Best Calming Dog Bed(Anxiety Comforting)
Our hearts break into a million pieces when we rescue a dog, and we can tell they’ve been through a hard time. These angels with fur are usually prone to anxiety or reactivity. They can get spooked over the tiniest thing. Whether your canine is a rescue dog or not, many things around them can trigger their anxiety, like meeting new visitors, fireworks, anxiety, and even separation from you. That’s why you need to provide them with a safe place to seek solace and comfort. That’s where best calming dog beds come in. You have an idea of what a calming bed does from the name. But how do you know the best calming dog bed for your canine? And how different is it from the regular bed? I know these questions are rummaging through your head, and we are here to simplify them. A calming help your dog sleep better, improves health, and promotes overall well-being. Here’s a list of our top 8 on the market. 8 Best dog beds Furhaven Sofa-style Calming Dog Bed – Comforting Friends Forever Coco Calming Dog Bed – Stress Relief Brindle Designer Memory Foam – Anti Anxiety Dog Bed K&H Calming Products Cuddle Cube – Anxiety Relieving Pet Beds Majestic Pet Villa Bagel – Comfy Calming Dog Bed Reviews Best Friends by Sheri Donut – Dog Beds For Older Dogs Bedsure Waterproof Dog Beds – Waterproof Orthopedic Dog Bed Sealy Lux Dog Bed – Stress Beds For Dogs Best Dog Calming Bed Buying Guide If we can experience stress and anxiety, is it so far-fetched that our beloved canines can too? Our dogs sense our emotions; they can get stressed out too. They are prone to anxiety, and unlike us, they can’t visit a therapist or take supplements to help battle it. They can, however, relax and feel secure with a calming dog bed. These beds are designed to provide a feeling and sense of security for anxious pups. The best calming dog bed helps to replicate the feelings of other body warmth snuggled up against your dog. This evokes the safety and security your dog felt when it slept with its mom and siblings. There are a lot of calming beds on the market, but unfortunately, only some things are suitable for your furry baby. So how do you know how to choose the best calming dog beds? This buying guide will give you all the information you need to make the right choice. What is a calming bed? You may wonder what a calming bed is, why it differs from a regular one, and if it actually works. A calming dog bed is designed to provide comfort and safety for your canine. It helps to reduce anxiety and soothe antsy pets. For it to be considered a calming bed, it must be able to render a degree of comfort and a sense of security. Here’s a tip on how to identify calming beds. They usually have raised edges or rims, orthopedic benefits, soft plush materials, donut-shaped, and offer warmth and comfort. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, such as; panting, shaking, burrowing, whining, drooling, and the inability to settle while at rest, you need to get it a calming bed. What are the types of calming dog beds? Orthopedic calming bed These calming beds are excellent for large breeds, older dogs, and sick/recovering dogs. Orthopedic memory foam beds are ideal for dogs with arthritis or joint problems; they help to relieve pressure points and soothe the pain. When choosing orthopedic beds for your dog, ensure they have raised edges or rims and are long enough to comfortably accommodate your dog’s length. Donut calming bed These calming beds are shaped like donuts and are an excellent choice for small dogs. They usually have raised edges to create a soothing dome for your furry baby to curl up in. They also provide good neck and head support for your dog to rest comfortably. The surrounding warmth of the donut bed helps reduce anxiety and comes highly recommended by vets. Bolster calming bed Bolster beds are standard beds with raised edges on three sides; this design lets your dog lean up and rest comfortably. Just like you would on a sofa or couch. Bolster calming beds provide neck and head support for your dog. They are great for large breeds and are an excellent investment for your pup’s comfort. Self-warming dog bed Snuggling or cuddling into a warm bed or blanket on a cold day is a feeling that words cannot describe. Humans and animals love to be warm; it is an immense comfort to us all. Calming beds that have the tendency to provide adequate warmth without the use of plugs and batteries are top-tier. The bed generates its own heat when your dog lies on it. The longer it stays, the warmer it gets. Self-warming beds have two-layer insulation that captures, retains, and radiates heat. It is perfect for older dogs and breeds that get cold quickly. How do I choose the best dog-calming bed? Size When buying the best calming dog bed, you want to make sure that you choose a bed that can comfortably accommodate the length of your dog. A bed big enough for Scooby to comfortably stretch out and curl up. You can even get a bed that is larger but not too large so that it would retain the feeling of being surrounded and comforted. Filling When choosing the best calming bed for your dog, the outside matters as much as the inside. Consider the fillings and stuffing used in making the bed. Is it made from memory foam or a more plush material? Ensure that the filling is made from high-quality material because this affects the support, comfort, durability, and washability. Support Calming beds are a great choice because of their support for your dog’s joints, neck, and head. Beds with orthopedic bases, memory foams, and bolstered edges provide the best support and offer
Everything You Should Know About Bathing Your Dog
By: Nelson Ansah Dogs are great companions; they’re cute, hang around you a lot, always seek your attention, and are mischievous every now and then. They’re essentially the perfect friend to have. That’s before they come running back all muddy and stinky from playing in the dirt. You either have to get them clean or live with the stench. But that’s just dogs. Plus, regularly bathing your dog is part of being a dog owner. Sadly, bathing your dog is no easy task. Why? Dogs don’t care about the dirt. It’s almost as if they enjoy it, so they give you a hard time when you want to get them clean. Luckily for you and your dog, there’s a workaround. In this article, we’ll answer some dire questions about bathing your dog and provide tips on the best way to give your dog a bath. Let’s get to it, shall we? Should I Bath My Dog? The answer here is a big yes. Bathing your dog regularly helps keep its fur clean and free of odor. But there’s more. Bathing your dog helps maintain its lustrous coat and oust loose hair from its fur. It’s also an excellent opportunity to check for parasites, lumps, and irritation on their skins. Your vet may even recommend a bath for your dog if they have certain skin ailments. It’s usually a part of dog treatment plans. Can I Give My Dog a Bath Anywhere? There’s no fast rule on where to bathe your dog. It all depends on your home and your dog’s size. If you own a large dog, or even a medium-sized one, your best bet is to have the bath outdoors. This option also applies to dogs who hardly stay in the tub. Most dog owners who wash their dogs outside use a garden hose for the job. If you’re going with the hose too, it’s advisable to keep the pressure low. Also, check the water temperature from the hose before using it. You don’t want the water too hot or too cold. Additionally, you can bathe your dog in an indoor dog tub, a bathtub, or a kitchen sink. However, make sure the water drains out and isn’t clogged. This prevents your dog from drowning in the bath. If you need help bathing your dog, you can contact your vet or check out dog bathing stations too. How to Give Your Dog a Bath We’ve seen the how and the where of giving your dog a bath. Let’s dive into the how. Here are seven steps to giving your dog a good refreshing bath. 1. Collect Your Supplies First off, you need to gather some supplies for your bath. A few of these supplies include: Although there are more supplies you can add up, these are the most essential ones. However, there’s no problem with upping the ante here. 2. Do Some Brushing If your dog’s fur is long or even medium, you’ve most likely come across mats and tangles. Mats and tangles only get worse when your dog gets wet. That’s why it’s recommended to brush your dog’s fur before baths. Brushing your dog’s fur also removes thick dirt and loose hair from it. You can find the best hair brushes for your dog here. Remember to brush your dog slowly so you don’t hurt it. 3. Secure Your Dog and Use Cotton Balls If it comes down to wrestling you or taking a bath, your dog is probably going to wrestle you. You’ll have to secure your dog in order to give it a thorough bath. You can do this with a grooming loop. After you’ve tied your dog down, insert the cotton balls into its ears. Cotton balls prevent water from entering your dog’s ear and consequently prevent an ear infection. You’ll be shocked to learn that the majority of dog ear infections stem from water entering the ear canal. 4. Get Your Dog Wet Start by wetting your dog from the rear and working your way up. This technique saves its head for last. This way, you don’t get soap in your dog’s eyes. You’ll also find that your dog hates getting its face wet. 5. Apply Shampoo You need to begin working from the rear as well. But before you do that, ensure that the shampoo you’re using is safe for your dog. Target the dirtiest spots on your dog, like the feet and undercoat. You need to avoid getting shampoo on your dog’s face as much as you can. Use face wipes rather than shampoo for the face; they’re safer and easier to use. 6. Rinse Thoroughly If you think you’ve gotten every part, the next step is to rinse your dog. You’ll have to rinse your dog several times thoroughly, as dog fur can easily hide lather or soap. The pockets of lather left hiding in your dog’s fur can cause skin irritation or skin ailments. It’s better to get it right in the bathtub than to rush to the vet. To add to that, use your fingers to ensure you’re doing a good job. It’s the best way to reach spots that are hard to see. 7. Dry Your Dog Dogs generally shake off moisture from their fur, but they can’t get it all off. You’ll need some absorbent towels to dry your dog thoroughly. Wipe your dog with the towels and allow it to air dry. Additionally, you can use a dog blow dryer like the velocity dryer to dry your dog and blow off any loose hair hanging around. Remember to put some distance between the dryer and your dog. You can reward your dog with some treats after your bath. This tells them bathing is good for them, and if for nothing else, they’re sure to get a treat after a bath. Final Thoughts This is essentially everything you need to know about giving your dog a good bath. It’s not to say there aren’t more things
Choosing a New Puppy
Getting a new puppy can be an exhilarating feeling. It’s an adventure of a lifetime! It’s like gaining a new best friend! On the other hand, it can be stressful and feelings of “adopters remorse” can follow if you don’t put thought into your decision. There are some important things to consider before you choose which new pup to take home. We’ll cover some topics in this article that will provide guidance in finding the perfect puppy so that your next adventure will be one that you can cherish freely and forever! Adopt or Shop Whether you adopt or shop for your new puppy, remember that you are doing a great thing! You’re providing a home for a little one where they will be loved and taken care of forever. There is no wrong choice here. However, there are some major differences between shopping for and adopting your new puppy friend. With adoption comes a few pros and cons. Let’s start with the pros. Typically you will find that your puppy will be significantly cheaper than using a breeder. Sometimes adoption facilities will even waive their fees, making the adoption completely free. In addition, the puppies usually come microchipped to allow you to keep track of them if they were to run away or get lost. This is a cost you would have on your own if you purchased from a breeder. Overall, there are significant financial pros to adoption, but there are some cons as well. When you adopt, you typically forfeit any knowledge of their family origin and upbringing. This could affect your knowledge of potential health and behavioral problems in the future. In addition, a lot of adopted puppies are not breed guaranteed, meaning that your puppy could turn out to be a different mix or breed than you’re expecting. This is not inherently a bad thing, but if you’re someone looking for a very specific breed type for any reason, adopting may not be your best choice. Breed This is probably the most important decision when it comes to choosing a new puppy. Breed often determines behavior, size, socialization, appearance, and whether or not they are allergy-friendly. These are all crucial to consider based on your puppy, personal and environmental needs. There are various online sources where you can search for what kind of breed would be the best fit for you. Here’s a quiz you could take as an example. If you’re looking for a quick reference guide to a few breeds that may be a good fit for you then check out the comparison below. Gender After you’ve chosen the breed, you’ll want to decide whether you want a male or female puppy to bring home with you. There are some stereotypical assumptions about each, but it’s important to keep in mind that just like every human, every dog is different. However, we’ll still cover the typical differences between a male and a female puppy to provide some guidance. Males are typically larger in size and more aggressive than other males. They seek to show dominance through scent marking, mounting, and aggression when challenged by other dogs. In addition, they have a tendency to be more energetic and less well-behaved than females. However, neutering a male dog can help with marking and behavioral issues significantly and is typically highly recommended. Females are typically smaller, less aggressive, and more independent than males. Females are typically the chosen gender for new puppies because of these assumptions, but really it just depends on your needs as a new puppy owner. Although males are more aggressive with other male dogs, it’s been observed that females are also more aggressive with other female canines. Dogs in general typically get along better with the opposite sex. However, spaying your female puppy, just like neutering your male, is ideal as it will help with overall behavior improvement. Observe the Litter Lastly, when you go to pick out your new puppy, observe how they act and move around within their litter. You want to make sure that the puppy you choose isn’t outwardly aggressive with any of its littermates. Observing will help you determine possible behavioral tendencies later down the road. In addition, watch how the puppy walks and moves around. Of course, new puppies will stumble and be somewhat clumsy, but you want to make sure you don’t see any outstanding health issues or mobility issues that could cost you later. Conclusion Overall, choosing a new puppy is a blast. It’s a new and fun experience and you’re helping a great cause. You and your new puppy are going to be lathered in love by one another and it’s going to be so rewarding. Don’t worry if some stress follows you after the decision. It’s going to take some time to adjust and to learn how to care for your new friend, but there are plenty of resources to help ease the transition for you. There is no wrong decision here, only what’s best for you! Check out the following for information to help you in your journey to choosing a new puppy. RESOURCES: Dog Breed Selector: Pedigree How Do I Know If My Puppy is Healthy? Puppies for Adoption: Petfinder Should I Get a Male or Female Dog? Quiz
The Skipper Dog
Skipping stones is therapeutic. Getting that perfect angle of release, and the precise amount of spin on the rock, to see it whiz across the water just to ever so slightly kiss its surface before bouncing back up for more air time. It was while tossing rocks, once upon a time, that my furry four-legged friend, bounded up to me, clearly assuming I was throwing something for him to fetch. Unfortunately, for him, he continued racing past me. Straight into the lake. He soon realized he was no longer on firm ground and frantically tried to run back to me, still failing to realize he was partially submerged. Thankfully the lake was quite shallow and a minute or two later he was looking at me, dripping wet and grinning ear to ear.
The friendly guinea pig
When we heard the word pet what comes to our mind is that they might be raising a dog or a cat since these are the most common pets that humans take care of. However, I am not a dog or a cat person. I have a pet called a guinea pig. I’m not sure if people are quite familiar with guinea pigs. In other countries, a lot of people may be having them as a pet; but in our case, I rarely see anyone in our neighborhood raising a guinea pig. I know all of the pets are cute but I consider guinea pigs the cutest among all the other pets I have. his is Browny, a year-old round male nose guinea pig. Browny is quite relaxed and friendly. He loves to play around with our other pets. Raising a guinea pig is not new to me because when I was a kid, I had other guinea pigs too. Browny is the fifth guinea pig we bought. We started raising guinea pigs because my mother likes how low maintenance it is in having them as a pet. I decided to buy Browny because it reminds me of the childhood guinea pig I had. If only guinea pigs’ lifespan is just like a human lifespan, probably we didn’t reach our fifth guinea pig. Sadly, guinea pigs’ lifespan lasts for 4-8 years. That’s why we kept on buying guinea pigs the moment they were gone. What I admire the most from Browny among all the guinea pigs we had is that he is very chill and obedient. Guinea pigs are social animals. Browny is super friendly toward our Pacman frog, gecko, and parrot. My favorite bonding with Browny is every time we gather all the other pets with him. I find it cute when these animals are interacting. It is pretty rare to see different types of animals interacting. You’re going to expect that they’ll have chaos all the time; however, it’s completely the opposite. Seeing them being clingy with each other is just precious to see. If only I have connections with the National Geo channel, I’ll proudly consult them and let this feature this moment haha. Having Browny with us feels nice because our family is growing bigger and bigger. I felt really happy the first time I got Browny because another added member of the family; I know for some it is not something special since this is not our first guinea pig but for me, Browny is one of a kind. I haven’t seen someone as friendly as him. My other guinea pigs weren’t like that before. Those guinea pigs seem to have their own world but Browny? He treats other animals as a family. Browny can be playful that sometimes I can’t have a decent photo with him. He kept on moving and that makes the photo blurry. Browny is the source of my happiness every time I’m bored or I am having a bad day. Seeing him being friendly with our other pets enlightened my mood in less than a minute. The struggle of having a guinea pig is that it needs company. You can’t just leave them there. Your eyes must be on them because you might know what might happen since guinea pigs are quite small. I had an encounter before where I wasn’t paying attention and I wonder where my guinea pet went. It took five minutes for me to find it. From that experience, I learned to be more attentive every time I’m playing with a guinea pig. As I have mentioned earlier, raising a guinea pig is low maintenance. For Browny’s shelter, we provide an open space for him so he could move freely. For Browny’s food, we’re feeding him scramble and greens. I know Browny is already a year old but there’s still the fear in me that he’ll be gone soon like my other guinea pigs. I’m so used to losing a pet but it doesn’t me I’m used to it; it is not painful anymore. Losing someone will always be painful no matter how used you are to the pain. I always treasure every moment I shared with Browny. If there are times I’m busy, my sister is always there to play with him. Raising a guinea pig in our family would always have a special place in our hearts. I’m so used to having guinea pigs because I grow up taking good care of one. Probably in the future when I have a family on my own, I’ll surely adopt a guinea pig as our family pet. It is not expensive in taking care of them like the other pets. I can be probably called a loyal pet owner of guinea pigs. To think, Browny is already our fifth guinea pig. I don’t mind if I reach the 20th or more guinea pigs I’ll be taking care of. Cheers to more guinea pigs in the future! As a guinea pig pet owner since 2005, I’ll surely recommend other people to have their guinea pig. They deserve the love in this world.
Puppy Eyes
Puppy Eyes If ever you thought you have strong willpower, look into your dog’s eyes. They have the ability to break your resolve in less time than it takes them to blink. Either they have done something to make you proud, followed a command, or fetched you the morning paper. Or maybe they’ve done the complete opposite and know they’re about to get a telling off because they’ve maybe eaten your homework, walked inside the house with muddy paws, or in the case of this photo, managed to steal someone’s footwear and is about to settle down for a snack. Whatever the reason, there is little to no chance that you will be able to chide or scold them because one look into those baleful eyes will melt your heart and soul. Your scream of anger will immediately change to a squeal of delight and your raised arm will proceed to give them the biggest hug.
I’m longing for Shiva
A dog’s lifespan lasts for 10-13 years. We may want them to live longer and stay by our side as we grow older but there are things that we need to bid our farewell. The moment that dog owners fear the most happen to me recently. It’s been three weeks since my pet Shiva, left. At first, it is hard to accept that she’s gone because I’m so used to having her beside me. What hurts the most is staying at home reminds me of a lot of memories of her together. Staying in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and even the bathroom. I feel so empty when she left. I had times when I cried terribly because I missed her. Nevertheless, life goes on when you lose someone in your life. You continue your daily routine even if you’re so used to having their presence. This is Shiva. She’s ¾ Shih Tzu & ¼ Poodle. Shiva was with me for nine years. Shiva was the type of dog that sticks by your side no matter what. You’ll feel her presence because she’s by my side wherever I go. When Shiva got older, she loved to sleep. Every time she’d sleep, I’d tiptoe because she easily wakes up if she senses that I’m about to go out. Shiva is an introvert around other dogs because she didn’t have any other dog friends besides her sister growing up. Although she’s an extrovert when she’s playing with me, she always sneezes if she’s in her hyper phase. After bathing her, she’s extra playful & likes to run around annoying her sister. I remember the first time I had Shiva. It was along with two other puppies because their mom was my main dog, Hershey. When Hershey was about to give birth, she was running around the house, panicking, one thing led to the other, there they were, Fourchette, the male puppy & Shiva. We initially planned to sell them all but I was too attached to them so we ended up selling the only male puppy. We kept and raised Fourchette and Shiva with us. Staying at home wasn’t boring when I have these two adorable puppies with me. I enjoyed my alone time at home with their company. During my stressful times, seeing their cuteness enlightens my mood. Raising two puppies was never an easy job. Raising a dog is just like raising a kid. You aren’t just the dog’s best friend or a pet owner, you’re a mother. I had these puppies with me at a very young age. Being their mother is a tough responsibility. You have to pay/buy a lot of things as well such as dog food, grooming, healthcare, and necessities. You have a responsibility to watch over that dog. It gets tiring especially at times when you have a lot on your plate & you have to tend to their needs at the same time. It’s super stressful thinking about the finances of raising dogs, however, aside from that, it feels good to have them because you can play/talk/bond with them every time. It feels good because you know that someone loves you no matter what. Even though you forgot to take them out to pee, even though you have to clean after them always, even though you have to feed them before you, yourself could eat, you know that their love for you is still greater than yours. Coming home knowing that someone is eager to greet you is one of the best feelings in the world. If I could describe this feeling in one word, that would be bittersweet. Raising a dog could be a pain in the ass but it gives you too much happiness. Honestly, during the early years, I didn’t have any time for them at all because I’m at school from morning till afternoon. Every time I came home, I had to do chores/assignments/manage my business. It was routine that I had to bathe them every Saturday & that’s it. But when the pandemic hit, I was drawn much closer to them because I had more free time. The pandemic made me an actual fur mom from merely just being their “owner”. I had more time to attend to their needs, play & spend time with them. I think all of the memories we’ve made are special but I always appreciate her, even more, when she tried to comfort me every time I’m feeling sick or crying. Shiva knows me too well. I felt like we had a deeper connection. March 2022, she had these flesh wounds randomly appearing on her skin which went on for weeks. I tried self-medicating her but it didn’t work. We eventually went to the vet & they prescribed us 8/9 very costly medications. The wounds went away for a month or two but they came back again so I tried medicating her once more but the wounds weren’t getting better anymore and I figured that there was already something wrong inside of her that was causing her wounds. She became weaker and weaker. As the mother of my pet, I knew she couldn’t take it already; if the doctor would do surgeries or any type of procedures on her because of her age & condition, I somewhat accepted that Shiva was about to go to doggy heaven. I repeatedly told my family that I’m ready to let her go if the time will come. I don’t want to extend her agony with her condition. After Shiva’s death, I wasn’t used to not seeing her wait for me on the stairs when I woke up, I felt a bit lonely because she was not there anymore. My eyes were swollen for straight two days then there were days I miss her, I burst into tears again. I miss Shiva’s presence who keeps on following me around and who keeps on wagging her tail just to ask me to play with her. I miss seeing her
Ali Fatani – My Best Friend Cody
Today is Cody’s birthday; he’s my dear friend, in fact, my best friend. My neighbor Miss Ella’s Great Dane a decade ago gave birth to four puppies. My mom knew how much I wanted a puppy, so she convinced Miss Ella to sell her one of the puppies, and I got one as a gift on my birthday. It was the best birthday gift ever; as of now, that birthday gift has turned into my family. Cody is turning 12 today; he was once a little puppy who came to our home wearing a small rainbow-colored collar. My best friend puppy was shy and slow, innocent but eventually became the naughtiest little mutt in the neighborhood. When he was around three years in his prime of mischief, he became the neighborhood star. In the evenings, it was time for him to collect dog treats from all over the block in exchange for some hugs and handshakes. Sometimes, he’d drop me off at the school bus in the mornings. It gradually became an everyday routine. As soon as I returned from school, we’d have lunch together. Then take a nap and return to our evening collection of dog treats from the neighbors. It was like every day was Christmas and Santa was all around us. My neighbor, Miss Ella, who gave Cody to me as a gift, had given two other puppies to her cousin and had kept one puppy with herself, whom she named Elena. An old lady, Miss Ella liked her solitude and kept to herself mostly. As Elena grew old, Miss Ella decided to let her make some friends. Elena started coming to our house to hang out with Cody and me in the afternoons. When the two siblings met, they fell in love immediately; the phrase “love at first sight” had come true. Cody and Elena were on their way to make babies, and I had to break the news to Miss Ella. Since I had completed school, I was home all day, so I prepared a gift basket for Miss Ella and knocked at her door in the afternoon. She opened the door, thinking I was here to take Elena for her evening play date. She passed me her leash, and I handed her the gift basket I had made. I told her I had to talk to her about something, and she invited me in. As I walked in, I saw posters of my favorite rock bands and a guitar beside the sofa. “I never knew you play the guitar and listen to my favorite rock bands,” I said. “These are my daughter’s collection,” she said. Miss Ella got me a cup of tea, and we started our conversation slowly and steadily, discussing life in general, about my best friend puppy , my life, her life, and the first cup of tea that didn’t feel like the last. She was a warm and gentle soul with a good heart, and her home was homely and cozy. In the middle of our conversation, I told her about Cody and Elena’s love affair, and she very comfortably digested the fact that we cannot stop nature and that it was probably meant to be. She knew letting Elena meet Cody would mean the two mating somewhere soon. We both enjoyed each other’s company and kept meeting for cups and conversations. A few days after our first meeting, Miss Ella told me her daughter Lilith would be visiting her for a few days. I gave Miss Ella the idea that we should all celebrate Cody and Elena’s wedding. She thought it was a great idea. Lilith arrived, and the festivities began. We all went dog shopping, got a new bed for Cody, toys, collars for the babies, and even a custom-made tuxedo for Cody and a dress for Elena. It was such a blast. The whole neighborhood was invited. We celebrated my best friend’s wedding, during which Lilith and I realized how comforting it was to be in each other’s company. When she learned that we both play the guitar and listen to the same music. The fact that Miss Ella was also my tea time buddy and that instead of hanging out with other boys and girls, I was hanging out with her mother, who was now like an aunt to me. Unlike Cody and Elena, we didn’t express much at the wedding. She went back to Los Angeles, and we spoke on the phone now and then until Elena had her babies. We kept a small celebration again. This time the festivities were louder but in silence. Someone had to make the first step. I bought a dog leash that said “I love you” and gave it to Lilith and told her this was for Elena. Lilith had a flight the morning after Elena’s delivery. She left, and with her went my heart and the hope they would return. The next day she sent me a package with a dog leash that said, “I love you too.” Today, I’m happily married to my second best friend, all because of my best friend puppy, Cody.
Can Dogs Learn From Games?
BEST DOG GAMES By: Nelson Ansah Have you ever wondered how your dog can identify you? If you’re thinking by your scent, you’re not wrong. But it goes beyond that. Dogs are constantly on alert about their environment. They want to know everything about it and, of course, about the people around them. Who is a friend? Who is a threat? You can say it’s their survival instincts. For dogs, all time is learning time. Whether you’re walking them to the park or watching a movie indoors, they’re looking for visuals and cues that tell them how to behave in that setting. You can take advantage of this trait to train your dog the way you want. One of the best ways to do that is through games. Games are an excellent way for you to train your dog while having some fun. So, we’ve gone ahead and found four amazing games that can teach your dog a lesson or two. The Name Game Dogs are adventurous. They love to go out and explore their environment, seeing, smelling, and hearing some unusual things. You probably have no problem with that, but you’ll want your dog to return at your beck. That’s where the name game comes in. The name game involves getting your dog’s attention by mentioning its name and giving it a treat for every response. Essentially, a response to a call = treat. Once your dog gets the routine, you can change it. For instance, you can add a distraction. Let someone else walk by as you call your dog’s name. If your dog responds, you can then reward it. It’s vital to not set your dog up to fail. It’s training, and your dog isn’t going to get it all on the first try. Begin with little distractions and routines, then work your way up. You can find more step-by-step instructions on the name game here. The Hot and Cold Game This next game is excellent for clicker training your dog. First, figure out what you want to teach your dog. It can be anything at all-maybe picking keys up from the floor. What you do then is to sit back with your bag of treats and wait for your dog to try its luck. If your dog moves towards the keys, shout a hearty “hot” and throw some treats near the keys. If it moves away from the keys, shout a less excited “cold” to acknowledge that as the wrong direction. Finally, if your dog edges back to the keys, shout a more excited “hot” again. Don’t forget to toss a treat in there as a reward. This game helps you teach your dog some tricks and whatnot. Pretty easy, right? The Shadow Game It’s a joy to have your dog walk by you without the need for a leash. That’s not an easy place to get to, but luckily, the shadow game can help. Begin by walking with your dog on a leash in a quiet environment. You’ll need to have some treats handy here. Start walking in any direction, and if your dog catches up with you, reward it with a cookie. Now, your dog can get ahead of you during the walk. When this happens, turn a slight 180 degrees and drop some treats near you. You then call or pull your dog back into munch on your goodies. While your dog is busy with its treat, take a few paces away and wait for it to catch up. Give your dog a goody every time it catches up with you. You’ll have to repeat this game for your dog to begin following you willingly. The goal here isn’t to drag your dog by the neck. Then, you’re simply teaching nothing. The You’ve Got a Friend in Me Game As the name suggests, this game is more of a trust-building technique. It helps you connect with your dog and build a lasting bond. Plus, it’s quite easy to pull off, so many dog owners like this technique. Here’s what to do. First off, you have to get your dog to lie on the floor. If your dog is able to do this, you need to heap some praise on it. Next, walk around your dog to its rear and gently outstretch your legs so you have one on either side of it. This move can freak your dog out, so be gentle and don’t stay in that posture for long. You can now return to facing your dog and give it a treat for good behavior. Repeat this for a while until getting behind your dog doesn’t alarm it. Now, instead of going head to tail, go side to side. Make sure your dog is still quite comfortable while you do this. Keep this routine up until you can move all around your dog without it fidgeting. Also read: best-ways-to-have-you-dog-make-you-breakfast-this-is-a-test/
The PAWsome Angel
Have you lost a loved one in your life? Whether it’s a family member, close friend, or colleague, being apart from them for the rest of your years can be painful and heartbreaking. A companion you need to say goodbye to. You are not alone. I’ve experienced such loss and the grief that came with it. Two years ago, on August 1, 2019, my grandmother named Tessie died of intestinal or colon cancer. She’s been suffering from the disease for as long as I can remember. Despite her condition, she never failed to rise above it and continued working almost 24/7. That is how she coped, by using her remaining strength from her weakening muscles and hoping that all the regular aches would go away. All my family members and relatives witnessed her everyday struggle. From waking up early in the morning at the age of 65 to sleeping with abdominal pain. Sadly, her courage was beaten by her illness. And one morning, I just knew that my life will never be the same as it was. By accepting, remembering, and loving my grandmother from afar, every day became lighter. The pain was still there, but embodying her fearlessness illuminated the light within my living soul. I am a firm believer that when one says goodbye, life never stops but we’ll be directed. We just have to find the best pathway, appreciate what we have now, and look for a companion. Pro tip: the companion doesn’t have to be a human being or person with perfect glass skin; sometimes the best ones have furs and wagging tails. Three weeks later, my family and I heard of a dog opening for adoption from an old friend. The latter, however caring and pet-loving, confessed he cannot afford to raise a new dog. Everyone knows that a true warrior for the animals will extend all their affection, effort, and money to bring the best out of the fur friend. At first, I kind of hesitated at the idea of opening my doors to a new potential clingy and face-licking member. After several discussions, weighing the pros and the cons, answering the who, how, where, and especially why questions, one day, I just went home with a tiny, black and tan Mini Pinscher on my favorite sofa. I personally named her Ji-Soo, following one of the famous and visually pleasing Korean pop personalities of my generation. The experience of having her brought a tantamount of joy and realization. Like any other new pet, she was very shy and always looked for a hideout. I guess she thought that with her dominating black color she would camouflage along with the pile of clothes in my room. But I and the rest of my family remained patient as we adored her small steps. Back then, just hearing her barks made me draw a curve on my face and even take videos of it, knowing that she often does that for the time being. I gave my time and best shot to make her feel comfortable and warm up. From buying the right food, going into dog clinics, getting vaccinated, and more. She was even rocking like a Kardashian as I shopped for clothes for her. She was a superstar! Time went by, and my Ji-Soo warmed up and affectionately showered love on me. When I woke up from sleep, she was already on my bed waiting for a massage or belly rub. The moment I ate my breakfast, she was almost on my side munching her favorite dog food. When it was time for me to go to work, all I could hear was her puppy’s cry and eyes. Believe me, I did feel the connection like she was telling me not to go. Every single day of my life changed for the better. I was excited to go home knowing that Ji-Soo will be waiting on my doorstep wagging her tail and ready to jump on me like we had not seen each other for decades. That is what makes her amazing in most ways possible. That is the art of having my dog, Ji-Soo. She doesn’t speak my language, but her smartness makes her understand the words “no”, “sit” and alike through my tone of voice and body language. Just like a loyal friend, when I try to communicate with her she gives me eye contact, making me think she’s a genius. The most memorable moment I had with my dog was when I was having a mental breakdown. What’s amazing about her was she’s the first one to notice among others. When I felt wanting to attach myself to the bed for as long as I thought, she was there, offering her free cuddling service. She certainly boosted my serotonin and dopamine. Ji-soo, for me, is more than a dog- she’s my family. She came into one of the lowest moments of my life but her affection reciprocated the grief in me and fixed the broken pieces of my heart. Sometimes, I wonder, can Ji-soo be my grandmother, an angel in disguise?
