Dog Contest for a customer

Hey everyone.  This sweet dog was a customer of mine last fall and her parents put this photo in a dog contest would you mind going and helping her win?  thanks  Oh and vacation is well crazy but will save that for another post.

Feline Frenzy Bozeman May and June

I will be out of town for both event dates this year. Last year was just the one date out at the shelter and this time they are at least doing it in locations with more exposure. So where I won't be able to help them out physically I am helping get the word out! Go have a blast, adopt a cat if you can:0) I ended up with one last year and he is THE best ever...even enjoys playing fetch...yes fetch and he is a at. His sister was adopted right after their photoshoot with me and I couldn't refuse him. I think I got him at the Furry Valentine event however in Feb not the Feline Frenzy. Photos from last years event can be seen on my business blog: Storyteller Photography A Southern Touch FURtography

Details I just rec' via email~

It’s time to show those “dog people” who’s really in charge – and we need your help to do it!

Heart of the Valley is excited to announce several new feline-related volunteer opportunities and events aimed at raising the profile of the shelter cats and getting them adopted!

CAT ADOPT-A-THONS:

In order to get more adopted, we’re bringing the cats to the people!

· Saturday, May 16th from 11am to 3pm inside Macy’s at the Gallatin Valley Mall

· Saturday, June 20th from 11am to 5pm inside our own “Pet Store” retail space (where Zumiez used to be) in the Gallatin Valley Mall

We will need help setting up and taking down our displays, and staffing the adoption tables.

THE FELINE FRENZY!

Our annual feline festival is back, with something for every cat lover to enjoy: the Meet Your Match personality challenge, cat toy making and scavenger hunts for the kids, fun snacks, cat leash walking and clicker training demonstrations, the Cutest Cat photo contest, cat adopt-a-thon, and the Shelter Cat Olympics – competing in events such as fastest racer, highest jumper, longest whiskers, and more!



· Saturday, June 27th from 12-4pm at Heart of the Valley

We will need lots of volunteers to make these events a success!

If you can help at any of these events, let Angela know and we will get you scheduled!

(Kids are welcome to come help too!)



Angela Sandoval

Volunteer & Education Manager

Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter

1549 East Cameron Bridge Road

PO Box 11390

Bozeman, MT 59719

(406) 388-9399 extension 105

www.heartofthevalleyshelter.org

Dogs in Pickup Beds

Until yesterday when someone made a comment about riding in truck beds how it was legal for people in this one state but not the dog- I honestly never thought about the legalities from state to state for our dog to ride in the bed like I do for gun laws. So still searching and so far I have found tether laws.

STATES WITH TETHER LAWS
The following 24 states have tether laws:
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

Here's my thing out on the ranch or in the backwoods camping and say my dog gets sprayed by a skunk, finds the nearest cow patty, river or mud hole she thinks would be fun to play in....she is NOT coming in the cab of my truck. We have one truck it doesn't matter she can go in cab or bed either way no biggie. BUT in the other it is all blue velor interior and she is no questions asked not allowed in the cab except maybe in an extreme situation. she has mostly white fur which will be a pita to get the fur out of the truck.

She LOVES the bed of the truck. I know from reading around that many of you think that is not an excuse or reason to allow her in the bed of the truck...whatever get over it. Everything in life is fun and games until someone gets hurt then you want to make a law against it or how it is enjoyed.

We leave the back window open so one if I need to get her attn for barking or two if in the one truck she is allowed to come in and out as she pleases but prefers to be out. When I walk away from the truck to ensure that something doesn't grab her attn and she jump or someone decide she is so pretty they want her and entice her to come out of the truck I do tether her with enough lead so if in the one truck she wants to go inside the cab if the direct sunlight gets to be too much for her mostly white coated body. We use solar fans on the windows to help control temps inside and of course the back window is open for her. We always carry a bowl and gallon water jug to be sure she has water in the summer months.

I really don't care if you are for or against my dog or dogs in general riding in pickup beds this is an individuals right and more stupid people making stupid laws is not going to change how we do things. Don't get me wrong in the beginning I worried about her falling or worse jumping. But you know we took it slow and as time went on she learned the motions of the truck and how to position her body on turns. When I speed up she lays down, when I slow down she sits up and when I stop she stands. It has really been enlightening watching her as she learned. Has she lost her footing?- sure did she fall out? no. I didn't use to allow her on the toolbox, but that is her preference so got a non skid strips to cover the top to help give her better footing.

I had to blog this because in my searching for LAWS I keep getting the bads of it by animal nut activists that can't help but put their noses in other peoples business and claim those that let their dogs in the pickup bed are stupid ignorant people that don't love their dogs. GET OVER YOURSELVES!! We LOVE our dog. If she is in the bed of the truck which is typical and really even when she isn't in the back I rarely do speed limit anyhow. We don't drive like a bat out of hell. Don't like the fact I don't do speed limit when it is safe pass me I don't care but don't honk and flip me off because you think it is just not right.

Worried about your kid getting bit because you weren't paying attention to YOUR child that goes over and wants to pet the pretty puppy tethered or not but in the back of a truck=child could get bit. So you go and sue the owner for your child being bit by a dog that was in the confines of its own property. All the dog was doing was guarding its territory its YOUR neglegance and you take NO responsibility for YOUR actions or lack there of. It is people like you I cannot stand and is ruining this country.

As fulltime RVers after coming across the one information about a state that allows no dogs in truck beds something that has/had never crossed my mind before is what led me to an online search and sorry but all you people that feel the need to butt in is making it really difficult to find the actual laws that states no dogs in pickup beds because the net is filled with "horror" stories of the whys you shouldn't do it; how we that do allow it should have our rights to pet ownership taken away. The only concrete thing I have found is the tethering law in the states listed above. I have read from some where it is illegal in the state in which they reside but no reference as to where they got that information so until I do see that I am not reporting those states as having the law of no dogs in pickup beds.

If it is a law in your state and you want to make reference to it to help inform me and others then please do so politely with reference link so it can be found.

DO NOT go on a bashing about pet owners that allow this are stupid because I will delete your comment.

Everyone is entitled to their thoughts and opinions and what you read here is mine. Do I love my dog you bet sometimes more than my husband and kids; I don't care what in life you are doing it can be dangerous even the simplest things...if you want to go live in a bubble go for it, but leave my world alone. She doesn't ride in the back in extreme weather winter or summer but fortunate for us we are in MT and there is enough enjoyment times she can ride in the back and there is enough farmers and ranchers to keep this stupid law out of Montana:0) If you don't like it move to a state that does not allow this or look the other way so you can't see my dog in the back of her beloved truck.

4 legged rv buddy workout tips

I came across this and thought it was worthwhile to repost here.  Salem the cat I think gets more excersize than our dog Paige.  Paige gets 4 mini walks a day and a couple good runs a month only because I am NOT a winter person and do become somewhat of a bear and hibernate in the winter months.  Salem the cat plays fetch and will awaken you at 3 a.m. if the mood strikes him...lol if you think I am joking bunk in my rv for a night and you shall see.  now as spring I think is trying emerge and warmer/longer days approach I do get out more, but this year haven't hit the gym yet so I am going to have to start out slow and steady as well.  anyhow here are tips for your 4 legged rving buddy.

Just as it would be hard for you to go out and jog for 45 minutes if you haven't worked out in 6 months, it's also hard for your dog if it is not used to a regular exercise period. Be sure to get your veterinarian's okay before beginning your pet's exercise routine. Pat Robbins from the RVPets forum offers these tips to help you get started:

a. Start slowly, gradually increasing the time and intensity of the activity. This will safely strengthen your dog's muscles, aerobic capacity, and footpads.

b. Pay attention to how your dog is feeling. Signs that your pet needs to slow down or stop include drooling, stumbling, trouble breathing, and a long, droopy tongue. Take a break and consider making tomorrow's workout shorter. Also remember that in hot weather your dog can't sweat like you do to keep cool.

c. Concrete and asphalt [and different sized gravel, pebbles and stones found in many RV parks] are tough on your friends' paws--especially on hot days. Try to walk or run on dirt paths (or grass) as much as possible.

d. The longer you work out, the more water Fido needs. Bring along a collapsible water dish to help your pet stay hydrated. *for us we usually train our dogs to even drink from our water bottles so they we don't have to bring that one extra item*

e. Be realistic about your pet's limitations. Many smaller breeds love going for a brisk walk, but you'll probably have to carry them on a strenuous hike. Animals with a thin coat will not tolerate cold weather very well, whereas dogs with thick coats don't do well in the summer heat.

f. You should avoid strenuous exercise with your dog until he is finished growing (after 9-12 months for most dogs).

Time Involved: At least 10 minutes every day

Body Benefit: Healthy heart and lungs for both of you

TRAVELLING WITH PETS

TRAVELLING WITH PETS – KOA shared these tips in a Google RV Alert – 

• Ask if the RV Park allows pets on the premises.
• Ask about park's pet rules such as use of pet-pens; or size/breed restrictions; or if # of pets is limited.
• Never lock pets inside an RV without the A/C running or proper ventilation. John and I prefer to use several fans working off our inverter rather than A/C – just in case park power goes out.
• Provide pet with plenty of water. Ours are in their ‘house’ (a cage) when we are gone.
  Never tie a pet to an RV with a metal chain. A power surge or improperly grounded facilities can travel along the chain and injure or kill the pet.
• Check type of metal steps on the RV. Small holes in steps may allow claws to become stuck and cause injury when pets try to free their foot. You may have to cover with carpet for protection.

Rescue Remedy

Our dog Patches has been going thru serious separation anxiety issues. We have tried most everything short of anxiety meds that was suggested. I just don't believe in dogs should be popping pills like the majority of todays society. It is only a band aid in my mind. I am into homeopathic, herbal alternatives to help ease while you correct the source of the problem. I recently came across Rescue Remedy. Like in any case it has worked for some, but not others. Here is more information on it. If you have thoughts or first hand experience please post a comment. I only wish I had come across this product to try before having to give my little man Patriot... Paiges' father. I miss him terribly but I was going to kill him with our traveling lifestyle by slowly eating away at the lining in his tummy everytime he puked.

Anyhow after we finally try it I will do an update blog on our results:

Rescue® Remedy Pet

Rescue Remedy Pet is a new formula specifically for pets. It can be used for an immediate calming effect in any stressful situation, or when your pet needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioral problems. Visit www.rescueremedy.com/pets for
more information.

Prozac for your pet???

Ok I am sorry. In humans got a problem pop a pill don't worry about getting to the source this "bandaid" will make it all better! And now they are saying to do the same for dogs!! Give them Prozac or equivalent???

This was recently suggested to us for Patches to help her over come her separation anxiety and now this morning I see it is a topic on the Today show. We have chosen to continue thru therapy to help Patch. We rescued her from a shelter in Wyoming last December. She wouldn't attach to anyone really but it was noticed she took attn to Kelda so we made it a point to let Kelda take control of her training. She did latch on and fell in love with Kelda. Sadly too much so. To the point Kelda couldn't as much take the garbage out without her coming literally unglued. We tried leaving her home and she proceeded to rip out the screens in any open window. She ended up ripping out every screen in our old RV in the matter of a 15 min trial of leaving her alone. I know you are asking what about crating her. Yeah right!! I didn't use to believe in crates I felt what was the purpose in having a dog at home to help protect if they are locked up. It felt cruel. Then having this same issue with my Norwegian Elkhound, then further learning thru ownership of a Boxer that my home was safer if I used a crate. So I became a believer years ago in crate training and we have tried from day one of Patches rescue. We have not succeeded in the least. We nearly got kicked out of an RV park because we had to leave her one night so crated her and the mngr said either she goes or we go she barked the entire 3.5 hours we were gone!! Fortunately I have proven my appologies and she is still with us though never left alone. Yes this is hard in times she can't go. I have found we can leave her in the truck and she is content so as long as it isn't critically hot out she should be fine. Fortunately MT doesn't get many of those days.

We tried finding her a home, we don't believe in meds and I have always firmly believed she is just meant to be with us and not being able to find her a home even if we didn't bring up about her anxiety issues I was further convinced her life is with us. Her time here isn't done yet. In my book aside from the anxiety issues she is the perfect dog. I HATE with a passion barking dogs. There is a time and place for barking but when I say enough is enough you should shut up. She rarely barks even when there is a need to bark. She will give a low growl to tip us off that we need to check into things, but that is about her extent. She no longer does her potty business indoors, not a garbage digger, if not chained up outside she isn't a yard digger either. Indoors she is an absolute laid back dog yet you get her outdoors and she has all the energy in the world and sticks nearby without her leash.

We have accomplished her training and integration into the family thus far without meds and I don't believe in pill popping no matter if this is for me, my husband, my children not even my pets. Yes there is a place for it like when Pris was in pain in her final days to help her thru. Could we have put her to sleep sooner....sure we could have. I was being selfish and it just didn't feel like the right time. I kept seeing life in her that glow was not out of her eyes yet. I knew in the final week we were getting close and really the day we had her put to sleep had we left her she was in the process of passing away when we woke her up to go for our vet appt. We could have saved the $40 and allow her to finish going naturally but how much pain was she in??

What I am saying is medications have their place but should not be a band aid to everything wrong in our lives including our pets.

Breastfeeding and Premium Dog Food

Silly title huh?

Well during a time I have contemplated going to a cheaper dog food for financial reasons a discussion came up on a forum I frequent on breastfeeding and by this time we had to get a small bag of cheap dogfood to get us until payday.

I got to thinking back when I had to use formula with Benjamin as my milk suddenly dried up. The stuff stinks first off no sooner than you open the can, stains everything, poop and belches smell horrendous!

Well cheap dogfood aside from making my dogs puke the poops smell awful too.

So my conclusion this week on both is that they fall into the same category. Cheap dogfood and baby formula fall into the same category and you get the same results the shit stinks. lol.

NOTE I have nothing against bottle feeding your baby with formula. This route is used for a number of reasons and the babies all get to their point they are to be in life no matter how they are fed during infancy. Cheap dogfood does fine for some dogs and if it is what is available for your budget then so be it.

We have since decided sorry it is simply $40 every 2 weeks for dogfood. If we can't do that for our pets we don't deserve the love they give back to us.

Freya's Gone:0(

Well with us fulltime RVing and Freya's new desire to be outdoors we felt it best to find her a new home:0( sniff sniff. She will be missed but it appears she has gone to a well fit home. They live on an acre of land and right next to a large alfalfa field...lots of mice eattings there for her!! She will be missed but never forgotten. After all it is because of her Carl seems to be past his cat allergy for the most part. She left a couple days ago and seems happy. Has chosen to not be indoors really but they are in a position to allow her to go where she wishes. I know it is what was best for her but doesn't mean it was easy. I thought for sure she was with us for life.

Salem hasn't a care in the world and very content indoors. So unless now with Frey frey gone unless Carl starts to have reactions again Salem will remain our one and only cat. He will be a year old the end of October:-) He is a creature of comfort and loves to be loved on oh and he loves to play fetch with pens and pencils! He will bring the pencil back to be tossed again...lol. He has this most adorable purr meow combo that is real loud that he wants to play and once you play with him life is grand in his world.