Embrace Pet Community blog

Part 1: Traveling with Pets

It wasn't until BlogPaws East in April that I really thought about what it takes to travel with a pet in tow.  I met Ronnie and Rex from Bella's Pain Relief, and realized that Rex had made the trip all the way from New Jersey to Ohio, and then camped out in the hotel while Rhona worked the conference.  Fortunately, Ronnie had the foresight to hire a dog sitter to visit with Rex in the hotel room while she was out and about, so Rex wouldn't feel anxious in a strange room.

Embracer Carrie posted an article at Examiner last month, with 5 helpful points that you might not have considered before you travel with your cat or dog in tow:

1.  Book a pet friendly hotel.  Dogfriendly.com has a terrific list of pet friendly hotels, complete with a list of any additional charges or stipulations that may be required for bringing your fuzzy family member along for each hotel. Dogfriendly.com also lists campgrounds and RV parks that welcome pets.

2. Plan pet-friendly activities for your family and your pet.  Many beaches and parks allow dogs, but you will need to check ahead of time to be sure your four-legged companion is welcome.  Dogfriendly.com has a list of beaches, parks, stores, even outdoor restaurants that welcome your pets. 

(Read the rest here.)

I was recently pondering a roadtrip with Lyger- about 8 hours from Cleveland to Philly to attend a conference.  I thought it seemed like it might be an American adventure, a bonding experience for a girl and her dog.  But, It would have been long days for me, and longer days for an anxious dog, so I opted against it.

What sorts of tips do you have for people that might be planning to travel with their pets?

Official Take Your Dog to work Day

Start packing a lunch for your dog, because tomorrow is Take Your Dog to Work day!  Pet Sitters International is hosting a fun photo contest, and offering an action pack for people and businesses setting up a dog friendly workplace.

Embrace has a pet friendly policy for dogs and cats.  It's fairly informal, we just coordinate who is coming a day before, so that we don't mix cats and dogs, or have too many furry friends at once. 

In honor of the day, upload your pet at work photo to our Facebook!  We want to see them enjoying all the perks of a pet friendly workplace!

Contest!: Waterdog Giveaway!

We've got another fun photo contest and great summer giveaway for you! Here's the scoop:

We're giving away a WaterDog, courtesy of Contech. (read our rave review)  To enter, email me (lj@embracepetinsurance.com) a photo of your pet with water.  It can be in the bathtub, the ocean, the pool, a mud-puddle...anything to do with water!  Your photo will be entered into a random drawing, and one lucky winner will win their own WaterDog! 

We'll post the photos to an album on our Facebook, so be sure to view the fun summer snapshots!

Contest rules:Contest open from 6/14-6/21 at 12:01am.  Submissions must be e-mailed to lj@embracepetinsurance.comto qualify.  (Facebook wall uploads will not qualify for drawing.)  Winner will be notified and prize will be shipped within one week of contest closing.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  One entry per person please. 

Other contest: Mystery Mixed Breed Givaway!

Product Review: Waterdog

Keeping fresh water outdoors for dogs is a hassle in the summer.  You have to leave enough out to quench their thirst on a hot day, but extra water can become stale or form a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bugs.  Water bowls get spilled or dirty.  That is why I was so excited to test out the eco-friendly and clean pet water alternative, WaterDog.

The Waterdog hooks right onto your outdoor faucet, and a sonar senses when your dog approaches the unit.  It turns on, and releases a stream of fresh water for a few seconds, so your dog gets clean water on demand.  The unit has a "y" adapter, so your existing hose or sprinkler remains connected.  It eliminates the risk of dehydration or illness from drinking stagnant water, and remains on all through the warm months on just four batteries.

The Waterdog is durable and works just as described.  It's height is adjustable for pets of any size, even very large dogs.  My only advice would be that the unit is not well suited to high traffic areas, since it turns on whenever a person or pet comes within 3 feet of the unit.  We're still working on training our dogs to use the unit because they're both averse to the hose, (probably from getting spontaneous baths after rolling in "yuck").  But the manual offer several methods to train your dog to use the unit, and offers additional customer support, so we're making fast progress.  This product is so helpful, since Lula likes to spend the entire day outside on the back porch.  No more bringing her inside for water breaks!

Check out their video, or our personal trial video:

WaterDog from Lea Maxwell on Vimeo.

WaterDog is available online ($48.20 at Amazon) or at PetSmart or Costco.  Check back Monday when we'll announce our WaterDog Giveaway!

Read more pet Product Reviews

Guest Post: Paul Mann, founder of Fetch! Pet Care

Today we've got a guest post from Fetch! Pet Care founder, Paul Mann.  He's got some tips and tricks to help you with your pet's separation anxiety:

 

Top Five Signs You’re Too Into Your Pet:

1.    Your Christmas card spotlights your cats — not the kids.

2.    You formally invited your coworkers to your dog’s annual birthday bash. 

3.    You pick accessories to match the pet hair stuck on your shirt or pants.

4.    You know your neighbors solely by their pets’ name. 

5.    Your screensaver at work is a picture of your pet.

Tips to Reduce Separation Anxiety

· When on business or personal travel, leaving your pet behind can be difficult. Consider in-home pet care versus boarding or kenneling. In-home pet sitters can help maintain normal activities and allow your pet to be nurtured in familiar, safe surroundings.

· All pet sitters are not created equal. Diligently check all of the company’s references – at least three should be voluntarily provided.  It’s important to ensure that the pet sitting company is fully bonded and insured.

· Prior to leaving, make sure your pet has plenty to play with.  A new bone or toy will distract your pet from your absence and take their mind off your departure.

· Leave your pet with an item of your clothing that has your scent to they can remember you and be comforted while you are away.

· Make sure that you assemble a list of emergency contacts with your veterinarian’s phone number.  If your pet has any health issues, inform the sitter of this properly prior to your departure.

 

Fetch! Pet Care was founded in 2002 after Paul Mann, now Fetch! Pet Care CEO.  Today, Fetch! Pet Care is the nation's largest and most trusted provider of professional pet sitting and dog walking services, serving thousands of pets and pet parents from coast to coast.

Today's photos feature Vincent, a beautiful and bright Golden Retriever from San Francisco, CA

Therapy Pets Week: Meet Johnny!

Johnny's story is one too good not to tell.  About 2 years ago, Johnny was picked up as a stray by the local animal control in rural southern Ohio.  Clearly an older dog, he was filthy, mal-nourished, and all signs indicated that he was blind.  Luckily for him, and for the rest of us, they recognized the amazing personality and resilient temperament, and called GRIN (Golden Retrievers in Need).  GRIN picked Johnny up, placed him with a loving foster family, and worked with a vet to determine that his severe visual impairment was irreversible.

Posted on their website, as a "Senior Special Needs Dog" one might wonder how even the greatest of goldens might ever get adopted, let alone a 9 year old blind stray.  That was until Carrie saw his profile, and fell in love.  Carrie, a school psychiatrist, was looking for her next golden, but she didn't yet know that this boy with the white muzzle could be her next therapy partner.

After just a few days in her home, it became clear that Johnny was as capable of most.  When Carrie realized that he was chasing squirrels by scent, it seemed like there was very little that Johnny couldn't do.  She began working with Johnny in training classes (taking most of her training drills from online courses), and within a matter of months, he received his Canine Good Citizen certification from Delta Society.  He was a natural!   The only area of the test that Johnny would need extra preparation for was the distractions segment.  If he was to be a therapy dog, Johnny would need to sit calmly even amidst loud coughing, wheelchairs squeaking and crutches clacking.  But, with consistent socialization, even these sounds became second nature for Johnny.  Now, if Johnny becomes unsure, (as he did on his first elevator ride) he leans in on Carrie's side, for little reassurance.

Now, the best part of the story.  Johnny gets to go to work.  A few mornings a week, Carrie grooms him, and just as soon as his grooming is done, he starts spinning at the door, because he knows it's a work day!  Carrie and Johnny visit various schools, sitting with kids in individual or group sessions.  Johnny lies casually, accepting petting and hugs, often times sticking close to a kid that is having a particularly rough time.  After a few minutes, the kids hardly notice his disability, and by the end of a school year, they're telling Carrie "I want a blind dog when I grow up."

Johnny's work is never finished.  If one of his students is hospitalized, they go visit at bedside.  Over summer break, Johnny visits nursing homes, where he's a favorite of older men, perhaps thinking back on the big retriever they had as a child. 

And at the end of the school year, Johnny gets dozens of cards and from his little friends.  They thank him for listening, for being their best friend, for teaching them what it means to overcome disability.

With Carrie always at his side, Johnny's disability turns to ability. Ability to connect with adults and children in a way that few pets can.

Thank you Carrie and Johnny, for sharing your story.

Like this post?  Meet more therapy dogs:
Meet Inara
Meet Andre

Therapy Pet Week: Meet Andre

Monday, we talked with Inara.  Today, we're going to talk about little Andre, a Pomeranian and Therapy Pet owned by Embracer, Adrienne.  For those of you that have never had the pleasure of meeting Andre, I assure you, he's the cutest thing on four legs!

Tell us a bit about what Andre’s training involved, and what work you do as a Therapy Team?

Andre’s training involved basic obedience skills – sit, down, come, stay, heel / walking nicely on a leash.  He also has to be well socialized with all kinds of people, different environments, sounds, objects, and other animals.  He needed to be comfortable in crowds and with people who might not be coordinated or have difficulty petting him.  He had plenty of practice with that since he is a Pomeranian and most everyone that sees him wants to pet and hug him!

Right now Andre and I are involved in the D.O.C. (Dogs On Campus) program at Kent State University.  We go and visit the students that live on campus.  This is the only program in the country right now that does this.  It helps the students who are away from home for the first time and that had to leave their pets behind.  The program is also conducting studies on how therapy dogs effect people who are not sick.  The program was created and is run by Dr. Kathy Adamle.

What certifications or titles does Andre have?

Andre is a certified therapy dog with Delta Society and has a rating of complex.

What was the hardest part of the CGC training for Andre?

Learning how to lie down.  He just did not want to do it and would just sit there looking at me with a “give me a good reason why” expression on his face.  It took weeks of work, but he finally decided it was okay to comply with the request.  I also had to make sure that he didn’t get over excited when greeting other dogs.  He is always ready to play!

What is Andre’s favorite part about therapy visits?

All parts!  Once he sees his bandana he wears he is excited and as soon as we are out of the car at Kent he wants everyone he sees to say hello – from the other dogs in the group, to all the students on campus.  He’d be ready to move in if they’d let him!

What would be your ideal Therapy Dog job?

I’m not really sure.  Right now I love going to Kent and seeing how excited all the students are to see the dogs.  You wouldn’t think having the dogs visit would be that big a deal, but it really is special for them.  When we do the visits we can have a hundred students come by to see them.  They all share stories of their pets and what they did at home.  It really relieves the stress of studying and being away from home.

What is Andre’s favorite thing to do when he’s not training?

He loves trying to play with my cats, swimming, and playing with his squeaky toys.  He is always up to go for a walk too!

What advice do you have for anyone considering getting into Therapy work?

Start socializing your dog with everyone and everything!  The better socialized they are the easier it will be for them to handle stressful or new situations.  Take your time and don’t rush.  Learn about what is required of both you and your dog.  Therapy work isn’t just about the dog (or cat, bird, etc.)  The person plays a major part of the team and you will get as much out of it as your pet. 

Special thanks to Andre and Adrienne!

Like this post?

Meet Inara

Therapy Pet Week: Meet Inara

Meet Inara!  She's a 4 year old, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Therapy Dog, in Cleveland, Ohio.

She took the time out of her busy training schedule to answer some questions about what it's like to live the life of an APBT CGC (That's short for American Pit Bull Terrier Canine Good Citizen...)

Tell us a bit about what Therapy dogs do, and what it takes to be a therapy dog team?

We are dogs that have gotten special training so we can go into nursing homes, hospitals and other places to get lots of love from people who may not be able to get out into the community that much.  We visit, listen to stories, give kisses (after Mom asks permission!) and just provide some physical comfort.  Any dog that loves people and doesn't get worried about medical equipment would be a candidate.  You don't have to be a super mellow dog either - I'm pretty crazy most of the time but as soon as we walk into a nursing home or other facility I settle down a whole lot.  I know my job.

What certifications or titles do you have?

I have my Therapy Dog certificate from Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc.  I also have my AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and I passed the American Temperament Testing Society's Test for their certificate, as well.  So my full name is Inara CGC, TD, TT.  But that's a mouthful.  Mom says I'm also a certified pain in the bum, but she's kidding.  I think.  

What was the hardest part of the CGC training for you?

Learning that I can't jump on everybody to say hello.  As an American Pit Bull Terrier, I LOVE people and want to give full-contact greetings, but Mom says I can't do that.  She says I may accidentally hurt or scare somebody.  So I'm learning that I should sit or down when saying hello.  It's hard though and will always be a struggle for me!

Explain a little bit about why you’re having trouble finding a place to volunteer? 

I'm an American Pit Bull Terrier, you know, one of those "vicious" dogs.  Here in Ohio I'm automaticallyconsidered vicious even though I've never hurt anybody.  When Mom is calling around trying to find us a place to volunteer she says I'm just a Terrier mix, but when they see me, they know, and we don't get invited back.  It makes me mad and sad because I really want to help people, and everybody I've gotten to visit with loves me, but people won't give me a chance.  Unfortunately, bad owners have ruined it for the good owners like my Mom, and she and I are the ones getting punished.  It's not fair. 

  What would be your ideal Therapy job?

I would LOVE to get into a long-term children's ward at a hospital - a burn unit or cancer wing.  I know it would be hard, but kids really love me and I want to make them smile.  I like acting silly around them and making them laugh.  They probably don't laugh a whole lot in those wings.  They need me and it would make me happy.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working or training?

I'm a certified couch potato.  Though I do occasionally get the zoomies and go tearing around the house like my bum is on fire.  But mostly I just want to be wherever Mom is, cuddling or playing with her.  Or chasing the cat.  It's a toss-up.

What would you like to say to anyone considering getting into Therapy work?

Have fun with it!  It doesn't hurt to take some classes and try.  The classes can be kinda scary when they're banging walkers or crutches around, or rolling close to your tail with a wheelchair, but it's worth it. Trust your Mom or Dad to keep you safe.  And don't jump on people!

Thank you to Inara and her mom, Liz W. for all of your dedication.  For more on Inara's story, visit her blog:  Pit Bulls Make the World Go Round:  Living with and loving a pit bull.

 Check back later this week for more Therapy Dog Tales!

Pawz Dog Boots Review

For those of you that followed the story of Lula's physical therapy we've made great progress, but she's still somewhat weak in her rear legs.  My friend at Bella's Pain Relief recommended we try the Pawz Disposable dog boots.  Honestly, I wasn't sure how much good disposable boots would do on a big dog, but after I saw their testimonial videos, I contacted the Pawz company so that we could try them out.

Pawzare small sock-like boots.  They look a bit like a oddly shaped latex balloon, but a bit more durable.  They're bio-degradable, and can be re-used many times.  There's no velcro, straps or other awkwardness to putting them on.  Just stretch the opening a bit, slip it over your dogs foot, and your dog is in Pawz.   

Surprisingly, Lula didn't really mind us putting the Pawz on.  We'll have her wear them for a few hours a day (less than one hour at a time) around the house, just to help her tone up during play time.  Since we're trying to build her rear legs, so she only wears them on the back feet, and she seems to be completely acclimated to them after just the first day.  Pawz come in 7 sizes, and 85 pound Lula is wearing the Large.  They seemed a little tight around the ankle though, so we cut a tiny slit in the top to loosen them up.

If your dog needs Pawz for mobility, post-surgical recovery, or as a protection against chemicals or hot sand, you can find them at Bella's Pain Relief.

Lula and I give them 2 Pawz up!

Trendy Hound Collar meets high expectations

My husband teased me that I spent more time picking out a new collar than I did picking our our new car.  He's totally right.  To be fair, I look at a lot of great collars for this blog, so I have high expectations on style and quality.  But, the bigger factor was personality.  Tahlula's old collar picked out before we knew anything about her.  While VERY durable, her Lupine collar just didn't suit her.

Tahlula is sensitive and affectionate, and I think of her as very feminine, but not in a cutesy sort of way. She's more of an Audrey Hepburn than a Jessica Simpson--classic, elegant.  So, after much deliberation, we picked the Misty Rose Martingale, from TrendyHound.  It's got very classic lines, with an antique color pallet that complements her black and tan fur.  Just perfect.

     From a functional standpoint, it's got a soft black felt backing so it won't itch or rub her.  The martingale style is ideal, so it sits loosely on her neck, which is better for a dog with a spinal condition.  The hardware is durable and not noisy, and it comes with a nice little tag keeper.

So, yes, I had high expectations, but Trendy Hound lived up to all of them, and for only $16!