WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR 2024!
In many ways I hope it will be a better year for pets and people alike. Wars kill people-innocent and otherwise, and certainly a multitude of cats, dogs and other pets which count on our sanity to protect them. Many customers have lost their beloved pets this year, and especially during the recent holiday. My heart goes out to them all. And then we are dealing with a poor economy which makes it even more difficult to feed quality food that our customers’ pets have thrived on.
If you read my articles, you know how I stress dressing your pet in colder weather. If you put a jacket or sweater on, so should your dog who lives with you in a heated home. If you do not you are subjecting your pet to the onset of arthritis and joint problems. Because I feel so concerned about this, we sell our jackets and fleece tops below what the manufacturers want me to sell them for. I am more interested in protecting your dog than in making more profit. We also are collecting coats and sweaters and have donation bins for those who are not able to buy a coat or sweater for their dog. I even put a sweater on one of my older cats who has some medical issues and is getting thinner.
I read an article in the Paw Prints monthly newspaper, which my dear deceased friends, Carol and Tom Ruck compiled and distributed for all of us to learn from and enjoy. I used to write an article for them each issue. One of the pieces I liked was from a man who had a poop pick up business. And I think about his article every time I go out to pick up poop in my yard. What stuck out for me was his helpful advice that it makes it easier to see the poop when it is cloudy out. I have found that to be spot on. (Funny the things that stay in one’s mind.) My all-time poop scooper favorite is the two-piece rake and shovel set by Four Paws. It lasts outside for years. And it has multiple uses like picking up wild yucky mushrooms, or leaves and small sticks. And you can pick up lots of poops in a single walk around.
When you have a pet that is itching a lot, and not from fleas or mites, consider all situations, diet- including treats, choice of shampoos, yeast problems, heat in the house, fabrics the pet may be in contact with, airborne allergens as in smoke or cleaning supplies, dust mites if you are not a diligent duster, even grass and mold. You can check out my articles on face book.
If your dog lets you brush its teeth, then it may let you rub gel along the gum lines in its mouth. Gel works better, and it is easier than brushing. One must withhold food and water for 30 minutes before and after application. It may sound like a big deal, but it really isn’t. Our dogs sleep with me so I do it early in the morning when I first wake up. Then I get back to bed and rest or read for the thirty minutes needed after application. Some customers take their dogs from a rest period when they know that the dog or dogs have not had any food or water and then take them for at least a 30-minute walk.
Many of you know that I visited The Fromm Food company in Wisconsin. My husband and I were invited along with about 8 other stores from across the country to spend a weekend gratis, in a wonderful little town. One day we were bussed to their plant where they made the ry food. We had to wear booties upon entering, and I was so impressed with how immaculately clean the facilities were. Since that time, they have opened their own cannery as well. We also had a few learning seminars. One was on good gut health. If your dog is a grazer, that is usually because the meal is not very appetizing, and feeding the same kibble protein can eventually cause allergies. Whatever dry food you feed, imagine if you try to eat crackers or a beer pretzel without washing it right down. You need to add as much COOL water as the dog can handle. In other words, you want to wash the food right down.
