Brandy and Val

I don’t know about you but the mosquitoes are out in full force where we are.  No matter that our town sprays for them and that we have bug zappers all over the place, they’re still swarming.  We also have something called a SKEETER VAC which is worth its’ weight in gold in a normal mosquito year and which is doing overtime now.   Mosquitoes also bother the pooches, too, and in fact are a carrier of heartworm which is why it is is SO important that you keep up with regular treatments to prevent this.  Val acquired heartworm while wandering the streets of New Orleans, Post Katrina, and so we have to monitor him closely.   K9  Advantix and Frontline have mosquito repellant in their formulas in addition to protection for your pooch from fleas and ticks.  Lemon eucalyptus oils have been documented as an “all natural” remedy against mosquitos. The REPEL brand has received good reviews from Amazon and can be found at outdoor stores like REI and even Target.  Along with Amazon, your local pet stores and doggie catalogs have plenty of offerings but it’s best to read all the labels and decide which one you personally wish to try.   For Brandy and Val, we don’t use any repellent but we do limit their time outside romping on the lawn and we keep their heartworm and flea treatments up to date.  So far, they don’t seem to be scratching or picking more than usual so I am hoping that their bites are far and few between.  On the natural front,   Dogs Naturally has an article worth reading on natural remedies for pets.

I’ve even heard that if your dog is bitten and gets a red welt, the use of calamine lotion on the spot helps the itching. However, if ingested, the lotion can be toxic so if it’s in an out-of-the-way spot or you can figure out how to put a bandage on it, I guess it’s ok.  I also assume, ingestion quantities depend on the quantity and size of the dog.  ALWAYS confirm with a vet or animal specialist before deciding to put something on or give your dog something you think might be harmless as it may not be.

If you see bugs swarming around the dogs, bring them inside!  Also, make sure there is no standing water around your property which gives the buggers a breeding ground.  I often forget to empty out flower pots or saucers that accumulate water.  A definite NO NO!   If you have a water fountain or pond, ensure that there is circulating water and if you have birdbaths, refresh the water frequently.

At Brandy and Val, LLC our mission is “to do good where good is needed.”  We hope that the thoughts and ideas we share with you on the blog are helpful and welcome comments and tips from our readers.  In addition, it is through the sales of Brandy and Val books and toys that we hope to improve the lives of animals in shelters and sanctuaries.

It’s TOO hot to do much of anything!  A tip from the obvious:  stay cool and keep your pets cool (preferably inside with A/C) and stay hydrated.  Lots of water for all.  If you’re near a lake or a pool or an ocean, enjoy.

Visit http://www.BrandyandVal.com and read about why they and their books and toys are so special!

Good question, and my assumption is they like it for the same reason many of us do–it’s just yummy.  I got to thinking about it because all the vets I’ve ever gone to with my pets recommend burying pills in chunky peanut butter if they’re fussy taking the pill by themselves.  Brandy and Val LOVE the peanut butter.   All kidding aside, however, I was unable to find out a scientific reason why this is so.  Got me thinking, though, about all the things the things they tell you NOT to feed your pooch.  Most of us know about chocolate and grapes but do you know why?  Here’s a quick reference guide for what NOT to feed Fido along with goodies your dog will love (usually).

DON’T FEED YOUR PUP:

1. CHOCOLATE because it can cause seizures due to the theobromine in it which is a central nervous system stimulant
2. CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES for the same reason as chocolate
3. ONIONS & GARLIC because they destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia
4. GRAPES/RAISINS because they can cause kidney failure even with only one serving!
5. MACADAMIA NUTS & WALNUTS cause muscle weakness
6. AVOCADO can cause vomiting and diahrrea
7. products with XYLITOL found in sweetened items such as gum, toothpaste and candy.  Can lead to liver failure
8. UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS LIKE MEATS & EGGS  like with humans, can get bacteria, eColi, salmonella infections
9. SALT  too much causes thirst and excessive urination with a variety of side effects such as vomiting, diahrrea, tremors
10. MILK (not too much!)  causes digestive problems

Also included in the list were alcoholic beverages and rotten/moldy food.  I thought these would be self-evident, especially the rotten food one.  Yeast Dough is also on the list so, unless you are a baker or have lots of rising yeast around,  just don’t do it, ok?

On the other hand, your dogs will probably LOVE you even more than they already do, if that’s even possible, if you give them:

1. PEANUT BUTTER (as mentioned above)
2. FRUIT:  Brandy and Val adore their morning berries, banana, apple and/or melon while mom and dad eats theirs, and your pup probably will, too!
3. CARROTS and GREEN BEANS:  These are favorite treats when we do our pet therapy.   Not only are they healthy for the dogs, but we can incorporate them as part of a healthy eating lesson.
4. COOKED CHICKEN:  What’s not to like if you’re not a vegetarian?
5. SUNFLOWER SEEDS, preferably unsalted:  Who knew?
6. Brandy and Val also love YOGURT (but please check with your vet that it’s ok!) off a spoon
7. Brandy and Val also love to lick out ice cream containers (again, check with your vet!!)

As an added benefit to all the good foods that are good for the pups, they’re good for you, too!  A healthy diet for you and your pet.  Now, to the physical exercise part……

Brandy and Val’s mission is “to do good where good is needed.”  It is through their pet therapy duties, this blog and sales of their books and toys that they hope to benefit the lives of children and their families.

As I sit here with no power other than that derived from my wireless card, I wonder why it is that some dogs are so terrified of storms?  It has been told to me that cats act crazy when there are fluctuations in barometric pressure so I wondered if it affects canines as well.  While I never looked into the veracity of the argument for cats, I did check into the one for the pooches since Val is absolutely terrified of storms.  Of course, he has every right to be given that he endured Hurricane Katrina and its’ aftermath.

For those not familiar with Val’s story, he is a Katrina survivor who made is way on a transport with 120 other pooches from New Orleans to the Chicago area.  Our family adopted him in March, 2006, and 7 months after the storm, he came to us weighing in at only 70 pounds with a host of other problems.  100% of  sales from BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY benefit the rescue we adopted him and his sister from, Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue in Palatine, IL.

Anyway, back to the issue of storms.  Several websites I consulted confirmed that dogs do have an innate sense of changes in air pressure and they can  develop anxieties and phobias towards them.  Because a dogs’ hearing and sense of smell is so much keener than humans, they are probably able to hear low rumbles of thunder approaching way before we hear them. In addition, due to chemical changes in the air that are associated with lightening or changes in particles from oncoming storms, they may actually “smell” the storm way in advance of when it arrives overhead.   There’s even a speculation that dogs might actually receive an electric shock from the static buildup emanating from the storm.   Fido may be reacting in advance of this by running around in circles or heading for the hills!  It has also been noted that dogs will not “grow out of this” and their panic behavior might grow worse over over time.

While our other dog, Brandy, is unaffected by these storms, Val becomes very fatigued.  His tail twists between his legs and he starts panting and shaking.  When we are not home, he used to chew on our rawhide kitchen chairs (we finally figured out this one by covering the chairs during “storm” season when we are away).  When around, he follows me around, encouraging me to go and sit in the close with him.  I often do since I hate to see him so upset and this is the only remedy I know that seems to calm him down, poor thing.

Besides, TLC, WebMD lists some remedies you can try to reduce anxiety, including putting a snug fitting garment on the pooch that makes your pet feel secure and desensitizing your dog by playing CDs with thunderstorm sounds during the “off-season!”

How does your pup cope during a storm?  If he panics, what remedies have you tried that works? Brandy and Val (especially Val) would love to hear from you.

It’s no surprise to us all that Jane Goodall, the woman who taught us all about the lives and world of chimpanzees, likes dogs.   My presumption is,  and I am hoping this is not a stretch, that she like most animals.  In any case, I was reading an article in the FINANCIAL TIMES about her yesterday and thought I’d share with you some of the great things she does say about our canine friends and her philosophy:

Since our mission at Brandy and Val, LLC is “to do good where good is needed,” we love that she says that “each of us can make a difference every day” She has recently focused her mission on conversation through a global program called ”Roots and Shoots” where she urges the under 20+ set to help other animals and the environment.  Since they are the next generation inheriting the planet and being responsible for what happens to it, we say, you go girl!

With regard to dogs, we’ll just simply quote:  ”…dogs are my favorite because of the deep relationship they have with us.  There’s something about having a dog in a room full of people that just illustrates that so well.  It opens the heart.  And if it doesn’t they’re not the sort of people I want to know.” I’ve always wondered who you can like or trust people who don’t like animals or plants.

Try this on for size:  ”I get so upset by the way people think that in order to train a dog you’ve got to have dominance and that you’ve got to have instant obedience.” Despite what everyone says, I personally have never had any animal where I stress dominance.  I really try to create a symbiotic environment where I’m thought of as the pack leader and mutual respect and boundaries are fostered.   Somehow it works.  I, for one, also really get upset with the crating mentality.  Sorry to you all who truly believe in it and give me the mantra that their dogs “like it” because they know it’s their space and they have to have a safe zone.    Guess what?  Brandy and Val each have their own beds and when they want their own space, it’s all theirs.  They also have never been crated in our house.  Try giving them a room when you leave if being cordoned off is required.  I don’t know and  maybe it’s just dumb luck but they are very well behaved and when in public areas, my husband and I are always being complimented on how calm they are.  Perhaps it’s the love, attention, respect we give them, in addition to the training they’ve had that creates this environment and adds to their happiness and well-being?  It’s worked for me and all the other pets/dogs I’ve ever had.

And finally, remember this one as your pup chases after the rabbit or chipmunk in your yard: “He’s not naughty, he’s just being a dog.” Brandy and Val like that one the most since I tend to get a little flustered when they try to play cat and mouse with the locals!

Ms. Goodall, thanks for all the work you do and the wise, insightful world you’ve opened up to us all on how we look at and treat animals.  To learn more about her work, visit the site of the Jane Goodall Institute.

Brandy and Val work hard to make the world a better place for its’ current and future inhabitants.  It is through their work as pet therapy dogs and through the sales of their books and toys that benefit animal shelters that they try to accomplish this.

Summer is finally here, although, at times, it doesn’t much feel like it.  There’s been lots of rain throughout the country but we try to focus on the sunny, warm days that we can all be outside to play!

Brandy and Val wrapped up their pet therapy school year on a very positive high note.  The kids really responded this year and were much more comfortable and interactive in the pups’ presence.   The strides taken are a cumulative process and  we can’t stress how important we think our work is to the kids.  They have really warmed up to them and we can see how much they appear to enjoy having Brandy and Val around and interacting with them.

Our work on the top of pet therapy was featured in two articles this past spring.  One on the website Acting Balanced which is hosted by a mom with a child who has Autism Spectrum Disorder.  The other appeared in the Calgary Herald.  We are grateful for the opportunity to speak about what we do and spread the word about how pet therapy dogs enhance the lives of others.

Continuing on with that theme, Brandy and Val will be making another appearance at the Center For Independence camp the end of the month.  The campers are comprised mostly of children who have CP (Cerebral Palsy) and MD (muscular dystrophy).  We enjoy bringing added happiness to their day.

As our mission is “to do good where good is needed” we hope you will continue to remember that with the continuing sagging economy, many pets are being neglected and abandoned.  It is through the sales of our toys and books -BRANDY AND VAL, BRANDY AND VAL’S FAVORITE THINGS and BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY — that we also help animal sanctuaries throughout the country such as Best Friends and Pets Alive.   In addition, 100% of the sales from BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY go to support Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue, the shelter that both Brandy and Val were adopted from.  SOOOOOO, feel good knowing that you are helping and animal in need with every item purchased from us!

As always, thank you for your continued support and enjoy the season!

Ilene Fine, Author

Brandy and Val, Real Dogs with Real Tales

A belated rememberance (isn’t this a word?)  to all our servicemen, servicewomen and service dogs who have given their lives in the name of the United States of America and to all those who continue to do so.   Numerous memorials took place all over the Country last week,  but I don’t know if any made mention of the service dogs out there that work on military bases both here and abroad and those who see combat, too.  An estimated 2,300 canines are currently working in guard capacities and as explosive and drug sniffers.  They can be found working in Afghanistan and Iraq and closer to home on military bases in the U.S.    A dog even accompanied the SEAL Team used to kill Osama Bin Laden.  The dogs that go into combat are also outfitted in their own military gear for protection.  A previous post of ours talked about the growing use of therapy dogs to help returning vets and what an invaluable service they provide.

Dogs have been used by the military since the Revolutionary War where they were used to kill rats and in World War II, they were also used as messengers in addition to their guard and sniffing duties.

The most common breed for combat is the German Shepherd and Labrador Retrievers are also finding their way into service, as well.  Stray dogs are even being adopted by bases as companions for the soldiers.  Check out the following site for some wonderful war dog stories:

War Dog Stories of the Week

Man’s best friend is proving to be invaluable to us in so many ways.  Many many hugs and thanks to them all —  whether he or she is the one lying at your feet or helping protect the U.S. in combat.  Brandy and Val, two former rescue dogs now helping as pet therapy dogs in their community couldn’t be more proud!

Have you ever traveled with your pets on board a plane? I used to commute with my cats, Oscar and Ragmonster. Both fit very nicely underneath the seat in front of me and my husband and back then (about 20 years ago) it was a breeze compared with now. I recently heard that airlines charge up to $125 EACH WAY to stuff kitty underneath…..unbelievable. I hardly would ever be charged and when they nabbed me, I don’t recall ever paying more than $50. Oscar, a long-haired tabby, was so hairy that security made me take him out of his cage so they could wand him!!!! It made for an hysterical site. Oscar, not too pleased, at least cooperated. I know that I was very lucky when I say that we never had to sedate the cats, they behaved and never got sick. At times, we would even sneak them on our laps to sleep during the flight.

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO HAS USED PET AIRWAYS. I love the idea but I doubt I could muster the courage to use this service even though flying fidos around are their specialty. What I’d really love to have is an airline that would allow me to be with my pooches, Brandy and Val, who hardly fit beneath my seat (whether it be individually or together). I recall reading a travel article last year that spoke about this and I believe the passenger would have a seat with the pooch in a designated cargo area. I WISH I COULD REMEMBER where I read this and I should have saved the article. I think it mostly had to do with travel to Europe. If anyone knows about this PLEASE EMAIL ME at info@BrandyandVal.com. Unfortunately, a private jet is currently out of budget.

Since I would never put Brandy and Val in cargo, plane travel is out of the question but for those interested here are some articles/sites you might want to check out:

NY TIMES 5/23/11

PetFriendlyTravel.com

Brandy and Val would love to hear your flying experiences if you have any.

Brandy and Val, LLC’s mission is “to do good where good is needed” and it is through the sales of their books and toys that they hope to benefit the lives of animals and children.  Brandy and Val are also pet therapy dogs working with children afflicted with autism.   Please visit our website for more information about us!

I’ve received this video from a few of my friends. It’s been viewed a zillion times but in case you haven’t seen it yet…..

As I walk our residential, bucolic neighborhood with Brandy and Val, I am increasingly concerned about the seemingly growing number of unfriendly dogs I see, both on-leash with their guardians and left alone to roam their yards behind the “safety” of the invisible fence.  I pretty much get unnerved because, should one of these pets go after Brandy and Val, I’m at a loss as to how I can control the situation given my pups’ size and strength.  I am even more fearful that Brandy and Val might get pissed off enough to retaliate and who knows what would happen?   Luckily, 99% of the time Brandy and Val stare down these snarling canines in sheer contempt, never uttering a sound and walk on by.  The other 1% of the time, Brandy will bark and express her feeling about who she feels is really the boss and then move on with that, “I did good, huh, mom?” attitude.   Val always remains unflustered–silent Bob we call him for all those CLERKS fans out there.

Last year, I wrote a post about how to break up a confrontation after one the of the local dogs did take aim at Brandy and Val.  I think I’ll reread my post and its’ advice!  Either way, what I really want to know is, why are these dogs so apparently mean?  Are they really or do they just sound nasty?  Are they being socialized properly or what is the story?

Apparently, I am not alone in my concerns as a city version of my encounters made headlines in the story “Civility on the Way Out? Add Dogs to That List” Dogs being interviewed by co-op boards are not unusual now; dogs being relegated to service elevators; dogs having surgeries to remove their barks are not unheard of, as well.

But why?

We all love our dogs but, like our kids, they need to be trained, socialized and “allowed” to grow up (Get over it!  Your pooch does NOT need to be wrapped in goofy clothes and carried around like an infant in a Birken or LV).   As we ourselves become less socialized as our eyes remain glued to phones or texting as we walk down the street, do our dogs sense a disconnect as well?  Do we not mind that many may no longer be socializing our pets to get along with others?  What do you think?

ARGH, what next?