Put me on my soapbox and I’ll ramble on for hours about the joys of owning a pet. Give me an open forum and I’ll start preaching to anyone who will listen about why they should adopt a dog or cat from a shelter. Despite all my “howling” about animals, though, I always point out one thing: Caring for a pet is a big responsibility. In addition to requiring around-the-clock care, most pets also crave time and attention — yours.  If you’ve finally decided to adopt a dog or cat, there are a few things that you should consider before doing so.  Ask yourself these questions before taking that big step:

• What’s your reason for getting a pet? As I said earlier, caring for a pet is a big responsibility.  If well cared for, an animal can live for a long, long time, and once you bring them into your home, you’ve made a vow to love and provide for them through thick and thin, right until the very end of their lives. If you can’t guarantee that you’ll be there for them forever and ever, a plant might be a better choice for you.

• How much time do you really have to devote to your new cat or dog? Your schedule will not match that of a dog or a cat, and you’ll need to make a few adjustments to yours. Ask yourself, are you ready, willing and able to take your dog to the park or the beach, or out for nice, long walks? Frequently? Are you able to feed them on a regular schedule? How do you feel about cleaning out the cat litter several times a day if necessary? Will you be sure to play with your cat if she’s overflowing with energy and needs exercise? Most importantly, will you be home frequently enough to provide the same companionship to them they provide to you? Pets definitely require an adjustment to our schedules, but when we love and appreciate our pets, the adjustments aren’t really adjustments at all.

• Do you have the financial resources to properly care for your new family member?  Your pet may develop a medical condition requiring costly treatment. Some pets need to be groomed. Dogs often need dogwalkers, dogsitters or kennels. All pets require food, toys, beds and miscellaneous who-knows-what’s. Long story short, being a pet parent costs money!

• Will your lifestyle accommodate a pet? Is your apartment complex or home pet-friendly?  Be sure to find out your landlord’s ‘rules’ when it comes to pets.  The last thing you want to do is move into a new place and find out that you can’t keep your dog or cat because of some sort of no-pets policy

• Is it the right time now to add a member to your family? If you have toddlers in the house that require a lot of care, it may make sense to wait until they are older before getting a pet.  And on the subject of children, if you don’t have children when you adopt your pet, and one day you do have kids, will your pet suddenly become disposable? I’ve seen this happen firsthand, and the image of a confused, heartbroken and terrified pet being dumped at the pound through no fault of their own is a cruel image to behold. No matter how much work a new child requires, remember that your pet came first, and before that child came into your life, your pet WAS your child. Pets deserve better than to be tossed aside when “the next best thing” comes along, be that “thing” a new child, a new partner, or even a new home that doesn’t allow pets. 

• Will you assume responsibility for your pet? A responsible person has a rough idea of the statistics for euthanasia due to overpopulation, and with that knowledge in mind, has his or her cat and/or dog spayed and neutered.  A responsible pet owner obeys community leash and licensing laws and keeps identification tags up-to-date. A responsible pet owner socializes their pet to ensure that they’re well-adjusted.

• Do you have other pets? Animals can be very jealous in nature.  Make sure that the pets you have now are accepting of a new canine or feline.  If personalities clash, you’ll find yourself with some work ahead.

• Are you ready to care for your dog or cat for the rest of his or her life? As I said earlier, pets are not disposable.  They have life expectancy and needs just as human beings do.  Are you prepared to provide your dog or cat with love, exercise, companionship, food, regular vet care and more right until the very end of his or her life?  If you answered yes, it sounds like you’re ready for pet parenthood!

Asking a few questions before bringing home a new pet is the right thing to do.  If more pet owners would do the same, there would be fewer homeless and fewer euthanized animals in the world.

I have one word for this product, and I will repeat it three times: FABULOUS, FABULOUS, FABULOUS. Tigger and Beau, both males, were the cleanest cats I’ve ever had. My two girls however, Nini, and now, the kooky Keetten or Keetteeng (official name: Mia) were the messiest creatures on earth. Nini could never aim straight and loved to kick up sandstorms, scattering litter halfway across California. Keetteeing is no different.  She could have built sandcastles with the amount of litter she used to kick outside the box.  After having to scrub every last inch of the carpet trying every enzymatic carpet cleaner and natural vinegar concoction known to mankind, I finally had to hire someone to rip out the carpet and replace it with flooring. This litter business was ruining my life, until I discovered the miracle of Clevercat!  Whoever invented this contraption deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, because, indeed, there is now peace in the kingdom. I have seen the light, and it is Clevercat.

The brand new collars and matching leashes I just bought for Opal and Dixie from Puppy Love Collars on etsy.com just arrived, and they’re even more beautiful than they appeared online! There were so many unique and colorful designs to choose from that I really had a hell of a time narrowing them down to just one design. You’d have thought I was buying a house or something. Molly, the owner, handmade these collars just for Opal and Dixie, and not only were they much more reasonably-priced than the ‘better’ collars I’ve seen in boutiques, but you won’t find them on every, single dog in the dog park, and you’ll immediately notice the love and care that’s gone into the making of them – truly. Best of all, there isn’t a blazing company name taking up half the collar. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s having the name of the brand emblazoned on the outside of the collar. Can you imagine clothing designers putting their tags on the outside of all their clothes? I love Michael Kors, but no one needs to know that’s who I’m wearing. I’ve always managed to clip the brand names off the collars I’ve bought, vowing never to buy those brands again (and sticking by my word). That being said, George collars have George brand tags sewn on discreetly, but because their logo is so simple and classy, it’s not intrusive. Those other brands, however, with their cutesy little logos? Not for me. Show me the collar, not who made it.

Word to the wise, the open-minded, the cool and creative folks out there: Support those independent artisans when you’re in the market for a new collar for your dog or cat – or just about anything else, for that matter. SHOP ETSY!!

I’ve always been a lover of pit bulls. There are three in our building, all of whom I’ve rolled around on the floor and played with. I love them, and I trust them as I trust most pits. As most of us responsible dog lovers and owners know, the pit bull’s bad rap isn’t due to the breed, but to their owners. There are two unfixed males in our dog park who’ve caused serious harm to other dogs. Most of us purposefully avoid them and their owners. Is their aggression their fault? No – it’s due to the fact that their owners never knew enough or were responsible enough to train and socialize them. The rest of the pit bulls in our park, and there are many, romp and play amidst all the other dogs, including the little ones, and they happen to be the gentlest, sweetest and most sensitive dogs I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Lafayette Park pits that we love: Ulysses, Layla, Bella, Kool, Rusty… you sweeties know who you are.

I just read an article in Yahoo! News by Claudine Zap. Rather than try to paraphrase her piece, I’ve decided to post it in bits and pieces here. The title? “Pit Bulls’ Surprising Past: Nanny Dogs.” I say that their past isn’t surprising at all, and even today pits are typically loyal, loving and protective of their families – including the tots.

Ms. Zap’s article:

“Try to quickly summon an image of good-with-small-children dog, and chances are you’ll picture something adorably Benji-shaggy. Or maybe a sweetie-pie golden retriever, or a loveball of a lab. It’s not likely, at least not in today’s perception of the breed, that an American pit bull terrier leaps to mind.

These days, American pit bull terriers are unfortunately known for dog fighting. But back in the day, they were brought in as the “nanny dog“: The trusted animal to watch over your children.

Vintage photographs surfaced by a photo blog show off the breed with its broods.” (posted throughout this blog)

“Yet the once beloved breed has become a scary breed. This is the same American pit bull that is now the poster pooch for Michael Vick’s dog fights, and the bad-news stories that seem to point to the pups as ferocious Fidos.

In the case of Vick, convicted of running a dog-fighting ring, 47 of the pit bulls from his kennel were taken to animal sanctuaries or adopted. One rehabilitated doggy named Mel, who moved to Dallas with a new owner, even received an edible key to the city.

But before they were the fighter dog, pit bulls were a family dog. Helen Keller had a pit bull. Laura Ingalls Wilder — who wrote “Little House on the Prairie” — owned one, too. And Petey, the mascot pup with the black eye patch in “The Little Rascals“? Pit bull.

Over time, the dogs that were also bred to battle bulls and fight other dogs got a reputation for a nasty nature. Cesar Millan, the “dog whisperer” who is around the breed every day, says it’s people who should be blamed, not the breed. He writes on his website, ‘Pit bulls get a bad rap because of irresponsible owners.’

It’s striking–and quite sad–to see such documentation of how beloved the now-maligned dog once was. The very same American pit bull is now more often associated with Michael Vick’s dogfights, and stories of household pets gone bad, sometimes tragically involving kids.

 

Responsible owners include Jon Stewart, Alicia Silverstone, Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biel, and Jessica Alba.”

As Opal and Dixie age, I try to remain aware that despite how vibrant and healthy they are, there comes a time in every pet’s life when things slow down and life changes.  It’s simply part of the aging process.  As much as we would like for our puppies and kitties to remain young and healthy forever, youth and health are fleeting.  Arthritis may creep in and affect their joints.  Some may develop skin and coat problems.  Others may sleep more throughout the day (Opal’s always been a snoozer and couldn’t possibly love sleep more than she always has).  Like humans, as pets age they can also become a bit more finicky and a trifle less patient. In Opal’s case, they may become a bit stubborn (don’t get me started).

Keeping these things in mind, it’s important to care for an aging pet the same way you would for a younger dog or cat.  Exercise patience and tolerance.  Know that accidents may happen and mobility may become an issue.  Show your pet the same compassion you did when they were young. 

Spend quality time together and make sure that they get the proper amount of exercise and the right nutrition.  One of the best ways to do that is to add some of Opie & Dixie’s Flax Fur Pets to their diet.  This rich blend of veterinarian-approved ingredients includes 60 amino acids, 21 antioxidants, essential macro and micronutrients, and essential fatty acids for your pet’s well being. With its all-natural, human-grade ingredients, you can even sprinkle it into your salads or cereal as I sometimes do. Regular servings promote an enhanced immune system and a lustrous, healthy coat.  Their joints will be better lubricated, and you may find their metabolism functioning at an optimal rate. Their bones, nails, and teeth may be stronger.  Supplements provide essential support, but nothing can beat an all natural diet, whether commercial or homemade. What better gift can you give your beloved dog or cat than the gift of good health?

Here are some other tips for you to try with an older pet:

Make sure that they get a moderate amount of exercise.  While Opal and Dixie, at 9 years young, still demand plenty of sunshine, fresh air, at least one round of “ball-y,” and sufficient playtime with each other, a walk around the block is actually sufficient for some dogs.  Some playful batting around of a toy mouse is adequate enough for cats.

Stick to a schedule and minimize disruptions.  Your pet is more than likely set in his or her ways, and in some cases, easily disoriented.  Don’t change their schedule around too much. 

Provide ample amounts of TLC.  Pet and cuddle up with your dog or cat as you always have.  Make sure that they know that they are still the apple of your eye.

Monitor their conditions closely.  If something seems out of the ordinary, call your veterinarian immediately.  Do not try to diagnose a problem yourself or assume that they just need to “sleep it off.”  You’re always better off being safe than sorry with pets of all ages, but particularly with older ones.

You can’t turn back the clock, but Opal and Dixie are living proof that you can diminish the effects of aging by providing your pet with exercise, proper nutrition, and plenty of comfort.  By providing them with some healthy nutrition and adding the proper vitamins and nutrients to their diet, you can give them a new lease on life and actually make their last years some of their very best.

As a supporter of animal rights and The Humane Society of the United States, I feel a duty to share a heartbreaking and horrifying truth with you. You may find this difficult, if not impossible to read, just as I have found it deeply, deeply painful to write. If you can’t bring yourself to read past the first few words, all you need to do is click on the following link and take a few seconds to sign the petition. You can trust that you DO support the cause: Stop the Cruelty and Abuse of Weak and Injured Calves.

Did you know that under current federal law, slaughterhouses have the option of slaughtering calves who are too weak or injured to stand—so-called “downed” calves? These infant calves, some just days old, can suffer extreme abuse including repeated electric shocks, kicking, and beating as workers try to drag the helpless animals to slaughter. No  animal should have to endure such cruelty, pain and suffering.

In response to a petition by The Humane Society of the United States, USDA has tentatively approved rules to remove the option of slaughtering calves who cannot stand and require that downed calves, like adult downed cows, be immediately and humanely euthanized. Now, USDA is requesting comments from the public on whether to make this change permanent.

I know this issue is important to you. Please fill out and submit the form at the link below, and please urge the USDA to protect calves from abuse by permanently adopting these new rules. The HSUS and I encourage you to add your own thoughts or comments about this issue in the editable portion, so the agency knows how important this issue is to you.

Today is the 17th Annual Spay Day, with critical spay/neuter events taking place across the nation and abroad. More than 50,000 animals were reported spayed or neutered in 2010, and we vow to increase that number by the millions.

Help support the hundreds of organizations helping to fight pet overpopulation this year as part of Spay Day 2011!

Whether or not you live in San Francisco, if you’re a dog owner or dog lover you can empathize with how devastating “no dogs on beaches,” and “no off-leash dog walking” rulings would be to Bay Area dog owners. If the Golden Gate National Recreational Area (GGNRA) has its way, dogs will be banned entirely from all Bay Area beaches or be forced to remain on-leash at all times.

Please help us save off-leash dog walking in San Francisco by submitting your online comments to the GGNRA BY APRIL 14^TH.  While showing your support should only take a few seconds, it could help us win our ongoing battle for years to come.

Visit Eco-Dog.org and Dolores Park Dogs for more suggestions on how you can help… and tweet, blog and comment on Facebook as much as you possibly can!

Did you hear that we’re making news these days?  Well, we are!  I just received a copy of this February’s Natural Health Magazine, and lo and behold, there’s Opie & Dixie featured as Editor’s Pick on the Vital Pets page located on page 26.  How incredibly awesome is that?  Pretty doggone awesome indeed!

The write up featured pictures of two of our products, the Oatmeal Almond Shampoo and our Healing Paw Balm (a favorite among Opie & Dixie fans) as well as a small description of our company and its products. The magazine loved how gentle and environmentally sound Opie & Dixie is.  This makes me one of the happiest business owners in San Francisco!

I love it when the press takes notice of what I am trying to do here.  Opie & Dixie products are made from the most natural ingredients; they’re safer for our beloved pets and safer for the environment.  They never contain synthetics, chemicals or pesticides which do more harm than good.

We are greatly concerned with the impact we have on the earth as well.  That’s why all of our packaging is BPA-free and our labels are printed on recycled paper made with a 100% wind-powered manufacturing process.  It’s one of the things that sets us apart from other pet-related businesses.

What goes around comes around.  As long as we remain true to our beliefs, we will continue to make a great impression on the public.  To see some of the other publications and news programs that have featured our products, visit our Press page!

After 3 days of residing in limbo, the Opie & Dixie site is finally back up. Due to a technical domain issue that I have yet to make sense of, poor OpieAndDixie.com disappeared from view for three long, dreadful days. Anyone attempting to type in Opie & Dixie’s URL wound up with an ugly, “Site under Construction” message glaring at them. I am happy to say that the days of the evil message are over. The issue has been resolved, and peace has been restored in the kingdom!

My sincerest apologies to you all for any inconvenience and frustration this fiasco may have caused you.