I just read another article about the plight of puppies sold in pet stores, and now I'm so, sooooo heartbroken - again. These poor pups are forced into such tragic lives and it breaks my heart to imagine what happens to them when day after day, week after week and month after month they remain caged, confused and unwanted.

Pet store puppies do tend to come from puppy mills, not responsible breeders, just as you’ve been hearing and reading about more and more frequently. As Dogster.com writes, “Most dog lovers know about the often horrid conditions of puppy mills, the unregulated breeding facilities owned by disreputable breeders. Dogs are often bred far too frequently, are kept cramped together in squalor, and are not socialized with humans.” Simply reading and re-writing the above brings me close to tears! Rather than re-write any more than has already been written by Dogster, I’ll simply direct you to the article.

If you’re reading this, it’s a sure bet that I’m preaching to the choir. But, the reason I keep writing about this sad subject is to remind you to speak up each time you hear an uninformed person chatting about their plan to purchase a pet from a pet store; to remind you spread the word. If we all lend our voices to fighting the perpetuation of puppy mills, there is a good chance that one day we can take pride in our role in the legal abolishment of their existence… 

A month or so ago, the United States Post Office and the Humane Society of the United States teamed up to create stamps, cachets, and other merchandise featuring shelter dogs and cats.  The Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps feature the images of ten adopted pets, five felines and five canines, as a way to raise awareness about animal welfare.  The stamps are available for purchase through the mail and at your local post office and are part of an ongoing campaign called “Stamps to the Rescue.” They're available thanks to the active concern and support of numerous organizations. Over one million meals will be served to shelter animals because of their generosity. You’d better believe that before they were even available I pre-ordered a stash of Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps large enough to last me a lifetime (or at least until the next price increase)!

I'm a huge supporter of shelters and rescues, and am so happy to see that while puppies and kittens have traditionally been the animals most in demand, more and more people are discovering the joys of adopting adult and senior animals. As I've said and will keep right on saying, I have a big, ol’ soft spot for “the elderly,” so when I think adoption, I want to scream from the rafters, “ADOPT A SENIOR!” For those with their hearts set on a specific breed, the Humane Society attests that purebred dogs account for 25 to 30 percent of the population in shelters. Can you imagine that? The number of purebred rescue organizations for both dogs and cats is astounding, too. My breeder friends are going to kill me for saying this, but when you think about it, is there really any reason to buy a pet from a pet store or breeder when there are so many homeless dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters... ALL sorts of critters ready and waiting to find their forever homes? I'll let you answer that question.

Please show your support for shelters, rescues and animal advocacy groups. Help raise awareness about overpopulation and the importance of spaying and neutering pets.  Buy your The Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps today!

I attended Muttville’s 2nd Annual Moolah for Mutts fundraiser last night, and I was astounded by the turnout. Both the number of dog-lovers in attendance and the fabulous array of silent auction items so generously donated by spas, restaurants, hotels, wineries, artists, and vendors throughout the Bay Area tell me that the movement to rescue and find homes for senior dogs has finally taken San Francisco by storm. The heart and soul of Muttville is Sherri Franklin, and because of her, I have finally chosen a religion and a god(dess) to worship: Sherri herself. It's no wonder that the spirit of this one, amazing woman's mission is rapidly spreading throughout the entire country.

Please read about Sherri, the organization she’s established and the work she and her volunteers lovingly devote their lives to on her press page, and adopt an old-timer today! 

Summertime gives me plenty of reason to celebrate. Perhaps it's because I grew up overseas in the tropics that it’s never quite hot enough for me here in San Francisco. Frankly, it’s not even warm enough, let alone hot enough! Even though summer in San Francisco is much, much cooler than it is in other parts of the country, at least we do get that occasional, glorious burst of heat from time to time. Warmer weather brings us out of our homes and into our backyards and pool areas (I should be so lucky) to soak up the sun.  Opal and Dixie seem to sense my elevated mood when it’s nice and toasty out, and their spirits soar along with mine (not that their spirits aren’t high enough at any other time of year!)  That said, as much as they enjoy being outdoors and basking in the sun with me, they lose the energy they typically have to run and play, and they do become a bit lethargic after awhile. Despite my personal love of hot weather, I’m always aware that for Opal and Dixie, these heat waves bring their fair share of precautions.  Here are some things that I’m always vigilant of, and that you may want to think about as well:

Overheating, Dehydration, and Heat Stroke Can Happen Quickly

Too little shade and not enough water is a deadly combination.  Dogs and cats can get overheated very quickly.  As a result, their bodies may become dehydrated.  They may also get sunburned or suffer from heatstroke.  In severe cases, animals become too ill to survive their illness.

Here are five tips that can help your pets beat the heat this summer:

• When outdoors, give your pet a place to lay down in the shade.  Make sure that the area is comfortable and out of the way of direct sunlight.
• Make sure that your pet has access to fresh water at all times.  The average dog should drink 1 ounce or 30 milliliters of water per pound.  This increases during hotter months, and more so when an animal spends long period of time outdoors.
• If you keep your pet in a crate during the day, make sure that it is well-ventilated.  It’s nice to point a fan towards your pet’s crate if he or she seems hotter than usual.
• On car trips, keep a collapsible water dish handy.  Take frequent rest breaks to let your pet stretch out his or her legs and get a drink of water. 
• Never, EVER leave your pet in the car alone.  Temperatures rise quickly and can cause your pet to become ill or even die, even with a window cracked.  If your pet shows any signs of overheating, dehydration or sunburn, consult your Veterinarian right away.
• If you tend to "dress up" your pet in little t-shirts and sweaters, I'm not sure you really want to do this in hot weather. Animals are so much more hot-blooded than we are. That, coupled with their fur... well, think about it:  would YOU like to be wrapped up in a sweater when you're in 80 degree weather??

Treating Your Pet’s Summer Symptoms

If you suspect your pet is overheating or is panting hard and has white gums, quickly bring them in an area away from the sun.  Point a fan at them if one is available.  Run cool water over their body and stroke their fur.  Keep them calm by speaking softly to them.

If your pet is dehydrated, you can give them small amounts of water or electrolyte drinks.  If their symptoms worsen, seek medical help immediately.  Too much water can cause animals to vomit which actually heightens their dehydration.

Sunburns are no fun for humans or pets.  Colloidal oatmeal mixed with water soothes red, itchy skin.  Witch hazel takes the heat out of a burn while aloe cools skin and helps it heal faster.  Apply the chosen substance to the animal’s inflamed area several times daily, being aware of any allergies your pet may experience.

The raging summer sun doesn’t have to become your pet’s worst enemy.  Exercise caution when spending time outdoors with your dog or cat.  Think the same way you would when caring for yourself.  Frequent shady areas, hydrate often, and protect both your and your pet’s skin.

Lately, Little Miss Opal has been quite the rebel.  If we believe in the “dog age in human years” chart, she would probably be around 60 right now. This can typically be the age at which we humans may become a little rebellious ourselves, saying whatever we want to say when we want to say it, feeling it unnecessary to censor our words and actions because of how comfortable we’ve become in our own skin. My thinking, however, is that Opal is more teenager than 60-year-old, and given how healthy and active my girls are, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Being part lab, both Opal and Dixie are big sniffers; truffle pigs, zealously sniffing out those pricey gems buried in the ground. Unlike other dogs who march about with their heads held high, Opal and Dixie’s noses are constantly glued to the ground:  “Oh-oh-oh! Mud! Yummy!”  “Look! It’s grass! Snacktime!” “Hey, smell’s like Daisy’s left us a message here!” It doesn’t matter what they smell -- a smell is a smell is a smell, and if there’s a hint of one, their little snoots (otherwise known as snouts) are determined to identify it.

Best of all are Mondays. Each Monday morning when we arrive at the entrance to the dog park, the girls dart straight to the picnic tables. Two of Pavlov’s Dogs, they’ve learned that Monday = the day after a weekend, weekends = picnics, and picnics = leftovers and crumbs in abundance under the picnic tables. Yes, it’s true. They KNOW this. They don’t just smell it, they know it. No matter where we are, I always keep my eyes pasted to their “snoots,” ready to grab away whatever treasure they pick up. Despite my vigilance, however, every so often I miss the precise moment at which they pick it up. Whether or not it’s something particularly disgusting, I’ll screech to them, “Dixie, drop it!” “Opal! Drop it!” Now, Dixie will instantly drop whatever she’s picked up and run to me with her little tail thumping away, “See? See? I’m such a good, gooooood girl!”  Opal? Not so much. I could be rushing towards her at the speed of light, yelling until I’m practically hoarse, “OOOOOOOOPAAAAAAAAAAALLLL! DROP IT!” If I’m lucky, she’ll glance up and give me a “yeah, whatever” look. More often than not, though, I don’t even get the courtesy of a glance. After all, the cow dung caviar she’s gotten a hold of is far too engrossing to allow for distractions. When I reach her, grab her by the collar, yank her away and scold her (“No! Bad girl!”), my voice, words and actions bear absolutely no weight whatsoever. This is insultingly obvious to me as Opal happily thump-thump-thumps her tail, looking at me ever-so-innocently, and then merrily proceeding to stroll in another direction. Trust me – her hearing is perfect. I could be in Tasmania whispering in my little singsong voice, “Opie, treeeat!” and she’d charge towards the sea and start swimming to Tasmania. No, no – it’s not her hearing. She just knows that mama’s a pushover. She's really not my alpha. She isn’t dominant over me… except when it comes to ground goodies.

Oh, the power of Opal. She has me wrapped right around her little snoot.

Are you ready for your next outdoor excursion with your dog(s)?  Dogs are the perfect companions for jaunts through the wilderness, and often the perfect motivators to ensure that you keep up as you hit the trails! The trick is to tailor the trail to your dog’s capabilities rather than simply your own. Dixie, for instance has a bit more “go for it” than Opal, so we need to keep an eye on how comfortable and capable they are when we go on our adventures. We’re always prepared with a great, big water bottle, and we keep a close eye on their pants and body language, because we’re vigilant to protect them from heatstroke.

The website Hike With Your Dog has a list of over 2,000 Dog-Friendly Trails in the United States and Canada.  There is also a comprehensive list of campgrounds that welcome dogs.  With these resources, not only will you be able to enjoy everything the Great Outdoors has to offer, you can do so with your best friend in tow. 

Benefits of Hiking

There are numerous benefits associated with hiking.  Here are a few for you to consider:

• Hiking is inexpensive and gratifying.
• Hiking gets you out of the house, gives you a change of scenery, and relieves the stresses of everyday living.
• Hiking accelerates weight loss and keeps your current weight in check if you’re already at a healthy weight.
• Hiking decreases blood pressure.
• Hiking relieves back pain.
• Hiking gets your heart pumping in ways that the gym cannot.

 Safety Tips for You and Your Pooch

There are some precautions you must take before hitting the trail with your pet.  Get Hiking recommends bringing along plenty of water for both you and your dog.  Carry a lightweight, collapsible dish so that your pet will have easy access when he or she needs a drink.

Carry a basic First Aid kit in your backpack or knapsack.  Antiseptic wipes and gauze bandages can be lifesavers for both you and your dog if either of you gets injured while hiking.

Make sure that your dog’s tags and vaccinations are up-to-date.  If he or she were to wander away from you while on the trail, the chances of being reunited will be much greater (you may want to read my blog about recovering a lost pet).

Check your pet for ticks and fleas before getting into the car.  Carry some homemade flea spray with you to remove the pests from your dog’s body.

Hiking is an activity that has undisputed physical and mental health benefits.  It requires very little equipment and can be done from every corner of the world.  So many trails are dog-friendly these days, so what are you waiting for?  Grab that leash and hit that trail today!

The reason I developed Opie & Dixie products (starting with Flax Fur Pets) in the first place was because of Opal’s flea allergy years ago. Ever since that one experience, none of our animals have ever had fleas. What a blessing, as I know from that experience that fleas make both us and our pets miserable.  The blood sucking insects feed on human and animal flesh and can cause hives and itching in the infected areas.  An alternative to medicated products for flea and tick protection is homemade flea wipes, powders, and sprays. These are natural, inexpensive, and provide instant relief for infested dogs and cats.  A trip to your local drugstore or health food store will put you into contact with many of the ingredients needed to whip up your own natural flea wipes, powders, and sprays.

Where to Find Recipes

A number of websites and books list recipes for organic flea repellants.  Here are a few of the better ones:

• Organic Pet Digest’s Natural Flea Control Recipe contains ingredients like Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Fennel.  You can use the mixture as often as needed but you should take your pet outside to be treated.  This will prevent the fleas from taking over your home.

• Family Herbal Remedies has a spray recipe that uses Eucalyptus Oil and Wintergreen Oil.  It is recommended to use it up to 3 times a week.  You can spray both your home and your pets with the mixture.
• Wendy Nan Rees and Kristen Hampshire’s Dog Love’s Daily Companion: 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Living a Rich Life With Your Dog includes a recipe for flea wipes.  These items can be created in bulk for very little money and stored in a closeable container which makes fighting fleas convenient and portable.

Purchasing Herbal Products

If you can’t find the time or the ingredients to fight fleas on your own, consider buying a product like Opie & Dixie’s Herbal Shampoo to use after treating your pet.  This winning combination of aloe vera, lavender, rosemary, sage, and tea tree oils help soothe dry, itchy, flaky skin. The results are truly startling!

When it comes to treating fleas, the sooner you get started the better.  Make sure to flea bomb your home and wash all bedding that has come into contact with your pet.  Keep an all natural treatment like a flea spray or box of flea wipes with you when you spend time outdoors with your pet for instant relief.

An alarming number of dogs and cats go missing each year. Some wander away on their own accord while others are stolen from homes and yards. Of the 3 to 4 million shelter dogs and cats euthanized annually, a big percentage of "strays" wind up being lost pets that were never reunited with their owners.

You can prevent your precious companions from being destroyed by employing a few tactics that will help speed up the reunion of you and your lost dog or lost cat.

Set Out On Foot and Search the Neighboring Areas For Your Dog or Cat

Search areas throughout your home and yard where the animal may be hiding. Use a flashlight to check out closets and crawl spaces. Go door to door and ask your neighbors for their assistance in locating your pet. If you have recently moved to another part of your city, travel back to your old neighborhood and complete a thorough search.

Create a Poster & Offer a Reward For Information About Your Pet’s Whereabouts

Posters are a tried and true method for finding lost pets. Placed in high traffic areas, they generate attention instantaneously. Be sure to include a current photo of your dog or cat, identifying marks or scars, the name that your pet answers to, and a phone number to reach you at. A number of websites offer lost pet templates that you can download and personalize.

Call Shelters & Rescues With a Description of Your Pet & Its Microchip Registration Number

Phone every shelter in your community and inquire about the animals that were brought in that day. Give identifying details about your lost dog or lost cat and their microchip registration numbers. Be willing to email or fax a copy of your missing poster to them as a visual aid.

Place an Ad In Your Local Paper

A daily ad placed in your local paper can reach far more people than other search methods. Include the same information that you did on your lost dog or lost cat poster. Check the Pets Found section and contact the people who have placed ads that fit your pet’s description.

Hire a Pet Psychic or Pet Detective

A pet psychic or pet detective can assist you. Professionally trained, these individuals have helped recover stolen and missing pets for years. They understand the behavior of different types of dogs and cats and offer physical and emotional support to individuals and families with missing pets.

Losing a pet can be a traumatic experience. By keeping your cool and using every resource available, you increase the chances of finding your lost dog or lost cat quickly and safely.