Four Paws Dog Running

Do You Furminate?

2010-08-08T12:53:00.004-05:00

The Furminator claims to reduce shedding by up to 90% by removing a dog's undercoat and loose hair. I've got short haired dogs and never really gave it much thought. Recently though, Mya has been shedding fur like crazy! We have hardwoods and were literally sweeping piles of white fur up everyday.

A friend suggested the Furminator and said it had done wonders for her ever-shedding cat. I didn't know if it would do much for Miss Mya, but the results were incredible. I wish I would have done before and after pictures or at least weighed her before and after. I think we took five pounds of fur off that girl!

Her coat is so much smoother and looks so much prettier. I think she's more comfortable and less itchy too. And the best part? No more piles of fur on the floor!

Snow Dogs

2010-01-01T11:29:00.007-06:00

The holidays are always a busy and fun time for us. With lots of people traveling, there are lots of puppies who look forward to time with their favorite pet sitter/dog runner (that's me!). All the snow we've had in the last week has definitely added to the fun and adventure we have had! Here's a collection of pics of some of our doggies enjoying the winter weather... and some of them who don't enjoy it so much!

This is what I arrive to when the weather is bad: Kobe says, "I'm not getting off this couch! I hate the snow!"

His brother Tre, however, loves the cold and would gladly spend his entire day lounging in the snow.

Kobe refuses to smile for a picture:

My boy Ari is excited to see the snow:

Check out Mya's ears. She's flying through the snow:

Baloo has a big winter coat, great for lounging around in the snow:

Doyle makes his rounds through the back yard, barking loud so everyone knows how much he enjoys it:

Ready to play:

Cletus and Lola Belle out on a Christmas morning walk:

When I arrived at their house first thing on Christmas morning, I found that the snow had drifted so high on the back deck that we couldn't get the door open to get to the back! That meant we had to go for a walk through snowy drifts that were up to my knees out front! Cletus had a blast jumping and running through the deep snow, but Lola was less than pleased.

She says, "Take me inside where it's warm!!!"

Parker shakes his head in delight:

Another Christmas morning surprise: the streets were not plowed which made it impossible to drive to Parker & Cooper's house! My wonderful husband pulled the car as close as possible to their street and I ran about a half a mile through the snow to get to the boys. Their neighbors definitely thought I was nuts! Luckily the streets were cleared later in the day and we were able to get much closer.

This is one of my favorite pictures from the day:

The boys had so much fun in the snow! And aren't they just the most handsome doggies?

This will definitely be a Christmas we will never forget! Thanks to everyone who let us share the holiday with your furry friends and thank you to my husband Drew for carting me around while my car was stuck in the snow all week!

Happy New Year to you and your pups!

Happy Hallowoof!!!

2009-10-30T10:00:00.005-05:00

Hooligans

2009-09-28T09:38:00.003-05:00

Meet my newest clients Tre & Kobe:I have ridiculous stories about these dogs every day I see them. It is hard to know where to begin. So I'll start with Tre:

Look at that smile! Tre is eight years old and all puppy. When people ask (and they always ask) and I tell them he's eight, they just don't believe it. They think he can't be more than two. He's always bounding around, acting goofy. Tre's favorite thing right now is goose poop. Our usual route takes us around a lake in the neighborhood that is full of geese right now. He's not interested in the geese at all... just their poop. At first I thought maybe someone had been out feeding the geese and he was scarfing up some leftover bread crumbs, but no, he was scarfing up poop. Tre is now kept on a very short leash around the lake to prevent the poop eating!!!

Next up is Kobe:
He may look tough, but this guy is a big ol' softie. The only time he puts on his tough-guy face is when another dog is around. Then he has to let them know that he is king of this neighborhood. Otherwise, he's usually just begging for belly rubs:
Usually people shy away from Kobe, because he does have a tough exterior. One day last week, while making our way around the lake, a gal who was jogging slowed down and asked if Kobe was friendly. I said he was, she knelt down to say hello, and Kobe literally covered her in kisses. I think she was probably looking for a hand shake, and what she got was a make out session. Yep, he's friendly alright.

I love going out with these two because it never fails: people always comment. Some of my favorites include:

"Why do you need a wolf to protect you?"

"Who's running who???"

"Aren't those dogs a little big for you?"

The fun never stops when I'm with these two! They love to exercise and cause a scene at the same time. Every time I'm out with them I'm truly reminded how lucky I am to do what I do.

If you have a big dog (or a little one!) that needs some exercise, check out Four Paws Dog Running for more information on what we can do for you.

Bark at The K

2009-08-28T09:56:00.003-05:00

September is looking great if you are a dog who likes to socialize! I just found out via Three Dog Bakery on FaceBook (what did we do before social media???) about Bark at the K!!! My husband is a huge baseball fan and we've always wished the Royals would do a day like this, as many other professional baseball teams do.

Bark at The K is September 27 at 11:30 AM. Royals Fans can purchase a ticket for themselves and their dog. Tickets are $25 and include one human and one dog. You also get fun extras like a Royals dog bowl, while at the same time contributing to the Greater Kansas City Humane Society, Halfway Home Pet Adoptions, and Wayside Waifs (our fave!). There will be pet adoptions and a dog park at the stadium as well! Check out their website for more info!

Everyone at the Four Paws house is very excited to participate... now we just have to find some Royals doggie-gear for the pups to wear. Just a side note: when taking your pup to events like these, it is always a good idea to give him/her some extra exercise beforehand. This will ensure they don't show up to the park with excess energy and will allow you and the pooch to have a fun and relaxed day. Ari will most definitely need an early morning run that day!

Happy National Dog Day!

2009-08-26T13:02:00.004-05:00

Did you know today is National Dog Day??? It so is. Today is the day to celebrate the four-pawed companions that bring unconditional love and meaning into our lives. Here are a few ideas from the website on how to celebrate this special day;

*Throw a doggie costume contest.
*Buy your dog new treats.
*Buy a new toy or outfit for your dog.
*Dress your dog up in patriotic wear to let everyone know it is National Dog Day.
*Let your dog be lazy and sleep all day on a new comfy bed.
*Have professional pictures taken of you and your pooch.
*Adopt! Consider an older or special needs dog.

My personal favorite from the website was "Get married and include your dog." Well, it wasn't on my schedule for today, but why the heck not?

Here's a list of ideas from us at Four Paws Dog Running;

*Take your dog for an extra long walk or run. Or call us! We'd be happy to help.
*Give your dog some extra hugs, belly rubs, and scratches behind the ears.
*Add a little extra peanut butter to the Kong today.
*Invite the neighbor dogs over for a doggie play date.
*Treat your dog to a yummy dessert! Frosty Paws are a big favorite at the Four Paws house!
*Adopt! Consider an older or special needs dog. We really liked this one and felt it could use repeating!

When I asked Ari what he'd like for National Dog Day, he said he wants a pet squirrel and a big stack of pancakes. Maybe I'll just take him for an extra run tonight instead.

Happy National Dog Day!!!

Ciao Bow Wow

2009-08-21T09:56:00.002-05:00

Is there anything in the world better than SPIN! pizza??? How about SPIN! pizza with your pooch??? I almost fell out of my chair from excitement when I received an email this morning telling me that Ciao Bow Wow is back at SPIN!

Basically its $20 per pooch, plus whatever food (and wine!) the people order. The profits go to Wayside Waifs, which is double awesome!!! The puppy food is provided by Three Dog Bakery, which we all know is Fabulous! I'll have to check and see if Mya can get a special order of grain-free... yes I'm a high maintenance mom. Dates are as follows:

September 9 @ Overland Park. 913-451-SPIN We signed up for this one. Come eat pizza with us!!!
September 16 @ Lee's Summit 816-246-SPIN
September 23 @ Olathe 913-764-SPIN
September 30 @ Main St. 816-561-SPIN

You must have reservations!!! Call the store soon because I'm sure the spots will fill up quick! I hope to see some of you out for a night of pizza and fun! Remember, the money goes to a GREAT organization!

Dog Days of Summer

2009-08-18T11:47:00.003-05:00

Hello dog-loving friends! I know school started this week which you might think is the official end of summer... but I have one last "Dog Days" post for you! This Thursday the Prairie Village Shops will be hosting an event called, "Dog Days of Summer." They are inviting folks to bring their dogs down for an evening of socializing and fun. And, what's more... Four Paws will be there too! We'll be set up on Tomahawk, probably passing out some sort of yummy treat for all the pooches. I'd love to see some of my clients out that night. And who knows... if Ari is on his best behavior he might just be there with me. He'll need an extra long run that day to hopefully cut down on his shenanigans!

So come out to the Prairie Village Shops on Thursday evening with your doggies! We can't wait to see you!

I Heart The Barkery

2009-08-14T10:55:00.005-05:00

I have an itchy dog. Mya is seriously itchy. It breaks my heart to watch her scratch so much. We've tried many things to try to stop the itching. She's tried a few different pills, a steroid shot, two different kinds of ear drops, and even plain old Benedryl. Nothing seems to help.

I'd heard a lot of great reviews about switching to a more natural, higher quality food, but was hesitant to try because of the added expense. Then it occurred to me... duh, I'm spending all this money on pills and vet visits anyways... why not spend some of that money on a new food?

So I made my very first visit to Brookside Barkery & Bath. I brought Miss Mya along, as she just loves Brookside. Who doesn't? The gal at the store was incredibly helpful and sent me away with all kinds of samples of grain free food. We tried them out and surprise surprise, Mya loved them all. She's never been one to turn up her nose at kibble.

So a few days later I returned and purchased the biggest bag offered of Acana. It is a 26 pound bag and cost about $57 with tax. The food she was on cost about $50 for a 40 pound bag. Here's the kicker though... we feed her a lot less of this food since it is mostly protein. So I'm estimating that it probably comes out to about what we were spending before, especially if you factor in the vet appointments we won't be paying for.

Mya has been eating grain free from Brookside Barkery for a few weeks now and I'm very happy to say that the itching has decreased significantly. Yes, I still catch her itching every now and again, but its not the constant severe scratching that was going on before. She's a Barkery dog for life now!

If you haven't been into the Barkery please go check it out! They offer all kinds of high quality foods as well as herbal supplements and self service or full service grooming! I was amazed at all there is to know about pet nutrition. Its surprising and a little scary what goes into the standard pet foods sold at the pet super stores.

Is your pet a Brookside Barkery pet?

Whoa Fancy Pants!

2009-08-13T13:34:00.003-05:00

Check out our sweet new blog layout! A special thanks to Jessi who helped with the new blog setup!!! As you can see we also have a page on FaceBook too! Please become a fan if you are so inclined.

Do you Twitter? If so, you can follow us as Fourpawsdog. Ari is also tweeting. His user name is Aritheboxer and he's got some pretty funny updates. Or maybe I just think he's super entertaining. I get a little nervous for him out there on the world wide web though. Some of his followers on Twitter are a little... well... they seem a bit trashy. Why are girls in lingerie following my puppy on Twitter???

Owner Rescues Dog from Gator

2009-07-24T09:40:00.005-05:00

This story is crazy!!! Last week David Grounds witnessed an alligator snatch up his dog Mandy, a 45 pound Wheaten Terrier. So what does the guy do??? He goes after the alligator! He popped the gator in the eye, which I guess stunned him and caused him to release Mandy. David didn't get away unscathed though. The gator got two of his fingers! For the full story, click here.

Here's David and his son Joe and Mandy. Isn't she so cute? She's wearing a t-shirt to hide the wounds from the gator's teeth.

And here's the alligator! That is a big alligator!!!

This story really got me thinking about what I'd do in a similar situation. Okay, if I saw an alligator trying to eat Ari, I'd probably freak out mostly that there's an alligator roaming around Prairie Village, KS. Two fingers isn't much compared to the safety of your pet! What would you give up if you it meant the safety of your dog?

Sad News in Doggie World

2009-07-23T11:34:00.003-05:00

The Taco Bell Chihuahua has passed away. Gidget was a female dog, but played the male chihuahua famous for exclaiming, "Yo quiro Taco Bell!" on the TV commercials. It doesn't seem like that long ago she was on TV, but reading the news reports I realized it was in the late '90s that these commercials appeared! It seems that Gidget lived a long and happy life. RIP Gidget.

Bo Needs a Friend

2009-07-09T10:57:00.003-05:00

We've all seen the pictures of Bo Obama and heard all the hoopla around the first family choosing a dog. I was excited to see so much attention paid to this subject and even more excited when President Obama mentioned the possibility of adopting a shelter dog. So, yes I was a little disappointed when the first dog ended up being an expensive dog from a breeder. I understand it was a gift, and I'm sure Bo is absolutely wonderful. But I just think of the impact that it would have had on shelter dogs all over the country if the Obamas had decided to adopt. It would have inspired many others to do the same and there would be a lot less doggies holed up in a shelter, waiting for their chance at a good life.

There's been a movement now that is urging the president to adopt a second dog; a friend for Bo. The thought is that by adopting a dog the president would be providing Bo with a playmate (and we all know dogs are so much more fun in pairs!) and setting the example that adoption is a great choice for American families.

The website is http://www.boneedsafriend.com/ and they are asking dog lovers all over the country to write a letter (snail mail!) to President Obama urging him to adopt a friend for Bo. A letter seems like a small step, but maybe if enough people wrote a letter it would work. Check out the website and click on "see what others have written" for a letter that I can't imagine you would be able to say no to!

Please Don't Pee on the Flags!

2009-07-06T13:23:00.005-05:00

Meet Duke. He's 120 pounds of serious sweetness. I love my visits with Duke and his sister Duchess because they get so excited when I arrive. Duke literally jumps straight up and down as I walk in the door. Who wouldn't love that kind of reception?

As I drove up to the house today I saw that the entire neighborhood was decked out with mini American flags at the end of each driveway. Very patriotic! We went out for our walk as usual. Duke, like many of my male clients, really enjoys marking trees, bushes, random blades of grass, etc. while out and about. I felt him slow down and as I turned I realized with horror what he was about to do! He was lifting his leg in the direction of a flag! I immediately gave his leash a quick tug and hollered, "Not on the flag, Duke!" He looked up at me, clearly annoyed that I'd interrupted him. At the same time I heard a group of guys, contractors working on a neighbor's house, burst out laughing. We'd been caught.

The rest of our walk went smoothly with Duke only spreading his scent on the usual shrubbery and trees. Duke insisted on taking a picture with one of the flags to show that he is a real patriot. He wasn't trying to be disrespectful; he just wanted his scent associated with the American flag! I just love that silly dog!!!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July!!! I'm sure your dogs are all just as patriotic as Duke!

Happy 4th Of July!!!

2009-07-02T13:08:00.006-05:00

Happy Independence Day!!! Saturday is sure to be full of all kinds of fun; BBQs, picnics, and of course fireworks! While fireworks are one of the highlights of this special day for us, its a different story for our doggies. Even the most cool-headed, laid back dog can literally have a panic attack when fireworks start going off. In fact, the Fourth of July is when dogs are most likely to run away, usually because they're so afraid of the noise and lights. Below are some tips to help ensure the 4th is a happy one for you and your dog.

* Keep Your Dog at Home!!! If you are headed out to see one of the many large displays this weekend, do not bring your dog! Your dog is best off in the safety of your home. You don't want to risk losing your dog if it panics and bolts when the show starts. Also, if you are shooting off your own fireworks at home, keep your dog inside. The bright lights and loud noises of "at-home" fireworks can have the same effect as the large public displays.

* Keep Your Dog Inside. Dogs left in the back yard have been known to jump fences or even try to dig under the fence in an attempt to flee. Its best to keep your dog inside and as comfortable as possible. Crating your dog is the best bet.

* Don't Make a Big Scene When Leaving. If you leave to go to a fireworks show, just leave as you normally would. Don't make a big production of as you leave. If you do, your dog will know something is up and this could set him up for later agitation.

* Leave Some Background Noise On. Turn on the TV or radio to provide a buffer from the sound of the fireworks. You could try some soothing classical music, or I know some of my doggie clients love to listen to NPR. Your dog may be able to catch you up on current events when you get home. :)

* Act as you normally would. If you stay home with your dog during the evening, don't baby talk or try to soothe your dog if he becomes agitated during the fireworks. This can reinforce the behavior. Just stay calm and act as if nothing is wrong. Your dog will feed off of your behavior.

Wishing you and your dog a safe and happy holiday! Hopefully your dog is as calm (and patriotic) as this one!

Take Your Dog To Work Day!

2009-06-25T21:20:00.003-05:00

Friday June 26th is the 10th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day! This is a fabulous opportunity to bring your pooch along to the office with you! The event was started in 1999 as a way to encourage pet adoptions. Check out the website for additional info http://www.takeyourdog.com. They offer all kinds of ways to get involved, even if your company won't allow you to actually bring your dog in with you.

If your boss is AWESOME and allows you to participate in this super special day, make sure to go prepared! You will need to bring all of the necessary items to ensure your pet is comfy in the office; leash, blanket, treats, toys. And don't forget to make plans for potty breaks!! Check with your coworkers to make sure no one is allergic to or afraid of dogs. Try to make it the best experience for everyone so that you can continue the tradition next year!

Heat Exhaustion: The Basics

2009-06-23T11:15:00.003-05:00

It is officially hot! I hope you and your pooch are inside, enjoying the AC! It is important to remember that the heat and humidity can take a toll on our dogs health and well-being. Heat exhaustion is a serious threat when the temperature gets up this high.

What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a condition that results from too much heat and sun exposure. Dog's are extremely susceptible to heat exhaustion due to the way their bodies cool themselves. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which has serious implications such as brain & organ damage and sometimes can even lead to death.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
Watch your dog's behaviour carefully when out in warm weather. If you notice any of the following, move your dog to a cooler place immediately!
* Excessive Panting: A dog panting is similar to a human sweating. It is their way of regulating body temperature. Panting is completely normal, but when it becomes excessive and the dog seems to be gasping for air, it may mean that the dog is unable to cool down.
*Fatigue: Dogs don't understand that it is too hot and will usually play until they drop. Watch them closely for signs of fatigue. When running, a dog's natural instinct is to keep up with their human no matter what, so it is very important to watch for even a small sign of lagging behind.
*Darkening of the gums: Check your dog's gums. They should be pink or whatever their normal color is. If the gums become dark red or purple, it is a sign of overheating.
***heat stroke: Signs of heat stroke include: Weakness, Staggering & Confusion, Fainting, Loss of consciousness
If you believe your dog is suffering from heat stroke you must act immediately to cool him off! Do not wait for veterinary treatment!

How to avoid heat exhaustion:
* Know your dog!!! If you know the normal behaviors of your dog, you will more easily recognize anything out of the ordinary. If your dog is out in the heat and starts to exhibit unusual behaviors, move him/her to a cooler environment.
* Always provide your dog with plenty of fresh, cool water. I like to provide a bowl of ice for my pups to munch on while playing outside. They love it!
* Exercise your dog in the early morning or later in the evening. Keep mid-day exercise short and easy. No marathon sessions at noon!!!
* If you have a long-haired dog, consider trimming their coat during the summer months. Heavy fur coats can trap in heat and make it harder for a dog to keep cool. Don't go too short though as their fur also acts as natural sunscreen!
* Never leave your dog in the car unattended! Even with the windows cracked, the temperature in a parked car sky rockets quickly!!! If you are out running errands, please leave your dog at home in the A/C. He will thank you!

With warmer temperatures, many of our clients have moved their daily doggie run to the early morning hours. We are happy to make accomodations for your dog to ensure they remain safe as they continue their exercise program through the summer months.

http://www.fourpawsdogrunning.com

Dog-N-Jog

2009-06-13T11:03:00.006-05:00

This weekend marks the 22nd annual Dog-N-Jog on the Plaza! This is a must attend event for any dog who loves to run! The event features a 2-mile run, a 1-mile run, and a 2 and 1-mile walk. All proceeds from the event will go to the KC Humane Society. So get out there and have some fun and help out homeless pets in our city!

If you haven't registered, no worries! There will be day-of registration before the event begins. You can get all the information you need about the event at the website: http://www.dognjog.org. I'd love to see some of my best runners out there showing off their stuff!

This is just the first of many fun-filled summer activities available for you and your pooch! Check back to learn more in our "Dog Days of Summer" series featuring fun events as well as safety tips for your dog this summer!

Dog Days of Summer

2009-06-09T12:19:00.002-05:00

It is officially summer time! With warmer weather it is a great time to get outside with your dog. There are great events around town and endless opportunities to enjoy time with your pooch this summer! In our "Dog Days of Summer" series of posts, I'll keep you updated on fun happenings around KC, as well as info on the added risks posed by the summer sun. Four Paws Dog Running wants every dog to have a fun & safe summer!

http://www.fourpawsdogrunning.com

Meow!

2009-06-08T11:59:00.004-05:00

It is officially Kitten Season! I know most of my clients are "dog people" but I know there are quite a few of you out there who are also cat lovers! Wayside Waifs is running their Feline Fridays special now through July 31. If you go in on a Friday you can adopt a kitten (under 5 months) for only $60 and cats over 5 months are only $15!!! Plus, if you adopt an adult cat you can take home a second for free!!! What an amazing offer!!!

Wayside is open from 2pm to 8pm on Fridays, so get on down there and get yourself a cat! Your dog will love it! You can see all available kitties (and doggies too) at their website http://www.waysidewaifs.org.

Happy Birthday Ari!

2009-05-26T22:18:00.005-05:00

What do you wish for on your birthday if you are a dog? You wish for what everyone wishes for... cake! For Ari's second birthday (I can't believe he's that old!) we ordered a personalized cake from Three Dog Bakery. We went with the peanut butter flavor, because Ari is a PB addict... just like his mom. Isn't it cute?

I walked in the door and those dogs could smell the cake! If you've never brought home treats from Three Dog Bakery, you should really try it out! The pups go crazy over it!!! They also have all kinds of fun events like Dog's Night Out and Spaw Night where you and your dogs enjoy an evening out. It's always a lot of fun!

Can you believe the self control??? These puppies want cake!!!

Finally! I was actually going to try the cake... it is made with all natural ingredients... but Ari stuck his paw in it while I was still taking pictures. Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait for next year.

Ari spent the rest of his birthday doing all of his favorite things; going for a fast run, chasing bunnies and wrestling with his sister in the back yard, and lounging on his mat watching Animal Planet. Such a great day!

For the rest of the month we will be running the Ari Special; 50% off any service when you mention this post! Give us a call or check out the website; http://www.fourpawsdogrunning.com/.

Most Glam Pets

2009-05-22T10:06:00.003-05:00

Glamour Magazine recently published its picks for the Most Glam Pets. Lets take a look at the winners!

Romeo is Katherine Heigl's pet schnauzer. According to Glamour, Romeo has five adopted siblings at home. Yea Katherine! I'm all about rescue dogs! I have to wonder if the award has gone to Romeo's head though. I mean, what makes him more glamorous than his brothers and sisters? Will this cause a rift in the Heigl home?

Next up is Paris Hilton's super famous chihuahu Tinkerbell. I guess this is an obvious choice. I mean, this dog caused the whole purse-dog phenomenon, right? This pooch probably has a better wardrobe than anyone reading this blog!

And last but not least, Aubrey O'Day's dog Ginger was also named Most Glam Pet. Okay, to start, I have no idea who Aubrey O'Day is. And, it took me a bit of searching to find a picture appropriate enough to keep this blog PG. Let me just say, she seems to really love her dog and has no problem with doggie PDA! I have to give her credit for the creative fur-styling though!

Well, I have to admit. I'm a little disappointed that Glamour has completely shunned the big dogs. We all know that little tiny dogs are super cute and fun, but what about the big girls?!? Glamour must not have heard about this beauty:

I'd like to nominate Mya the Boxer as most glamorous pet of the year! Come on, look at that face! Tell me she's not ready for the catwalk! This girl is model material. :)

Pooches on the Parkway

2009-05-15T13:33:00.003-05:00

I will be taking the pups out for a day on the town this Sunday! Pooches on the Parkway is an event that benefits the Blue Springs off-leash dog park. There are lots of events including a Fun Walk, Canine Good Citizen Test, Agility Clinic, and Micro Chip Clinic. The event is from 11 am to 4 pm at Young Park 1200 SE Adams Dairy Parkway in Blue Springs.

I'm so excited to try out the Agility Clinic! I've been meaning to get Ari involved in agility for a long time, but just never had the opportunity. This should be exciting! If you are free on Sunday come out to the park for some fun! Even if you can't make it, check back for an update on how the day went and how Ari did on at the clinic. I have a feeling I'm going to have some good stories. :)

www.fourpawsdogrunning.com

Can my dog get Swine Flu?!?

2009-05-05T18:44:00.003-05:00

With all the talk about the spread of swine flu, its only natural to be concerned about our pets! I was pleased to see the ASPCA address this issue in their most recent news alert. To read the entire article and to sign up to get their news alerts you can click on the following link:
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/05-01-09.html#1

In summery, no you don’t need to be concerned about your pet being transmitted with swine flu. There isn’t any data showing that the disease can be transmitted to dogs and cats. Big relief, right?!? The article does warn that anyone with a pet pig should monitor their pets’ health closely. Although I don’t currently have any clients with pet pigs, I did have a good friend growing up who had a pet pig. Cutest pig ever!

If you do notice any changes in behavior or suspect your pet is ill, as always see your vet immediately. You can also see the latest information about the Swine Flu outbreak at the Center for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu).

Half Price Pets!

2009-04-25T21:16:00.003-05:00

Yep, that's right! Wayside Waifs is having their annual adopt-a-thon this weekend! For two days only you can adopt a dog for half of the normal adoption fee!

This applies to dogs & cats! Check out their website or stop by the shelter in Grandview to see all the animals available. You will be so glad you did! www.waysidewaifs.org

BEWARE OF IDENTITY THEFT AT EASTER!!!

2009-04-09T16:36:00.004-05:00

Holy freaking cuteness! Have a happy Easter everyone and don't forget to spoil your doggies rotten!

Go Greenie Go!

2009-04-07T20:27:00.003-05:00

The stars alligned today... the weather was gorgeous and it happened that my afternoon appointments were all within a two mile radius of my house. So I decided to up my "green" factor and ditch the car. I ran instead! Yep, I'm feeling pretty green. :)

So you know how you always hear that you should walk places instead of driving? Well come on, how realistic is that? I mean, I live a mile from the grocery store, and yes I definitely could walk there, but am I going to? Probably not. In fact, I think I've walked there about twice in the two years that we've lived here, and that was to pick up just a couple of things. Maybe I'm lazy, but the thought of walking that mile back carrying a boat load of groceries just isn't too appealing.

I think the important thing is to take advantages of those times when we are able to walk instead of drive, or recycle when we can, or use the biodegradable poop bags. You get the picture. The little things really do add up! I'm just super glad I got to take advantage of the beautiful day while going that extra mile (literally!) to reduce my carbon foot (paw) print.

Just an FYI... I give a 10% discount to Prairie Village residents. Part of the service price is the cost of time and travel to get to my clients. So when you're close, the cost goes down! You can see all of our pricing and specials on our website. http://www.fourpawsdogrunning.com/

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2009-03-28T17:01:00.002-05:00

I thought we were done with winter! Clearly I was wrong, though. I cleared my schedule today because I was supposed to run the Olathe Marathon this morning, but it was cancelled late Friday afternoon. Luckily, I got a call from one of our pet-sitting customers whose puppies were bored from being inside all day and needed to release some energy in the snow!

Kate and Izzy are the prettiest little lab girls. They aren't quite a year old, so they've got energy to spare! We ventured out this afternoon and had lots of fun in the snow! Below is a picture of Izzy.

She layed down in the snow after our walk and wanted to play some more! She was so funny; rolling around, eating snow. Look at that face! She's so sweet!

Next was Kate's turn to go out. Once she hit the street she was ready to go! The snow didn't slow us down and we got a really good run in. Below, Kate takes a break from her run for a quick photo shoot.

She's energetic, but very well behaved. She sat on command so we could get a pic!

Ready to go again... this girl is like the energizer bunny! I can't wait to see what she can do when there isn't snow on the ground!

I hope everyone had as much fun on their snow day as we did! Don't forget, the best cure for a cooped up puppy is exercise! If you don't feel like venturing out in bad weather, but know your pooch would appreciate a run or walk, give us a call!

www.fourpawsdogrunning.com

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2009-03-17T18:16:00.003-05:00

Wow! It is days like this that make all the 5 degree days in the snow and wind and cold worth it! What a fabulous day to be outside! We rocked our "green" poop bags today too! Not only are they "green" and eco-friendly, but also the color green... somewhat festive today I guess!

So happy St. Patrick's Day from all the green dogs at Four Paws Dog Running!

www.fourpawsdogrunning.com

Going Green

2009-03-09T20:26:00.004-05:00

In our effort to reduce our carbon paw print, we've decided to start with the everyday basics... poop bags! If you are like me, you probably have a collection of plastic Hyvee bags under your sink just for this purpose. And while yes, this qualifies as reusing, there is a better way. You see, after you've tied your bag o' poop up and tossed it in the trash, it ends up in a landfill where it will sit for up to 1000 years!

A better option is to try out some of the 100% biodegradable poop bags available now. I found some at PetSmart and you can also check out http://www.poopbags.com/ for all your earth-friendly poop bag needs. I'm serious, that's a real website. Who'd have thought? Now, you might be wondering why someone would actually pay for poop bags when you get a complete supply for free during your weekly grocery stop. Okay, I get it. We're all trying to save money these days. But the bags are super cheap! On the previously mentioned website you can get a year's supply for $63.99. That is just a tad more than $5 a month! I'm sure the doggies would be willing to give up a dog bone or two throughout the month to ensure a cleaner world for future generations of pups, right?!

So now are you asking yourself what the heck you are going to do with all those plastic Hyvee bags? You don't need them! Bring your own bags! Every grocery store is offering canvas or nylon tote bags for purchase at their checkouts. I snagged some from Walmart for 50 cents each. I've found I only need three of these bags to carry a week's worth of groceries where as I was using at least 10 of the plastic bags before! Plus, there's all kinds of super cute (and sometimes hilarious) totes available now, which make shopping for groceries even more fun! Check out http://www.baggubag.com/ for some fabulous bags that fold right up and fit in your purse... for all those impromptu trips to the supermarket.

So, is it just me or do we talk about poop a lot on this blog?

http://www.fourpawsdogrunning.com/

Four Green Paws

2009-02-18T21:19:00.005-06:00

I’ve always had a thing for the recycling. My husband has even called me a hippie a time or two, usually when I’m gently reminding (nagging!) him to recycle something instead of throwing it away. Well, hippie or not, you can’t really get away from the “going green” message right now. So, while trying to reduce our carbon foot-print has become all the rage, what about our carbon paw-print? Big or small, our four-pawed family members make a big impact on the environment. There are lots of simple ways we can reduce this impact. It only takes a few changes to make a big difference!

I recently joined an organization called the Proactive Pet Sitters Association. This is an association made up of professional pet care providers that care about the well-being of our planet and its animals. According to their website, PPSA members utilize earth-friendly business practices, actively volunteer with animal welfare organizations and strive to continually become more informed about how to better care for our environment and the animals with whom we share it. In simple terms, we do what we can to be friendly to the Earth in our daily business involving pets. I love love love that there is an organization dedicated to this! I hope to incorporate some of the great ideas into my business, as well as into my own home with my own doggies. I’ll try to feature some of these tips/ideas to let you know how well they work and the degree of difficulty in incorporating them into everyday life. Check for these posts under the label “Green Paws”.

You can get more info about this organization at their website http://www.proactivepetsitters.com/. As of today, Four Paws Dog Running is the only Kansas member, but hopefully we can raise some awareness and our state can really represent!

As always, you can check out your favorite Earth friendly dog running hippies at our website:

http://www.fourpawsdogrunning.com/

Don't Eat The Peanut Butter!

2009-01-24T08:50:00.006-06:00

Sadly we've all had to take a hiatus from our beloved snack food for a bit... this is actual torture for me! I love me some peanut butter! But don't forget about the other peanut butter lovers in your home. The ASPCA has advised pet parents to temporarily discontinue the use of all peanut butter products due to the risk of Salmonella. Now, I was under the impression that dogs were immune to the Salmonella bacteria, but I've found that it does pose a threat; especially to puppies and older dogs with weakened immune systems. The bacteria can also be transferred to humans while handling these products.

So toss the treats and any kind of yummy peanut butter product your pups eat. For now we'll have to find a substitute for filling our Kongs! Try this: fill the Kong with wet dog food and place in the freezer until frozen solid. Then give it to your dog to enjoy. It lasts forever and is (almost) as good as the peanut butter. Watch out though, it can get a little messy!

For a full listing of recalled peanut butter products you can visit the FDA website. http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html

Ari's Marley Moment

2009-01-03T23:15:00.006-06:00

Today's weather was just screaming for a trip to the dog park. Our pups have been getting cabin fever with all the cold weather and limited time outdoors. Before we made the trip I decided to take Ari on a quick 3-miler to jog off some energy so he didn't act like a maniac around the other dogs.

The run started off just fine. Ari has become very focused while running. He really won't stop for anything... well, almost anything. We were headed down a semi-busy street in our neighborhood when we approached an intersection of a side street. There was a huge truck on the other side of the street trying to cross, but he waved us across. What a nice guy! Well we get about halfway across the street and my arm is suddenly jerked backward by the leash. I turn and there is my dog, stopped in the middle of the street, in the half squat position to do you-know-what! I gave the leash a quick jerk, trying to coax him to the sidewalk to do his duties, but he was not budging. I gave the guy in the truck an apology wave, but I'm pretty sure he was cracking up. There was literally no way around us. He waited patiently while Ari finished his business and I picked up the mess. And to my delight, an elderly couple rounded the corner, just in time to see the whole thing go down. I don't think they were quite as amused as Big Truck Guy. Oh my goodness... could you not wait two seconds Ari?!? Seriously...

It got me thinking though... I know my dog isn't the only one who has these "Marley Moments" and I'm guessing people will get a kick out of reading these stories. So look for future posts about our lovely clients' hijinks and shenanegans, labeled under "Marley Moments". I'm sure Ari will have a few more stories to share as well.

Oscar the Christmas Cat

2008-12-30T21:59:00.005-06:00

I had the opportunity to take a break from dogs this holiday season to spend some time with... a cat! At Four Paws Dog Running, we don't discriminate. We love all animals with four paws... heck we even love those with fins & feathers instead of paws. Along with dog running we offer pet-sitting for those times when you have to travel without your pets or when you are just working long hours or have to be away from home for an extended time. Pet-sitting includes feeding, potty breaks, play-time, and of course lots of TLC and belly rubs.

Oscar is an example of the ideal pet for pet-sitting. He doesn't travel well, and isn't a fan of the kennel. So when his mom headed to California this December, she called on Four Paws to take care of Oscar. I couldn't have been more excited! I grew up with cats, but because of my husbands allergies we aren't able to have any as pets.

Oscar's mom told me he loves to be around people, but I was honestly surprised at how friendly he was! Every time I walked through the door, he was right there meowing and begging for attention. He loved to be held and he purred non-stop. Oscar was also an expert at sneak attacks from behind the couch. He'd hide and jump out and attack my feet as I walked by... sneaky little guy. I had such a good time playing with him and it made me so happy that he was comfy at home and had some company while his mom was away.

Check out our website for more details on pet-sitting and all of the services we offer at Four Paws Dog Running!

www.fourpawsdogrunning.com

A Merry Marley Christmas

2008-12-26T00:39:00.003-06:00

We just got back from the late showing of Marley & Me. Even after a full day of eating, opening presents, and pet-sitting, I was bound and determined that we would see this movie on Christmas. And it definitely did not dissapoint. Wow. I don't think there was a dry eye in the theater. In all our years together I've never seen my husband cry like that, especially not at a movie. I'm sure he loves that I'm announcing that. If you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about! You can't help but cry.

Anyone who has met my dog Ari knows that there is absolutely a reason I compare him to Marley. Through the whole movie I just kept thinking about how bad I wanted to get home to hug my puppy. And when we finally did get home, I let him out in the back yard for a potty break and he proceeded to have an all out bark fest at the top of his lungs... at midnight. I like to think he was just wishing all the neighbor dogs a merry Christmas. It was a very "Marley" thing to do.

Go see the movie! And then go home and hug your own dog! From Ari and all of us at Four Paws Dog Running, Merry Christmas!!!

www.fourpawsdogrunning.com

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-07T20:46:00.011-06:00

'Tis the season to be jolly! I just love this time of year... the lights, the parties, and just the all around good spirit. With all that is going on, it is important to remember that this time of year poses some potential hazards for the pets in our lives. In order to keep our four-pawed friends safe and happy, keep the following points in mind.

***

FOOD: Oh the goodies that start popping up this time of year!!! Oh how I love love love to make Christmas treats. It is extremely important when cooking, baking, or serving up your favorite holiday dish to remember that people food is not pet food. The following is some common fare for this time of year that can be particularly dangerous.

Chocolate is a big one. We all know it is highly toxic to animals, so use care when baking. I know my pups love to hang out on the kitchen floor, just praying for a dropped morsel. Also take care when baking with nuts as many are harmful to pets.

Turkey, stuffing, chicken, and bones can be harmful to pets! Don't let your dogs or cats clean your plate after your big Christmas dinner. Cooked chicken or turkey bones can be especially harmful if ingested! The bones can splinter and cause internal damage... and a big fat vet bill for removal!!! Keep your animals on their regular diet throughout the holiday season!

Alcoholic beverages are another hazard. Okay, I'm not saying that anyone is trying to get their pups drunk, but be careful when taking part in some Christmas cheer! Your dog might take a liking to a half empty glass of egg nog left on the coffee table. It can take a relatively small amount of a beverage to cause dog alcohol poisoning.

***

DECORATIONS: The tree is the most obvious one here. Growing up we experienced more than one occasion where the cat climbed the tree, knocking ornaments and tinsel about the room. While there were no injuries, we definitely got lucky he didn't knock the whole thing over! Keep a watchful eye on pets to ensure they aren't ingesting ornaments or the tree itself. This is also true for wrapping paper, ribbons, wreaths, and lights!

Watch out for electrical cords as well! Keep them covered and never allow your pet to chew on them. We don't want fried Fido this Christmas. Candles can also pose a threat. Keep them out of Fluffy's reach and never leave them burning while you are away from home!

There are several Christmas plants that can be harmful to your pets. Keep them away from Holly, Philodendrom, Dieffenbachia, and Christmas Rose. While we all enjoy a good puppy kiss, make sure it isn't under the Mistletoe! It can be dangerous as well.

***

Holiday Parties: Anytime your pet is exposed to new people or situations, they experience an added level of stress. Pair that with loud music, doors opening and closing, and a room full of party guests in tacky Christmas sweaters, and its no wonder your pet will get stressed out! Pay extra attention to him/her while having any kind of get-together to make sure there is fresh water available and a quiet place to relax if needed. If your dog is a party animal or the socialite of the year, make sure guests know not to feed any of the holiday goodies and are aware of the rules regarding going outside, getting on the furniture, etc. And watch out for small children as they might pull tails, ears, or in some other way upset your pet!

Winter holidays are the second most common time for pets to escape from home, right after fourth of July. Keep a close eye on your pet when welcoming guests into your home, or anytime the door is opened. Even if you are generally able to put your dog in the yard without supervision, do not do it during this time of year. There are lots of new smells, sounds, and people around that are just screaming for your dog to break loose and investigate! And, I know its a no-brainer, but make sure your dog has proper identification at all times!

***

LACK OF TIME: With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, office parties, and family gatherings, it can be easy to put your pets' needs on the back burner. Try to keep them on their regular schedule as much as possible. Just because you are busy doesn't mean they don't need their regular meals, potty breaks, and play time! Exercise is a big one too! It is easy to put off that much needed walk (or run) when it is freezing outside and you have Christmas cards to address. But they need the exercise for their health and happiness this time of year as much as any other time. You'll appreciate a calmer, more relaxed dog who has been properly exercised too.

Shameless plug: We can do the work for you! Check out our website for cold weather specials and we will give your pup the exercise he/she needs while you get your Christmas errands done!

http://www.fourpawsdogrunning.com/

Pet First Aid

2008-11-24T21:17:00.013-06:00

I've been trying hard to get into a Pet First Aid class for quite a while now. There is a class offered by Pete & Mac's in Lenexa, but for now there isn't a class scheduled. I'm on a waiting list to take the next one available... but who knows when that will be! I'm assuming they are waiting to get enough interest before taking up a trainer's time. So in the mean time I decided to take an online class offered by Petco. While it probably wasn't as extensive as an in-person class, or as high-quality since it didn't offer hands on training, it was still a pretty good class! I would highly recommend it for any pet owner! You never know when an emergency will occur where your pet is depending on you for aid.

As I said before, the class is online and can be purchased on http://www.petco.com/ for a very reasonable price. I used an online coupon and it came in under $30.00. After signing up you have 60 days to complete the course. You can take as much or little time as you need. It took me a couple of evenings to finish and was well worth it! I definitely feel more capable to handle an emergency should it occur.

The course is broken down into 5 sections. The first is Know Your Pet. This section discusses how to tell what is normal for your pet in regards to vital signs (heart rate, pulse, breathing rate, body temperature) and behavior. It stresses the importance of being familiar with what is normal for your pet so that you are better able to recognize when something is abnormal. I practiced the techniques on Ari, who as far as I can tell is healthy as a horse.

The next section is Handling an Emergency. Here the couse outlines how to recognize an emergency and the necessary actions to take. Here we learn the proper way to restrain and muzzle a distressed animal, as well as how to trasport an injured animal. This is also the section that goes over cardiac/respiratory arrest and resuscitation. The videos are invaluable as you don't get hands on experience with an online class. I can only hope I never encounter a situation where I have to actually perform rescue breathing or do chest compressions. If I do though, I feel like I will be well prepared.

The third section of the course is all about Illness & Injury. This section gives a better understanding of seizures, diabetic emergencies, and Bloat and Torsion. While most of
the recommendations are to consult with your vet, it is still useful to know the symptoms and be able to recognize what is happening with your pet. I've always been scared of Bloat especially because it is very common in Boxers. Also, if you've read Marley & Me you know that Marley suffered from it too! Another tidbit I learned here is just how harmful a penny can be if swallowed by your dog! Pennies made after 1982 are made almost entirely of zinc. If swallowed, the stomache acid slowly dissolves the zinc, which then enters the blood stream. It can be very toxic to the red blood cells resulting in severe anemia. Its best to get any coin out of the stomache before these problems occur!

Section four discusses Poisoning and the Environment. Here we learn about the different kinds of household foods, drugs, and plants that can be dangerous to our pets. I think everyone knows that chocolate, coffee, and raisins are dangerous to our puppies, but I was surprised at a couple on the list! Did you know that avocados and macadamia nuts can be toxic too? Not that I was planning on feeding Ari and Mya macadamia nuts, but still good to know. This section also goes over the signs of hypothermia and heatstroke. Heatstroke is a main concern for me as it can be caused by strenuous exercise (running) in the heat. My doggies are especially susceptible because of their short noses.

The final section is Disaster Preparation. I think we can all empathize with the need to be prepared for an emergency with all the news about hurricanes and tornadoes recently. This is also the spot to find a list of all you need to put together a pet first aid kit.

I know I feel better prepared for an emergency after taking this course. I'm definitely going to take the in-person class when it is offered by the Red Cross, but for now I have the basics down.

http://www.fourpawsdogrunning.com/

Oh yeah! I'm on the web!!!

2008-11-18T21:14:00.004-06:00

The website is up! I'm officially on the internet!!! Having a website just makes me feel legit for some reason. I'm hoping that it becomes an intricate part of our marketing efforts. I think the design is awesome and of course I love that it links directly to the BLOG!!! Hard to believe, but Rick, my web designer, had never seen the blog before he did the web design. I think the colors on each complement each other so well! Way to read my mind Rick!

The site still needs some work, as I am a crazy person about grammar and phrasing. I think that comes from having an English teacher as a mom. I'm also working on getting a great shot of Ari and I for the "about us" page. That guy will not sit still for a picture though! Anyone who has seen last year's Christmas card with Santa already knows that!

So, check out the site and I would love feedback from any and everyone!!!

http://www.fourpawsdogrunning.com/

Zoom Zoom ZOOMIES!

2008-11-12T21:12:00.007-06:00

You mean you don't know about the Zoomies??? Surely every dog owner knows about the Zoomies! Maybe you just don't know that it is called the Zoomies. I'll explain it; you know when you get home from a long day of work and all you want to do is relax? Somehow, out of no where Fido gets this look in his eye; and you know he's got it; the Zoomies! He takes off in a burst of speed, racing up and down hallways, weaving in and out of furniture. You watch helplessly hoping that he doesn't cause any real damage to himself or your valuables! You can try to stop him, but its no use. He continues to speed around the house, that crazy look in his eye! As he buzzes by you he might snap at your clothes or crash through your legs. And what can you do except maybe to steer him out the door so he can wreak havoc on the lawn and not your lovely living room. So you do know what the Zoomies are, don't you?!

This my friends is a sure sign that your dog has pent up energy and is in desperate need of a run! We came down with a case of the Zoomies at our house this week. Ari was a bit under the weather last week, so I left him at home rather than drag him on a run when he wasn't feeling well. He hadn't run in almost a week! I was assured of his full recovery when I came home to a case of the Zoomies tonight. We also like to call this the "Boxer Burn" when Ari tears through the backyard with his eyes bugging out and his tongue flailing about. I swear one of these days he's going to miss a turn and run right into a tree! So, as soon as he slowed his pace, I leashed him up and we headed out. I was honestly amazed at his focus tonight. There was no stopping to sniff or potty, he was on a mission! After a few miles of sprinting intervals, I'm happy to say we cured him of his Zoomies.

On a side note, Ari went to the vet yesterday for his annual check up and Dr. Gates told me that he wished every dog was as healthy as Ari! He called Ari "all muscle" and said that his lungs were in top shape! I told him that Ari is a runner and he said, "That explains it!" I was just ever so proud of my little guy! Not only has running made us and him happier, it has also kept him healthy!

Chihuahua, SMALL DOG!

2008-11-04T21:11:00.014-06:00

I'm the proud owner of two lovely large boxer dogs. And while they may think they are lap dogs, no one would ever call them "small dogs." For that reason, I really don't have a lot of experience with smaller dog breeds. I was super excited when Wayside Waifs offered a training class on how to handle smaller breeds.

Since I obviously couldn't bring one of my own giants to the class, I chose a shelter dog to be my little training buddy for the day. His name was Casper and he was an 8 year old bichon frise. What a sweetie! I've really never been interested in owning a little dog; I've always considered them a fad brought on by the Parises and Britneys of the world. But this guy was SUCH a little lover boy! And he was smart too!

The main emphasis of the class was the safety of your small dog, especially when around larger breeds. When walking a dog and approached by another dog and his owner, it is always a good idea to ask if that dog is good with dogs before allowing your dog to sniff and "say hello". This is especially important when walking your small dog. To take it a step further, you should ask if the other dog has been around small dogs before. When in doubt, always play it safe! Tell the other person that your dog isn't good with other dogs and walk away. There is a very small margin of error when dealing with a small dog. A chihuahua has less of a chance against a large aggressive dog than one of my boxers does. If you are approached by an aggressive dog, your best bet is to quickly sweep your dog into your arms while holding his face away from your own and tucking his limbs into your arms.

Another point that is very important to note is that dogs are natural predators. Large dogs have strong predatory instincts that are triggered by small animals moving quickly. A large dog cannot decipher your scampering pomeranian from a squirrel. Not to sound graphic, but the damage a large dog can do to your small dog can be deadly! Our dogs rely on us to keep them safe, especially our small breeds.

Well, I didn't end up taking Casper home (Drew would have killed me!), but I'm happy to say that he was adopted early this week! I'd like to think that our training had something to do with that, but it probably had more to do with his fabulous personality. I definitely feel more comfortable now dealing with smaller breeds and look forward to working with them in the future. Small breeds need exercise too!

2008-10-29T21:10:00.003-05:00

The votes are in! Four Paws Dog Running has replaced KC Dog Runner! Thank you to everyone who voted! And thank you for all of the name suggestions. Although I did receive a few inappropriate ones... lets just say there was some usage of the name for a female dog! Inappropriate people!!!

I'm definitely excited about how things are going right now. Rick, my fabulous web designer is hard at work getting the website ready to go! I'm working on getting some marketing materials put together as well. I'd really like to get up and running before the holidays, as that is obviously a time of big demand for pet sitting. I think it would be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door with potential clients to show them how great I'll treat their pups!

On a side note, how great is this weather??? I know Ari has been thoroughly enjoying it! He'd been cooped up for a couple of days so today I took him down to a near by park after work and we ran a few miles. He had a blast people watching! There was a little league football team practicing at the park, and tons of walkers and joggers. He definitely got his fill of socialization, and now is happily plopped on his pillow watching me type. I'll say it again, a tired puppy is a HAPPY puppy!

Oops! Now what?!?

2008-10-11T23:07:00.001-05:00

So bad news... although K.C. Dog Runner, LLC is officially mine, apparently I'm not the only one who wants to buff up the pups in the KC area. Somehow in all the research I've been doing, I failed to find the company in the area called K.C. Dog Runners, LLC. That one little letter is the only difference between our names! First response: What the heck?!? How did this happen?!? How did I not know about this?!? Well, I checked it out and it turns out that this company was registered 2 days before K.C. Dog Runner. Holy cow! I'm going to assume that great minds think alike.

So now the question is, where to go from here? Honestly, I'm not too concerned about the fact that there is another dog running company here in the Metro area. I actually think it will give some credibility to the industry. My biggest problem is that I need a new name! Legally I can keep K.C. Dog Runner, but really, I don't think the city needs both a runner and runners. I can only imagine the confusion, right?? So that's it, I need a new name. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated and maybe we'll even have a poll to see which name is the most popular!

Waif of the Week

2008-10-05T20:28:00.000-05:00

For a couple of hours a week I go to Wayside Waifs to volunteer as a dog "socializer". I'm not going to lie, its one of my favorite things to do! I started out just walking the dogs, which gives them a chance for a potty break and a little bit of exercise. I'm such a believer in exercise affecting a dog's behavior. Its especially important for these guys, because often they are judged within a few seconds of someone walking by. The better their behavior in those couple of seconds, the more likely they will get a second look, and maybe a chance at a new home. A walk is also one of their only chances during the day to be free of the kennel and all the stress of being inside the noisy shelter. I have so much fun meeting all the dogs and seeing their personalities shine.

Recently, I signed up for Wayside's WAGS program. This is a program designed to teach the volunteers how to train the dogs simple commands and behaviors that will help them to get adopted. While, yes, I enjoy volunteering and feel good about helping the dogs become more adoptable, I'm also somewhat selfish in my motives for joining this program! I'm trying to get as much experience handling dogs as possible. I feel completely comfortable with dogs as it is now, but I want other people to feel just as comfortable with me handling their dog. The best way to accomplish this is to become an "expert".

My first training class was in "the basics". The basics include how to get a dog out of a kennel while teaching the dog not to jump. Its a big turn-off for a would-be adopter when while walking by a dog's kennel, the dog immediately jumps at the door. So now every time I take a dog out for a walk, I'm able to teach them manners at the same time! Very exciting stuff, I know. We also worked on basic commands such as "sit", "down", and "come". It was seriously a lot of fun and also somewhat exhausting. It probably didn't help that I chose one of the feistiest dogs at the shelter for my training buddy during class! Her name was Corona and she was a handful!

I definitely look forward to learning more and applying this training to the way I interact with clients in the future. Hopefully the near future! Pretty soon people will be referring to me as the dog whisperer, right?

If interested, Wayside Waifs is an amazing organization that does so much for homeless animals in the community. Check them out: www.waysidewaifs.org

To sit or not to sit?

2008-09-08T21:19:00.000-05:00

We went out of town for a wedding this weekend and as always, it was a struggle to decide what to do with the pups. If it were only Mya, we'd have people knocking down the door to watch her. But because our puppy package includes Ari, we don't have as many options. He is a bit more than most people can take, especially if he isn't getting his daily run in!

A friend told us about a kennel that they use for their dogs while they are away, and it seemed like an economical option... and it was only for two nights. So I ignored my guilty conscience and dropped the kids off. The place smelled like, well, a dog kennel. The noise was pretty unbearable. The doggies are confined to a small space and let out three times a day for potty breaks and regularly scheduled meals. I assured myself that while this wasn't the lap of luxury, my babies would be well treated and taken care of.

I spent the rest of the weekend battling the guilt. I could accept that they would be bored, and that it wouldn't be the most fun weekend they'd ever had... but I just worried so much about how scared they must feel. I especially worry about Mya. She's only been in our family for a few months now, and before that; who knows? It was eating me alive thinking that she might feel abandoned yet again. My poor girl!

So, of course things were fine as soon as we arrived home and picked up our precious pets. It did solidify one thing though. I've been on the fence about whether or not to include pet sitting as one of the services offered by KC Dog Runner. I'm now 100% sure. If I can save someone from spending their "vacation" fretting over the comfort and care of their animals, then it will be totally worth it. I can also ensure that the animals not only receive food, water, and a potty break; but also a little bit of love and affection that I know I'd give my own pets. I'm very excited for this new project!

As for us, Mya and Ari recovered pretty quickly from the kennel stay and are enjoying their comfy life back at home!

Dog Fight!

2008-09-02T20:44:00.000-05:00

A new favorite family outing of ours is a trip to the dog park. Its great for the puppies; lots of exercise and socialization. Its fabulous entertainment as well. While Ari is a superior runner these days, he's not quite so stealthy in the water. It took a few trips before he would even venture out far enough to actually qualify as swimming. Most of the time he just bounds around, just deep enough that he can touch. Its when he gets to the deeper areas that the show really starts. I don't even know how to describe his swimming style, but people really seem to enjoy watching him. We typically get lots of sarcastic comments about how graceful our dog is. We couldn't be more proud.

Yesterday however, Ari wasn't the main attraction. Miss Mya, our sweet and loving senior, had my full attention. She's such a good dog; gets along with everyone, people and dogs. Her tail never stops wagging and all she really needs in life is a little attention and love, and maybe a cookie or two. She can be a grump sometimes, but she doesn't have an aggressive bone in her body. So yesterday she was running the edge of the water, just checking out the scenery. She loves to play with the other dogs, especially if they have a stick or ball. However, I started to get nervous when she chose a pit bull as her playmate of the day. The dog's owner seemed very relaxed and friendly. She talked sweetly to Mya, encouraging them to play. I guess I felt like the dog wasn't much of a threat, or this lady would have indicated that her pittie had aggressive tendencies. Well, not two seconds later did the dog attack Mya. It was such a blur, I don't even know how the two were separated. But thankfully they were! I grabbed Mya and people started to fuss over her. Immediately I saw blood dripping from her mouth. She's such a sweet girl, it just broke my heart to think of her in any kind of pain. Drew grabbed Ari and we rushed to the car. By the time we got there, the bleeding had slowed down. I hand fed her ice cubes as we drove to the emergency vet where they cleaned her up and gave us a week's worth of antibiotics. She has a few holes in her mouth, but we were so lucky, because it could have been SO much worse!

The incident made me realize how unprepared and helpless I felt in the situation. I always have somewhat of an "it can't happen to me" attitude. This was such an eye opener! I know that while working with animals, anything can happen. What if I'm out running with a dog and we are approached by an aggressive dog? I need to be better prepared. So I've decided that my next steps are to enroll in pet first aid and CPR. I'm continuing my classes in dog behavior. Hopefully I won't ever need to use it, but if I do, at least I'll have the skills so I know how to handle the situation.

Doggies' Night Out!

2008-07-29T20:53:00.000-05:00

Last night was Doggies' Night Out at McCormick & Schmick's, catered by Three Dog Bakery. I'm pretty sure this was the place to be for the pooches of Kansas City. Its not very often that our Doggies get to go to the Plaza, let alone partake in a 3 course meal!

We leashed up the Ari and Mya and headed out, showing up a few minutes early to meet our friends Kelly & Kipp and their entourage. They not only brought their 2 maltese pups but their 6 month old little girl, Lilly! Cutest baby ever. They definitely had their hands full. Lola was pretty excited to be around all the other dogs and let everyone know by barking at everyone outside the restaurant. Kelly almost turned around and went home. I'm so glad she didn't though, because we had so much fun!

Dinner started out with passed appetizers. We lucked out and were seated next to the food table, so after everyone else had been served appetizers our pups were served seconds. Nothing makes Mya sit quicker than a mini quiche.

Next came the main course; some sort of shephards pie looking concoction made of meat and potatoes in a puff pastry. When the waiter brought it over, one of the guys at our table told him, "I didn't order this." We all got a good laugh, but that's how real it looked! I was convinced that the doggies would be sick ater eating such a rich dinner, but they weren't stopping! It took everything to keep them from stealing the little dogs' dinners.

Then came dessert. Oh my gosh it looked so good! If you know me, you know I have a thing for ice cream. The dessert was puppy ice cream with sprinkles and biscotti. Ari just went for it, devouring the whole thing in seconds. I decided to feed it to Mya by hand by giving her bites of ice cream using the biscotti as a spoon. Her face was covered in ice cream, but it was the cutest dang thing I've ever seen. I love when she gets it so far up on her nose that her tounge can't reach. She gets a very serious look on her face and you can tell she is on a mission!

All in all it was a great night! The people from Three Dog Bakery were amazing! I met one of the managers and her little dog named Dr. Seuss. She told me about how much she loves her job and the fact that she gets to play with dogs all day, including her own. Her enthusiasm is such an example of what I believe I can find in my dog running business. I hope to one day speak about my profession with as much excitement as she has for hers!

Ari & Me

2008-07-21T20:59:00.000-05:00

If you've read the book Marley & Me then you have a pretty good understanding of my dog, Ari. When first reading the book, I almost felt as though I were reading about my own furry fellow. I'm too afraid to try a pinch collar on him because I get visions of him dragging me down the street, wheezing and coughing like Marley did. My brother-in-law often suggests that Drew and I keep a written record of our many stories of Ari's antics. Maybe someday it would be made into a movie, staring Jennifer Aniston of course.

It was Ari who first inspired the idea of KC Dog Runner. Ari was a typical boxer puppy... bursting with what seemed like never ending energy. We would take him on multiple long walks every day as a pup, and play "fetch" to try to wear him out. Of course, Ari's version of fetch was more like a game of keep away. He never really mastered the game. He would get cocky and sprint around the back yard with whatever ball or stick we'd thrown, showing off his prize. All this work, and he still never seemed to get tired. And his pent up energy usually lead to some pretty annoying behavior. He'd jump on us and bite at our feet if we weren't up for a game. Sometimes he'd growl at us to get our attention. It was hard to sit down and relax for even a moment because he was so demanding. Then there was the humping...

Then I started taking him running with me. I'd read a little bit about running with dogs, and knew to start him out slow. I'd leash him up and take him around the block for a quick mile jog, then drop him off at home and finish the rest of my run. The difference was amazing. It was like we had a new dog... a newer, much more pleasent dog. Instead of making demands for attention, he was much more likely to sit nicely on his mat. He became much more loving and affectionate. It was amazing how much of a difference a mile jog could make. We have a good dog now!
Now Ari is my official running buddy. Its mid-summer, so he has his limits. We run several times a week, for up to 3 miles at a time, usually in the early morning before the sun comes up. The running isn't only fun for the both of us, its completely necessary. He's a happier dog, and we are a happier family because of it. Ari is proof that a tired puppy is a good puppy!

Its Official!

2008-07-17T21:43:00.000-05:00

I love lots of things: My husband, my dogs, your dogs, cooking, cleaning, running, drinking red wine... the list goes on. So imagine my excitement when the idea came to me to combine two of my favorites; running and dogs. Now add the prospect of making money while doing it... sign me up!

Drew has always been the entreprenuer in our relationship. He has always said he wants to be his own boss, but never could quite figure out what he'd do as boss. I've always supported his ambitions, and never imagined it would be me who took the first step toward starting my own business. Since coming up with the idea of KC Dog Runner, I've been doing lots of "research" on the pet industry... mostly surfing the internet while I should be working at my actual job, and reading up on running with dogs. I've come up with a "to do" list of all the things I need to do to get started and timelines for making it happen.

Then last night, Drew took my biggest step for me and logged onto the secretary of state's website and registered the business! It is official, I'm a business owner... now we just need to work on getting some customers and making some moo-la.