karley decided to write a book about his “Wags-to-Riches” life hoping it might be of interest. "Raisin, -A Doggie's Tale..." is a heartwarming, funny story told from Raisin's POV. It teaches children how to be responsible pet owners and how to overcome obstacles. The book was such a hit with the kids, Karley published it on Amazon then used social media to market it. Within a few weeks, she made enough money to donate funds to a local shelter and purchase a new computer. Her book also caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey and Karley received an invitation to the White House where the President received an autographed copy. Best of all she got to watch her students thrive all because of her beautiful story, her love and her special little pug, Raisin. After watching my daughter transform through this unbelievable experience, I got a call to bring Raisin to the pediatric critical care unit of a local hospital. I remember sitting in my car in the parking lot paralyzed with fear. I was certain I had made a huge mistake. I was so terrified I would screw something up I couldn't bring myself to move. Healthy school kids were one thing, critically ill children were quite another. I somehow managed get as far as the lobby where I was immediately blindsided by a beautiful quilt hanging on the wall. Each square honored a child whose life was lost far too early. It took everything in my power not to run out the door hysterically crying. I so wished I had never committed to this. Raisin meanwhile had a spring in his step and complete confidence. He no sooner got his paw out of the elevator when literally every single staff member came over lavishing him with pats, strokes and attention. As we walked down the hall to visit our first patient, we passed a mom and dad slumped on the hallway floor. They sadly stared at their tiny 9 month-old daughter who was standing in a baby bouncer-saucer. She had two IVs her itty-bitty arms and look deathly ill. The toddler stood lifelessly gazing down at the ground. It broke my heart. The second we walked by this little pixie she began yelling and frantically pounding on her tray. I panicked. I was certain we had traumatized the poor little girl. I was waiting to be escorted out and told never to return when, to my surprise, her parents yelled, "You with the dog, please come back!" As I turned around I noticed the parents had tears streaming down their cheeks. They begged me to let their little daughter pet Raisin. I was so relieved! I happily took Raisin over and right then and there I experienced a miracle. Apparently this little toddler had never in her life displayed so much emotion much less enthusiasm. It was something her parents had never before witnessed. For the next 30 minutes they were all filled with joy. Everyone's faces lit up as the toddler giggled hysterically at Raisin's curly tail and funny Pug snorts. The color began returning to the child's face and she had an undeniable sparkle in her eyes. In that moment everything changed. I no longer panicked about therapy visits and looked forward to bringing happiness and joy to others in need. In addition to my daughter's and my own, I also was fortunate to witness many lives that were transformed because of Raisin. Difficult, problem children began behaving and excelling in school. Sick children riddled with cancer healed. Alzheimer’s patients recalled happy memories of a beloved pet. Prison inmates softened, and people took their last breath on this earth while petting Raisin. He was very, very, special. I am now a firm believer in the healing powers a dog can unleash. I hope if you're able, you'll consider participating in therapy work and will share some of your own miracles. For information regarding service animals visit: https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.ht For therapy or service dog work info. visit: http://www.cci.org/ http://tdi-dog.org/ To order a copy of "Raisin, -A Doggie’s Tale...click the link: https://www.amazon.com/Raisin-Doggies-Tale-Dumb-Dog-Tail-Waggin/dp/1453699929/ref=nodl_ 💕🐾This inspiring story is a must-have for any pug lover or child who struggles to overcome obstacles in life. Proceeds benefit various pug rescues nationwide.🐾💕 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By Katy Cable - A 3 min. Read It seem like we're paying a lot of money for vets who are still "in-practice!" That was my poor attempt at veterinary humor. In all seriousness, if you welcome vet bills like a rash, here are a few simple tips to keep you splurging on your shoe addiction while also allowing your pooch to be in optimum health. According to research by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), it costs more than $1,600 a year to care for a dog, While I happen to know a few dog owners that blow through twice that amount in a single week covering gourmet food, daycare and their wardrobe. Now, these high-profile canines also have more social media followers than our President, so you get the picture. For a majority of us, food is the main expense of owning a dog. For others veterinary care tops the list. Most pet owners view their pets as part of the family, and spare no expense when it comes to their beloved pooch. That being said, the reality is most of us have some budget perimeters. Pet care expenses can suddenly put YOU into the dog house if Fido has an accident or illness requiring emergency treatment or surgery. Even the bill for routine exams can leave you feeling like you got kicked in the gut when all those, labs, tests, vaccines and whatnots get added up and require a swipe and signature. (There goes that new Chanel bag I was saving for.) In an effort to help keep your vet costs down, I recommend a few things: #1 Quality Diet! First and foremost DON'T pinch pennies and cut corners when it comes to feeding the best quality food you can afford. Do your research and read those labels. You don’t always get what you pay for when it comes to quality pet food. I have lots of helpful blogs on selecting the best foods if you need some assistance. Whatever you choose, remember, the nutrition you provide your pet is one of the most important tools in keeping your pet healthy AND keeping your veterinary costs down. #2. Find a knowledgeable vet you feel comfortable with. I can't tell you how many horror stories I heard from pet parents about bad experiences they've had with vets. Do your research. If possible find one who has experience with your breed of dog. Ask for references from rescue groups, dog clubs, trainers, and/or friends. Most vets give very low cost or complimentary consultations. Go get one. If the vet, office environment or staff makes you feel uncomfortable or their philosophy differs, shop around. And it should go without saying, if the vet is condescending, rude or seems abrupt with either you or your pet, RUN for the door. When we adopted Raisin from Pugs and Pals in Newport Beach, I chose to continue his care with Dr. Gail Renehan, DVM, and Dr. William Radovitch, DVM, owner of VCA/Airport Irvine Animal Hospital. It was a bit of a drive, (OK, a horrendous drive in traffic) but they’re SO worth the extra effort. The entire team is brilliant, caring, and compassionate, as well as very knowledgeable about the breed. I love my vet team and have learned so much from them. I also trust their expertise and judgement implicitly. I hesitate to publicize them too much for fear I won't be able to get an appointment if needed. 😜 Your vet team is your partner and it's so important to be able to communicate and feel comfortable with them. #3 Once you've found a great vet, your pet should be seen at least once a year for a regular check-up. However, if your pup is older or has a chronic health condition, a check-up every six months or more is a good idea. Preventive health care is just that. It involves regular monitoring of your pet’s health status and taking proactive steps as necessary to prevent the development of disease. You’ll be able to check on things like organ function and make changes in your pet’s treatment protocol, to prevent more serious issues from occurring.This definitely isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; how often you get exams should be tailored to your individual pet’s needs. #4 Do regular at-home checks on your pet. While it’s crucial to take your pet for a professional exam at your vet’s office at least once a year, you should also be doing at-home physical exams on your pet regularity. This is a simple, inexpensive and very effective way for you to keep a close eye on your pet’s health as well as detect any issues early on. Steps For Performing a Successful At-Home Pet Exam Perform the exam in a relaxed environment, preferably at the end of a busy day or after some exercise. If your dog will fit, put them on your lap, otherwise, let them lay on a comfortable doggie bed.
Hopefully you will soon get your dog accustomed to massages so that you can eventually check them without much difficulty. If you examine your pet regularly you will begin to know what is normal and hopefully if there are changes you will notice them quickly because you are familiar with the terrain of his or her body. I have found it extremely helpful to keep a chart for my pets. If I notice an unusual bump, lump, wart or abrasion and don’t think it warrants immediately racing to the vet, I like to snap photos and make notes in my smartphone. I use an object or tape measure to indicate exact size and location. If it gets bigger a day or two later, I know it's time to call the vet. I am also a fan of shooting video clips of my pet's gait, unusual cough or behavior. This has been highly effective in helping my vet make a solid diagnoses. In the past my dreadful sketches and reenactments have only left her more baffled and my pet never performs on cue. On occasion I can simply send a text or email file and save myself a visit. #5 I highly recommend all new pet parents get an insurance plan. New puppies need lots of vaccines and more regular routine care visits. A new rescue/shelter pup might come with some unexpected health issues. While you are getting to know your new pet, a good insurance plan will protect you and keep your costs from spiraling out of control should something unexpected pop up. Plus, you are going to need that cash for all the great toys, beds and goodies you'll want to spoil them with. Remember, when it comes to your beloved dog, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. By spending your pet care dollars wisely, feeding your dog quality food, partnering with a trusted vet, doing home exams to catch issues early, and purchasing some insurance you can actually save lots of money (even a rent payment's worth) by reducing your pet’s future veterinary care costs. Please keep me posted on just what you plan to do with all that extra cash? 💰💰💰💰-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.🐾  ll By, Katy Cable-TWR /A 4 min Read Most of my followers are PUG-OBSESSED like I am, but for those joining the Weekly Runt interested in adding a Pug to your family, I want to educate you on some important facts about this special breed so you are 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’re darling. They’re hysterical. They tug at your heartstrings and all of the sudden you’re hooked and HAVE TO HAVE ONE! First of all, no two pugs are alike. Don't assume that magical, snuggle bunny Pug on your neighbor's lap or that comical Pug dressed up singing on YouTube is what you’re going to get. Pugs, like all dogs can 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 gross 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’s 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 pug temperament eventually, but they’ll all be little spitfires as puppies. If your pug 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 stemming from horrific abuse. It may take diligent, loving, consistent, training to transform. -If ever! 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 short hour of training can do wonders for taking the edge off of a busy new pup! A High Maintenance Breed: Don't get me wrong. I love 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 pup 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 is going to 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 “VELCRO DOGS" 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 two months. 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’re 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!) 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, sticks, basically 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 any pug around any food source, garbage or even cabinets that they can reach. Trash cans sit up high on countertops, gates are installed, locks are placed on cabinets and chairs pushed away from table tops because even a sedentary pug will muster up the energy to "table surf" if they can get FOOD. -I have many ER vet bills to prove it. Things I never knew lived under the bed and old food left in a jacket pocket or a backpack have been devoured in a NY minute. Pugs can be quite vocal barkers, criers, howlers, moaners and grumblers. As a breed, they have the widest assortment of noises I've ever heard. You may have watched videos of them singing and saying, "I love you". Mine all cry and howl with joy when I return home after time away. And most snore louder than a 400lb man with a head cold. 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’re confident and have no clue how small they are. Most will not initiate a fight, but many will vigorously defend themselves or others TO THEIR DEATH if a fight starts. Often they are hopelessly outclassed in the fighting department and can get seriously hurt if owners aren't careful. To say they are a food driven breed is a huge understatement. Be prepared for issues with food aggression and resource guarding. Especially if you have black female pugs and other dogs in your pack. Pugs are not fans of inclement or any extreme weather and will resist venturing outside in the cold, rain, snow, extreme heat or wind. And they can be prone to over-heating extremely quickly due to their "flat-noses.” Keep your environment in mind before getting a pug. Pug Smarts: While many people perceive pugs as dumb dogs. They aren't. In fact, most are extremely smart. Their outrageous food drive usually makes them fairly easy to train. They make amazing therapy and service dogs and you won't find better sports about dawning costumes for photos and videos. Because they’re smart, positive training, setting rules and boundaries is critical or you can end up with a problem on your hands. And while they are so much fun to dress up and take out, it's often easy to forget they’re 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 some, 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, that isn't good for either of you as you both should get regular exercise. Which brings me to the next important point... PUGS CAN EASILY GET FAT. As cute as they look with their square, barreling 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. Even reputable breeders who have genetic testing going back generations offer no guarantee that your pug won't have a problem. Pugs have a very high rate of allergies—food being a big one—grains and bad carbs in particular. 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 a healthy, low-carb diet. Check any of my food-related blogs for suggestions. New Pug owners are always surprised to learn that fawn pugs shed like CRAZY. It's downright astonishing how much fur cones off those little bodies! 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 they’re notoriously fussy about having their nails trimmed. You can see some real dramatic behavior around this. I've known several pugs to start screaming 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. Pugs are one of the most affectionate, funny and overtly loving breeds you can ever own. 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. But, in order to have a positive experience with this breed, I don't want anyone blindsided. As you can now see, a lot of time, and care must go into these amazing little creatures! My blog will be a great help keeping your new addition happy and healthy so I hope you’ll sign up. 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 Pug Rescue of San Diego 🐾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.🐾 @pugsandpals @pugnationla.org #surfGidgetThePug  By, Katy Cable - A 3 min. Read Ahhhhh, it’s February! The month of LOVE! Everywhere you go, everywhere you look, love is in the air. From ❤️balloons and flowers at the grocery store to lingerie and jewelry ads on TV. This month more than any, the pressure is on to find the love of your life. I feel very fortunate that in addition to having a wonderful husband of 22 years, I also have a beloved dog. With that I have learned a thing or two about finding that perfect mate that may completely shock you and change your strategy. All my single friends think I have it made because I’m happily married. I have what appears to be the “perfect” relationship everyone is trying desperately to find. Not a day goes by when I don’t meet singles hinging all their happiness on finding that perfect someone. While I do consider myself very, VERY, blessed, I want everyone to learn the truth. My marriage is far from perfect and it’s certainly not always easy. It usually boils down to a daily conscious choice to stay together rather than some romantic fantasy straight off Lifetime Television. In today’s world (bonus points for living in LA) 22 years of a marriage is pretty much the equivalent of winning an Oscar, or an Olympic gold medal. It takes dedication, focus and hard work. It can be extremely challenging. It’s never equal. There are many times the scales get tipped and one person is doing a lot more of the “work” in the relationship. It boils down to two imperfect people choosing to honor their commitment. And even with that, ultimately the marriage is only as good or bad as the people in it. For those striking out in the search to find that “perfect person” why not start with a dog. Here’s 5 great reasons why: 1. Finding A Perfect Dog Is Much Cheaper And Far Less Time Consuming Than Finding A Perfect Mate. Like many things, it’s a numbers game. The more people you meet, the greater your odds for finding “The One!” Plus, it requires the same diligence, time and priority as anything else you want to succeed in. This means being available for dates, building on-line profiles, searching social media, attending parties, events, mixers and even agreeing to be “set-up!” That’s going to be tough to juggle if not impossible when finishing a masters degree or trying to get a promotion at work. It may even be hard to manage with normal day-to-day demands. Dogs are easy! Going out of town on business? Send them to boarding camp. Working day and night for tax season or the holidays? Get a dog walker. A new relationship will not blossom under extreme schedule demands. A dog on the other hand will be a great partner at the end of a business trip or long, stressful day. 2. You Don’t Have To Deal With The Dating Scene. Whether it’s bars, clubs, set-ups, dating sites, or Tinder swipes, dating can be time consuming, expensive and downright ego crushing. Most people would rather have a root canal than relive an awful date. Not so with a dog! No painful dating required. Dogs just need to get out in the fresh air and walk around. If you’re active, you can find one to run, swim or hike with you. For those whose idea of a strenuous day is peeling your sticky body off the leather recliner to grab the remote, a dog will happily flop at your feet and FETCH things for you. Whatever you enjoy, there’s a dog out there that loves that too. Every outing and date can be fun when choosing a dog. If it’s not a good match, there’s plenty more to consider. And even better, you’ll never go home feeling completely discouraged by some dating disaster straight out of a reality show. 3. They Build Your Confidence. When it comes to dating most people lack confidence. Everyone has that nightmare relationship that kicked them to the curb or they remember how horribly they might have treated someone. It’s easy to lack confidence in the dating scene even for those knocking it out of the park in every other area of life. Often, those credits don’t transfer to the dating arena. But a dog, that’s a whole different ballgame. A dog will love you unconditionally whether you have an MBA or dropped out of high school. And a dog’s love never wanes! They’re ALWAYS happy to see you regardless of the fact you’re wearing designer duds or last night’s dinner thanks to the stomach flu. Having a darling creature alway want to see and be near you is amazing for self esteem and happiness. Marriages are give and take. Even the strong ones can’t compete with the undying attention of a dog. 4. Finding a perfect dog to love is much easier than finding a perfect spouse. Just make a trip to any animal shelter or adoption event and watch how fast you fall in love with the loving gaze of an often stinky, shedding, drooling mess, of a dog that’s desperate to go home with you. One look and you can go from zero-to-psycho over this creature and lose all rationality. Finding A Marital Spouse Takes Much More Work And Searching. There’s so many deal-breakers and issues to consider beyond if the toilet seat stays up or down. Whether your standards are ridiculously high or merely, “doesn’t live with their parents and has their own Netflix account,” it’s tough to find available, suitable mates. On the other hand, when it comes to dogs, chances are probably 100% nearly EVERY SINGLE ONE would love nothing more than to go home and spend forever with you. 5. Last but not least, the very BEST reason to choose a dog is learning unconditional love. A dog will transform you into a more loving, kind, compassionate person. You will be healthier and happier just having a dog too! And although a dog will one day get their wings and leave you, to have your heart broken by a dog leaves you in gratitude for having gotten them in the first place. Not resentful or spinning with what was wrong with you. A dog is never going to dump you for another owner! 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 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 waist 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 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, 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 $900. 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 are 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.🐾  🎉HAPPY NEW YEAR!🎊 For many of us, 2018 was a sad, difficult, and downright AWFUL year! We lost a lot of amazing notorious people, and PUGS. You don't have to look further than social media to see a sense of fear and frustration among so many. So if you're in that category, -CONGRATS! Say "Goodbye and Goodriddence!" to 2018 and here's wishing you an abundance of health, happiness, prosperity (and PUGS) in 2019! As we begin a New Year! 🎉most people make a resolution of one kind or another. The most popular being: to get in shape, workout and lose weight. Those are great goals but how about adding something simple for your dog? This is a perfect time to do some: SPRING CLEANING! -In the dead of winter. Get rid of the old and bring in some NEW! Taking the best care of your furry family member means paying attention to things you might not even realize need to be cleaned, repaired, or just TOSSED! Here are some great tips on dog-supplies you should PITCH for the sake of your dog’s health and well-being (and ultimately yours!) 5 Things Dog Parents Need to Toss Right Now 1. The old, stinky and ill-fitting collar: Your dog’s collar is like your underwear. They wear it all the time and it’s very close to their skin. And while most people wouldn’t think of wearing the same underwear day after day without ever washing them or getting a new pair, many dog collars never get replaced or even cleaned. I learned this, like EVERYTHING ELSE I blog about, THE HARD WAY 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 pricy 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! Some 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. I personally leave nail trims to the pros after too many bad experiences. I am about 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. If you love pugs, don’t miss the Vegas Pug Party which promises to be the best weekend ever with non-stop pug fun! 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 enter them in Facebook’s The World’s Most Amazing Dog Contest and perhaps you could win the $100k Grand Prize. In any case, for every entry, $1 is donated to the ASPCA to help pets in need. Check my homepage for activities and ideas and try to put something on this month’s calendar. 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 2019 is a wonderful year for you and your beloved pets! 🎉 -Pugs and Kisses! -Katy & Olive 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By, Katy Cable-TWR A 2 min. read 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 nachos 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. 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. 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. Most pet food stores and big box retailers now carry fresh foods in refrigerators. 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. Bon 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 dinner with friends, 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’s 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 - A 4 min. Read It’s the most wonderful time of the year! While it is for some, it’s also the most stressful time of the year for many. Suicides and domestic violence skyrocket and everyone seems spread WAY too thin. Everyday I hear people do much more complaining about the holidays than actually enjoying them. It’s a shame the commercialization of Christmas has got us brainwashed. This time of year, far more people feel depressed and sad instead of loving and thankful. 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 different. So here’s a few tips that have turned things around for me. I hope they help you enjoy a much merrier holiday season. 1. Self Care is the name of the game. Most women (especially moms and wives) 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 pet with an extra walk and watch how many people you talk to and how great you feel. Make a list of 5 things you’re going to do EACH day for self care! Fun little things that make you feel good and rejuvenate you. ⭐️I enjoy taking Olive on a walk through the beautifully decorated canals near my home. It’s like being at Disneyland. All the homes and boats are so festive. 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 pretty neighborhood. 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 have enjoyed sitting in bubble bath with candles and meditating in the warm, soothing water. Listening to the water fill the tub is also very relaxing. ☯️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!” All month long the invitations and obligations come pouring in so do yourself a favor and say “NO!” Trying to get healthy and not pack on 20 extra holiday pounds...Pass on the cookie swap. Would you rather have a root canal than sit through another painstaking production of The Nutcracker or holiday chorale show? -JUST SAY NO! Everyone’s busy and either they’ll understand or they’ll get over it. Doing things you have zero interested 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 niece landed the lead role of Clara in the Nutcracker this year and the entire family is going. But, there will certainly be many, MANY, other invitations you can pass on that aren’t a big deal. Especially hitting every holiday parade, show, and get-together. Watch the volunteering too! DO NOT take on the ENTIRE job of organizing the office holiday bash, and a million extra volunteer jobs that are time-zappers. 4.”YES PLEASE!” That’s right! Now that you’ve cleared your calendar, go crazy with things that sound warm and fuzzy and FUN! Things that make your holidays MERRY! Start planning, inviting, organizing and doing a few of those! Love those holiday cookies, -host or attend a cookie swap. Is a favorite tradition hitting holiday sales at the mall or outlets until your feet bleed with blisters...go get those deals! Again, be honest about what is truly fun and not an obligation. Recharge those batteries doing fun things you love. 🎁One of my 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” (something nice but just not their thing.) Each friend brings left-over holiday cookies and food and we drink lattes (or champagne) while catching up on holiday happenings. Sometimes we make vision boards by cutting inspiring photos and headlines out of magazines with goals and dreams for the new year. 5. Surround yourself with DOGS! (Or cats, puppies, kittens, etc!) Seriously! Petting a dog actually makes the neurotransmitters in your brain go crazy. Oxytocin (a stress reducing hormone) is released and cortisone (a nasty stress hormone) is reduced. Walking a dog 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. 😜 🐾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! How about starting this in your community? If you’re a pet lover it will make your holidays extra special. ‘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! Wishing you a peaceful, STRESS-FREE and happy holiday season. Pugs and kisses! -Katy 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.  By Katy Cable-A 4 min. Read Happy Holidays! I hope all of you are delighting in the merriment of the season and not stressing out over schedules, finances, obligations and expectations. I'll be honest with you, when it comes to Christmas, I tend to be a bit of a "Grinch"! I over-commit and never remember to take traffic, crowds, budgets, or my own energy levels into consideration. I’m usually left sick, tired, broke and frustrated before most people have their Christmas lights up. Every year I promise I'm going to "scale-back" and do things differently but it never happens. I would do much better if the holidays came every FOUR years like the Olympics or Presidential elections. So, if you’re re anything like me, here are a few suggestions that I’m trying out this year. I’m hoping to have a much less chaotic, “happier” holidays! 🎁It's all about the gifts🎁 It astounds me, all these catalogs and websites showcasing “perfect” gift ideas that START at $500! If I had funds like that, I sure wouldn’t need a gift guide for assistance. But coming up with a personal, unique wonderful gift on a minimal budget is difficult. And honestly, most of us don’t remember what we gifts we got from people anyway. This year, instead of all my favorite products and finds, I’m doing something completely different. When it comes to the hottest gifts this year, the big trend is not presents that need to be wrapped but “experiences!” I love this! Instead of your closet overflowing with thoughtful items you’re just dying to re-gift, now you can have some fun making memories with your recipients AND possibly treat yourself at the same time. I’m going to start with my BIG IDEA for the pug lover, while this isn’t inexpensive, or something you can consider if you’re flat-broke, but if you CAN swing it, I promise you it will be the gift that keeps on giving and worth every penny you spend and more. That gift is to attend the 2019 Vegas Pug Party. What could be more fun for a pug-obsessed person than an entire weekend of pugs. Last year’s gathering was such a huge hit, and this year promises to be even bigger and better. So my one extravaganza is THIS! Put it on YOUR wish list, make plans with a friend, or just treat yourself! This is what I’m asking Santa for after having the time of my life last year. Please read my blog and watch the videos to get a glimpse! (#Pugs Take Vegas) This year the party takes takes place Thursday, February 28-Sunday, March 3, at the Lake Las Vegas Hilton. A lavish, 5 ⭐️ resort. All the fun parties (PJ’s, Party Buses) from last year are offered, but new this year will be a pug convention with vendors, seminars, auctions, games, contests, and a pug adoption fair. That evening will be “The World’s Biggest Pug Wedding” uniting all pug lovers, withElvis officiating. So, if funds are tight, start saving NOW or talk to friends and look into ways to keep costs down by carpooling, sharing hotel rooms and attending select activities. (Click here for link with details: Vegas Pug Party) Back to my great gift ideas when you’re broke. If you have even less money than time, don't feel bad. Some of the most cherished gifts are those that come from the heart and don’t cost much money. Here are a few of my favorite ideas: 🎁Are you great with a camera or love social media? How about offering to set up an Instagram for a friend’s new pet. Last year I made holiday videos for my friends. I used clips and photos of fun things we did all year long. On Christmas morning I sent them in a text message. 🎁Have a flair for fashion? Why not take a friend shopping and help them select some nice pieces for an occasion or work. Maybe hit a vintage store and get a special piece not found in stores. 🎁How about giving a friend a facial, massage, or show them how to make that amazing dish of your grandmother’s that they rave about. 🎁Have a cookie swap with some friends and place them on an inexpensive pretty plate. 🎁Fill small sachets or jars with Epsom salts and add a few drops of peppermint oil. Tie them with a holiday ribbon. 🎁Buy a pretty vintage tea cup and add a sachet of tea. 🎁Fill a small holiday stocking and with a coupon offering to do some dog walking or pet sitting for a friend. My favorite holiday tradition is my “White Elephant Christmas” Postpartum Party. In between Christmas and New Year’s, I invite a few friends over. Everyone brings a favorite dish and a “re-gift” We have a “re-gift” exchange and play some fun games like Pictionary or Jenga. Some years we decorate gingerbread houses, others we make vision boards by cutting inspirational photos from magazines and making collages. It’s such fun to spend quality time with friends and it doesn’t cost much money. Plus we usually trade an unwanted gift for something g we like better. Other ideas are movie nights, a sporting tail-gate party or meet for pedicures or massages where everyone can treat themselves to some post-holiday pampering. Another wonderful idea is treat yourself to a shelter pet. Many rescues and shelters offer “Home Fur The Holidays” programs where families can foster a shelter pet for the holidays. This allows prospective adopters 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. I hope this year you’ll spend much less money and have much more fun by trying a few of these ideas. -And wIth all the money you save on gifts, I’m hoping all you pug lovers can make it to the 2019 Vegas Pug Party! 😜 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾 |
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