Treats from the Swamp

Dog owners are always looking for new dog foods and treats for their beloved companions, of course,

  

Courtesy of Wiki Commons 

owners must use caution and avoid some foods and treats that are made out of the USA that have been determined harmful to dogs. But there is one brand of foods and treats called Wild Nutria by Marsh Dog that in good conscious I can't feed my dogs, caused their main ingredient is Nutria, yes good old Swamp Rat!

Nutria(Myocasta Coypus) is an invasive species to the US since the 1800s, they were introduced from South America for their fur to replace our dwindling beaver population. When the fur market collapsed in the mid-1900s, many of the Nutria farmers couldn't afford to care for these animals and released them into the wild. The Nutria survived in their non-native home and thrived. They expanded their territory via rivers, streams, storms\hurricanes, thus, populating in almost every state, with Lousiana and the gulf coast one of the most populated, causing heavy damage to the wetlands, rivers, and lakes.

 Efforts to eradicate Nutria in most states have been null and in 2002 Louisiana Department of Wildlife (LDWF) issued a bounty on Nutria of $5(which was raised to$6 in 2019) to hunters and trappers. Apparently, the bounty did not reduce the population, so if you can't eradicate them --you eat them! In 2002, Marsh Dogs began processing their dog food and treats.

For those who do not know about this rodent, here is some information, Nutria (Coypus) is a big rodent native to South America. It grows between 17 to 25 inches from head to rump and it's tail 10 to 16 inches. Nutria weighs between 15 and 22 pounds and looks like a cross between a raccoon and a giant rat with two large orange teeth and rounded tail. It has three litters per year with 2 to 13 offspring per litter.

Nutria is semi-aquatic creatures who prefer freshwater to saltwater and live in burrows and connected tunnels near rivers, canals, lakes, and wetlands. They have a voracious appetite for wetland plants, roots, bark and occasionally, snails and insects, sugar cane, rice, and corn.

According to the Marsh Dog, Nutria has more protein and less fat than chicken, but to me, it's still swamp rat. Perhaps, I am too picky about what my pets eat, or maybe it's because they are rescues and I am overprotective, but still--swamp rat!

Would you feed your dog Wild Nutria? 

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Courtesy of Wiki Commons

Ref.

https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Nutria

What is Fawn?

Fawn is a rescue dog which we've had for about six months.
This brings us to the question of which breed(s) is she? To find out, this Xmas fawn received a DNA kit from Santa Dog.
Any bets, everyone has an opinion so we're asking for yours. Just put them in the comments on this blog and if your right, you'll get bragging rights along with an acknowledgment on this blog for the world to see.

To help you along I've added some pics of Fawn and here are some specs.
Color: Reddish Brown
Eyes: Brown
Weight: 35
Age: 2
The shelter listed her as a Kelpie.

So give your best guess, it will be fun, free and you may even be right, but hurry, the results will be here in less than two weeks and Fawn is waiting to hear from you.

Introducing Fawn

Skye was a terrible, unexpected loss for us(read the previous post), but we are a two dog household and it's my nature to rescue, so I hit the rescue sites and shelters, but I couldn't find any connections with any possible candidates until I went to the Humane Society of Sarasota where I found Fawn (formerly called Sophie).

Fawn was listed as a 2-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, 25 lbs, playful, gentle, and sociable. When I first saw Fawn she was curled up on her bed in the dog run. I asked the humane worker what her story was, he said that she was recently brought back because the adopters said she tore up their couch, it set off my curiosity to have a closer look at her.

Our first meeting was good, Fawn came up to me licked my hand and she let me pet her. A few minutes later she jumped up on the bench next to me laid there next to me while I petted her. The Humane worker said she never did that with anyone else. I did notice that Fawn favored her right back foot which looked like a club foot; I was told that apparently her foot was broken at one point and was never reset, but she can put pressure and run on it without any problems.

So what could I do? We definitely had a connection and I am one for taking in dogs with disabilities, but the big test would be Cupcake, who I happened to bring along. So off we went outside to meet and greet. Fawn was an instant hit with Nadine and to our surprise, Cupcake liked her too. Although most of my other dogs were bigger in size, Fawn seemed to fit in well with our family, but size is not a deeming factor, our connection was good and Cupcake's approval would ensure the harmony of our pack.

To date, we've had Fawn for over one month and she has exceeded all expectations, she is intelligent, easy to train, a good watchdog and she has learned the house rules quickly, she doesn't tear up furniture(as reported), goes outside routinely with Cupcake and  recently has been let outside off leash with no problems. She and Cupcake have adopted each other as sisters and Nadine as a pack mother.

So life goes on with our pack, it's always a joy to see rescue dogs come into their own personality, freeing of their spirit and the happiness of them with their environment. They are a comfort, companionship, delight, compassion and love ready to embrace their owner(s) and the world around them, so without further fanfare, our new pack member--Fawn.

Skye R.I.P.

Skye's a thief, she stole my heart and  kept it for herself. She stole my joy of loving her and buried it somewhere else.
We shunned away the evil world,our love was very strong, we petted, played our game of love in a place our very own. Skye said she'd stay forever and that she was safe at last, but the evil world raised its head and put my Skye to rest. She left without a whimper, so unexpectedly, our private place in shambles and my feelings are in void since I can't recover, all the things she stole.

 I lay her in the grass she loved under a setting sun, I can sense her blue eyes staring, my kneading of her coat as our love is sealed in the depths of time, forever Skye. Forever.

R.I.P. Skye

Skye with Sadness

With a heavy heart, tears and emotion, I regret to announce the passing of our beloved dog Skye, which was unexpected, sudden and with minor suffering.

Skye could be described as pure innocence, loving, very gentle and happy to have a forever home. Before she was rescued, she was abused, used as a puppy mill breeder and then thrown into the street after she contracted heartworms. But Skye was a fighter, she tolerated the heartworm treatments and overcame the disease.

For us she was one of our joys, the best of the best, we taught how to bark, how to get into a car and how to float on a pool raft. Skye loved her forever home, rolling in the grass, floating with us and her sister Cupcake, car rides, walks on the beach, shredding newspaper, getting dressed up and getting treats. Needless to say, her loss was a devastating blow, but she may have problems that resulted from having heartworms that we never knew (or told to us by the veterinarians), none the less, it does not lessen the loss or sorrow. We were glad to have given her a forever home and will forever have her in our hearts and forever she will be remembered --Skye. Rest In Peace.

Dogs and Holidays

Holidays are a great time, the bustle, holiday lights, presents, food and festive celebrations. It's a very busy time and sometimes hard to manage with work, family obligations and everything else that seems to be crammed into a weeks time.  In the midst of all this activity, it is easy to overlook the needs of your dog.

Dogs have emotions, they like structured routines and environments which are often altered during holidays, like, being fed/ taken out at different times, unfamiliar people in the house, noises, and  children. All or one of these things may trigger an unexpected behavior. So what should you do? First of all is knowing your dog. Is it calm, high energy, sociable shy or timid. Does it listen to commands, have a tendency to jump on people, will it wait to be given a treat or just snatch it out of your hand.

Second, all dogs are territorial, their owners, beds, toys, and food/biscuits are coveted items.Even the calmest dog has limits when it comes to "territorial matters." This is especially important with children who are more likely to invade your dog's space, play with it's toys and get in the dogs face. Some dogs have higher tolerance levels in these situations and it's good to know your dogs limits. These limits are important with rescued dogs due to their individual situations before they were rescued. So it's best to explain to guests what type of dog(s) you have, the tolerance levels and any other conditions they need to be aware of upon interaction with your pet.

Third and most importantly, dogs are very impressionable and reactional. Some people don't know how to handle dog(s) when they run up to them. When you're approached by a dog, do not scream and shout, or get highly agitated since dogs  feed off the energy of the person they are dealing with.Shouting or screaming will only intensify the dogs energy, also, do not raise your hand, punch or throw items at the dog, for it's considered an act of aggression on the dog's part. When a dog approaches, stay calm, put out the back of your hand out for the dog to smell and praise it for being good.

Fourth, dog owners need to use common sense, here are a few things to consider:
Before the parties and people begin, know what state your dog in. All the activity can be overwhelming to some dogs and they should be sequestered to a separate room where they feel comfortable and less threatened.
Always introduced your dog to somebody new, by doing so your dog will know that the person is not a threat.
Some dogs love children, they will let a child do almost anything to them. Some dogs feel children more  threating and have  lower tolerances when it comes to territorial matters.Owners need to be aware how their dog perceives children and act accordingly.
Every dog( even the calmest) has limits and triggers that cause unwanted behaviors. Owners should  be aware of where their dog is, what he/she is doing and with whom at all times to ensure their best behavior during your festive  activities.

Lastly, spend time with your dog during the holidays. I suggest taking about 15 minutes a day of just "dog time" for petting, playing and calming, so your dog doesn't feel neglected, and don't forget some extra treats once in a while for just being good. All  dogs need LDS (love, structure, and discipline), especially during the holiday season.

From Our Pack To Yours,

Have a safe Xmas and festive holiday season.

World Animal Day 2015

Today is World Animal Day. A day to recognize and improve conditions of animals around the world. So get involved, report animal abuse, sign petitions, donate to animal welfare organizations, and above all give extra love and attention to your pets.

           World Animal Day