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

Is Dog DNA Cool or Not?

Being an owner of two mixed breed dogs, I've often wondered "What breed are they?" It is the question of every mixed breed owner. Dogs that look like purebreds to dogs that have no distinguishable characteristics of any breed. Then a couple years ago I saw an ad for Dog DNA Testing, so I sent for the kit and tested Cupcake, of course, when we adopted Skye we had her tested too.

For anyone interested in testing their dog, here's how it works, first you contact a Dog DNA Testing Lab like  Wisdom Panel . The kit will cost $60-$79 and contains two swabs, labels, instructions, and return envelope. Your part is very easy, swab your dog between the cheek and gum, place it in the sterile return pouch and mail it back to the lab. Then all you do is register online and you will get the results in about two or three weeks.

The results will come in the form of a chart showing the make of you dog's grandparents and parents, it will also break down the mixed breeds and their percentage. In addition, you will get a history and traits of  you dogs prominent breed.

As for our results:

          Cupcake

Border Collie
Rottweiler crossed with
Vizsla and German Shepard
other breeds include  
White Swiss Shepard, Kuvasz, and Field Spaniel


It's always suggested that whole pack gathers for the opening of the results. Cupcake and Skye were very excited to hear their breed makeup and we were amazed the breeds that they were mixed with.  Since we tested them and read about their breed mixture, we can identify traits that are associated with their breed makeup.
                                                                                                                                                                             Skye

                                                 
   Border Collie
   crossed with
   Boxer and Samoyed   
other breeds include Icelandic Sheepdog and  Australian Cattle Dog                                                                                                                         


My opinion of  Dog DNA Testing is worth the cost and very cool.

Meet Skye

Chili was my friend and the best dog, there will forever be only one chili and he will forever be within my heart and in spirit. His passing was hard to take and I grieved heavily for a week. But my nature as a lover of dogs made me yearn for another companion so I ventured to the shelters in search of another fur friend.

For me, selecting is all about connections, a meeting of spirits mingling together on first impressions, so after visiting numerous shelters and humane societies within two counties with no success, I visited the Manatee County Animal Services (the pound) and found--Skye.

Skye is a four years old  Australian Shepard mix.
Her story  of abuse centers on her always being caged and used to continually produce puppies. She was then dumped on the street and was found by Animal Services wandering in a field. Besides testing positive for heart worms, she is in good health.

On the bright side, Skye is very gentle, laid back, very smart, a fast learner, and was very happy to have a sister (Cupcake) and a pack mom (Nadine). Now she frolics in the yard, plays with toys and her sister, enjoys basking in the sun, laying on the bed, and driving around town with her head out the window catching the wind.. No more puppies or cages, from going to the beach to barking and eating biscuits she's loving her forever home.

  For me and Skye, our connections was one of want and and need and our bond grows stronger every day.

Merry Xmas

Merry Xmas to all of our faithful followers, our pack is ready to tear open the gifts, play with the toys and devour the treats. May your pack be playful and remember all of the rescues that are still wishing for a forever home.

Paws and Barks

The Paradise Pack           

Skye Update

Great news for Skye she is now heartworm free going on four months. I really have to thank the Monsanto Co., They are the one's who paided for her heartworm treatment, which would have cost me $800.

Skye is very happy and is adjusting into her forever home.To think that such a pretty, smart and gentle dog would be used as a breeding machine and then dumped in a field like trash. What sick and cruel people, that's why animals are so much better than some humans.

So happy times Skye, extra biscuits for you and Cupcake--you deserve it!

Sad News

Please take a moment to reflect on the passing of Chili, our 17 year old Aussie Shepard Mix.
He was a one of a kind and will be missed dearly by our pack.

I have written a poem to  my best friend who I will always love in my heart.

Chant for Chili

Death is swift

Sorrow is lasting

Body descends into earth 

The cycle of life is complete

A life that was rescued

Given love and affection 

In return you were loyal

Giving unconditional love

Provided happiness

A companion by my side 

You gave me happiness when my world was dark

Comforted me in illness when pain was at its worse

Waiting for me through my bleakest hours 

A Brother

Healer

Spiritual guide 

I wrap you in blanket

Lay you in the grave

Place items for your journey

To protect and light your way 

My hands are on the shovel

Dirt placed to seal the tomb

Your final rest in tranquility

Till you reach the Otherworld 

I am blessed to have had you

Our bond was very strong

Your passing created lots of tears

A void within my heart 

I know I will seek another

To give a rescued life

Giving love and affection

Like I did you in life 

My tears rain upon your grave

Your image in my mind,

We’ll meet in dreams

Walk the stars and ride the wind

Spirits of the alpha male to this we are a kin 

I wait the day of my passing

To see you again

On my journey to the afterlife—

Till then

Farewell my Chili,

Farewell

 

 

Your Dog and Skin Problems

Your dog's coat and skin are great indicators of its general health and condition. Skin disease is a common problem among dogs and is attributable to insects, environmental and hormonal issues. These diseases can be very disturbing to your dog and frustrating to you if left untreated, but most skin diseases are treatable and with some preventive measures your dog will enjoy a healthier life.

 Skin and Coat

A dog's skin is different from a human's. Human skin is tough and has a good supply of blood vessels and sweat glands, whereas, a dog's skin is more sensitive and thinner with no sweat glands (except in feet pads). 

In addition, its skin helps retain water in the tissues; it’s essential in producing vitamins, iinsulates for extreme hot and cold temperatures and is a barrier against foreign bodies/bacteria.

A dog's skin consists of two layers. The outer layer (epidermis) covers the nose and feet pads; it is scaly and tough, but the creases of the groin and under the legs are thin. The inside layer (dermis) nourishes the epidermis and produces hair follicles, toenails and the sebaceous glands, which secrete oil for waterproofing the coat. 

Fleas

Fleas are the most common skin problem for dogs. Fleas are a parasite and can be seen as black and white (flea eggs and feces) sand size specs in the coat. Flea bites cause a mild itching and are found around the tail, hindquarters and back. In cases of heavy, untreated flea infestation, severe anemia or death may occur.

To treat flea bites, an owner must rid the dog of fleas with flea shampoo, collar, dusting or spray. Bedding and carpets (in the home) should also be treated.

 

Ticks

Ticks are small, flat insects; they usually attach to a dog around the neck, head and between the toes, and then continually feed on the dog. All ticks are capable of transmitting diseases such as, tularemia, encephalitis, Q-fever or Rocky Mountain spotted fever and may cause tick 'paralysis.

To treat for ticks, you must first kill the tick. Apply alcohol, fingernail polish or ether to the tick with a Q-tip, and then grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and steadily pull until it detaches from the dog. This procedure is the easiest for a few ticks, but for heavier infestations, dips and dusting produce the best results.

Bedding and carpets should also be cleaned, and for outdoor tick control, grass, brushes and weeds should be cut and the area dusted or sprayed with insecticide.

 Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a deficiency of the thyroid gland, under producing the thyroid hormone. This disease causes the coat to become thin and the hair course and brittle that easy falls out. The skin also becomes thick, dark in color and tough. It also affects the dog's energy level, causing it to become lethargic, have droopy eyelids and lack mental sharpness.

Treatment for hypothyroidism requires a visit to a veterinarian, a blood test and daily thyroid hormone treatments. 

Sores

There are two common types of sores, lick and pressure. Lick sores are found on the ankle or wrist and are caused by constant licking of the same spot, causing the hair to be rubbed off. The spot then becomes red, shiny and itchy. Lick sores are signs that the dog is bored.  Applying cortisone will ease the itching, but interesting activities, a change in environment, being walked every day, a trip to a dog park, or maybe a new playmate will also be needed to prevent reoccurrences.

Pressure sores are found on the elbows, buttocks and sides of the legs. At first, they are gray, thick, hairless pads of skin, but left unchecked, they can cause the skin to break down.

Pressure sores are caused from laying on hard surfaces for long periods of time. 

Treatment is antibiotic cream along with thick, soft bedding to offset the hard surfaces.

 

Prevention

Basic prevention for dog skin problems are baths, brushing and grooming.

Generally, baths should be given once or twice a year.

Brush your dog about 10 minutes each day and clip its toenails as needed. Regularly check the coat, ears, feet pads and toenails for signs of any problems. Consult a veterinarian with any concerns and for the best skin prevention/treatment for your breed of dog.

 Related Sites

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