BarkAboutYourDog.com

Dog’s aren’t supposed to eat chocolate; we know that.  Try telling that to Buddy.

As we were leaving the house to run errands, Buddy jumped into the car with glee.  Ever on the prowl,  he promptly stuck his nose in my purse, right in front of me, and jumped to the back seat of the car with a look on his face that said “Ha, ha, catch me if you can.”  I tried.  The song “who let the dog’s out?” came to my mind as I dived in after him.

Over the back seat I climbed, trying to capture his little nose and pry the Butterfinger from his jaws, that he had so expertly stolen from my purse. 

I moved in one direction, he moved in another.  “Grrrr!” He knew to keep that little sound gentle.    “Grrrr!”  I said back, in the form of “Drop it, out, Buddy, spit it out.”  He knows what spit it out means and normally complies.  We were driven to hysterical laughter the first time I said a few years ago.  As if he had known all along what the words meant, at that time he worked the forbidden object quickly out of his mouth as if to say, “Oops, well here, I didn’t like it anyway.” 

However, now, he was deaf, determined, and defiant.  “Butterfingers are not to be spit out,” he thought.  “Ain’t no way, Ma, this is mine!”  

I stopped, he stopped.  He didn’t dare eat it, but he wasn’t let it go either.  He looked at me, I looked at him.  “Buddy,”  I explained gently.  “I’m the boss.  I’m the ‘decider,’ you know, like the President.  You can’t have it, spit     it       out!” 

“Forget you, Grrrr!”  Buddy replied. 

My husband said, “You know, you could just swat him and be done with it.”  Then he paused at my look.  “Yeah,  what was  I thinking.  You didn’t swat the kids, much less the dog.” 

“He’s smart, he’ll spit it out.”  I said with confidence. 

“He’s smart, he’ll hold onto it ’til it melts.”  Lynn replied. 

“Oh.”  I looked at Buddy with a firm gaze that was intendee to remind him of who was in charge.  Strangely enough, Buddy looked back at me with the same glance. 

Finally, I nudged Buddy’s butt.  Faking authority, I sternly tjhreatened him like I used to do with my boys,  “Do you want Mommy to spank you?”  Yeah, you guessed it, it didn’t work with Buddy either. 

Sighing I looked at my husband, who was trying not to laugh, for fear of making Buddy feel totally in charge.  Well, I could give up, like I sometimes did with the kids, ok most of the time; or, I could dive in for the gold, ignoring the snurl on Buddy’s face.  That cute little face, with a lock-jaw hold on a Butterfinger. 

“That’s my candy!”  I said and finally stuck my fingers in his mouth while saying  “Don’t you dare bite your mother!” 

He didn’t, but having seen that look on my kid’s faces for 18 years, I knew he wanted to.

Taking candy from a baby, is not easy, no matter the babe.  I won…but Buddy would have nothing to do with me for hours.  The little snot.

-Buddy’s Mom

Sign in a Pet Store:  “Barney’s Pets – Happy Endings For Sale”

Dogs (or most pets).  They don’t want much; a kind voice, a regular bite of something different, a walk, a talk, our company, fresh air.  They are pretty good at teaching us to “…do what we can, with what we have, where we are.”  (paraphrased quote from Theodore Roosevelt)

They give such companionship.  If well treated, they display such joy for the day.  Buddy, loves his routine, reminding me that young children are much happier when they, too, can predict their day.  Buddy also loves to know “what’s up next.”  Somehow, he seems to understand the weekends are mainly about him, or so he is persuaded to think. 

As we dressed early this morning, he sensed an early trip out, and eagerly looked from one to the other of us, as he sat expectantly by his leash.  As we talked, he’d cock his head to the left or right.  He was waiting to hear the word “go” which we were carefully avoiding.  He was patient, yet eager.  Highly motivated to show us how still he was sitting, he was staying out of our way so that he would be rewarded by going.

I could not stand to look at his eager face any longer, and said the magic phrase “You wanna go?”  He grabbed his leash, jumped in the chair and handed it to us so it could be fastened around his neck. 

He was at the door in seconds, ready to face the day with a dazzling smile.  He loves garage sale days and breakfast out, which always results in a small treat from the table.  Hangin’ his head out the window is a highlight of the morning, and when he tires of that, he sits in the back window looking at all the other strange creatures in the world.

Buddy loves his days, and we love to watch him loving his days. 

-Buddy’s Mom

A Dog’s Advice for Happy Living

Our dog, Buddy, is a great teacher, and he’s very patient.  Here are 18 things he’s working on teaching me.  He came up with them all on his own. 

1. A joy ride is just that, meant for joy.  Don’t skip them. 
2. Let the air blow on your face as you hang out the window so that  you have no wrinkles and can’t see.  Be sure someone else is driving and watch out for slobber of dogs in other cars.  I think it was a dog.
3. Meet your loved ones at the door with hugs and kisses, don’t forget to lick their hand and jump on their foot.
4. Obey, you might get a treat, make mine jerkey.
5. Set your boundaries.  That chair is the dogs.
6. Take frequent naps, and stretch those muscles when you get up so you don’t pull one.  What?  Can’t hear you, I’m asleep, call back later.
7. If you are taken outside on a leash, run.  You need the exercise.
8. Wolf down your food, there is always someone in the house who is hungry and might eat yours.
9. Love your owner, just your owner, nobody else but your owner.  Accept love from others. 
10. Be yourself, someone the dog could love.
11. When you dig up old bones, expect to get dirty.
12. If someone you love is sad, put your cold nose in their face and lick them with your tongue.  Works everytime.
13. Ask for walks.  Everyone feels better when they smell the neighbor’s yard.
14. Enjoy attention and touches from others, especially on the belly or behind the ears.  Try it, you’ll like it!
15. Don’t bite, but don’t be afraid to growl.
16. To relax on a hot day, drink lots of water and take a nap in the shade.
17. Show you’re happy, wag your tail and dance.
18. Don’t take criticism personally, just keep coming back.

It’s a Dog’s Life

Get a dog.  I highly recommend it.  If you went to your local adopt-a-pet center, you’d not leave without a sweet face beside you.  Bern Williams says “There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.” 

I agree.  Are you lonely?  Do you want someone to love you, always be glad to see you, and thinks your cute without your “face” on? 

If you haven’t enjoyed the total loyalty of a sweet dog, you’re missing out on a lot of joy.  Make sure you are willing to devote the time to care for a loving pet, can afford some routine checkups and a grooming once in a while, as well as nutritional food, and you’re set.  They’re not as expensive as you think, and pet insurance can help with costs, if you choose it. 

Our Buddy, is a light in any day for us!  Recently, I’ve added  some hours to my day by working at a second office that is away from our residential office, where I normally work.  It’s like leaving a child.  Buddy barks and barks as I drive off, even though he’s completely devoted to “dad” who is holding the leash.  Buddy, our dasch-a-cock-a-poo, is not happy that I’m away for a few hours.  You can’t fool him, he knows that I am on the premises during the day, whether I go visit him or not, which I normally don’t have time to do.

Doesn’t make any difference though, my guess is he isn’t smelling me around…ha!

A dog’s nose, knows.

-Buddy-the-Barker-’s, Mom.

“This close to Halloween, I thought I’d share this treat with a bite!!  Great for Halloween Spooks, just tell them first, ’specially if they’re children!! 

This is a chocolate bar I make that is NOT FOR YOUR DOG OR PET, I just call it Dog Bark because it has that slight hot bite to it.  Friendly bite, of course.  Shall we say, nibble?”

If you like Hershey’s Almond Bars, try this with a softer nut, like walnuts or pecans, walnuts are my favorite.

Since the holidays are around the corner, here’s some easy homemade candy to bark about!!

In a double boiler, melt sweet chocolate squares (almond bark) slowly.  For 8 squares, use tsp vanilla and stir it in once the chocolate is melted.  Here’s the Kick – add 1/2 tsp cayenne – or more if you dare! – and a pinch of red pepper flakes, stir in chopped walnuts and pour out on waxed paper to cool.  Spread to a consistency that you like, and let harden.

Break apart and store in an airtight jar.  Can you say woof? 

Variations:  Experiment with orange flavoring instead of vanilla, almond flavoring, etc.  You can also melt white chocolate or vanilla almond bark.  The skies the limit!!  Add the cayenne tho’ and this makes great gifts in a pretty jar or cellophane bags for the holidays.   It’s an inexpensive and homemade way to say “I care!”  Just be sure and tell them about the pepper!  (It’s really not that hot if you’re careful with the measuring.)

-Buddy’s Mom (Buddy said to remind you, “No matter how much your dog begs, do not give him chocolate.”

 We all think it’s cute when our beloved dog begs for food. They love to eat what we do!  But, STOP!  Many types of people food are poison to your dog or very dangerous.  Read this list and make sure your pup stays clear of these items!!  Don’t put your dog at risk just because he wants to eat what you are putting in your mouth! 

1. Alcoholic beverages – Could  cause intoxication, coma, and death.
2. Baby food – might contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. (Please see onion below.) Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
3. Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources - Possibly cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
4. Cat food – Most likely too high in protein and fats.
5. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine – These contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.
6. Citrus oil extracts- Could cause vomiting.
7. Fat trimmings – Could cause pancreatitis.  Fatal!
8. Grapes and raisins - These contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.   Note: There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
9. Hops – This is an unknown compound that causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.
10. Human vitamin supplements containing iron - Could damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
11. Large amounts of liver - Could cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
12. Macadamia nuts – Could contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
13. Marijuana  – Not funny!! Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
14. Milk and other dairy products –  Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea.  Note:  Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
15. Moldy or spoiled food, garbage  – I know farm pets were fed this but many died an early death!!  Could contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.
16. Mushrooms -  contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
17. Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) – contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.  – but stay away from it – they don’t need it!
18. Persimmons Seeds –  can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
19. Pits from peaches and plums - could cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
20. Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves – potato and tomato stems Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock.
21. Raw eggs – contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
22. Raw fish – No sushi! can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
23. Salt - no chips, etc.  If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
24. String – can become trapped in the digestive system; called a “string foreign body.”
25. Sugary foods  – can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
26. Table scraps (in large amounts) –  Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced and could contain any of the above.  They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
27. Tobacco – Very serious!  Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
28. Yeast dough –  Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
    (some information taken from peteducation.com)

Love your pet, be sensible and make sure they have a healthy diet.  Check with your vet for more information and healthy pet food!

-Buddy’s Mom

If I were just a little smarter, I could understand Buddy.  Poor thing, he was trying so hard to tell us something, and we just didn’t get it for several minutes.  He was patient for the humans, though.

It was time for our morning drive for breakfast, and we had our youngest son going along.  He had surprised us by arriving at 2:30 in the morning, saying to wake him up for breakfast out before we had to work, and then he collapsed on the sofa…Buddy an eager companion, by his side.  “So nice to have my brother here,” Buddy thought.

He’s always sure they come just to see him.

The next morning, we got up and dressed hurriedly, to meet our heavily scheduled day, and the breakfast added to it, though we were glad to do it.

“Get your leash!”  we said to Buddy, when we all were by the front door.  Buddy ran upstairs to get it and then ran back down without it.  “Buddy!  Get your leash!”  we said again.

Again, Buddy ran upstairs and came back down without it.  He sat expectantly by the front door. 

“Buddy, quit being stubborn and get your leash!”  Buddy ran back upstairs, disappeared and then came back to the top of the stairs and barked politely.  One little, short bark. 

Exasperated, Buddy’s dad walked up stairs.   Oops.  The bedroom door was closed, and Buddy was looking at it imploringly.   “Dad!  Get my leash!”  He was saying with his eyes.

So, dad opened the door, Buddy got his leash by the bed, and off he went downstairs.  He dropped it by the door.  Picked it up again, raised up on his hind legs as was his routine, and gave the leash to dad to be fastened around his neck.  He does this, so “dad” doesn’t have to bend over.  Smart dog.  Dump parent.  Next time, open the bedroom door, dummy.

Ok, Buddy, we get it.

-Buddy’s Mom, learning dog talk one bark at a time.

Oh my gosh, you’d think we were leaving a child.  Well, Buddy’s like our 4th son.  He is so much a part of our day, loving fun, his little daily patrol on the golf cart, his many trips.

He tries so hard to please, looking back every few steps to make sure he’s leading the way, correctly. 

Now, we have to go for 2.5 days to a convention.  No pets.  They just don’t understand, leaving Buddy in the care of strangers is traumatic.  How can I concentrate on business?  It’s not like I can call home to check on him, though he would try to answer the phone, I’m sure.

We’ve hired a pet sitter to come and let him out for his walk and sniffs.  She’ll feed him and pet him, and make sure animal planet is on for him.  But, she’s not us.  Buddy will not like it.  He’ll be upset and I don’t know how to explain it to him.

It’s quite disturbing, to be the parent of a dog.

-Buddy’s Mom, an unhappy camper for today.

Involved in everything we do, Buddy has learned to love the day we’re home.  He knows it’s his day to watch, get treats, and see all the home things that happen. 

He sniffs our laundry piles and agrees they need the washing machine.  He loves his freshly washed dog food bowls, taking long drinks and slurping all over the floor.  He carefully positions himself right in the middle of the floor so he doesn’t miss the occasional word about “going” somewhere and also making us step over him as we work.

About 2 hours into the home chores, he’s ready to take a trip and reminds us by taking his leash in his mouth and jumping up on the couch.  If that doesn’t get our attention, he’ll lay down on the leash, always ready at a minutes notice.

Finally, it’s time to make a grocery store run.  We check the temperature outside, in Florida that is crucial.  If it’s a hot day, Buddy’s dad will get out the golf cart, take Buddy for  a short ride and then bring him back to the apartment.  Buddy LOVES the golf cart, and stands ready to bark at anything that moves.

He’s not happy about being left, but parks himself with his leash at the top of the stairs, watching us as we walk out the door.  Tilting his head to the left and then the right, he pouts just a little.

We have to be tough, the hot temperatures are not for him.

“We’ll be right back, Buddy.  Stay.  Guard the house. ”  Well, gee.  It’s not all bad.  We left animal planet playing on the TV.

It’s a dog’s life.

-Buddy’s Mom

What an attitude!  Wish my kids had awoke every morning the way our dog does. 

Buddy faces each day with zip in his step and wanting to do whatever is on your list.  Eager to go, he grabs his leash and heads downstairs.  I’m slower on the stairs, and he turns expectantly and patiently towards me, waiting for that gesture that tells him we’re actually leaving.

Tail wagging and eyes bright, he jumps outside to take control of the day.  Nose to the ground, he makes sure that we’re all safe from unseen monsters.  Suddenly still, he sniffs the air. 

Uninterested, finding nothing alarming, he leads us to the car, just in case we don’t know where it is. 

Always in a good mood, ready for anything, Buddy stands eagerly facing life.

I love that “I’m ready for anything you want to do, Mom” attitude.  Wonder if we could bottle it and sell it to parents to pass out to their kids?

- Buddy’s Mom