It's a Cats Life

Uh oh!

So sometime after 3:45 pm Monday and today my voice mail stopped working. Ruh roh!

I apologize to anyone that called and was confused/annoyed. I'm sorry!

Good news is that it's fixed and working just fine! I even got the messages that people left! Including one "I'm not sure if this is the voicemail...but if it is..!"

Whew. Always something, right?

Haiku is so embarrassed, she can't stand to look.
 

Cookie Walk is Tomorrow!

Oh my. I forgot the Cookie Walk is tomorrow. Tomorrow!

I got a lot of baking to do tonight. A LOT.

But that's ok, I love to bake!

The Cookie Walk is held Thursday, November 5th from 5 - 9 pm. Please stop in and say hi and get a free cookie! We'll have the recipes to give, too.

Here's a list of who's participating and where they are.

 Clip Clip Hooray at 2D Bond Street

Ballard-Bunting Boutique 79 E Main (rear)

d.a.n.c.e Inc 66 E Main

A Piece Of My Heart Quilt Shop 63 E Main (rear)

Carroll County Public Library 50 E Main

Pomeroy Jewelers 41 E Main

Artworks and Apparel Boutique 29 E Main

Performing Arts Connection 15 E Main

Let's Play Tag 7 E Main

Sugarplum Fairy 11 Liberty Street

Cecelia's Bridals 13 Liberty Street

Wireless Outfitters 13 Liberty Street

The Olde Liberty Shoppe 39 Liberty Street

The Hickory Stick 28 Liberty Street

Clementine's Country Boutique 18 John Street

Kebab Kitchen 57 W Main

Totelee Funkee Thrift Shop 58 1/2 W Main

Carroll Arts Center 91 W Main

Hope to see you tomorrow night!

My Cat is Weird

Switch the Shop Cat is weird. I just thought you should know.

do you see something?

Let's get closer...

 
  A new place to hang out!

Why Hallo!

 
She likes hanging out by the cards, too.

Silly little Siamese!

Rainy Day Tips

It's raining AGAIN! Look at it coming down...we need to start thinking about building an ark or growing gills. Since rainy days and dogs can create all kinds of havoc and discord, I thought I'd share some tips that I use every time it rains.

Tip #1 - Hand Walk Your Dog! Most dogs do not like getting wet. Even water lovin' dogs like labs don't care for going outside in the rain to potty. And many dogs won't. They will either hold it - which is bad for them - or pee somewhere inside - which is bad for you. Often pet professionals hear about sudden housebreaking lapses when it's wet or cold (or worse, cold and wet!) and worry their pet is sick or maybe "acting out". If your dog suddenly starts 'going' in the house when the weather turns icky, it's probably neither of those things. He probably just wants to pee where it's warm and dry and he feels comfortable. I think we all can relate to that! So leash up Fido, grab a baggie and take him for a quick walk - on a leash - whenever it's time for a bathroom break.

Tip #2 - Pick Up Poop ASAP! While we're on the subject of potty breaks and leash walking...it's time for Tip #2 (haha, get it?!) Pick up your dogs poop immediately. I mean, you should be doing this anyway, especially if you leash walk your dog. Not only is leaving poop laying around gross, but it is a fabulous way to transfer parasites and diseases to both other pets and wild animals, and to humans, especially little kids. It's also illegal and you can get fined. Anyway, it's the right thing to do, so pick up your poo! I know when it's wet or icy out it's really tempting to leave doody patrol for "later". You know, when it's nicer and you really feel like spending a gorgeous day picking up animal waste! Guilty! I think about it too. But when it's rainy, especially if it's going to rain for awhile, the poo will start to break out, fall apart, getting all squishy, soggy and hard to pick up. It's really best to just pick it up as soon as it hits the ground and get it over with. Grab a grocery bag when you leave the house (or your handy poop bag holder available in purty colors here at Clip Clip Hooray), even if you don't think your dog is going to poop. Because if you don't have a bag, you know he will! Just bag it up before it gets water logged and your life will be much better.

Tip #3 - Keep Cologne by the Door! If your dog is wet, he probably will go tearing through your house shaking and rolling on everything. When Haiku comes in from the rain she goes nuts! Shaking, rolling on the rugs, "sharking" on the sofa (you know, where they push themselves frantically with their hind legs why rubbing their face and shoulders on the cushions?) and generally doing everything she can to make everything in the house smell like Wet Dog. So I keep a bottle of pet cologne by the front door and give her a spritz or two before I take her leash off. At least then my sofa has a chance of smelling like Blackberries and Vanilla rather than wet dog. Plus it will help cover up the Wet Dog smell on your dog. It's another thing that will make your life better. Clip Clip Hooray has a selection of dog colognes, from sweet to floral to fruity to um, uh...we have lots of different scents! Yeah. Like Orange, Rainforest, Pomegranate, Sugar Cookie, Puppermint, Honey Lavender, Gingerbread and more. This is a good way to keep your pup smelling "salon fresh" in between groomings or baths, too.

There ya go. Three Rainy Day tips that I, personally, use every rainy day. The best part? Clip Clip Hooray has everything you need to help you out! Collars and leashes in all colors and sizes, colognes in all scents and poop bag holders and refills, also in all colors and patterns! So stop on in and take a look. We'll all get through it together!

ticks

It's no surprise to anyone living in this area that ticks are plentiful. Or at least, it SHOULD be no surprise...if that last sentence does surprise you, I'm concerned. Carroll County is covered in the little bastards.

I really hate ticks.

But not this tick! Actually, watching The Tick is almost guaranteed to make me fall asleep. I don't know why, but it does. Thanks to the husband's iron fisted control over our Netflix queue, I've been able to test this theory. And I've been sleeping quite well this week!

Anyway. Yesterday  Haiku, my friend Andie of Andies Doggy Do's, her Aussie, Steed and I went for a nice long walk in the woods. What a beautiful, perfect afternoon for it! We went walking back on the Union Mills Equestrian Trails. The dogs had soooo much fun! Since us humans were wearing white shirts, it was easy to see that we were picking up some ticks.

*worried*
 

Uh oh.

Well, when we got back to the truck, we checked over the dogs.

ZOMG!

They were infested! We started picking them off...then I decided I was just gonna bathe Haiku before I went home. Andie wasn't, she was just gonna pick them off. A few minutes and a million ticks later, she decided she was going to bathe him too! So we went back to her shop and spent an hour bathing, flea combing and picking ticks off our dogs.

Can't we just stay home and watch The Tick? And chew stuff?

 

Ticks are usually really bad around here. Especially this time of year, which is also when some people start thinking it's time to lay off the Frontline. BAD CHOICE. Haiku has picked up ticks at Morgan Run in January. Generally speaking, it's not cold enough, long enough here to stop using preventatives. And fleas? Never. But that's for another day. Definitely ask your vet for questions about avoiding fleas and ticks, what to use, how to use it and when to use it. Trying to rid your home or yard from them? Call a licensed exterminator. I'd don't have any recommendations (sorry!) I just ask my dad, since he's an IPM specialist.

Keep in mind that spot ons like Frontline are not a repellent. They won't protect your dog from getting fleas or ticks ON him, but it will kill them once they bite the dog.

Next time we got woods walking I'm using a repellent! If I find a good one I'll let you know.

SPOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!!

It's raining and pouring!

And will be until MONDAY! Man, it's gonna be a wet weekend. I'm disappointed...I love all aspects of Autumn, even cold, rainy days, but I was hoping to go trail riding this weekend. Oh well. Princess Haiku is disappointed because she hates getting her feet wet. On rainy days she usually opts to stay at home rather then get all wet and cold coming to work with me. I don't really blame her.

If you don't feel like dragging your dog out in the wet and cold, braving wet roads and bad drivers, or just don't want to waste your hard earned money getting your dog groomed when he's just going to get wet and stinky by the time you get home, like Haiku, I don't blame you either. I know I wouldn't do it! In fact, I don't do it and I don't even pay for having Haiku groomed!

Here's the deal: Call to cancel your appointment by 8 AM. Heck, call at 5:30 am and leave a message on my voice mail. I don't care. Call the night before. As long as you call to cancel your appointment by 8 AM it's no big deal. We'll get rescheduled and all will be well in the world. I want you to be happy with getting your dog groomed at Clip Clip Hooray, and to me, having a wet, stinky dog by the next day...doesn't make people happy. Sure, it's not my fault and there's nothing anyone can do about the weather, but why not wait a few days until it stops raining?

So, yes. It's ok with me! In fact, I already had one dog cancel this morning. She called at 7 am and left a message. No problem. Once it dries up we'll step up a new appointment.

Have a dog that doesn't go outside often or don't mind a few muddy paws? By all means, come on in! I'll be delighted to groom your dog! It's ok with me.

Please, please, please. Be sure to give yourself extra travel time. Yes, the traffic will suck. It will probably take longer than usual. Clip Clip Hooray is being forced into charging Late Fees and No Show Fees. I HATE IT. Please show up on time, or call to cancel. I don't want to have to have these fees.

As always, if you're running late or think you  might be late, call me! Call CCH and let me know. Oftentimes it's not a problem. If I know you'll be a little late I'm often still able to groom your dog that day. But sometimes I can't. But at least you'll know and won't waste the trip out here. If you're very late without calling ahead I have no problems sending you right back home. But I hate to do that. Just call ahead!

Everyone stay dry and safe this wet weekend!

"C" is for COOKIE WALK!

That's right! Downtown Westminster will be having their annual Cookie Walk! Downtown businesses will be baking cookies and inviting one and all to come by, visit and get a free cookie!

 

This is Clip Clip Hooray's favorite and most popular event. This year it was up in the air, but a few days ago I got the email confirming it will happen!

This event is always tons of fun and a great way to get a sneak peak at what we have to offer. I mean, what we have to offer besides cookies.

While you don't have to buy or pay for anything, it is polite to take a look around the shop and thank the owner. Otherwise some people grumble and say we shouldn't do the Cookie Walk again.

At least 16 downtown business are participating this year. Clip Clip Hooray is one, but as of right now, I don't know the others.

The Cookie Walk will be Thursday, November 5 from 5 to 9pm. Hope to see you there!

 

Since this event requires me to stay up past my bedtime, Clip Clip Hooray will open at 8:30 am Friday, with drop off between 8:30 and 9:30 am.

brrrrrr!

Hello from Chicago! While I was expecting it to be a lot colder (and rainier) up here, it's been pretty nice. Just enough chill in the air to make you think fall is coming soon, but not so much to actually make you cold.

Well, last night was kinda chilly.

Anyway, the whole reason we're up here is so the husband can go to the Idexx Cornerstone conference...that's the software the vet hospital he works for uses. He tells me he's learning alot. Incidentally, the H.H. Backer Show was 1/2 a mile up the road from the hotel we're staying at. So yesterday I got to go to a H U G E trade show. HUGE.

I think it was bigger than the Backer show I went to last year in Baltimore. I was there for hours and talked to only a small number of vendors.

It's a pretty fun show, all kinds of companies are there. Andis and Wahl, who make clippers and blades were there and I got to play with some new stuff. Tropiclean (shampoo) was there. Petedge Dealer Services, a huge wholesaler in the biz was there. I carry tons of their stuff. There was everything from super luxurious toys, spa products and jewels to rugged, recycled toys. Foods that were healthier and tastier than most human foods, and every kind of collar, leash, toy and doggie coat imaginable.

Alot of it was too cutesy cute, rich, spoiled princess-y for my taste. CCH has some pretty collars, some sweaters and flashy collar charms...but there was tons of super scary Paris Hilton-esque bling...for pets. Scary.

But there were also some pretty interesting stuff there too! Andis has a new 5 speed clipper, just on the market in the last 2 weeks. Plus 2 new blade sizes, a 6F and a 4 1/2F. That probably doesn't mean anything, and that's ok.

I finally got to talk to the folks at  Canine Genius. I know they make some great stuff, but this was the first time I really got to see it. I hope to order some of their toys for Clip Clip Hooray in the next few weeks.  There was also the hilarious toys from Copa Judaica. I know Westminster isn't exactly the Jewish epicenter of Maryland, but hey, it's close enough to Pikesville...right?

I was super excited to see several booths promoting Positive Training! Did you know that you don't have to yell at, smack, intimidate or hurt your dog to get him to do what you want him to do? It's true! Using methods like Clicker Training, you can actually have fun while training your dog and he can too!  I also saw alot of clicker gear at Hershey. Exciting! I want to pick up some clicker training kits from Karen Pryor Clicker Training. A perfect little kit to get you started teaching some basic behaviors in a easy and fun way. 

I also saw some really cute - yet tough - toys from the Sherpa Pet Group. Soft, cuddly toys that can stand up to some hard play. Dragons and lady bugs and chickies, oh my! They're made out of a Kevlar type material and supposedly can take some chewing. Not indestructible of course, but a nice change from the hard, uninviting toys that are usually all that "hard players" get. 

In the end though, I came home with nothing. I mean...back to the hotel room with nothing. Only a very few companies do cash and carry at the Backer shows. And after Hershey, my wallet's feeling a little light! And the show specials weren't that good. Mostly $200-500 orders just to get free shipping. Not really worth it to me to spend $300 on unknown product to save $30 in shipping. I do plan on placing an order with both Canine Genius and KPCT. Having a fun way to feed your dog, especially one that can keep him entertained for awhile is something I know I want, and I know alot of my customers want too. Even if they haven't realized it yet! And I've never seen or done any training that works as well and as quickly as clicker training. Something Clip Clip Hooray is always working towards. Having the pet do what we want, without scaring or hurting him. This will be a great way to introduce people to positive training, while making my job easier! Grooming well behaved, happy dogs is alot easier than crazy, out of control, or fearful dogs. 

As for the other two...if there's no minimum order, or if it's reasonable, I'll try and pick up some. I love having fun, interesting, useful and unique toys in the shop. And with some many owners giving up on toys because their dogs just rip plush toys apart and won't play with rubber or other sturdier toys, the soft kevlar toys might allow for some hope. And the Jewish toys are just fun. I figure if they don't sell, my Bichon cousin, Rocky, will be set for life!

WOW. That was a long ramble! Anyway, we'll be returning to Maryland tomorrow and Clip Clip Hooray will be back to our regular schedule starting 11 AM Wednesday. And yes, I do still have a couple of appointments open toward the end of the week. 

I can't believe soon Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here. Warning #1: Limited grooming opportunities this holiday season! PLEASE make your appointments in advance! I am booking already! Be ON TIME for your appointment - if you're late you may not get a second chance. Several groomers are already booked solid for the holiday season. Plan ahead!  

almost gone

Well, tomorrow is the last day Clip Clip Hooray will be open until next Wednesday. I know! CCH will be closed for an extra 2 whole days.

How will any of us ever survive?

Beats me. But Saturday morning I'll be heading off to Chicago. The husband is going to a conference and I'm tagging along for no particular reason.

CCH will reopen Wednesday, October 7th at 11 am.

P.S. I'm trying really hard not to be bitter about all the phone calls I've been getting recently. The ones that go "OMGWTFBBQ you can't groom my dog until the next week!!!!!! *click*"

Yeah, those are getting old folks. Take a deep breath, flip your calendar to the next week and keep an open mind. There's only one (1) of me to do EVERYTHING at Clip Clip Hooray. Answer the phone, groom the dogs, pay the bills, curse at the leaky ceiling...it's all on my shoulders. And I can only do what I can do. So sometimes I don't have any appointments available for a few days. Maybe not until the next week. It's ok. It's not the end of  the world. Deep breath.

And you know, there are several groomers in the Westminster area that don't have openings available until AFTER Christmas. Zoinks! Doesn't make waiting a week seem so bad, eh?

Rest assured I will try and get everyone in for grooming as soon as possible. Meet me halfway and adjust your thinking to getting your pet groomed in the next few days to the next week, instead of OMGTOMORROW!

Pretty please, it's stressing me out to get those phone calls.

Please enjoy this cute puppy as my Thank You for being understanding.

Midnight Madness TOMORROW!

I can't believe it! Midnight Madness is tomorrow! But I'm not ready!

What do I need to do? Oh, you know. Make a nice home for the $1 toys. The $2 toy bin is already up. Now, this aren't just cheapie toys. These are toys that usually retail for AT LEAST twice that. But, I need room, so I'm chucking 'em in a bin, doing a major discount, and when they are gone, they're GONE!

I"m also going to set up a table with a preview of winter/holiday toys and gifts. Yes, they will be available for purchase, but after Midnight Madness is over, they'll be put away until after Halloween.

Also on my table of  fun I'll have some freebies. I don't yet know WHAT they will be, but when you come visit between 6pm and midnight tomorrow, you'll find out!

In other news, we had a pretty exciting thunderstorm last night.

 

Crack would like you to k now that she wasn't sleeping on the bed with us because she was scared. But because the bed was comfy. And that's where she felt like sleeping. Yeah.

Groom Expo!

Tomorrow me and another groomer are heading up to Hershey, PA for Groom Expo '09! See ya'll on Monday!

Rainy Day: Part 2

Another rainy day! It's pretty to look at if you're inside, nice and dry and warm. Which I am. I'm very excited - right now my blades and shears are being sharpened and my clippers are getting a tune up. I hate getting my stuff sharpened. I like having sharp tools, but it's always hit or miss. Will they be sharp? Will they be sharp and correctly fitted for my clippers? Will it be sharp, correctly fitted and not cost me a fortune? This sharpener can come right to my store and sharpen in his van. How cool is that? Plus it saves $20-$40 in shipping costs.

*crosses fingers*

In other news, Switch has been getting really friendly recently. She's still in love with the mail guy, but lately she's be allowing herself to be admired and watched by many other people.

 

As my dad would say, "she's making a comeback". Although she's still surprisingly hard to get a picture of. Speaking of pictures, I have no new pictures because my camera is at home. Long story short, there are pictures on it that I want to print out at the camera store and can't figure out how to reverse the auto delete after downloading onto my computer. So I'm waiting until I have the chance to print them out before I bring it back for work purposes. Just haven't gotten the chance yet.

 

You're boring me.

Anyway. Poor little Switcharooni is going to have some time to herself. We're headed off for a mini vacation tomorrow. Crack is already settled in at the vet, and Haiku will be staying with Aunt Andie and Uncle Steed while we're gone. Haiku will be having too much fun to miss me.

And since I don't have a camera, Switch is posing perfectly. Cats!

Sprucing up the joint!

I've been cleaning and decorating! Scrubbed the door/window inside and out. Scrubbing baseboards and walls. Putting up Fall themed decorations.

Is it too early to put out Halloween goodies yet?!

I don't think I can wait much longer!

But the store's really starting to sparkle. Come visit! See all the wondrous doggy goodies I have! Check out the new Gifts area and the new Apparel Room.

Definitely come visit us for Midnight Madness - September 25th, 6pm to midnight!

You'll be glad you did.

Never too early

To start planning for the holidays! And by holidays, I mean Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years...all the fall and winter favorites.

To find out what's going on in downtown Westminster, visit the Westminster Event Page at Westminster's "official" website.

You can bet your favorite grooming shop will be participating. Don't forget to stop by and visit!

 

One of my favorite cats, Ellie. He loved playing with tap water. Best cat. My friend's family has been going through old pictures and videos and found this picture for me. AND a very special video of Crack. They promise to burn it on dvd for me. I promise to share as soon as I get it. It shows a very interesting hobby of Crack as a young cat. Care to guess what it is? Email me at clipcliphooraygrooming@gmail.com with your answer! Maybe I'll turn this into a contest. I'd better wait until I actually HAVE the dvd...hmmmm...this could be fun!

Brave Kitty!

Switch and my mail guy have an interesting relationship. By the time he comes around it's usually pretty quiet here at Clip Clip Hooray. Switch has usually come out and is begging me for ear rubs and petting. Or she's walking around the store, checking for ways to get under the floor. Or in the walls. Or she might be lounging by the door.

Just out, enjoying herself.

And then the mail guy comes into the store.

And she flees back under the stairs!

Not that the the mail guy is mean or scary or anything. Just that he isn't someone she knows. And Switch's default is RUN. Luckily the mail guy is pretty amused by this and usually walks in calling "Run kitty!". He loves getting to see her and complains if she's already hidden away.

But today, TODAY was a great day. An epic day! A day of bravery and friendship. For today, after the mail guy handed me my mail and had started to walk back to the ramp, Switch walked over towards him. He stopped. A few feet from him, Switch stood and meowed.

And then...

Ever so slowly she walked up to him and let him pet her!!!

Then she ran and hid under the stairs.

I'm so proud of her. Brave Switchareno.

A Good Read

I was really excited when I went to the Westminster Public Library last week. I found 2 great dog books. One is The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller. Big thanks to the Carroll County Humane Society for donating it!

You should check it out next time you're at the library. I've only gotten through the first part but it is FABULOUS! Anyone that owns a dog, plays with a dog or is thinking about getting a dog should read this. 

I can't wait to start up Haiku's training again. I've been super busy with "things" and "stuff" this summer and our training has been neglected. I"m gonna read a few more pages and when I get home, I'm pulling out our itty bitty yummy treats and doing some training! 

 

Haiku is home power napping. She loves training and is saving up all her energy for it!

I dunno

Seriously, I'm not sure what's going on here.

Being Cindarelli

As you might imagine, a grooming salon can get pretty dirty. Even with mopping the floor each afternoon (not to mention frequent throughout the day vacuuming!) my floor has gotten pretty dirty.

And not an easy to mop up dirty. Oh no. MY floor has to be scrubbed. By hand. With Soft Scrub with Bleach. It's the only thing that gets it clean. And back to it's real color.

Since scrubbing the floor involves me being on my hands and knees (or sitting on my butt when my knees start hurting) and the fact I'm using bleach, it's slow going. I've been dividing the store into blocks and scrubbing one a day. Or at least pretending I'm doing that.

Today I scrubbed my grooming room. I probably won't have time to do any tomorrow. Monday I'll finish up the "main" area in front of the counters. That has gotten really dirty! Then I'll do the not quite as dirty but almost section of the floor in the front part of the store. And then...

I've got a lot to do. But for today, I am DONE!

What Would YOU Do?

Yesterday my friend asked a question. What would you do if you had a dog that needed an expensive surgery? There seemed to be an insinuation that the dog was older and had been the best dog one could ever have. You, the owner of the unlucky dog with a torn ACL needed the surgery that will cost several thousand dollars, are in a "normal" period of your life. Whatever normal is for you.

What do you do? Do you have three or four thousand dollars to spend on surgery for your dog? Do you want to spend that money, which might be your vacation/house remodel/college fund/new car money, on your dog? When is it ok to say "I can't afford this and my dog is suffering. It's time to say goodbye and put him to sleep."?

One person said that without hesitation, they would spend the money. As long as her pet wasn't suffering (or continue to suffer after the surgery), she would gladly spend the money on her pet. If there was going to be long term pain or the expectation her pet wouldn't get better...then, yes, consider then to euthanize. But the cost? Pft, she'd get the money.

I'm of the same mind. I will not let my pets suffer. I think it's horribly unfair that my pets be in pain because I find it hard to let them go. But I will spend any amount of money for necessary surgery. Cavaliers are practically expected to have heart issues. I knew this (and the typical costs!) well before even looking for a puppy. I know one day I might shell out big bucks for Haiku. Horses are money burners. When they get hurt, it's expensive. There may come a day when Truby will face say, a colic surgery. That could be $5,000 - $10,000. Yikes. While I can't say straight up Yes or No, of all the considerations, money is far down the list. It's there, but it's not Number 1. Number 1 is Is this good for Truby, is she suffering and will the surgery cause or prolong suffering? I think the cost is 3rd or 4th, because, hey, ten grand is a whole LOT of money.

Anyway, another person had decided their budget for pet emergencies is about $200. If you've even taken your pet to the vet or been to a doctor yourself, you know $200 doesn't go very far. I agree with having a budget and a cut off number. Going into debt and getting over your head is not going to help anyone. So yes, figure out what you can afford. Do it when you're able to look at your finances logically and unemotionally. But when you're thinking about this, call some vets. Find out what things cost. Figure out if your number is reasonable. I asked the person, what if it's something like an abscessed tooth? It will cause the animal pain and suffering. It will have to have surgery and follow up care and medicine. It will cost well over that $200. But, once it's done, the pet will be happy and healthy again. Is it fair/acceptable/humane to say "I can't afford this and my pet is suffering. I am justified and noble is putting him to sleep."?

What you can do. Talk honestly with your family. Determine what you can afford. Create a special savings account for pet related emergencies. Don't use the fund for anything other than that.

Check out costs with your vet. Costs are rising. Medical care is expensive. Drug companies want top dollar for their meds whether it's for a human or a dog. Freakish accidents happen, but knowing the costs for routine stuff, say, a dental, or blood tests can help you plan.

Keeping healthy. Just like us, preventive care makes a big difference in our pet's health. Keeping your pet from being overweight can hugely lessen the risk of heart problems, diabetes, torn tendons and spinal problems, just like humans. Taking care of your pets teeth can help save money on dentals, but clean teeth and healthy gums can help keep the heart and other organs healthier too. Good, quality diets do the same for dogs as they do for us. Shelling out money for heartworm pills might seem like a lot, but comparing it to the very real risk of your dog getting heartworm and the costs involved it's a drop in the bucket. Not to mention how dangerous the treatment is! Ask your vet sometime. It's terrifying.

Insurance. Health insurance is a huge deal in the human world. But you can get insurance for your pets too! Ask your vet about what insurances they accept and recommend. We have it for Haiku and it's great. A warning: Check your bills and statements. They make mistakes all the time. From both ends, the insurance company and your vet. Our insurance, VPI, it good about fixing errors when they occur. The Whole Dog Journal has a good article about pet insurance. 

Care Credit  is another option. Again, ask your vet for more information. Many vets also have payment plans for emergency care. Ask your vet if they have payment policies to help you out.

There are options when it comes to paying for those unexpected and expensive emergencies. It's important to be informed ahead of time. It's important to make certain decisions ahead of time. Please, please take the time to get solid information. What would that abscessed tooth cost? If your dog is prone to something, like luxating patellas, speak with your vet. What are the medical options for this problem? What do those cost? How can we help avoid it? Learn about "old dog" things. Cancer, arthritis, etc. Again, how to avoid, what treatment options and costs. This can really help you plan financially for your pets golden days.

Correct information. Planning ahead. Keeping current with that information. Being honest and unemotional when making decisions. A veterinarian you trust. It's like preventing forest fires. Only you can do it.

Oh, and my first response to my friends question?

        "I have to say, if Ethan snapped HIS ACL, I'd have him put to sleep in a second. I'm not paying   for an expensive surgery or taking care of his lame ass afterwards. F that. I'm totally going out and getting a younger, richer husband. I mean, he's had a good life and all and I wouldn't want him to suffer."

Pictures

At some point about 500 pictures accumulated in my computer's trash can. Not all of them were supposed to be there. So I've been sending some time trying to figure out which should be kept and which to delete. Then I get to sort them out into folders by breed...it's been fun.

I found some fun ones though.

  

Haiku's ball on a rope

 

Looking for Santa

 

bliiiiiink!

 

There's a reason that Scottie is wearing a bandanna on her head. A good one. And one day I'll have a post sharing the reason why. But not today. It's more fun to make people guess!