For the comfort of your pet, including a favorite toy, cushioning and/or blankets (in the winter) will no doubt be greatly appreciated.  I like the idea of a nice cushion bottom to the cage, and our team prefers a towel rolled and placed around the perimeter of the carrier.  If you can Velcro it down, even better.  This provides a “pillow” and “bumper” for your pet.  Note: bones (we do NOT approve of rawhide in a dog’s diet at all) may provide for activity but we do NOT recommend such treats during flight as it is always possible that a piece could get stuck in his/her throat during the bumpy ride.  Better safe than sorry, right?  Be careful not to put anything in the cage that your pet may choke on or that may “shift” during the flight and cause your pet harm; and we recommend BOLDLY sticking “Live Animal” tags on all sides of the outside of the carrier.  Lastly, we suggest that you choose a carrier that allows your pet to stretch his/her limbs.  (You think your cramped during a flight?!)  Finally an option to help reduce stress is a natural supplement such as K9 & Kitty Calmer.

A source you might check before flying is the American Kennel Club.  At the following link, choose “Airline Policies for Shipping Dogs”.  At last known, they have a PDF file listing most airlines.  DOUBLE CHECK for yourself, but it’s a place to start. Click here

*Side Tip:  Don’t forget to choose a pet-friendly hotel when traveling!  Have a Pawriffic time!

Legal Disclaimer: These are tips based on experience and research.  I am not veterinarian, nor do I work for an airline and therefore must advise that you consult a trusted professional before making your own decisions in taking action.  Legally I must state that my comments should be considered opinions.

If you happen to live near Kingston, NY, I received a press release today about a small non-profit rescue that recently took in over 103 cats, many ill, from a hoarder.  They have sent out a plea for (specifically): canned and dry CAT food, paper towels, blankets, towels, litter pans and/or financial donations.  They can be contacted at: Ulster County SPCA | 20 Wiedy Road | Kingston, NY 12401 | (845)331-5377

YES to Fresh!

If I were to sum it up in 2 words then I would tell you that “Dog Food” is: PROCESSED CONVENIENCE.  In my opinion one of the worst misconceptions out there with pet parents is that there is such a thing as “people food” and “dog food”.   Chalk the naivety up to commercials and, sadly, veterinarians.  Vets?  Most, yes.  Veterinarians are not taught about nutrition in their basic education.  Ditto for medical doctors for us humans.   Crazy considering nutrition is one of the most important factors to good health.  In order to bring realty into a comprehensible consideration for people, I will simply remind that dogs have been around for over 45,000 years!  OVER forty-five THOUSAND years.  I’m not talking about wolves, they have been around for over 100,000 years.  I am specifically speaking in respect to our domesticated and loving four-legged companions.  ”Dog Food” (aka: kibble) as we know it today has been around for LESS than 100 years.  NO animal, human, canine, feline or other was intended to thrive off such processed food.  And as someone who has dedicated the last 2 decades of my life to canine higher-learning, I can state that not only is kibble void of any real nutrition (explanation to come), it is also void of any real taste.  YES, I’ve tasted many brands of kibble.  Unlike others, I do not believing in speaking about things that I have not experienced myself (or explored to the best of my ability).

Kibble was born for profit and convenience.  There is simply no way nutritional content can remain in a food that is processed under such intense heat.  Sure, they spray on fats, “flavor” and vitamins after - the fact remains that once a bag is open and exposed to air, those sprayed on “nutrients” begin to deplete.  Regardless of what may or may not remain, “live” nutrients can never be achieved by anything but “live” foods.  Sure, dogs survive on processed food…and you can survive on fast food, but it doesn’t mean that you will feel your best and avoid a vast amount of ailments as you age.

To me there is FRESH FOOD and “Table Food”.  Table food is what we prepare for ourselves with all the spices and sauces and, otherwise, unnecessary embellishments that we love!  Fresh food is valuable for all, and what I feed my own boys (two Pugs).  My oldest is 17 years old this year.  A fresh diet must be thought out though.  Not all foods are agreeable with dogs…and some can be toxic – such as chocolate & onions – so before you dive into a fresh diet, one needs to educate oneself first.

I understand that it is simply not practical for everyone to feed their four-legged family members a completely fresh diet, whether that is due to time or money, but as you explore this blog – you will find ways to compliment a processed diet with fresh options and I hope that everyone at least considers the possibility.

For those of you currently feeding “dog food”, I can give you one quick “word to the wise” about my kibble /canned rule…if you can buy it at a drug store, discount store (including Target, Walmart, etc) or grocery store then…it is NOT a brand that I would recommend for any dog!

~Timi