Yes, you guessed it. More doggie pictures from Unsplash.
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Just wonderful!
Hopefully some more in a week’s time.
Picture Parade Four Hundred and Two
Category: Communication
Larry the guide dog!
Serendipity at work!
Yesterday morning while sitting up in bed I was browsing the internet on my iPad. I looked up TED Talks and fancied watching the story of Mark Pollock and Simone George. It turned out to be 19 minutes of incredible viewing and it is reproduced below as a YouTube video.
Towards the end Mark refers to his guide dog Larry. More of that later.
First watch the video.
It is a most amazing talk.
Next I wanted to research some more.
First I found Mark’s website that is here.
Then I came across a comprehensive entry on WikiPedia. From which the following is taken:
Pollock enrolled in a course to help come to terms with his disability. He left for Dublin with his guide dog Larry and began putting himself forward for job interviews. Prospective employers were uncertain as to how to approach him. Eventually the father of one of his college friends assigned him to organising corporate entertainment. He returned to rowing and won bronze and silver medals for Northern Ireland in the 2002 Commonwealth Rowing Championships. He engaged in other athletic pursuits, including running six marathons in seven days with a sighted partner across the Gobi Desert, China in 2003 when he raised tens of thousands of euro for the charity Sightsavers International. On 10 April 2004, he competed in the North Pole Marathon on the sixth anniversary of his blindness.
Then I discovered that Larry had died: “My great mate Larry The Guide Dog died on Sunday night. An amazing Guide Dog and amazing friend.”.
He died on the 2nd May, 2010 just a couple of months before Mark’s terrible accident.
Finally a photograph of Mark and Larry!
The words of Mark Pollock.
What an inspiration he must be to so many!
A big dog attitude in a small dog’s frame!
Zola wants to play with Rocky!
This is a delightful story from The Dodo and goes to demonstrate how this little dog does everything in its power to play with a neighbouring dog!
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Woman Catches Her Little Dog Having Secret Meetings With The Neighbor
It happens every night ❤️️
By Lily Feinn, Published on the 23rd July, 2021
Zola’s always known she was a big dog in a small dog’s body. The 2-year-old corgi refuses to let her short legs hold her back from getting what she wants.
And what Zola really wants is to play with her neighbor, Rocky.
Haley Smith
About three weeks ago, Haley Smith noticed that whenever Zola went out in the yard, she’d make a beeline for the fence.
“She started really going crazy and barking at the fence, and we weren’t sure why,” Smith told The Dodo. “She would sit by the door and we would let her out, and she would sprint to the fence and start jumping. We thought it was odd.”
Smith didn’t understand what was so attractive about the cinder block barrier until she caught a glimpse of a sweet black and white spotted face looking over. But no matter how high Zola jumped, she couldn’t reach the dog on the other side.
“We peeked outside and lo and behold, she was just trying to talk to the big paws and head that were peering over at her,” Smith said. “She really wants to get to Rocky. She will take a running leap at the fence and try to jump to his height.”
Rocky and Zola’s meetings have since become a nightly affair. The two have yet to meet without the barrier, but that just makes the pups even more interested in each other.
“Rocky is very gentle,” Smith said. “At first he barked back at her. Now, he jumps up and just watches her quietly. He seems very curious about her.”
But Zola doesn’t seem to like that their meetings are a little one-sided. “One theory I have is that she’s a little jealous that Rocky can see into her yard but she can’t see into his,” Smith said. “She probably wants to know how to get to him so they can sniff and play.”
Zola loves other dogs and always pulls to sniff each one she sees on her walks. The fact that she hasn’t been able to reach Rocky is the ultimate challenge, and she’s constantly trying to figure out how to get to his level.
Smith has no doubt that Zola will soon reach him, and the two will finally be together.
“Zola is too smart for her own good,” Smith said. “She’s pretty sure she will figure out a way to get to the top of the fence.”
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In a way dogs are so human but then again dogs are a very different species. We know from years of personal experience that dogs have pure unconditional love for their doggy friends and for us humans. That is what makes them so special!
Picture Parade Four Hundred and One
More dogs playing. Photos courtesy of Unsplash.
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They are all beautiful but that last photograph of the German Shepherd is especially gorgeous!
Where to pet a dog?
A more informative way to do something most of us don’t think about!
The Dodo recently had an article about petting a dog. I was about to ignore it and then decided to read the article. I am glad I did because The Dodo went to a veterinarian in New York City for the answers.
Here’s the article.
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These Are The Best Places To Pet A Dog, According To A Dog
Your pup will always tell you what’s up 🐶
By DANIELLE ESPOSITO, Published on the 21st July, 2021.
Some dogs love all the pets from all the people, while others can definitely be more finicky.
When it comes to where she’s petted (and who’s petting her), your dog probably has some personal preferences —so it’s important that you learn her boundaries.
Typically, most dogs share safe zones that are OK to pet — as well as areas on their bodies that are totally off-limits.
To help, The Dodo reached out to Dr. Stephanie Austin, a veterinarian at Bond Vet in New York City, who explained the best places to pet a dog — and where to avoid.
Where do dogs love to be petted?
As a general rule of thumb, the neck, chest and shoulders are places that many dogs like to be petted.
But it’s important to keep in mind that not all dogs are created equal when it comes to where they like to be touched. “For example, some pups love belly scratches or petting on the rump area, while others may be more guarded about those parts of their body,” Dr. Austin told The Dodo.
How to pet a dog the right way
If you’re not sure what a dog likes or doesn’t like when you first meet her, your best strategy is to let her come to you and sniff your hand.
“If the dog is friendly and relaxed, try gently petting the neck, chest or shoulders. Don’t reach for their head from above, as this could appear threatening to a dog,” Dr. Austin suggested.
You can usually tell if a dog is enjoying being petted because she’ll get closer to you, act relaxed and happy and even lean into your hand where you are petting.
“If a dog becomes tense or standoffish, this may be a warning that they aren’t comfortable with the petting,” Dr. Austin said.
Where to not pet a dog
According to Dr. Austin, there are some places — in general — where dogs might be uncomfortable with someone touching.
Questionable spots include:
- Paws
- Legs
- Tail
- Face
“And even though many pups appreciate a good belly rub, they may also be protective of their belly and the underside of their body,” Dr. Austin said.
And be wary of any areas on the body that might be particularly sensitive.
“Some dogs may have areas of the body that are sensitive due to underlying health conditions — for example, if a dog’s hips are painful due to arthritis, they might not like someone pressing on or near their hips,” Dr. Austin said.
It’s also important to keep in mind that some dogs just don’t like to be touched by strangers. So if your dog prefers to warm up to people, advocate for her and let others know that she just needs time. Don’t force her to be uncomfortable by accepting unwanted interactions from other pets!
Of course, the best thing you can do when getting to know a dog is to start off slow and check in with her body language. She’ll usually tell you exactly what she’s comfortable with.
And once you figure it out together, your bond will be even stronger!
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Now Jeannie and I are biased because our six dogs love being fondled in so many ways including much of what is cautioned by Dr. Austin. But we certainly agree with the last few word about the bond being even stronger!
This is still good advice because there are so many different personalities with our six dogs and many just have a single dog.
But Dr. Austin’s advice applies to Jeannie and me and we would never be as relaxed when we have visitors. Then the strong advice is to let the dogs chose in their own time when and how to approach the guests.
Picture Parade Four Hundred
Gracious, over seven-and-a-half years!
Still with Unsplash and their dog photographs.
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Again, a wonderful set! (Even though I say it myself!)
That photograph of the dog jumping over the wall after that skidoo is an amazing shot.
More next week!
Something almost mystical!
Time and time again stories surface about the very special bond between humans and dogs.
I would like to say that this is very unusual but it isn’t. Maybe Lorenzo did something for his dog that many would not but that is not to say that Lorenzo’s love for Myles is unique or even close to unique. There is something very special about the bond between us humans and our dogs. We all have mystical moments with our dogs!
Have a read of this story recently published by The Dodo.
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Guy Buys A Cabin In The Woods As A Retirement Home For His Dog
True love!
Published on the 26th July, 2021
Lorenzo met his dog, Myles, 13 years ago completely by accident, and that’s how he knows they were meant to be together. A local shelter used to take their dogs to the park on Fridays, and Lorenzo would always watch from afar, his heart breaking knowing that none of the dogs had loving homes. One afternoon, though, Lorenzo locked eyes with one of the dogs — and he knew he had to take him home.
“I saw him and he saw me, and his ears went straight up,” Lorenzo (who asked that his last name not be included) told The Dodo. “I knew he chose me!”
Ever since then, Lorenzo and Myles have been best friends. They love doing everything together, from hiking and swimming to napping together and playing with toys. Myles has always been such a happy dog and just loves being able to enjoy life with his dad by his side.
As Myles has gotten older, it’s become a lot harder for him to get around. Slowly, the diagnoses started to come in. Cataracts, arthritis, heart failure. Through it all, though, Myles was still enjoying life, just at a much slower pace. Lorenzo wanted to make Myles’ life as easy and comfortable as possible — so he decided to find the perfect “retirement home.”
“I had always told him I would give him land and retire him to the woods,” Lorenzo said. “I always figured by my mid-30s, I would have left the city. The pandemic really showed me what I value and that both he and I need to move towards a simpler life.”
Lorenzo found and bought the perfect cabin in the woods, named it “Camp Myles” and set about renovating it to make it into the perfect home for him, Myles and his two cats, Tofu and Mama. Now the whole little family is all settled in, and so far, everyone is absolutely loving cabin life — especially Myles.
“I think [his favorite part is] both being lazy on the deck or porch and relaxing in nature, as well as roaming the property and going on walks,” Lorenzo said. “So much to smell, no cars, no sirens — it’s perfect for both of us!”
Since moving, Myles has been responding incredibly well to his meds, new foods and all the fresh air that cabin life provides. He’s been there for his dad for 13 years now, and Lorenzo has vowed that in return, he’ll be with him until the very end.
“We are both so happy,” Lorenzo said.
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It is a beautiful tale and many of us know what Lorenzo is feeling. Indeed what Myles is also feeling albeit in the special way that dogs feel.
May they live in peace and happiness!
A further dog food recall
You know the routine!
Last Sunday the following details of another dog food recall were promulgated including to me. It has been slightly modified by me, namely removing the click to unsubscribe entry.
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Dear Fellow Dog Lover,
Approximately 51,000 packages of Simply Nourish Dog Food sold at PetSmart are being recalled due to elevated levels of vitamin D.
Excessive amounts of vitamin D in a dog’s diet can lead to kidney failureand death.
For full details, please visit the following link: Simply Nourish Dog Food Recall Best Dog Food for August 2021
The Dog Food Advisor has recently updated the following best dog food pages:
- Best Dry Dog Foods
- Best Puppy Foods
- Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds and 11 Other Breeds
- Best Large Breed Puppy Foods
- Best Dog Foods for Small Dogs
- Best Dog Food for Allergies
- Best Grain-Free Dog Foods
- Best Dog Foods Made with Grain
- Best Budget-Friendly Dog Foods
- Best Senior Dog Foods
Click here to see our Best Dog Foods for August 2021 Please be sure to share this news with other dog owners.
Mike Sagman, Editor
The Dog Food Advisor
Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food
Here are the details from that link above.
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Simply Nourish Dog Food Recall
August 13, 2021 — Wet Noses Natural Dog Treat Company of Monroe, Washington, is recalling approximately 51,000 packages of Simply Nourish frozen dog food due to it elevated levels of Vitamin D.
What’s Being Recalled?
Recalled products are marketed in 2-pound and 4.5-pound packages across specific “Best By” dates.
A full list of affected products is included below:
Affected Simply Nourish frozen food products were distributed at select PetSmart stores nationwide.
No illnesses have been reported to date. No other products have been affected.
About Vitamin D Toxicity in Dogs
Dogs ingesting elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss.
Vitamin D when consumed at very high levels or over a long period of time can lead to serious health issues in dogs… including kidney failure and death.
Consumers who have dogs that have consumed any of the products listed above and are exhibiting these symptoms, should contact their veterinarian.
What Caused the Recall?
The recall was initiated after a routine nutrition test confirmed elevated Vitamin D levels on certain Simply Nourish frozen food products.
Subsequent investigation indicates the problem arose as a result of the vitamin mix dosage being significantly reduced by the vitamin mix manufacturer, and this change was not detected or properly communicated.
As a result, the dosage was not reduced.
Company Message
We care deeply about our customers and their pets, and have put corrective actions into place to ensure this issue does not reoccur.
This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What to Do?
Consumers should immediately stop feeding the above products to their dogs.
Consumers who have purchased Simply Nourish Frozen Food are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-938-6673 Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm PST.
U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to the FDA’s “Report a Pet Food Complaint” page.
Canadians can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.
Get Lifesaving Recall Alerts by Email
Get free dog food recall alerts sent to you by email. Subscribe to The Dog Food Advisor’s emergency recall notification system.
There’s no cost. No spam ever. Cancel any time.
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Once more I do not know what to say. Except, of course, to be careful and if the slightest doubt crosses your mind in terms of what you are feeding your dog(s) then please check the Dog Food Reviews and Ratings by Brand list.
Please!
Signs of anxiety in dogs
Eight signs for you to keep an eye out for!
Now I have republished items about this subject before but not for some time. This article which appeared on The Dodo was thorough in my opinion and, therefore, worthy of a republication.
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These 8 Signs Might Mean Your Dog Has Anxiety
By DANIELLE ESPOSITO, Published on the 21st July, 2021
Have you ever wondered if dogs can get anxiety?
Turns out, dogs totally can. And it’s important that you know what to look out for when trying to figure out if your dog does have anxiety.
According to Dr. Walter Burghardt, Jr., a veterinarian at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, there’s a spectrum of anxiety-related behaviors in dogs, ranging from mild to severe (just like in humans).
These are some of the most common signs that your dog has anxiety, according to Dr. Burghardt.
Signs your dog is experiencing mild anxiety
She’s lip-licking
A common sign of mild anxiety — or just being plain uncomfortable — lip-licking usually means that your dog feels uncertain about whatever situation she’s in.
She’s yawning more than usual
Dogs don’t only yawn because they’re tired. If you’re noticing your pup is yawning more than usual, or not anywhere close to bedtime, it could be because she’s feeling anxious.
She’s more inactive (or active) than usual
If you notice your dog is keeping to herself more than usual — or, on the other hand, if she’s more hyper than normal — this could be a sign that she’s feeling anxious and unsure of how to deal with those feelings.
Signs your dog is experiencing moderate anxiety
She’s tucking her tail
If you notice your dog’s tail is tucked, that’s a sign that she could be experiencing a more moderate case of anxiety.
Her ears are flattened
If you see your dog’s ears are pinned back, it could be a sign that she’s experiencing increased anxiety.
Other signs of moderate anxiety include an increased heart rate, respiration and dilated pupils.
Signs your dog is experiencing severe anxiety
She’s trying to escape
If your dog seems to be doing everything she can to escape or get away from a situation, it could mean she’s feeling severely anxious.
She’s hiding
If you’ve noticed your dog is trying to hide from a scary situation, it could be a sign that her anxiety is severe.
She’s being aggressive
If your dog is showing signs of aggressive behavior, it could mean that she’s feeling very fearful or stressed.
Other signs of very severe anxiety could be that your dog freezes, or just doesn’t move at all.
How to help an anxious dog
If your dog is diagnosed with anxiety, her treatment could depend on a few things:
- The source of the anxiety
- The intensity and duration of the anxiety
- How often your dog’s behavior is affected by anxiety
“For more severe and more frequent cases, anxiety is usually treated with one or more medications to help reduce distress and physiological arousal, environmental changes to reduce the distressing characteristics of a scary event, and behavior modification aimed at improving the patient’s confidence in the scary situation,” Dr. Burghardt said.
If your dog is experiencing more mild anxiety, this can usually be treated by desensitizing your dog to the scary situation and working on building your pup’s confidence — all with the help and advice of your vet or dog behaviorist.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from anxiety, contact your vet to see what you can do to help her feel better.
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Now I left out of the post three recommendations “You can also try some tried-and-true tricks to help calm down an anxious dog” (my italics) because I didn’t think you wanted products from Amazon.
But I would love to hear how common it is to have a dog that shows anxiety. Do you want to leave me a comment?
Picture Parade Three Hundred and Ninety-Eight
Yet more from Unsplash!
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And one more from my own stable.
There you go for another week!
Learning from Dogs 