Comfort dogs

Jackbirdie

Today, finally, after months of chemo and not being able to risk being exposed to germs, my buddy Jack and I got to return to his job. He is a Furry Friends therapy dog, and made a lot of people smile at the Lifecare center today. I was so proud of him. Of course, he's been my personal therapydog all through this mess, but it was wonderful to share him with others..

One brave but unfortunate woman, just 20, was in a terrible accident. Appeared as if she has broken or severely injured her neck. She had the presence of mind to throw her dog out the window as her truck began to roll and it saved his life. She was really missing him and was tearful at having my cuddle bug, with permission, get on the bed with her and laid his head on her chest. For a minute, I got out of my own sorry head. That's why I do it, I realized, once again.

Freygea

You have a heart of gold Jackbirdie.

Bren-2007

Katy .. that is so cool. What a wonderful thing you and Jack are doing. It feels good to get out of our head for a little bit and bring some joy to someone else.

hugs

Bren

Jackbirdie

it really does. Thank you. Both of you.

glennie19

Katy, I'm so glad you and Jack were able to bring some comfort to that woman.  Animals bring such comfort.

Bren-2007

Hi Guys,

I gave Dottie a bath this morning. OMG ... the lady at the shelter said she was fine with getting a bath. Ha! I got everything ready next to the tub and then went to get her. She took off running. Finally caught up with her and she got real low on the floor and then peed. I think she was scared. The bath itself wasn't too bad. Water and shampoo everywhere! I didn't realize the hand-held shower thing was on ... damn thing was spraying all over the floor! I gave her a treat when it was over and used a doggie comb to brush her. She's shedding a lot right now.

Are your dogs shedding a lot or is it her breed (blue heeler/border collie)?

I brush both of them at least twice a day. Tank's looking really good! He ran and hid during the bath fiasco.

Hope everyone is doing well,

hugs

Bren

Spookiesmom

She may be shedding a bit more now because she's relaxing, getting better care and food. Shedding goes on year round, her hair is longer, so more noticeable. Don't clip her down, she will get sunburned, she will still shed. The long hair also acts as insulation.

Bren-2007

Spookiesmom ... Dottie has short hair ... like a blue heeler. I've been brushing her twice a day. My sis has a blue heeler mix and he sheds all the time too. I didn't realize that dogs with short hair could shed so much. It's okay ... they both live indoors, so I just do extra sweeping and vacuuming. I'm hoping that regular brushing helps. Thank goodness both of them love to be brushed.

It's been pretty hot here so I was wondering if that had something to do with all the shedding.

I was feeding them Blue Buffalo ... the really expensive stuff ... but Tank didn't like it at all. So they're on Beneful right now until I can find a better one that he likes. She'll eat anything.

Think I'll do a search of blue heelers on line and see what I can find out.

hugs

Bren

http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/australian-cattle-dog

Spookiesmom

My Aussie shed year round, it's hot here from March to Nov. not sure how much that had to do with anything. Twice a year, spring and fall he'd blow coat BIG time. Came out in hunks. I always told him it looked a lot better on him than the floor, but I loved him anyway.

I've never fed BB, expensive!!! Usually they get Science Diet.

glennie19

Canidae dogs over here.

Spookiesmom

Does Ava like it, poos ok?

glennie19

oh, yeah, she loves it. The rescue group has all the bulldogs on it, and I didn't want to change her diet.  Plus I had previously had Rocco on that brand too.  Ava is on the no-grain version, wet and dry.

glennie19

anyone watching Dr Jeff, Rocky Mountain Vet on Animal Planet?  It's a nice feel-good show about a cool vet and his interesting patients,,, sometimes he makes house calls.  Or barn calls.  Last week, he needed to vaccinate some female buffalo!

Bren-2007

Spookiesmom,

I forgot about Science Diet ... used it a long time ago. Think I'll give it a try next time I buy dog food. It's got to be better than Beneful, even though Tank loves the stuff! His coat sure looked good when he was eating the Buffalo food. What a hassle though ... had to drive 15 miles to the nearest Tractor Supply Store to get it.

hugs

Bren

Bren-2007

Spookiesmom

Yep! Now Spookie wants picked up and hugs while I'm there!!

Spookiesmom

check out Dog Foodadvisor. Rates all the dog foods. I don't know how to do links.

glennie19

Whole Dog Journal has reviews of dog food too.

norita19

Bren-2007, Tractor Supply's own brand, 4-health is a good food. They have both kibble and canned.

Spookiesmom

is it made in USA

Bren-2007

Thanks for the tip Norita ... I'll check the Tractor website and check on their own food.

Spookiesmom ... I'll let you know what I find out and if it's made in the USA.

hugs

Bren

http://www.dogfoodinsider.com/4health-dog-food-review/

Looks like it's made in the US. I think I'll give it a try when we start to run out of the Beneful.

Spookiesmom

bump

susan3

susan3

Spookiesmom

who is this cutie? Yours?

susan3

susan3

susan3

My neighbors dog

susan3

my dog, shelby

susan3

she loves her bed