Pups, Pools & Ponds

Until the warm weather arrives permanently and you can train your puppy how to swim to steps or exit strategy, uncovered pools and ponds in the cold weather pose eminent danger to very young and very old dogs. Danger from falling in accidentally when exploring their new environment or when playing with other dogs, death from drowning or Hypothermia could result. Pups depending on breed aren't very sure footed until over 6 sometimes 9 months or more. Older dogs tend to suffer from vision and sometimes balance issues making ponds and pool dangerous. Things u can do? Put young or old dog out alone and watch them, you could also utilize an X-pen or keep dog or pup on a leash or line. Especially when snow is on the ground Dogs often can't decipher what is pool or pavement. Just a tip having had a close call myself multiple young dogs running my 8 wk old pup got knocked in, thankfully I was there to retrieve her.

Dear Mrs. Bones, what do you think about Thundershirts?

Thundershirts do work and are based on the same principle of swaddling a baby. If a newborn baby is not swaddled in a tight blanket the arms and legs flail and the baby cries. The baby craves the snug security and warmth of the womb. With dogs a tight fitting shirt , Thundershirt or any tight fitting shirt will work to accomplish that same feeling of security. Bella was a rescue very skittish of strangers wouldn't allow anyone to pet her. Her owner was using her in the capacity of a hearing assistance dog. The owner lost her hearing as a result of a medical condition, rescued Bella who took to the job like a duck to water with the exception of her anxious aggression .
Thundershirts can be hot so I explained that any tight fitting Lycra cotton blend will work. So we put a TuTu on her and as you can see in the pictures her entire demeanor changed. From frightened wallflower hiding behind her owner to jumping on furniture and seeking affection from people she would normally hide from.
Incidentally Bella is a Great Dane Basset mix, look at those feet!

Happy New Year!

www.mrsbones.com

Dear Dog Lovers,

It's time to break out those Mrs. Bones Velvet Leashes and commit to New Years Resolutions to get more exercise, loose weight and spend more time with your Pets!
The best part is you can accomplish all three resolutions while you and your pet remain healthier with one activity- Walking your Dog. Dogs can easily develop weight problems. This is an issue very near and dear to my heart, yes I have a fat Chihuahua. Okay, recognizing you have a "probem" is the first step in rectifying the "problem". Luna needs to loose a few pounds, I have been covering for her telling others she's not fat she's fluffy, she's big boned, it's just not a flattering outfit? So I'm out of denial and we are going to tackle this together. Treats will be substituted with low salt rice cakes and she will walk with me even if she objects, she will also not be allowed to dine with family(other dogs) as we will need to monitor her food intake.
So the "Biggest Dog Looser" is on for us!

DAY ONE: Weigh in and pep talk
WEIGHT: 10 LBS (this is not good news? she weighed 8LBS a year ago, this is serious)

The second photo is her in her bikini from the summer fo 2009, We need to bring her sexy back!