Post "Summer Vacation" Reunion: It's a Dog's Life

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The doggies and I couldn't be happier to have Maggie "Big Butt" Goldstein, Thor and Tundra (T and T), Hank (The Tank), and Palmer (Just Palmer) back with us after their summer "vacations."   Lookin' fairly happy there too, Mags!

Emergency Situation: Running Away and how to Respond

Last night, a near tragedy occurred.  I was biking home and saw a Wheaton run across a main intersection off-leash.  The owner could not be found.  It was dark.  No one knew the dog's name.  She was afraid and running away from people who tried to approach.

When faced with this situation, there are things YOU CAN DO so that you have the same result we did last night: thank goodness, Nola was found and returned safely to her mom.

1. NEVER CHASE A DOG WHO IS RUNNING AWAY. Our gut says pounce.  Theirs sees flight.  Instead, run in the opposite direction, making lots of excited noise, and encourage the dog to follow you.  

2. If possible, lead the dog towards an area that can be confined- a yard, a store, etc. and once securely inside, secure the dog to you.  REPEAT: NEVER CHASE!!!!!!!!!!!

3. Many heads and bodies are better than one:  notify as many people as you can and encourage a search team.  Post what you saw on community FB groups, notify dog walkers- we know each other and have our own FB groups.

4. Don't give up.  More often than not, these dogs are returned safely home.

Welcome Muddy and Barbara!

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Muddy joined K9 Kate's Pet Services in early August and has integrated beautifully with the pack.  She and her dog mama, Barbara, are paw-some in every way.

I want to bring attention to Muddy's experience because it is an all too familiar one.  Muddy was with a walker who was simply the wrong fit.  When this happens, a dog is sold short- e.g. on a leashed walk when he desperately needs a good wrestle, or isolated into a private walk when he is wrongly assessed as anti-social.

If you question your walker's fit, I urge you- for you AND your dog - to consult with at least one of Toronto's many knowledgeable walkers and discuss options with people you trust; some of the flashiest companies have the worst service and a great marketing team.  

 

Welcome Hamish and Rachel!

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K9 Kate's is thrilled to have Hamish and his lovely dog mom, Rachel Metalin, join our pack.  Hamish is a 4 month old English Bull Dog who loves walks with Rachel, playing with other pups, and snacking on the occasional shoe (he's working on it!).  Hamish, the doggies and I can't wait to get to know you better.  

Staying Safe during Monday's Eclipse!

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Greetings, dog lovers.  Many of us have been reading about how to keep our human eyes safe on Monday.  What about our canine friends?  To ensure K9 Kate's pups continue to see their tennis balls and Frisbees as clearly a possible, we will not be walking during the eclipse; all dogs will get in their exercise safely either before or after.  Spread the word and let's take care of our furry friends!

Staying Cool at Cedarvale Ravine

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Pups look so happy to be spending the afternoon at Cedarvale Ravine ... Ms. Thing, I share your joy!!

Staying Safe in the Heat

The past week in Toronto has been a scorcher.  K9 Kate's dogs have been sticking to ravines and dog parks near the lake to stay safe.  Still, I see people running with dogs on pavement and encouraging hyper play at the park.  In light of this, I wanted to share this very helpful on article on identifying and preventing heat stroke in dogs.  Enjoy!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/pets/news-features/keep-dog-cool-summer-heat/

Best Friends at Bellwoods!

I adore this picture.  Princess and Hank are so happy to be in the grass on a hot, summer day, and together with their friends, living the life. See if you can spot Dex in the background searching for his ball ... a retriever living up to his namesake!

La Vida Glamorosa

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The most glamorous picture that has been and will ever be taken of my time with the doggies and I'm not even in the picture. Here are Storm and Hank living la vida glamorosa during our weekend together. The car ride was following by a romp in the dog park that returned us to our normal, dirt-covered yet joyous states, rest assured.

Staying safe in the summer heat

Billy was at Cedarvale ravine with our pups last week looking wiped as always.  Many  owners know to be extra cautious with flat faced pups, such as Pugs and Bulldogs when Toronto temperatures soar.  Some, however, are simply not informed.  Let's help protect the dogs we love by spreading the word.  

Also, just a reminder: LET'S KEEP OUR PUPS OUT OF HOT CARS. I get it.  I'm a dog lover.  We want to bring our best friend with us everywhere.  

However, a car can become deadly for a waiting dog in a mere matter of minutes. 

If you know your dog will be waiting in your car, avoid bringing him out with you; leave him home in a nice air conditioned room with some toys and maybe even a PB Kong if he's been a good boy!

Wise Words from Colbert

A fear of loud noises is extremely common among dogs.  Whether it's thunder or fireworks, many dogs will cower and shake when confronted with a boom or bang. 

Check out Stephen Colbert's hilarious take on what's really going on below.

On a more serious note, if your pup shares this fear, consider investing in a Thunder Shirt; they can really help to calm your dog's nerves.  Also, dark small areas (such as a crate) and TV to block the noise can make a world of difference!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfxJ_eUg9Uc&feature=em-subs_digest

Lake Lovin' to Ward off Ruff Monday

Dogs are a gift: they provide love, affection, and allow us to live even more active and fulfilled lives.   For puppy parents heading to the office and in need of a smile, say hello to Dexter, pictured last week on our group walk at the Beaches.  Some dogs may want a bone, but this Golden wants his ball!

Gaga Time

In this week's video, Laila, Tundra and Calle get in some proper exercise while running to Lady Gaga's Do What You Want.  With temperatures hovering at 20 degrees, lazing about at the dog park is neither necessary nor in the interests of most dogs.  Dogs, like people, must stay active AND stay safe- so lots of water, shade and rest while getting in some much needed exercise is the perfect balance for this time of year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGULyglled4

Beat the heat

While we love running, it is getting awfully hot out there for people and pups alike! 

Throughout the summer, all dogs, will be getting their exercise and fun in while staying cool at the city's best dog parks and ravines.

True to the K9 spirit of adventure, we will venture to a variety of settings including Cedarvale, High Park, and Stanley Park where your dog can run free AND enjoy the shade with his buddies.

Stay cool!