Dogs & Grass

I love dogs and hanging out in the yard.  Unfortunately, dogs and grass don't mix.  Some types of grass stands up better than others and there are some things you can do to help.

1.  Dog Food:   Read the food label and know your dog's needs.  If you have a 60 pound Golden
     Retriever of a couch potato, you can't be feeding a high protein, high performance kibble.  It will
     result in frequent, mushy, smelly stools and the urine will be highly acidic.  Be honest with your
     dog's vet and get a recommendation for feed more in-line with the activity level.  Better yet, snap
     on the leash and walk the dog, daily for the time frame appropriate for their age, fitness level, and
     breed type.

2   If you are wondering why your dog persists in drinking out of the toliet, it's because they (like us)
     enjoy their beverages to be cool & refreshing.  Please replace your dog's water everytime you fill
     your glass at the faucet or from the refrigerator.  The more water your dog (& you) consume, the
     lower the acid in urine.  Another added plus is the lower risk of bladder disorders or kidney stones.

3.  Consider mulching or paving the "travel path".

4.  Deep shade, grass, and dogs don't mix.  Bark chips are the answer.

5.  Train your dog to void in a in an area of the yard that isn't so visible.

6.  Here in the Northeast, a 50/50 mixture of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye seems recover best
     in active lawns.  Bluegrass rebounds quickly from damage and rye germinates and establishes
     quickly.  Look for cold-tolerant cutivars of perennial rye such as dandy or dimension as others
     do not tolerate the notheren cold.

7.  But the seed from a knowledgeable source rather than a generic bag.  Follow all the instructions and
     be sure to over-seed the areas the dogs traffic.  Kentucky bluegrass takes one to two months to fully
     mature into grass.  This means KEEP YOUR DOGS OFF THE GRASS which means you may
     have to put them on a leash and walk them until they do their business.

Having dogs is a lot of work and yet, dogs add so much more to our lives than take away.  I want you to be able to enjoy your pets when you're home.   I'm available to walk your dog and keep the pet waste properly disposed of.  In-Home-PetSitting  Give us a call at 585-506-6270

Saying Hello, Saying Good-Bye

Harry, Joe, & Kali

                                               

Back in August we learned our golden retriever, Harry, has cancer of the worse kind.  Because Harry is close to 14, the decision was made to focus on palliative care.  He has been placed on varied dosages of prednisone over the past 11 weeks and seems to be maintaining somewhat on the current regime.

Harry has always had a remarkable appetite, eager to try everything, likely to return for seconds & more.  Upon hearing the diagnosis our 22 year old daughter, Jessica, placed Harry on vegetarian kibble.  She added honey, garlic, and a whole stew of organic choices. No surprise when Harry eagerly chowed it down.  What has been surprising is how receptive the other pets have been to the same menu over the weeks.  

Our daughter believes its because of the diet.  I agree the diet has been a change for the better.  All three seem more comfortable in their own skin.  Itching, scratching, along with anxiety have decreased.  Maybe its the cooler weather? Maybe the other pets are demonstrating their solidarity with Harry; sort of like people who shave their hair off when a dear one goes through chemotherapy or radiation.

Harry's weight has stayed the same and he still want to go on Joe's daily 4 mile walks. Harry continues to inhale his vegetarian fixings with the same speed as the non-vegetarian kibble & extras.   Harry still lies down next to Joe's side of our bed. He thrives on cuddles with Jessica and brings me a shoe in exchange for a treat. Lately, he demonstrates a marked preference to remain inside, instead of in & out and in & out again.  He has stopped climbing the stairs to check on Jessica this past week.

 For the past few days, Harry has not greeted me at the door. I thrived on seeing his great joy when I came home. Instead, now I seek him out and enthusiastically ask how my big boy has been.  His tail thumps, thumps on the floor.  I realize that's one more thing which is truly Harry and I will sorely miss.