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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