Embrace Pet Community blog

Gracie Uses her new Puppy Stairs

    Dog ramps or stairs are really key to keeping your pet's spine and joints healthy when they're hopping up and down off the sofa or bed.  What we don't realize is that their tiny bodies do a lot of twisting and torquing, and then there's the impact.  Some little dogs can't even make it up on the bed.  Isn't that sad?

    So there are dog ramps.  But frankly, they usually look like dog ramps or stairs--very utilitarian.  Which is why I LOVE the Puppy Stairs we just received for Gracie to test out.  Gracie, the cutest mini-Dachsund ever, (loved by Embracer Jessica) races right up her stairs and goes to her snuggle spot--no risk of falling or injury:

 

    Notice that the interior decor doesn't have to suffer.  The ramp's lovely oyster suede cover blends right in with the sofa's upholstery.  They've got ramps and cubes to make any configuration you can imagine in four designer colors--so you're not stuck with a one size fits one dog and still doesn't match. 

    The style doesn't suffer when the dog gets bigger--they've got excellent ramps for larger dogs too.  We had Embracer Sara's foster dog, Patsy, a big o' Basset mix try the large dog ramps and she was up on the bed before you could say "hop up"!

I'm so pleased with the Puppy Stairs.  I wasn't sure that the fabric cover was going to look nice as it does, but it's quite smooth and sure to blend in well in almost any room.  It's traction, safety and design in one.  Gracie approves!

UPDATE: Now, save 10% on Puppy Stairs.  Details here.

A long road...

As some of you know, my Rottweiler, Tahlula has been a big part of this blog, since it began 5 years ago.  We've talked about her special needs, mobility issues, arthritis.  We also celebrated some big milesones, such as her 5 year adopt-aversary earlier this month. 

About 10 days ago Tahlula had an overnight change in her personality, becoming disoriented and quite wobbly.  We tried what we could, and while she had a few good days of recovery, her health declined again soon after.  Our focus has always been to give our girl a quality life, short as it might be.  Tearfully, we made the decision to help her out of her pain. 

Yesterday morning, the sun was out, I fixed her a peanut butter and banana sandwich for a special breakfast and we sat in the sun on our porch.  She was content, watching the goings on of our neighborhood.  As I drove her to the vets office for the last time, clouds began to appear.  As we left the vet's office, without our girl, it began to rain.  It was poetic, but I was so grateful that she had that little extra time, a sunbeam warming her black fur, in one of her favorite spots.

We miss her terribly.  The house is so quiet without her little grunts and snores.

With that, I hope you'll all go hug your pets, and loved ones too.  Life is short. Make it good.

The PupRunner

We've been promoting pet fitness and weight loss here and at the Embrace Pet Insurance blog for August, so we were thrilled to see these Embraced doggies in their new PupRunner.  The PupRunner is a new company that creates custom carts and trailers for dogs that want to tag along on your bike ride.  The cart has harness clips, so the dogs are kept secure (abiding with leash laws) and can run or ride on a stand.  Note in the photo that Sula, the tall dog, is running, while her buddy, Rowdy, rides along on the platform.  The platforms can be propped up or down, so the dog can ride, run or snooze while you pedal to your heart's content.

    The carts are made in different sizes to accommodate different size dogs, as well as single and double dog cards.  They're aluminum alloy, so they won't drag you down, but your dog won't bend or break the equipment.  I like the little basket in front, so you can store water, leashes, poop bags and treats easily.

Wouldn't you be more likely to ride your bike if you had a PupRunner?  It's a nice low impact workout for you, while burning some of your pet's extra energy.  Or, if you've got a senior dog that would enjoy the sights and smells of the open road, this might be ideal.

Call PupRunners, and tell them Sula and Rowdy sent you!

UltraLite Bi-fold Pet Ramp is a back saver!

We've been testing out the Ultralite Bifold Pet Ramp and this thing is a total back saver!  Climb in, drive off.  No grunting, groaning and throwing your back out while your dog wiggles as you lift them into your car. 

Remarkably light at 10 lbs, it still doesn't budge under a big dog's weight.  The ramp collapses easily for storage in your trunk or back seat.  When it's time to get your dog in or out, just pick it up, flip it open (you can use one hand!) and prop it up.  Your dog will be able to climb aboard on a very no-slip surface.  And ramps don't just save your back from the heavy lifting--your vet might recommend that you use a ramp or stairs if your dog is pre-disposed to IVDD.  A little precaution might prevent your dog from blowing a disc. 

Before we tried it I wondered if it was going to be easier to set up, use, and then take down than just hoisting my dogs into the car-it takes the same amount of time, and is less stressful on everyone involved.  My back is happy, my dogs are happy.  Win!

My dogs have no problem using it.  Here's Tahlula trying it on day one:

 

Just $69.99 and eligible for Free Super saver Shipping at Amazon

Hartz Botanicals Giveaway

Cold, dry air takes its toll on a dog’s coat, and can cause unsightly dandruff and itchy skin.  Hartz is here to help.  They’re giving away a bottle of Soothing Botanicals Skin Moisturizing Shampoo for some relief.  This lightly scented shampoo has oatmeal and aloe to calm irritation and re-hydrate winter skin.  Tear free, and safe for dogs of any age, even those with sensitive skin.

It's nice to find spa quality products at drug-store prices, just $5.99 at Amazon.

We're giving away a bottle of the botanicals shampoo to one lucky pup.  Post a photo of your dog enjoying the winter weather to our Facebook wall, and you'll be entered into our drawing. 

Photos posted between 12/13/10-12/19/10 will be considered for entry.  Winner will be contacted by Embrace for prize fulfillment.

Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days.  One entry per pet please.

"Chance" for the Win!

Congratulations to Chance and his mom Jodi in Westbrook, CT.  They're the lucky winners of our In Clover Connectin Giveaway.

There are no losers with Connectin-if your pet has had bone or joint issues, I strongly encourage you to give Connectin a "chance", just for 6 weeks.  I bet you'll see the difference.

Nulo Week 11: Almost there

When were being interviewed for the Nulo Challenge, I told the organizers that Lyger had barely any weight to lose, but I was wrong.  He's down to 58 Lbs.  He's looking great, and feeling amazing too.  A stranger just asked me if he was a puppy, and was surprised to hear that he's 10 years old.  His energy level is high for his age, and his coat looks just amazing.  My husband remarked that Lyger is looking "athletic".  I'm not sure we're there yet, but at least he's looking more like a heavyweight boxer than a sumo wrestler.

Lyger came into the Embrace offices last week for a visit, and several people commented that he'd lost significant weight.  The general consensus was that he's still got a little bit to go, but he's looking much trimmer.  That made me feel good. 

He's closer to a 5 on the body score than I might like, and has 2 lbs to lose yet:

One thing I wish I'd done in retrospect, at the start of this challenge, was to have someone unbiased help me determine where Lyger was on this body score scale.  Maybe a vet or even just a friend?  I believe that I started him out at about 4.5 on this scale, in complete denial about the extent of his weight issues.  I know now that he was closer to a 5.5 at the beginning. But, then again, isn't Nulo about helping us better understand our pet's nutritional and health needs.

Disclosure: Nulo has generously provided free product and other benefits in exchange for our participation in the Nu Campaign to fight pet obesity. We are happy to be a part of this awareness campaign, however, all of the opinions about the product are mine and not dictated in any way by the company

Adopt A Dog Month: Meet Grady

Meet Mr. Grady-a loveable, huggable senior Lab from the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs.  I just love the way he responds to people talking to him.  That's a sign of a super-social dog!

Don't let his age fool you-he still loves car rides, walks, and hanging out with his people friends.  Grady's adoption fee is only $100, which is just a portion of the costs that the Sanctuary has put towards getting him happy and healthy.  He's likely going to undergo a toe amputation, due to a infection, but that won't impact his quality of life.

 

Wouldn't you love a stroll through the fall leaves with this happy boy?

Thanks to the Cleveland Dog Blog for introducing us to Grady.

In Clover Orthopedic Pet Story Contest

We're very impressed by In Clover's line of pet supplements. Their all-natural supplement, Connectin, has successfully undergone clinical trials, and earned the National Animal Supplement Council seal of approval.  Lyger and Tahlula had great success during our six week trial, and we were even able to scale back their prescription pain medications.  The combination of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic Acid and nine natural herbs increase joint health and actually work to reduce the friction on a pet's joints.  There’s real science behind the magic..

The supplements are tasty too.  My dogs thought they were treats, and it’s nice to know that giving your pet something that tastes good is very good for them too.  Connectin is available for Dogs, cats and even horses.

In Clover sent us one touching story of a satisfied pet parent:

"A gentleman called us and said that his vet told him upon his first visit with his new puppy that the puppy would certainly need joint surgery when they were older due to his bone structure.  Because the pet parent put him on Connectin, the pet never needed surgery and is a happy bouncing dog five years later!"

Read more Connectin success stories.

 

In honor of Embrace's Orthopedic Month In Clover is offering an amazing opportunity for one lucky pet.  Head to Embrace's Facebook page, and post a story about your pet's orthopedic issue, along with a photo.  Tell us about their injury, joint illness, surgery, or recovery.  In Clover will pick one deserving pet story to win a year's supply of Connectin!

 

Related Posts: In Clover OptaGest

 

Contest rules: Contest open until 10/31/10 at midnight.  Submissions must be uploaded to Embrace's Facebook Wall.  Please include your e-mail address in your ID, as winners will be contacted by e-mail. Prize fulfilled by sponsor.  One year's supply is for one single pet, based on their weight and the suggested dosage.  Embrace and In Clover will have rights to the stories and photos submitted  U.S. residents only.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  One entry per person please.

Celebrating Senior Pets!

This month we're going to be celebrating Senior Pets!  We love their graying muzzles and whiskers, the special way the appreciate a good massage, and the sparkle in their eyes.  There is something special about the lifetime bond that develops with older cats and dogs, and we want to honor that connection that you have with an older animal.

My dogs are both getting on in years (Lyger's 10, and Tahlula's 8) and while I see them slowing down, I feel more in touch with them and their moods now, than when they were spastic younger dogs. I enjoy those quiet moments, watching them snore and enjoy a spot of sunshine, the way only an older pet can. 

Shown right is Cody, an 8 year old Corgi.