Tag Archives: dog

We Are So Sad – Our Dog Maggie Has Died

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Our dog Maggie has died.

Maggie – The Best Dog

A Dog’s Eye View Dog Blog and the BestDogBlog.com are sad to report that our beloved dog, Maggie, became terribly sick and died suddenly. Even though our veterinarian and the emergency animal hospital tried their best with numerous tests and medical support, Maggie could not be saved.

For those of you who have lost a dog to death, I know you can relate. The loss is like grieving a family member. Five and a half year old Maggie was our only living pet, and truly a member of our family. She was always with us in the house. When we came through the door, she was there to greet us. When strangers knocked at door, she alerted us. When one of us was home alone, we weren’t really alone, she was our loyal companion.

We have been through the death of a pet before. Our adopted Australian Shepherd, Scout, died at age 14. We survived that loss by searching and finding our rescue dog, Maggie. She wasn’t a replacement for Scout, but she filled a hole in our family, and in our hearts. We are definitely dog people, we need a dog in our house. Our house is just not a home without a dog.

Our Dog Got Sick – We Don’t Know Why

It was so painful to see our dog get sick. Not knowing what made her so ill was driving us crazy. We were questioning everything – how did she get so sick so quickly? This made us paranoid and nervous to get another dog. We couldn’t stand to go through this again – losing a dog to death. It was just too agonizing. But we needed to fill that void, that paw print on our heart was digging deeper and deeper.

Searching to Fill the Void

So once again we began a search. We knew it would be best to find another rescue dog, but we did want to make sure we would be the best match for a dog in need of a forever home. We now have a one year old granddaughter which required we find a dog that would be gentle. We searched around locally, but the dog that was the perfect fit for our family was not to be found. Maybe the loss of Maggie was too fresh on our minds.

We continued to search. We even played with some dogs, which brought a temporary smile to our face. I will always remember while visiting our vet after Maggie died, everyone was very comforting. I told them about our search and said that we just were not finding the perfect fit for our family. One of the staff, Margaret, said to us “your perfect dog will find you”. She was so right. We have found the perfect match for our family. We call her our miracle dog. We will soon introduce to you our adopted rescue dog, and the newest member of our family and dog blog canine contributor Blue Belle. Stay tuned. She is an amazing dog.

We Still Miss Our Best Friend

We still have moments of sadness, missing our best friend Maggie. But we have once again found a way to heal our broken hearts, and move forward with our life one paw print at a time.

Dog Cries When Soldier Returns Home

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Picture the scene at our house when we come home after being away for a few hours. Our dog, Maggie, is patiently waiting by the door to greet us. Our loving companion even seems to know what time of day my husband should be coming through the door. She lays on the floor directly in front of the door, waiting for her best friend to enter.

Can you imagine how your dog would react if it took you a year to come home?

While waiting in line to purchase my new Iphone I talked with Ron and his son, Casey. They told me about a video they made of Casey’s dog when he returned from a one year tour with the Idaho National Guard in Iraq.

This is one excited dog. My favorite part of the video is the huge long hug.

Casey Returns Home . . .

Can I Give My Dog Raisins? How About Grapes? Learn About Lesser-Known Dog Health Hazards In Your Home!

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Guest Writer: Alicia
http://bisketbaskets.com
Follow her at Twitter.com/BisketBaskets

BisketBaskets.com is here to share their insight and expertise on lesser-known household products and foods that can harm your canine best friend. Bisket Baskets was the first company to design and sell Pet Gift Baskets, ensuring their baskets have only pet-approved treats in them! Their Gourmet Gift Baskets are quite delightful for the humans, too!

We’ve all heard that we should keep our pups away from chocolate and poinsettia plants, but did you know that ferns, garlic, and even raisins can be harmful for your pooch? There’s a whole slew of common home products that can harm your pet, and some of them you wouldn’t even think of! All of us here at BisketBaskets.com have grown up with dogs and of course have dogs in our adult lives, so we know firsthand how important it is to keep your dog healthy and happy. After all, they’re a part of our family, and such loyal companions!

Common household items like mothballs and cleaners are pretty obvious hazards, but you may not realize giving your dog acetaminophen and ibuprofen products can also hurt your pet. They do make dog-friendly versions, so stick with those! It’s important to also keep your dog away from reed diffuser oil (the smell can be tempting!), fly fishing bait, and your vitamins.

Most plants are also a “no”, so keep them on shelving your dog can’t reach, or be sure you have a watchful eye over him or her if you have plants lower to the ground. If you notice your dog has been chomping on plants, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for help, at 1-888-426-4435.

We were quite surprised to see that dogs should avoid garlic and raisins – as well as grapes, onions, avocados, and even macadamia nuts! Of course, it’s always best to feed your dog healthy dog foods and treats specifically designed for our canine friends, helping to keep your dog healthy and in shape. All chocolate should be definitely avoided, as well.

Be careful with objects left lying around the house, such as spare coins, hair pins, and paper clips. Your dog may want to play with these “toys”, and end up with getting one stuck in her or her throat! Do your best to use common sense and judgment in determining what can be left around the house, and what should be tucked safely away.

Does that seem like quite a big “don’t” list? Just like humans, dogs have special dietary needs – you wouldn’t feel too swell after eating a ton of fatty foods, would you? Table food might seem like a tasty treat for your pooch, but stick to dog food and healthy dog teats – after all, it’s made for dogs!

Do you know of any other common household items that are an absolute “no” for dogs? Share your insight with us!

Keep Dogs Healthy and Happy This Summer

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Maggie at Red Fish Lake, Stanley Idaho (the dog wallk section).(ARA) – When the warm summer months roll around, our dogs are just as eager as we are to get outside and enjoy the season. Whether he tells you by nudging his leash or staring at the door knob, one way or another, your pup knows it’s time for some fun in the sun.

Before you head out, keep in mind that warm weather and sunny days are fun, but they can also mean you might need to take some extra precautions with your pet. The whole family can rest assured knowing their four-legged best friend is healthy, hydrated and happy by keeping the following tips in mind:

1. Schedule a checkup.    Before you go anywhere that requires your dog to interact with other dogs, be sure to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Get updates on shots for dangerous communicable diseases like bordetella.

While you’re there, ask your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s overall health. Your veterinarian’s office is also a great place to pick up two essential medications for the season – heartworm preventers and flea and tick control.

2. Run free.    It’s easy for humans and canines alike to slide out of shape during the winter months, and now is the perfect time to work off what you’ve packed on. Taking your dog on regular walks will help, but even more fun for him is a trip to the dog park. Off-leash areas are a treasure for pets and their owners because dogs can run free and play to their heart’s content. They also get natural lessons in socialization. In fact, 44 percent of dog owners who take their dog to the dog park say their dog is more social with other people and dogs. Plus, it’s fun for you, too!

Because pet owners value off-leash areas so much, dog parks across the country are expanding and improving now more than ever.

3. Be prepared.    Dogs aren’t much for strolling around the mall. They love to be out running around and often don’t want to stop no matter how warm it is or tired they feel. Brush up on the signs and symptoms of health problems like dehydration and heat stroke, as well as basic first aid techniques.

Keep a canine first aid kit in your car. At a minimum, it should include antiseptic spray, water-based antibiotic ointment, bandaging (including sterile gauze and a binder like Vetrap or other elastic bandages), a thermometer, tweezers and single-use cold packs. You should also keep the number and address to your veterinarian and an emergency vet stored in your phone or on a slip of paper in your wallet.

4. Good on the inside.    To keep your pet’s energy and health at optimal levels for increased summer activity, be sure you feed a high-quality dog food. It’s easier than ever to make sure your dog is getting complete, healthy nutrition without fillers. High quality foods can be found at your pet store and come in a variety of options that cater to your pet’s size or life stage.

Whether you’re going on a weekend camping trip with your four-legged friend or just heading out for a romp at the dog park, a safe summer is the happiest kind of summer there is.

Majority of content courtesy of ARAcontent
Photo: Julie K. Walton, Internet Success