Grungy Dogs rejoice: Neat Treat Groom Genie and Paw Sponge are here!

When you live with a Golden, you get very accustomed to fur tumbleweeds skittering across the floor, wet footprints marking the tile, and a standing order for lint rollers. It just comes with the territory.

I’ve also become somewhat of a connoisseur of brushes; brushes for removing undercoats, for dematting, for general purpose grooming. So when I was sent an unassuming Groom Genie to test out, I figured, “here we go, another one for the grooming bin.” Then I tried it.

I don’t know what wizardry went into its construction, but this little brush is the bomb. Its handleless shape is meant to mimic you stroking your dog or cat, adding to its calming properties, but the real genius is in its bristles. Its bristles are different heights and have enough give so that it works by detangling without pulling. Brody leans into it and does that happy “hrrrmmm mmmmm hmmmm” groan when we pull it through his fur, even the long feathers that tend to get tangled.

My initial response was to run it through my daughter’s tangly hair, but before I could do that they also sent me a Knot Genie (the human version) to try out. My sister and I took turns grooming each other like ecstatic chimpanzees before declaring both of them the bees knees. It was the only brush that could detangle my mom’s hair without hurting her after 10 days of being unable to touch it due to her surgery, and for that alone I say, THIS ROCKS.

The Groom Genie is part one of the Neat Treat Package.

The Neat Treat is a Duo

The Paw Sponge is part two. Do you ever do that thing during rainy season where you have to cordon off the back door and tackle the dog, trying your best to wipe all the mud from between his toes with a dishtowel before he goes prancing over the carpet? Or those little wipes that only slick the mud around?

The Paw Sponge is an elegant solution: a mitten-like sponge that slips over the paw. Squeeze, twist, clean. I’ve also started recommending them for dogs with pododermatitis who need regular cleanings with diluted chlorhexidine or other medicated shampoos. This is one of those “Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner?” dog devices.

Between the Groom Genie and the Paw Sponge, the Neat Treat package will keep your pup looking his finest for all those summer parties. Yours FREE for all those generous All Dogs Go to Kevin preorders. 

The Neat Treats are limited quantity, and only available until July 14th- so if you want one, grab one fast!

How to Claim a Neat Treat

1. Preorder 2 copies of All Dogs Go to Kevin (if you want them signed, get them from Warwicks)

2. Head over to the Treats Page and select “Neat Treat”

3. Follow the instructions, including proof of purchase for 2 books

4. We’ll follow up in the coming weeks to confirm the order!

Abandoned Dog Fights for her Life

A desperate fight is on at an animal hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  Dr. David Barkman at the Highland Animal Hospital has improved her status to “hopeful,” but she is no where near out of the woods just yet.

Someone apparently had left the dog, now dubbed Precious, for dead.  She had been found a few days ago by a couple passing by.  They said the dog had been locked in the crawlspace of an abandoned home.

She weighs less than 23 pounds.  Way under weight for a dog of her breed.

Dr. Barkman said, “We are hoping that we make it through, but we have got intestinal parasites, hookworms, heartworms, and positive for Lyme disease.  She has got a long way to go, but we are pulling for her.”

The next few days are critical for Precious, and even though the general prognosis seems grim at the moment, with some love and care, she can be brought back to her former self.  Hopefully then, a good forever home can be found for her.

As for now, a local rescue group are picking up the medical bills.  The final cost of care still isn’t fully known.  If you’d like to find out more, you can click here and go to the Highland Animal Hospital’s website.  If you’d like to see their Facebook page, click here.

How to Manage Seasonal Anxiety for your Dogs

Photo from barkbusters.com

Summer time can be a stressful time of the year for dogs.  Increased thunderstorms and fireworks can make for a rough time for your pet’s, especially with all the loud noises associated with both.  Thanks to Barkbusters, there are some things you can do to help.

Richard and Vicki Horowitz are the force behind Barkbusters.  They are all too familiar with how difficult it can be to keep a dog under control under these circumstances.  Dogs can exhibit behaviors like running and hiding, panicking and barking, and becoming destructive.

They attribute this seasonal fear with two things.  First, your dog can sense the change in the weather.  They pick up on the drop in barometric pressure, and often will detect a huge storm before it actually hits where you are.  This early warning system usually drives the animals affected by it to find shelter, but that’s something your dog already has.  For some reason, this is a big time stressor for most dogs.

The second thing it has to do with is sound.  Dogs and many other animals have an acute sense of hearing.  Sometimes, so much so that something like a clap of thunder, or an exploding firework becomes nothing short of terrifying.

So, what can be done to help your dog?  Well, here are a few suggestions the Horowitz’s have to help with storms:

• “Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case your dog gets out. Be sure to keep it up to date.”
• “Give your dog a safe place to stay during storms. Create a quiet den-like area where your dog can feel secure. A crate or kennel can be a calming refuge.”
• “If your dog lives outside, cover his doghouse or dog run with a blanket to shield him from the bursts of lightning.”
• “Dogs can pick up fear or discomfort with storms from their owners.  Let your dog stay close and try to distract him with activities like play or brushing. Do not try to reassure him in a sympathetic voice—this will sound like praise and may increase his nervousness and anxiety.”
• “Some dogs become destructive when frightened. A crate or confined area is always the best way to keep your dog safe and minimize any destructive behavior.”
• “During a storm, keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radio playing soft music at normal volume to distract your dog and help him to relax.”
• “Keep your dog away from doors that lead outside. This will minimize the chance of your dog getting out should he look to escape.”
• “If your dog is very anxious, it may become incontinent. Be prepared and don’t react in a negative manner.”
• “Dogs that are fearful of thunderstorms may have to be reconditioned by creating an artificial storm using YouTube videos or storm sounds.”
• “In the most extreme cases, speak with your veterinarian about possible medication treatments to help your dog cope with his fear of storms.”

When it comes to the 4th of July and fireworks:

• “Many of the same suggestions we discussed for thunderstorms are also relevant when it comes to fireworks.  But there are some additional considerations.”
• “If you are going to the fireworks, leave your dog at home.  This is where he will be the safest and most comfortable.”
• “Never leave your dog in the car. A partially opened window does not supply sufficient fresh air for him to breathe, and it creates an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.”
• “If possible, stay with your pet during the majority of the fireworks. A dog often reacts more intensely to loud sounds and flashes of lights when you are not with him.”
• “Consider hiring a pet sitter to stay with your dog while you are away from home.”

Using these suggestions should make it much easier for your dog when faced with these very scary things.  Consistent practice will help foster your dog’s behavior, and provide good coping mechanisms that dogs can do without human intervention.  For more information, or to find out more about Barkbusters, you can click here.  There are a variety of topics covered, and great tips on helping you and your dog become even better friends!

Stock photo from barkbusters.com

Corgi Time! 35 Corgis Being as Cute as it Gets

There’s no disputing the cuteness of corgis.  They are smart, loyal and seem to enjoy being silly for the amusement of their humans.  Hey, more cute means more treats, right?

Have a Happy Take Your Dog to Work Day 2015

This Seattle-based company knows how to do it right. They don’t have one office dog, they have multiple. To work here you must be a dog lover! Who wouldn’t want to have an employer like them?

Have a happy take your dog to work day today!

Minions Wiener Dog Edition

Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund and his brother Oakley Dachshund play a hilarious game of fetch in their new Minions outfits.

Get Ready for Take Your Dog to Work Day 2015

If tomorrow you show up at work and you find that those standing around the water cooler are dogs, don’t be alarmed. If your office mail gets delivered by a pooch, or your coffee break and lunch hour is accompanied by four-legged friends, don’t freak out. Friday, June 26, 2015, is Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Photo credit: pcurtner / Foter / CC BY-NC

Many organizations in the United States will welcome our furry companions in their work places tomorrow. If you are one of the lucky ones that can take your dog to work, congratulations! But if your employer is not pet friendly, there is always Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the world wide Web to check pictures of all those participating in this “holiday.”

Don’t forget to be prepared. Take extra poop bags, water bowls, doggy treats and toys. Don’t forget to ask for permission before bringing your dog to work, and introducing him or her to other pets and coworkers. Most importantly, don’t forget to make sure your pet will be well-behaved in the new environment.

Enjoy Take Your Dog to Work Day 2015 and post pictures on our Facebook wall.

It’s Me or the Dog? You Choose

A man in Roanoke, Va., found a clever way to “re-home” a family member. Don’t worry the one re-homed was not the dog.

The Virginia man received an ultimatum from his girlfriend, “it’s me or the dog” she told him, and the man new who is number one choice was. However, in order to ensure the other family member went to a good home he posted an ad on Craigslist.

The ad reads:

My girlfriend does not like my beagle Molly. So I have to rehome her.

She is a purebred from a wealthy area and I have had her 4 years. She likes to play games. Not totally trained. Has long hair so she’s a little high maintenance, especially the nails, but she loves having them done. Stays up all night yapping but sleeps while I work. Only eats the best, most expensive food. Will NEVER greet you at the door after a long day or give you unconditional love when you’re down. Does not bite but she can be mean as hell!

So…anyone interested in my 30 year old, selfish, wicked, gold-digging girlfriend? Come and get her! Me and my dog want her re-homed ASAP!

Oh sweet revenge! Never ever get in between a man and his dog.

UPDATE: Homeless Man and His Three Dogs Might Get Dream Come True

On June 22, 2015, we told you about a homeless man named Lorenzo and his three dogs (Sharlina, Squeezums and Bobo) who are currently homeless in the Los Angeles, Calif., area. Jamin Dustin, founder of Cause4Paws met them and wanted to help them get off the streets. Well, thanks to your generous donations, Lorenzo and his pets might soon get a place to call home.

Sharlina, Squeezums and Bobo. Photo credit: Jasmin Dustin – Cause4Paws/Facebook

Dustin told us Lorenzo became homeless 43 years ago. In recent years he rescued three dogs – two large dogs and one little Chihuahua. The man builds tepees anywhere he can find space for him and his dogs, but most of their days are spent walking the city under the hot sun.

The pet owner knows that life on the streets is not ideal for any pet and he wished he could find a place he could call home. In a home, his dogs would be able to run off leash and be free instead of tied to the shopping cart he pushes around the city all day long.

Photo credit: Jasmin Dustin – Cause4Paws/Facebook

Cause4Paws started raising funds online hoping to buy an RV for this homeless family. Their goal is to raise $4,000, and with the help of animal lovers they have surpassed their goal.

“I’ll be taking some of the donations to put [Lorenzo and the dogs] in a motel for a few days to get the dogs out of this heat,” Dustin told us.

Jasmin Dustin and Lorenzo. Photo credit: Jasmin Dustin – Cause4Paws/Facebook

The purchase of the RV has not been finalized yet, but with enough donations Lorenzo and his dogs could soon be in their own home.

If you would like to make a donation go here. To learn more about them follow Cause4Paws on Facebook.

Rescuers Save Dog Hiding in Underground Sewer System

An abandoned dog lived for over two months under a freeway, scared and running away from anyone that tried to help. Thankfully, the dog known today as Leah, survived all this time thanks to a family who fed her daily. Eldad Hagar with Hope for Paws was called to save the dog, and armed with  a camera, gentle snare leashes, his lucky leash and a friend/volunteer, the dog was saved. It wasn’t an easy task. Watch the video, share the video and lets help Leah find her forever home.

Woman Opens Her Home to Unwanted Elderly Pets

House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary is a place where unwanted elderly pets can live the rest of their days in peace. In this Gaithersburg, Maryland, home all dogs are surrounded by love and live worry free. All resident dogs were either rescued from shelters or surrendered when their elderly owners passed away. Sher Polvinale and a team of volunteers dedicate their time to care for all dogs and show them unconditional love until the day the pets cross the rainbow bridge.

Rescuers Save Neglected Chow Chow with 5 lbs of Matted Fur

When Harry arrived at KC Pet Project’s shelter in Kansas, Mo., this past Sunday night, he shocked rescuers. His fur had hardened into 5 pounds of matted hair hiding his malnourished and underweight body, his eye lashes grew into his eyes damaging his corneas and leaving him almost blind, and part of his nose is missing. Know one knows who abused and neglected this dog, but what we do know is that Harry is now getting the medical attention he needs.

Harry. Photo credit: KC Pet Project/Facebook

KC Pet Project workers spent more than 2.5 hours freeing the dog from his matted hair jail. The pet needed sedation and staff worked arduously to shave off the 6 inches deep of hair, feces and dirt clumped on Harry’s skinny body.

“We can’t imagine the enormity of this Chow Chow’s suffering due to cruel neglect,” posted rescuers on Facebook. “Despite all of [it], Harry has been so sweet and gentle with everyone and is loving the special attention from our veterinary team and staff.”

This is what Harry looks like now after his matted fur was shaved off. Photo credit: KC Pet Project/Facebook

For now the pet is getting several small meals a day and his pain is manage with medication. Rescuers ask the community to consider making a donation at the Roadrunner Fund, which will help cover Harry’s and other rescue dogs’ medical expenses. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Petco Foundation.

To learn more about Harry and to see his recovery visit KC Pet Project’s Facebook page.

Friendly Pooch Cares for 200+ Ducks

If you run a duck farm you might want to hire Dug the “duck protector pup” to help you out with farm chores. This canine enjoys looking after the more than 200 ducklings his owner Matt McDougal raises in their Canada farm.

McDougal rescued Dug a year ago and ever since introducing the pet to his duck farming, the dog took to farming life like a natural.

“He was tapped in an apartment in a big city for the first 15 months of his life. He’s come a long way the last 14 months. He’s the boss now and no one screws with his ducks, plus he’s awesome to cuddle,” McDougal told Inside Edition.

McDougal raises ducks and then sells their meat – sorry duck lovers. He documents his farming adventures in his reality YouTube show called “50 Ducks in a Hot Tub.” He is currently raising ducks to donate all meat to local food banks.

Dog Gets Surprise Birthday Party!

Mishka the talking dog turned 13 this June and her humans threw her a surprise birthday celebration. Watch her say “happy birthday,” eat her cake and open presents too.

Community Helps Find Airman’s Lost Dog After Relocating from Abroad

Lola and her fur sibling Lexi lived in Okinawa, Japan, with her adoptive family the McKnights, but when the family relocated back to the United States Lola went missing. Thanks to a community of animal lovers, the lost dog spent just a few nights alone in her new homeland.

Lola and Lexi

Senior Airman Rob McKnight doesn’t know how to thank the community of strangers that came together to find and rescue his beloved pet Lola. McKnight adopted the dog while he was stationed in Japan with his family, and this June the family moved back to Wisconsin.

Lola and Lexi made the trip to their new home on June 9, 2015, they were staying with McKnight’s parents in Colgate, Wis., but two days after arriving Lola went missing.

The Air Force mechanic couldn’t imagine coming to his new home and not have his pet there to greet him, and when animal lovers from Colgate heard the pet was lost they came together to help the McKnights and local authorities find Lola. On June 16, 2015, just five nights after disappearing, Lola was found.

Lola

“It was a hot dog and a loop leash. That’s all it took,” McKnight told Fox 6 Now.

Volunteers covered hundreds of miles searching for the lost dog and when spotted, the pet was lured with a tasty hot dog.

“You know, you don’t come across animal lovers like that very often — that are just willing to drop everything and go out and help a single family and we are very blessed to have that,” said McKnight’s wife, Alissa.

Lola lost a few pounds and had injured her paws while on the run, but with some TLC and lots of food she is expected to make a full recovery.

The vet will see you now- for entertainment purposes only

A year ago, my husband gave me a telephone number and said his insurance company now had phone consults available. 24/7, from the privacy of my own home, I could call in and get “seen” for ear infections, get a prescription for Ambien for travel, even get marriage counseling, should I desire it. I only used it once, but I was amazed that at 10 pm I could just call and talk to some random person and 15 minutes later pick up a prescription at the 24/7 Rite-Aid. I’m not going to lie, I think it was pretty cool.

For the past five years, I have said the same thing over and over to people in the veterinary profession: telemedicine is coming. How are we going to handle it? And over and over the response has been the same: no it’s not. This is only half true: it’s not coming from inside the vet profession.

But it is coming, as this piece from dvm360 goes into. And not just Vet on Demand. I’ve been approached about 10 times in the past year to sign up to be a telemedicine/internet consultation vet, and I always say the same thing: I am bound by my state practice act’s definition of valid client-patient relationship, which says that I must examine an animal in person to establish that. Anything outside of that and I’m breaking the practice act, which is why my FAQs are so clear on the topic.

Veterinarians make excellent points as to why telemedicine for us differs so much from telemedicine for people:

• Doctors get a lot more out of history than we do. People can describe symptoms they are experiencing; pets cannot say, “I have chest pain radiating down my arm”. Veterinarians rely much more heavily on physical examinations.
• Human medicine is incentivized to keep people out of the clinic to keep costs down, since general practitioners are already in short demand. Vets aren’t that slammed. Come on in.

And while we are perfectly content to say “This is a terrible idea,” others are not, and are trying to reap the benefits of it. People with background in restaurateurism see a chance to make a few bucks and throw an app together, paying a vet some pittance like $5 to put their license on the line. Why not? They don’t have anything to lose. They get around it by saying things like, “oh, we’re offering general advice, not specific diagnoses,” or take the old Miss Cleo approach:

For entertainment purposes only. Riiiiight.

This is from the VetonDemand website. I dunno guys, sure sounds like diagnosing to me. (By the way, my favorite saying is a lump is a lump is a lump. No biopsy, no diagnosis, unless the lump was a tick or a piece of sticky kibble.) That’s wasted $$ right there.

To sum up: individual veterinarians are bound by their state practice acts in terms of whether or not diagnosing over the net is legal, and it’s all over the place in terms of who can do what. This is reason enough for people to fold their hands together and say, “See, it’s not going to work.” I disagree.

My husband called the human telemedicine line to ask about a cough, and they refused him antibiotics and told him to get a chest x-ray. They were clear in their limitations. I think there are opportunities for veterinarians to use telemedicine to our advantage in responsible ways:

• consults for pre-existing clients
• Online ER consultations in coordination with local clinics for things like post-op questions: “My pet’s incision looks puffy, can it wait or should I come in?”
• With clearly defined limitations and expectations, it has its place. Truth is, most of the time the answer is, “It could be x, y, z…you should be seen,” but that’s still better than what I see happening now.

I don’t have all the answers, certainly, but I think it’s a huge mistake and a missed opportunity for the veterinary profession to not take this on proactively. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when, and if we pass up our ability to drive the bus then two restaurant entrepreneurs from Nashville are going to take the wheel instead, and we probably won’t like where they take us.

I love technology. I think we can use it, we just need to be a little creative and stop digging in our heels like those old guys who still- STILL- insist on fax over email for sending records over. Give up, man, the world is moving on.

What do you think? Would you use a service like this if you could?

Bowls for books: Sleepypod Yummy bowl Travel Treat!

If you’re wondering if the entire blog has gone to the dogs lately, the answer is yes. This blog is All Dogs Go to Kevin, All the Time….through July 14th. That’s when the preorder part is over and I’m either kicking back with a bottle of champagne and planning the next book or crying inconsolably in a parking lot somewhere when I find out I sold less copies than William Hung’s newest single. I don’t want that, at all, which is why I spent so many hours staring over my husband’s shoulder while he did all the work arranging these lovely, amazing FREE preorder incentives. You should totally, absolutely take advantage of them. Today’s treat is a vintage pawcurious favorite:

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you know I am huge fans of Sleepypod. I love everything they make, from the carriers to the bowls to the harnesses. Yup, I own them all, and I use them all. They have been really good to me and are offering not one but two treats for you guys- and today I’m thrilled to feature the Yummy bowl.

This has been my travel bowl of choice since I got one back in 2011, and it’s still in great shape.

Blast from the past! Koa bomb!

This bowl has the unique All Dogs to Kevin feature of being the only incentive item that has been photographed with one of the dogs featured in the book. But aside from that, there are multiple reasons they rock:

• It’s a three part bowl- water in the bottom, food in the middle, and a cup/lid on top. We used these extensively on our trip to Seattle and they worked wonderfully- and didn’t tip, which is nothing short of miraculous, which you would know if you ever saw Koa eat.
• They are dishwasher and microwave safe
• They come in a gorgeous range of colors
• In the summer, I freeze water in the bottom before heading out for a hike, right in the bowl.

So say you’re going to order the book anyway. Just slap a second one in the cart- it’s something like $18 on Amazon- and get a FREE Yummy bowl (which normally goes for $40) and you still come out ahead! I’m thinking of ordering an extra few books myself because I want the bowl in green. Kidding! (not kidding.) Are you ready? You’re ready!

1. Preorder 2 copies of All Dogs Go to Kevin (if you want them signed, get them from Warwicks)

2. Head over to the Treats Page and select “Travel Treat”

3. Follow the instructions, including proof of purchase for 2 books

4. We’ll follow up in the coming weeks to confirm the order!