Grooming Class
Tuesday, 26 January 2010 12:45
Kathe L.
I was recently talking to a friend of mine about helping her find a new dog for her parents. Their previous pet passed away some years ago, and at the time they had thought that they did not wish to have another. One of the things that they very much missed however, was the schedule that a pet requires; especially in terms of exercise. My friend's mother had noticed that it was becoming more difficult for her to walk to the mailbox, because she wasn't having the daily exercise that she once enjoyed with her pet.
Obviously, I am a stanch believer in keeping a pet, I think that a pet is a wonderful addition to a family, and very beneficial in many ways. They encourage you to exercise, they require some grooming/maintenance regularly, they are wonderful company and they love you unconditionally.
My friend said something interesting to me; she said that her parents didn't want a pet that needed grooming. I believe that what would be more correct is that they didn't want a pet that needed a haircut, all pets require grooming. Nails need to be clipped, ears need cleaning, anal glands need to be tended to etc.
In that light, our groomer Mel has decided to give some elementary grooming courses for those interested. Watch our website for dates.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 January 2010 17:32
We're on Facebook!
Friday, 22 January 2010 14:19
Kathe L.
When I was in university, the only computer on the campus, was in the library. Needless to say, I wasn't very computer literate, nor did I have any interest in becoming so.
As time went by, it became obvious that these computers weren't just a passing fad, perhaps I should think twice about learning some computer related skills.
In the 80's we dealt with DOS operating systems, which were very dry stuff. There were some new "games" starting to be available with a certain amount of animation, that made them exciting. However the home computers, lap tops, smart phones, operating systems etc. of today are so incredibly advanced from that time; not to mention the Internet, WiFi, bluetooth; the list of innovations is endless.
I don't have the skills and speed of the generations that are being raised with technology, but I think that I have kept up fairly well. I use a computer for business, carry a smart phone and can text, email and surf the web with the best of them.
My most recent foray into the technological abyss is social networking. One week ago today, I signed onto Facebook and put up a page for Countryside. Talk about a learning curve, it's just gone into hyper drive!
I invite you all to join us on Facebook; bear with me in my learning curve,it's a whole new frontier!
Last Updated on Friday, 22 January 2010 15:13
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Picky Eaters
Thursday, 21 January 2010 14:58
Kathe L.
I'm sure that it's my fault, but my dogs are picky eaters. This is almost astounding actually, considering that they are Labradors.
Many years ago I began cooking their food for them, and they love it (I top dress their kibble). The dogs that I currently have, will accept regular fare on occasion (If I would happen to run out of home cooking) but will quickly turn up their noses should I try too often! Really they are Labs, a breed that I once believed to be the food hoovers of the dog world. I have a young male, McGregor, who takes "picky" one step further; treats. He will accept very few treats, he will take the treat very carefully in his mouth, then equally carefully, as though not to insult you, will allow the treat to drop from his mouth. The exceptions would be dehydrated sweet potato, those wonderful chicken strips, Barkery treats and of course any yummy human things (french fries and ice cream especially)
He is a wonderful taste tester for our store, I know if Mac will eat something, generally you can count on it to have wide acceptance.
I always wonder then, when I find my dogs crowded under a tree eating something nasty, or in the field rolling in something dead, how that fits with picky?
Last Updated on Thursday, 21 January 2010 15:40
Always wear a seatbelt
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 14:22
Kathe L.
This is good advice, not only for you, but for your pet as well.
Let me tell you a little story. On an overcast morning, at the end of September, I was on my way to work with my dogs in the back. I drive an SUV, fold the seats down and have big fluffy blankets for my dogs to lounge on.
A young girl, ran a stop sign directly in front of me; she was driving a small car. I stood on my brakes, but very quickly realized that I would not be able to stop in time. I could not go behind her car, as there was oncoming traffic, so I made the decision to pull in front of her, and let her hit me, reasoning that my truck would fair better when impacted, than her car.
That's exactly how it happened, both of us were shaken, but unhurt. Both vehicles were written off; my dogs however, did not fair as well. With all of the stopping and starting during my accident avoidance, decision making process, these poor creatures slid back and forth at an alarming speed, bumping into each other and everything else. All of them were injured both physically and mentally, some worse than others. I was very lucky in that they all healed, physically, within two or three weeks. Mentally however, not so quickly. A fun car ride has turned into a terrifying experience.
Please consider using a seat belt for both your and your pets protection. You never know when you may need it.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 20 January 2010 16:35
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Kathe's Blog
