4th Week of Summer: Take Me Out to a Ball Game

Looking for something to do tonight? With the 4^th of July just behind us, American traditions are fresh in our minds.  That’s why it’s the perfect time to indulge in one of America’s favorite past times: baseball.

With the Angel’s Stadium so close by, it’s hard not to be exposed to a baseball game at some point in your life.  And really, a live baseball game is something to be experienced at least once.  But tickets to a major league game can be expensive, especially if you want to bring the whole family (and you can forget about bringing the dog).   

Well this year you can share a live baseball experience with your whole family and your dog at ‘Man’s Best Friend Mondays’, at the San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino; home of the Inland Empire 66er’s.

Whether you like baseball or not, Man’s Best Friend Mondays are a great opportunity to try something new, meet new people, create new memories, and help support a local animal shelter.  Starting tonight, Monday, July 8th, 2013, you and your furry friend can watch the 66er’s go up against the Ranch Cucamonga Quakes. Tickets are just $8 and the proceeds help the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in Riverside.  Tickets are for a lawn seat so be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair and water for your pup.  And for yourself, be sure to get a $5 food voucher for a hotdog, chips, and a soda to enjoy during the game.

If you already have plans tonight, that’s o.k., you and your pup can still catch a game before summer is over.  Man’s Best Friend Monday will take place again on July 22^nd, when the 66er’s take on the Lake Elsinore Storm, and then again on August 26^th, when they play the High Desert Mavericks.  

Each game starts at 7 p.m. at the San Manuel Stadium located at 280 South E. Street, in San Bernardino.  You can check out the Inland Empire 66er's official website for more information.

3rd Week of Summer: Fido and the 4th of July

What makes the 4^th of July special to you?   Is it the barbeques? Is it the parades? Is it the fun memories of family and friends? Or is it the chance to watch a firework show?

The 4^th of July is a special part of our culture, so it makes sense to share that special time with the four-legged family member too.  Any 4th of July parade is a patriotic way to celebrate our freedom and it’s a great way to involve your dog in the celebration as well.

Enjoy the festivities of 4^th of July this year by lining up along Main Street in Corona for their annual 4^th of July parade.  The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Ontario and continues until 12 p.m. ending at Main Street and Olive Street. 

Anaheim will be holding their 4th of July parade in Anaheim Hills, starting at 3:00 p.m. from Canyon High School near the corner of Santa Ana Canyon Road and Imperial.

The Huntington Beach 4^th of July Parade is said to be “the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi River” with more than 300 entries, from bands and floats to celebrities and community groups.  The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway and will end at Main Street and Yorktown Avenue.

The Newport Beach Harbor Old Glory Boat Parade is a festive spectacle of boats, decorated in red, white, and blue, cruising around the harbor.  The fun filled day begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast for a donation of $8 per person.  Lunch and dinner (tri-tip and chicken) will be available from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. for a donation of $10 per person.  There will be raffles and live entertainment throughout the day as well.

There will plenty of patriotic parades throughout Southern California this Independence Day, such as the parades in Ontario (Inland Empire) and Lake Forest (Orange County), so check your local city calendar to see if your city will be hosting a parade this year. 

No matter what parade you choose to go to, get there early if you want a good spot.  And don’t forget the lawn chair, sunblock, and plenty of water for you and your pup.

**Dogs and FIREWORKS:

Fireworks are a major part of our Independence Day celebration, but they are not the way to share the celebration with your dog.  Unless you are just watching fireworks on TV, be sure to set your dog (or cat) up in the house to block out most (if not all) firework noise.

Fireworks can make the perfect dog turn into the most neurotic dog you’ve ever seen.  To help keep your dog’s sanity and your property in tack, do the following: 

1.      Make sure your dog is inside the house before leaving for the night.  If you have an outside dog, then put them in the garage (after the sun goes down so they don’t suffer a heat stoke).  If your dog is allowed inside the house, put them in a room furthest from where you think the firework noise will be coming from (for example, if the fireworks show is at a local school just east of your house then put your dog in the furthest room to the west).

2.      Turn on soothing music.  Classical music is the most soothing, but anything will do as long as it isn’t angry or harsh music that would cause your dog further anxiety. (FYI: the classical FM station is 91.5). You don’t want to turn the volume all the way up, making your dog deaf or causing more anxiety, but make it loud enough to distract them from outside noises.

   Enjoy your Independence Day with your whole family, four-legged family members included!    

 

1st Week of Summer: Take your dog to work day

What comes to mind when you think of summer?  For most people, the season brings back a nostalgic feeling of freedom.  Growing up, it was the time you were carefree; no school, no homework, just days of play and three whole months of vacation.  Even as an adult, summer is still the time to slow down, relax a little more, and enjoy your free time a little more.

June 21^st is the official start of summer and Southern California has plenty to offer when it comes to dog-friendly activities.  So why not go try new things, start a tradition, or just enjoy the beautiful weather with your four-legged best friend?

This week, the first day of summer happens to fall on the same day as “Take your dog to work day.”

Take your dog to work day was first celebrated in 1999.  It was created by Pet Sitters International to celebrate great companion dogs and to help encourage their adoption.  If your workplace doesn’t celebrate yet, now is the time to get involved.

The first step to bringing your dog to work is convincing your boss or HR manager to let you do so.  For help in this area, go to the official ‘Take your dog to work Day’ website and download the TYDTWDay Action Pack.  This pack and the website are full of information to share with those in charge, along with ideas to help you plan your first successful TYDTW Day.  It will help you address concerns, such as building codes and co-worker dog allergies, and give you pointers on avoiding problems the day of. 

Another way to convince the boss is by sharing the benefits of celebrating the day.  ‘Take your dog to work day’ provides the unique opportunity to increase community involvement by partnering with a local animal shelter, rescue group, or humane society.  It is also a low-cost perk for employees who may have experienced pay cuts or other decreases in benefits. 

And if those reasons aren’t enough, try sharing some cold, hard facts.  In 2006, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) found that:

• Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. companies allow pets in the workplace.
• 55 million Americans believe having pets in the workplace leads to a more creative environment
• 50 million believe having pets in the workplace helps co-workers get along better
• 38 million believe having pets in the workplace creates a more productive work environment
• 37 million believe having pets in the workplace helps improve the relationship between managers and their employees

Everyone may jump on board or you may have to take baby steps and try again next year.  But even if you are not allowed to bring your dog to work, there are other ways to celebrate at work, like having a fundraiser for a local animal rescue, or a pet photo contest, or dog themed luncheon (with hotdogs and bone-shaped cookies).  For these and other great ideas on how to prep for and celebrate ‘Take your dog to work day’, check out the official website.  Whatever you end up doing, enjoy the first day of summer with you pup!

Moving with Pets

Moving is a stressful time for us humans, but it can be even worse for our dogs.  Dogs need stability to feel secure, so moving can seriously upset them.  Add your moving anxiety on top of that and you have a very unsettled dog acting out of the ordinary. 

Many people put great effort into helping their children understand why they have to pack up all of their things and leave all of their friends behind when they move.  Have you ever tried doing the same thing with your dog to help ease the transition?  Here are a few ideas to help you:

1.        A happy & soothing voice - Any dog owner would tell you that their dog understands what they are saying. The dog may not get every single word, but he gets the gist of it.  For that reason, you should sit down with your dog and tell him what is going on.  Keep your voice positive and try to get him use to the words moving, new home, and packing. Try to keep your emotions neutral when talking to him, especially if the move is hard or emotional for you; he will pick up on that. Try to be encouraging and positive when he sees his things being packed up as well.  

2.     A familiar and secure space - Dogs originally slept in dens. So naturally, they tend to like squeezing into small spaces that help them feel secure. For this reason, dog crates come in handy as it is a den-like place that the dog is familiar with and can move with him. If your dog is not crate trained or has no personal space to call his own, you may consider getting one before you move (so he has time to get comfortable with it). Put a few of his things and some treats in there to help him get acquainted with it.  His crate (or personal space) should be the last thing to leave the old house and the first thing in the new house to help him adjust.

3.     An early visit - If you can, visit your new home with your dog before you move.  Even if you can’t go inside, let him sniff around outside and go for a walk around the neighborhood. He can get use to the smells of your new home and the surrounding area.  You can give him periodic treats to make it an even more positive experience. Also, if possible, leave one of his toys at the property so he can make a positive association with it when you come back.

4.     An old toy & a new one - While you may want to get all new dog toys, bowls, and beds to go with the new homes décor, don’t be so quick to throw out your dog’s old things. To him, they are the only familiar thing in an unfamiliar place, and as such, they will bring him comfort.  Instead, bring his old bed, bowls, and toys to the new house along with a couple of new toys (a reward for moving).  Then as you settle in your new home, replace his doggie belongings slowly, giving him time to adjust to each new item.  

5.     Odds and Ends – If you are cleaning or painting your new home, be aware of the harsh chemicals and fumes in the air that can be harmful to you and your dog.  If you can, put your dog in a safe place outside where he can get fresh air until you are finished.  And whether he is inside or out, always ensure plenty of ventilation while cleaning or painting.  If it is too stressful for your pup to be around, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask a friend or family member to watch your dog for a day or two.  Or, if they are not available, find a local pet sitter or dog daycare that can help.  They may also come in handy for the first few weeks after the move, if your pup is acting out (having trouble adjusting). A few extra dollars spent on pet care is much better than having to replace the carpet or any ruined furniture.   

Dog-Friendly Memorial Day Getaway

While Memorial weekend tends to signify the start of Summer, we cannot ignore the true reason for Memorial Day, which is to honor those who have died while serving in the United States Military. 

Fun Fact: Memorial Day is a federal holiday that started after the Civil War, to commemorate all the soldiers who died.  By the 20^th century Memorial Day had expanded to include all Americans who died while in the military.  

Those brave men and women who died while in service were fighting for our freedom, so we can continue to enjoy life as we know it. This weekend should be taken as time to enjoy that freedom, spend time with loved ones, and give thanks to those who have fought (and still fight) for us.

What better way to do all those things then to go on a weekend getaway to San Diego? This Dog-friendly city has plenty to offer by way of whole-family entertainment, and there is a naval base in Coronado.   There is hiking, dog beaches, countless parks, restaurants, great places to stay, and lots of outdoor events going on this weekend.

Because Coronado has a naval base, we will focus these trip ideas on areas in main San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter) and Coronado. Of course, feel free to customize your own San Diego visit, as there are numerous dog-friendly options all over the county.

Great dog-friendly places to stay include Westin Horton Plaza in San Diego , the Crown City Inn and the Loews Coronado Bay Resort , both in Coronado.  Coronado is a small and expensive island, so if these hotels are already booked or are perhaps out of your price range, simply Google ‘dog friendly San Diego hotels’ and Trip Advisor or a similar travel site will give you plenty of other options.

The most dog-friendly places to eat include Point Loma Seafood and Terra, both in San Diego, as well as Café 1134 in Coronado and Market Café which is in the Loews Coronado Bay Resort.  And there are lots of dog-friendly places in the Gaslamp Quarter to grab a bite, like G5 (Gerorges on Fifth), Royal India, and Trattoria La Strada.  

Now that we have a place to stay and places to eat, let’s go find something to do.  What better thing to do in San Diego than go to the beach?!  The best dog beaches include Dog Beach and Fiesta Island in San Diego and Coronado Central Beach in Coronado.  Of course, there is plenty to see just walking around Gaslamp Quarter  or even Old Town San Diego.  If you are in the mood for some dog-friendly shopping, check out Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista.  Not only does it have dog-friendly shops, this mall has a dog park too.  And if you’re in the mood for something different, go for a gondola ride with A Gondola Company while visiting Coronado.  And lastly, San Diego has a plethora of events going on this Saturday and Sunday, from a soap box derby to a strawberry festival, so check it out and see what fun new things you can discover with your pup on your Memorial Day getaway.

 

 

9 Ways to Avoid a Dog Bite

 Did you Know.....
….around 5 million Americans are bitten every year by a dog and 83% are children?
….50% of all U.S. children will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday?
….Each year 800,000 bite injuries are severe enough to require medical attention?

These statistics point out one major problem in the U.S. and it is a lack of dog bite prevention education and responsible dog ownership.

To raise awareness for this perpetual public health problem, the U.S. Postal Service and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) joined forces along with other organizations to promote National Dog Bite Prevention Week during the third week of May each year. And although this week has brought about an increase in awareness, there are still dog bites happening every day, which only demonstrate the need for greater awareness and education efforts nationwide.

A common misconception among people is that because they are around a certain dog a lot they assume that dog must like and feel comfortable around them. But dogs have their own rules of etiquette and they give lots of body language they people don't pick up on, which leads to an "out of the blue" dog bite. And because children are so close to the dog’s size, their bites are usually worse on the face or neck.

“Even the gentlest dog, if it is physically or mentally unhealthy, is in pain, feels threatened, or is protecting its food or a favorite toy, can bite,” Dr. Gail C. Golab, director of the AVMA’s Animal Welfare Division said. “Not only is it important to understand how dogs behave, it is important to understand how our behavior may be interpreted by a dog. To prevent dog bites, we need to find a common language. Finding that common language is the focus of effective dog bite prevention educational efforts.”
So what can you do to avoid being bitten by the next dog you encounter?

1. Watch an educational video - A great tool for children, and adults alike, is this educational video produced by the AKC to help kids avoid being bitten by a dog. It is highly recommended that all parents watch this video with their kids and encourage your schools to show the video to each class as well.
2. Greet a dog the proper way - When meeting or greeting an unfamiliar dog, first ask the owner if the dog is friendly and then ask for permission to pet the dog. You should then ask the dog for permission to pet him or her by letting the dog sniff the back of your hand before petting.
3. Always pet a new dog under the chin, on the shoulder or on the chest, but never on their head first. A dog may misinterpret a person leaning over them as a dominant behavior and feel threatened.
4. Don't run past or away from a dog - The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch prey.
5. Avoid eye contact - Dogs interpret this as a challenge. If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
6. Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or confined.
7. Do not tease a dog behind a fence or tethered in a yard.
8. Do not touch or play with a dog that is eating or sleeping.
9. Be a tree trunk - If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle. Otherwise, you should stand still “Like a tree trunk” with your arms crossed over your chest (closed fists). If you or your child should fall to the ground, you should curl into a ball, with your knees to your chest and your fingers interlocked covering the back of your neck. If you stay still, the dog will most likely sniff you, loose interest and leave you alone.

Education has to start with children not only to stop kids for getting bitten but to plant a seed for future responsible pet owners that will break the cycle. Check out the AKC website to view the video or to order a free copy for your school or community group. They also provide a workbook for kids to go over after the video to ensure they understood what they learned.

Mother's Day for Dog Moms

 

When we think of a mother, we most often think of the woman who brought us into this world and raised us.  For some people, the woman who brought them into the world may not be the same woman who raised them. 

The definition of Mother, as a verb, is "to bring up a child with care and affection".  So being a mother isn't just about bringing a child into the world.  It's about the day-to-day care a woman gives to a child that defines her as a mother.

Do you know any women who refer to themselves as their dog's mom?  Many of today's dog owners consider themselves a pet parent (rather than dog owner), since they have a dog at home rather than children, and they give their dogs the day-to-day care one would give a child.  So it's no wonder that Mother's Day is beginning to include devoted dog moms.

These dog moms put a lot of energy and love into their dog's well-being and they deserve a little recognition for it. 

If you have a dog mom in your life, here are a couple of ideas on how to give her a little extra attention this Mother's Day:

 

Breakfast- Surprise her with breakfast in bed (or at the table if she prefers)

Card- Make her feel special with a thoughtful card. They sell adorable animal Mother's Day cards at pet stores.

Brunch- Enjoy an outdoor brunch with her and her fur baby

Relax- Let her relax by taking care of the house work and all dog related activities (such as feeding). 

Quality Time- Plan an activity that includes the fur baby, such as a family hike or day at the dog beach.

Lady's Choice- Let her make all the decisions for the day - from activities to food choices.

Flowers- Most women love getting flowers, whatever the occasion.