Category Archive: Uncategorized

1. Carytown Watermelon Festival

   August 12, 2016 6:22 pm Comments Off on Carytown Watermelon Festival

   Guest Blog via – Best Bully Sticks Around Town

   by: Courtney Nichols

   Do you love the smell of sweet, sticky, thick-cut watermelon on a hot summer day?  Last year, the streets brimmed with over 118,000 visitors who had made their way to the Carytown Watermelon Festival to devour 2,600 of these delicious summertime fruits while soaking in all the excitement of local performances, gift vendors, local businesses, and the all-around watermelon themed revelries!  With the 33rd Annual Watermelon Festival fast approaching (Sunday, August 14th), we want to share with you ourTop 3 Reasons why you should lather on the coconut-scented sunscreen, grab your pooch’s leash, and join in the jubilee!

   The Watermelon!  

   Watermelon is just as much a refreshing snack for us, as it can be for our favorite four-legged family members!   Watermelon wields several health-enhancing benefits, including: Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Potassium.  This succulent melon is low in calories (one cup being only 50 calories, and is comprised of 92% water (watermelon is a powerhouse fruit of hydration!).  Before letting your dog engorge on a slice of this celebrated summer favorite, takes a few precautions by removing the rind and seeds from the melon to avoid the risk of intestinal blockage.

   Explore Unique Local Businesses

   Discover new, and support your favorite local businesses in this summer celebration!  Carytown is a mecca for over 250 brick-and-mortar shops and restaurants, and on the day of the Watermelon Festival- this number expands to over 300 local businesses and services all converging for a late-summer hoorah!  Make sure to stop by the Best Bully Sticks chews & treats tent to stock up on the BEST (and your dog’s favorite!) all-natural, chemical/preservative free goodies for your pup!  Looking for pet-friendly shops to stop in for local-made goods, art, toys, or gifts?  Check out these shops and restaurants who are “dog-approved”!

   

    

   Shopping

   Bygone’s          Creme de la Creme     Dogma  Fiamour       Glass Boat          Lex’s of Carytown     Mongrel       Orange RVA          Sacred Waters Holistic Spa     Urban Interiors     World of Mirth

   Eating

   10 Italian Cafe          Bev’s Ice Cream               Burger Bach          Carytown Burgers and Fries     Can Can Brasserie          Coppola’s Deli          Ginger Thai Taste          Nacho Mama’s          Pomegranate          Weezie’s Kitchen  

   *Dogs must be well-mannered and leashed at all times!  Restaurants are pet-friendly on outside patios only.  Call to confirm any shop or restaurant you are considering bringing your pup to!

   Support an Outstanding Charity

   While perusing Cary Street’s historic stretch of road, you may spot men in fez- find the five designated watermelon booths stationed by the men donning this unusual headwear, and you will find bowls of cool mouthwatering melon- ripe for the purchase of $1 with all proceeds benefitting the Shriners Hospital for Children.  Also known as, “The World’s Greatest Philanthropy”, Shriners Hospital for Children’s mission is to:

   • Provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.
   • Provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals.
   • Conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of care and quality of life of children and families.

   “This mission is carried out without regard to race, color, creed, sex or sect, disability, national origin or ability of a patient or family to pay.” -Shriners Hospitals for Children

   A Few Tips for Fun!

   • Get there early as crowds of summer-goers will be looking to celebrate in this festival!
   • Bring PLENTY of water!  August is traditionally hot, make sure to bring some extra water for your pup!
   • Have training treats in tow to reward your dog for great socialization and behavior!  (Check out Best Bully Sticks newest mini treat, USA Super Star Training Treats!)
   • Have your smartphone charged and ready to take all the pictures of your dog loving his summer outing with you at one of Richmond’s most renowned festivals (don’t forget to tag your pup at our chews & treats tent with #wagamelon16 to save an additional 5% at our booth)!
   • Find information & tips from our friends at FETCH a Cure who will be educating, empowering, and encouraging pet-parents with resources on pet cancer awareness and help!
   • Most importantly, have fun and love your pup at this year’s Carytown Watermelon Festival!

    

2. Sherman: From Chained and Forgotten to Lovable Rascal

   August 1, 2016 4:33 pm Comments Off on Sherman: From Chained and Forgotten to Lovable Rascal

   Sherman: From Chained and Forgotten to Lovable Rascal

   In early March 2016, Sherman, a 3 year old, 16lb Norfolk/Yorkshire Terrier mix came into Pixie’s Pen Pals from our friends at the Southside SPCA. His arrival was unusual because he was what we in the biz call a “small, special breed dog” with no medical or significant behavioral issues; he was “super adoptable” and we hadn’t had a Yorkie mix since I came into the program in September 2014. However, Sherman had been adopted and returned twice:  one home didn’t have the time to train and work with him and the other home had a dog that wasn’t a huge fan of Sherman. Anyone who has known a terrier knows that they are very smart and energetic and need to stay busy. So, he came to us to channel that energy and intelligence into good behavior, obedience training, and socialization with people and other dogs.

    

   Sherman is amazingly social and playful despite the first few years of his life. He was originally seized by Lunenburg Animal Control with about a dozen other neglected dogs. Sherman was found in a backyard, chained up to a stationary tractor trailer. After he was seized, he made his way over to the Southside SPCA where he began to learn what it’s like to be a pet and not just someone left out in the yard, forgotten.

    

   When you aren’t being taken care of, resources can become valuable. Sherman suddenly had regular access to water and food and beds and people and toys. Sherman loves his toys and needed to work through toy guarding from other dogs so that he could find his forever home. Through our program, Sherman learned quickly that he was safe and loved. He was quickly house-trained, crate-trained, and learning all of his cues, especially if his trainer had his favorite toys in hand. He learned how to share, he learned to expect to be cared for.

    

   A cutie like Sherman had a lot of interest, but luckily, one of the early applicants turned out to be a great family with experience with terriers. In fact, their current dog, Chyna, was a rescue who had a rough start as well and learned to like people and other dogs over time. When Chyna and Sherman met, they got along right away, and once they were in the home together, they bonded quickly.

    

   Sherman’s mom, Melinda, had this to say about Sherman after about a month in the home:

   “Sherman is finding his way. He is a rascal that deserves considerable watching. He is now sharing toys with Chyna, and they are like two toddlers: if one has a toy, the other immediately wants it. Sherman is learning about sharing and is less guarded about toys in just two weeks. They start their day with an early morning wrestle, and pretty much end the day in the race up the stairs to bed.  Sherman has trained Gary and I [to pick our] things up. He steals socks, shoes, underwear, and then does victory laps around the house while we try to catch him! Best game ever!  He is a joy and a pain, but he seems so happy. He loves the backyard, but not so keen on tall grass. A few days after he came home he was lying on the deck, and I watched him just looking up at the blue sky. I swear he was just soaking in the ‘goodness’ of the day.”

    

   

   Sherman and Chyna Being Nosy Neighbors

   In another update last month, Sherman’s mom let us know that he had, with the help of training and medication, become a more loving, bonded, and connected dog with his people. Being chained for most of his life had stunted his emotional development, which is fairly common with dogs who come out of hoarding or puppy mill situations. While Pen Pals gives a dog the foundation they need to find their forever homes, we also give the adopters the tools they need to continue with their dog’s education. Sherman’s parents have been wonderful enough to continue to develop Sherman’s emotional and behavioral intelligence.

    

    

   This is what the Pen Pals program is all about: rehabilitation. For Sherman, rehabilitation meant learning how to be a pet instead of forgotten on a chain. For our Pen Pals inmate handlers, rehabilitation means education, unconditional love from their canine charges, and redemption.

   If you’re interested in helping dogs like Sherman through adoption, donations, or volunteering, you can find out more about our program at www.fetchacure.org/pen-pals.

3. Keeping Your Dog Safe When the Fireworks Start

   July 1, 2016 1:33 pm Comments Off on Keeping Your Dog Safe When the Fireworks Start

   

   By Cesar Millan; courtesy of – https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/hyperactivity-overexcitement/how-to-keep-your-dog-safe-and-calm-during-fireworks

   Some dogs have no problem with the sight and sound of fireworks if they’ve been desensitized — hunting dogs, for example, grow used to the sounds and smells of hunting rifles and gun powder. Most dogs, however, are not used to these things, so the Fourth of July can be a particularly stressful holiday for dogs and their humans alike.

   More pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day, so you should take extra steps to ensure their safety. Keep a keen eye on your dog during the commotion, and make sure your pet is wearing proper identification.

   It is natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises. The sounds trigger their nervous systems, and they can become anxious or afraid. Running away from the noise is a survival instinct.

   Remember, to your dog, the experience of fireworks is different than other natural loud noises, like thunder. Fireworks are closer to the ground, more vibrant, and are accompanied by sudden booms, flashes and burning smells. Dogs experience the world through their senses — nose, eyes, ears. The typical Fourth of July celebration can be overwhelming to them.

   Here are some tips to help keep your dog calm, making for an easier holiday for both of you.

   1. Preparation

   Arrange to have your dog in a place where there won’t be loud fireworks displays — a friend’s or relative’s home or a doggie day care with which your dog is familiar. If it’s an unfamiliar place for your dog, take him over there a few times in the days before the holiday so that it won’t be a surprise when you take him there on the Fourth.

   2. Accommodation

   If you cannot take your dog to a place away from fireworks, then have a travel kennel at home for her to feel safe in. if you’re not going to be home, have a friend or sitter there to keep your dog company and take her out to relieve herself every four hours.

   3. Acclimation

   The best way to prepare your dog for fireworks is to make sure he’s comfortable with the sound in advance. While this is a simple process, it can take time — possibly three or four months of playing the recorded sound of fireworks for your dog at an increasingly louder volume before he eats, before a walk, and before affection and play.

   This will condition him by association to hear the sound and interpret it as something good. While you can try this method over only a week or two, in such a short time span it should only be used in conjunction with one or more of the other tips. In any case, play the firework sounds.

   4. Sedation

   If you do find it necessary to use medication or a thundershirt to calm your dog during the fireworks, remember that you must introduce any such tool at the right time, conditioning your dog to understand that the medication or thundershirt is there to bring them to a calm state.

   This means that you must bring your dog to that calm state first, then introduce the tool — before the fireworks and the anxiety begin. If she is already at an anxiety level of 8 or 9, then her mental state will overrule the medication. If she is already breathing heavily, then the thundershirt, which is designed to slow her breathing, won’t work. A tool is an intellectual thing we use with a dog’s instincts. The challenge is knowing how and when to connect the two.

   5. Communication

   If you are going to be with your dog during the fireworks, sending the calming message that they are nothing to worry about will also help him to relax. Remember, though, while humans communicate with words, dogs communicate with energy, and will look to their pack leader for clues on how they should behave. If you’re not making a big deal or showing excitement about the fireworks, then he will learn to be less concerned as well.

   In all cases above, expend your dog’s excess energy first, before the fireworks start, by taking her on a very long walk to tire her out and put her in a calm state.

   Most importantly, don’t think of this in terms of your dog as your child who is missing out on a great, fun time. That’s human guilt. Your dog won’t know what she’s missing. You’re being a good pack leader by not exposing her to a situation that will trigger her flight instinct in a negative way. When the booms and bangs of Independence Day are over, your dog will be grateful to you for having made it a less stressful experience!

   Source: https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/hyperactivity-overexcitement/how-to-keep-your-dog-safe-and-calm-during-fireworks

   for additional information, visit: https://www.labradortraininghq.com/labrador-behavior/help-dog-scared-of-fireworks/

    

4. 6 Ways to Protect Your Dog from Summer Heat and Heat Stroke

   June 28, 2016 5:54 pm Comments Off on 6 Ways to Protect Your Dog from Summer Heat and Heat Stroke

   6 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM SUMMER HEAT AND HEAT STROKE

   By Vicki Clinebell, courtesy of: Dogtime.com

   

   Protect your pets like they protect you. (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

   As warmer summertime temperatures approach, it’s important to remember that dogs are vulnerable to injuries and illnesses related to hot weather including heat stroke, sunburn, and foot pad burns. The most dangerous condition is heat stroke, which can cause organ failure, seizures, brain damage, hemorrhages, blindness, convulsions and even death.

   Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are dangerous situations for any dog. Heat exhaustion is generally the early stages when a dog begins overheating. You can often remedy the effects by taking immediate action to reduce the animals’ body temperature and prevent the more deadly heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, rapid panting, and the skin inside the ears reddening. Get your dog inside quickly to a cooler area like a basement or near a fan, and offer fresh water. Dampen the skin with lukewarm water and allow it to air-dry.

   

   Don’t use cold water, room temperature water is better. (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

   Heatstroke occurs when the dogs’ normal body mechanisms cannot keep body temperature in a safe range. Dogs don’t have the ability to sweat, and panting can’t fully cool a dog down when they are overheated. A dogs’ normal body temperature is 100-102.5 degrees, a body temperature over 106 degrees is deadly and calls for immediate veterinary assistance. Signs of heat stroke include rapid panting, a bright red tongue, red or pale gums, and thick, sticky saliva. The dog may show depression, weakness and dizziness, vomiting – sometimes with blood, diarrhea, shock, and coma.

   Any pet that cannot cool himself off is at risk for heat stroke, but some breeds and dogs with certain conditions are more susceptible. Heart disease, obesity, older age, or breathing problems put the dog at higher risk, and for these animals even normal activities in intense heat can be harmful. Dogs with shorter snouts – like Pugs or Bulldogs – have a harder time panting out their body heat, and certain breeds don’t tolerate the heat as well as others. This group includes English and French Bulldogs, Boxers, the Saint Bernard, Pugs, and Shih Tzu.

   

   Always make sure your dog has plenty of water. (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

   What can a pet-parent do to prevent heat stroke danger? Be smart and proactive!

   1. When the temperature is high, don’t let your dog linger on hot surfaces like asphalt and cement. Being so close to the ground can heat their body quickly and is also an invitation to burns on sensitive paw pads. Keep walks to a minimum.
   2. Giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut can help prevent overheating, but never shave to the skin, the dog needs one-inch of protection to avoid getting sunburned.
   3. Provide access to fresh water at all times. Make certain an outside dog has access to shade and plenty of cool water.
   4. Restrict exercise when temperatures soar, and do not muzzle the dog because it inhibits their ability to pant.
   5. Many dogs enjoy a swim, splashing in a wading pool, or a run through a sprinkler in warmer weather can help bring body temperatures down.
   6. Never leave your pet in a parked car, not even if you park in the shade or plan to be gone for only a few minutes. The temperature inside of a car can reach oven-like temperatures in just minutes, often in excess of 140 degrees. That quick errand can turn into a disaster and could be fatal for your pet.

   If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, fast action might save their life. Remove the dog from the hot area immediately. Wet him thoroughly with cool to room temperature water and increase air movement around him with a fan. Do not use ice or very cold water: it can be counterproductive since cooling too quickly can trigger other life-threatening conditions. Allow free access to water, but don’t force the animal to drink: they may inhale it or choke.

   Even if the dog seems to be recovering, take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Dehydration is just one complication of heat stroke that the veterinarian will need to address. The first priority will be lowering the body temperature to a safe range, and the animal may be given fluids and/or oxygen. A pet brought in for heat stroke should be monitored for shock, respiratory distress, kidney failure and heart abnormalities, and treated accordingly. Your doctor may take blood samples, since clotting problems are a common complication of heat stroke. Dogs who have suffered from heat stroke once increase their risk of getting it again, so steps to prevent it must be taken. For them, hot and humid days will always pose a greater danger.

   If any of the organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys have been severely harmed during the heat stroke, the consequences may be irreversible.

   Dogs are by nature protective of their owners. Responsible owners must return the favor by protecting their pets from the dangers of excessive heat so they can safely enjoy the welcome warmth of the new outdoor season.

   Read more at http://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/21665-protect-your-dog-from-summer-heat-and-heat-stroke#v6dshYyuuzsalrmy.99

5. Quen Needs a Home

   March 2, 2016 4:50 pm Comments Off on Quen Needs a Home

   

   Quen is a sweet, 2.5 year old, 55lb pittie mix who is seeking a foster, foster-to-adopt, or forever home.  Quen loves spending time with people:  he is game for cuddling and watching TV, going running, or even hiking; as long as you’re with him, he’s very happy.  Quen is crate- and house-trained, and Canine Good Citizen trained.  He has worked especially hard on his impulse and excitement control.  Quen loves chewing on his own toys and will leave your things alone.  Quen doesn’t mind being left alone while you’re at work, in the crate or out of it, and can go without a bathroom break during a standard work day.  Quen is very vocal–not with barking, but with a range of rumbling-type noises–they can sound scary to some people, but for the people who know him, he’s usually expressing that he wants to get in your lap, wants you to pet him, or needs help getting a toy he knocked under the couch.  Once Quen bonds with you, he will pretty much let you do anything–put him in sweaters, carry him to the bathtub, trim his nails.  Quen is great at the vet, does well when boarded, and is good in the car.

   Quen is doing very well in his current foster home, but another dog in the home has become ill, so Quen needs to find another foster home so the other dog can recover.  Quen is very much a dog who needs time and space, but once he becomes accustomed to a routine or is exposed to things enough, he usually gets used to them and will at least ignore them.

   A video posted by FETCH a Cure (@fetchacure) on Feb 25, 2016 at 8:38am PST

    

   Quen has some special needs.  First, he has environmental allergies that we are working on controlling with immunotherapy.  Every now and then, these allergies flare up due to stress or environmental factors, and he will need additional medication.  This can be a costly medical condition, but while he is in FETCH a Cure’s care (via foster), his medical bills are covered by the organization.

   Second, Quen has fear of most strange dogs, and does not do well meeting them–he can eventually get used to some dogs, but only with careful, slow introductions.  His fear instincts are to go on the offensive and to lunge and growl; he’s never done anything more than scratch another dog.  He particularly dislikes high energy dogs.  Quen does best with similarly scared dogs and has made quite a few friends with calm dogs or very submissive dogs in the prisons.  Quen’s fear of dogs is not typically disruptive on walks–he is fine with most dogs at a distance and will continue on his way.

   Third, Quen is frightened of some people who are intimidating or people who are scared and hesitant around dogs.  Quen has never harmed a person, but can seem scary when he’s scared.  He also feels the need to protect some of his friends from strangers.  With appropriate introductions to people who may be less experienced, he does very well–whoever takes Quen home will be trained on how to introduce him to people and help Quen make the right decisions.

   Quen comes with a ton of support:  one-on-one and group training with a professional trainer, free petsitting for life from his current foster mom, and a Pen Pals Coordinator who is available via phone 24/7.  If you have a home available for Quen, even just as a foster parent, we would all be over the moon.  Quen needs a home with no other pets and with kids teen and up.  He has done well in the city, the suburbs, and rural areas.  Quen would love a home with an experienced, confident handler who is willing to continue his training.