If you too, think it’s just a dog, then you will probably understand phrases like just a friend, just a sunrise, or just a promise.  Just a dog brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.  Just a dog brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.  Because of just a dog, I will rise early, take long walks, and look longingly to the future.  So for me and folks like me, it’s not just a dog, but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.  Just a dog brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. 

I hope that someday they can understand that it’s just not a dog, but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being just a man.  So the next time you hear the phrase just a dog, just smile, because they just don’t understand.

Richard A. Biby from Musings

The 3 components to preparedness include:

• a portable pet disaster supply and first aid kit,
• a pet crate or container
• and a safe place to take your pet in an emergency.

A good kit includes, 3 days or more supply of dry, sealed food and unopened bottled water.  A blanket for warmth, a leash and collar (for cats too), and a 3 day supply of your pet’s medication, if necessary. You can make your own or purchase a ready-made kit. Here is a link to a variety of affordable options of pet first aid kits.

A pet crate is also important depending on the circumstances of the emergency, this may be the only place where they feel safe and in certain situations they may need “protective custody”. Be sure to include adhesive tags with up to date identification to include your dog/cat’s name, any allergies or behavioral problems, along with your name, address, phone number, a trusted out of state alternate to a friend or family member, and your vet’s number. Be sure to have these things ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Crates can also be expensive and the most affordable can be found used on craigslist under their pet section. Before making the purchase, check to see that there are no loose metal bars, that it can be latched securely, that it is big enough for the dog/cat to turn around and you are able to clean and sanitize it before your pet uses it. If you would rather get a new one this site offers free shipping on new crates.

Act now to protect your pets at the first sign of disaster. You may not be home when evacuation is inevitable. In advance, find emergency pet shelters out of the danger area, check which hotels take pets and advise your petsitter or neighbor the location of a house key, where your pets most likely will be found, their favorite hiding places, location of emergency supplies and a prearranged destination to meet up.

Our pets are not only members of our family, they depend on us for their safety and well-being. Prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave home.

One Sick Puppy!!!

Pets as well as humans carry the MRSA virus. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus are staph bacteria that are resistant to regular antibiotics and require a lengthy hospital stay. This staph bacteria, like many other bacteria, normally live on your skin and inside your nose without causing problems unless your immune system has been compromised. MRSA is different from other bacteria as it can only be treated in a hospital setting with a Vancomycan i.v. drip for six hours a day.

Researchers found that the same strain of MRSA on your pet is the same deadly virus that humans are susceptible to. The bacteria can be transmitted from mammal to man and vice versa. Although animals can deal with MRSA more effectively than humans, it is always wise to treat all of your pets if it is infecting one of them. Cats and dogs with a MRSA infection can get lesions on their bodies and infections range from skin problems and pneumonia to meningitis, blood infection and heart problems. It is important to remember both you and your pet can be colonized with MRSA, but it is not the same as having the active virus. If your pet undergoes surgery, it is imperative that you have them swabbed for MRSA prior to surgery. If the swab is positive, ensure that your vet knows what precautions to take and that he/she will take them.

40% of healthcare workers, veterinarians and nursing home staff have it on their skin and in their nose. It is also found in colleges, dorms, public laundry facilities, hair salons and gyms. A simple process for cleaning the germs out of your washing machine is to run a hot water only cycle with a cup of bleach after every 2 -3 washes of regular clothing. Washing machines only get your clothes clean; they do not kill germs.

What does MRSA look like? Any of these symptoms warrant a visit to the vet:

•Sores or bumps that may look like spider bites

•Boils under the skin (painful bumps)

•Sometimes called impetigo, blisters filled with fluid

•Cuts that are swollen and filled with pus

•Lethargy

Any of these symptoms on you or your pet should warrant a visit to your doctor.

If your dog is a dog park lover as many of my clients are, there are pet wipes, non alcohol-based to wipe the dirt and other dogs’ saliva off the coat of your dog from playtime so they don’t carry extra germs back into your home.

Here are two helpful websites. I spoke with Jill Moss about her blog after the loss of Bella, her beautiful Samoyed. She has graciously allowed a to link to her story: http://www.thebellamossfoundation.com/story.asp

On the other hand, you can contract MRSA from your pet especially if your pet has a lesion. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1216755/Can-snuggling-pet-MRSA.html

Be safe out there!

Julie

For those of you who surf and want to share this experience with your dog, go to http://wikipedia.com and type in surfing for dogs. One of the best places to train is Ocean Beach at Dog Beach near the jetty. The waves break left and right and are good at all tides. Start with the 1 – 2 foot waves and a soft boogey board. Map to Dog Beach:

This is San Diego: paradise alike for dog and owner; grab a Frisbee, some cool water and enjoy!

Keywords: Google Pet Alerts, Google alert – Pet Sitting Dog Walking San Diego, East Village, Little Italy, Marina District, Gaslamp, Banker’s Hill, Mission Hills, Point Loma, Coronado, Hillcrest, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar. http:www.DogWalksanDiego.com