In Memory of Bolt, Our Super Loving Dog : 2012 - 2021

 Rest in Peace Bolt.  May 30, 2012 - June 19, 2021

Today was a tough day for my family.  We had to put one of our fur babies to sleep.  He started to get sick around  January and we didn't really think anything of it until mid February when he first started vomiting.  We brought him to the vet and he just prescribed him some medication which it didn't help at all.  We brought him back there again and this time they did  some blood work done.  He tested positive on Lyme's disease.  They gave him four  kinds of medications and we were hopeful that he will get better but he just went downhill.    He lost his appetite and every time he would eat, it would just come out few minutes after.  I felt so bad because he loved to eat prior to getting sick.  It was hard watching him withered away.  He lost half of his body weight and he looked so thin already.  

I talked to my husband when his vomiting got frequent and he is no longer the lively dog  that we had.  I told him that we need to decided whether to prolong his life in agony or end his suffering all together.  My husband was still holding out hope because Bolt was his favorite dog.  Bolt chose him to be his human although I was the one who picked him.  My husband cried so hard, we all did, but I think it impacted my husband very much.  Bolt would always wait for him by the window when he is coming home from work.  My daughter had so many videos recording of him getting so excited when she tells him that "Dad is coming."

During the last few days,  he was still dong stuff with us but you can tell that he was in agony.  He never failed to sit beside my husband on the front porch and he was able to go with us on a long walk a couple of times.  These last few days though, we tried to take him for a walk and he only made one block and he couldn't go on so we just turned around and came back home. 

It's so sad to see somebody (even for a dog) not being able to do the things that they love.  Bolt loved walking, he was very passionate about it and to see him not able to complete his journey was heartbreaking.    I feel so guilty putting him to sleep but we didn't want him to suffer anymore.  

As we were driving to the vet this morning, he made a couple of whimpers,  I started crying because to me it was like him telling us that he did not want to go yet.  We told him were very sorry and that we didn't to see him in pain anymore.  

The vet offered cremation but I told my husband that I want to bury him in our backyard that way I could visit him every time I am out gardening.  He wasn't my gardening buddy but he could watch over me when I a  out there doing my thing.  We buried him underneath the red bud tree.  I made a little grave marker for him and put his collar around it and attach it to the tree.

It was May 30, 2012 when we adopted Bolt, he was one of the six puppies from our neighbors.  I picked him because of all the puppies, he was just sitting on the corner watching his siblings play and I thought, he will be a perfect companion for our super hyper Jack Russell Terrier, Champ.  He was always observing other dogs which attracted me the most.  His mild demeanor was what drawn me to him.  

Things that we will miss about Bolt ;

Best Walking Buddy

We are going to miss him terribly especially on our walks.  He love to go on a walk, he was official my partner in walking.  He knew where the leash was.  When hears the words walk, go, leash, or let's go, he gets so excited.  We love taking him on a walk because he never bothered anybody.  He won't bark unless he feels threatened.  

Best Family Dog Model

When we would take family pictures, he would always pose in front of us and it was like he knew.  We always thought that maybe he was a model in his previous life.  Our Jack Russell doesn't really get the photo shoot thing but Bolt was always on it.

Best Porch Sitting Buddy

My husband loves to unwind in the front porch after a long day at work and Bolt was always with him.  When my husband is outside and he is inside, Bolt let us know that he wants to be with Dad.  I feel bad that this Father's day will be one of his saddest, we be able to celebrate it with his buddy.

Best Hugger

Bolt loved to hug, he would hug us every chance he gets.  He woke me up last night and was just sitting in front of me so I got up and went down the bed.  I just hugged him tight and rubbed his belly until he fell back to sleep.  This last few days was the worst he has been.  He couldn't get comfortable.  He would walk around the bedroom and woke us up.  Sometimes he would throw up and most of the times whimpering.  I will miss his side hugs.

Great Judge of Character

I mentioned earlier that he is the most mild and well mannered dog.  He doesn't bother anyone but from time to time, he would let us know not to trust someone.  They say, dogs can always  tell whose bad and whose not.  He got along with all of neighbors except one guy, which says a lot.  We're not judging, we just thought that Bolt was warning us about him.

Quirky Things He Does

He always protects his other paw when he laid down.  He doesn't want this left paw be held either.  I always admired how he always put his two front paws like this.  

Another thing I will miss about him is his "Happy Tail", it was always wagging when he is with us.

Farewell Bolt, watch over us and thank you once again for all the memories you spent with us.  You will be missed greatly but glad you are no longer in pain.  We love you Buddy!

3 Ways to Help Dogs Suffering from Arthritis

If there's one thing we all love about dogs, it's that they are never short of energy and love to play and run around - and no caring dog owner is going to stand by and watch their pet lose its zeal for life. If your dog seems low on energy or is having trouble running, jumping, or climbing, arthritis may be to blame. There are many ways to offer your pet the relief it deserves. In this article, we'll share three simple remedies for arthritis in dogs.

1. Feed your Dog a Joint-healthy Diet

The latest research on arthritis - in humans as well as dogs - shows that reducing inflammation is probably the best way to provide relief and even cure this painful condition. A diet rich in healthy oils and antioxidants will boost your dog's immune system, reduce swelling, and improve its overall quality of life.

You'll want to avoid commercial grain-based dog foods and include oily fish, blueberries, goji berries, and plenty of green and yellow vegetables in your dog's diet. Supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine are great for your pet's joints - and you'll find special formulations for dogs that provide just the right dosage. After all, if you're not comfortable eating something, why feed it to your dog?

2. Fight Arthritis with CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is taking the alternative medicine world by storm with satisfied users reporting increased health and big improvements in a range of conditions, from overall immune system health to seasonal allergies - and arthritis too. Despite its name, CBD for pets is not cannabis - and it's not illegal either. It's an extract of the cannabis plant that may reduce inflammation in your dog's joints, healing your pet's aches and pains.

3. Make Your Dog Comfortable During Recovery

Just like humans, dogs start to feel down when they're not well - and one of the best things you can do for your pet is to make them comfortable while their new diet and supplement kick in. Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to sleep at night and rest during the day, with soft pillows and blankets to support painful joints.

If your dog is in pain, it will always appreciate quality time with you - and you'll provide a much-needed distraction from the daily burden of your pet's painful joints. You'll also want to massage your dog from time to time, or if you're worried about causing them pain, you can ask your local vet or dog grooming center to recommend a massage therapist who specializes in canine customers.

Conclusion

When it comes to suffering from arthritis and longing for a cure, dogs and humans are just the same. Your dog relies on you to help it through its health issues, and by following the tips we've shared with you today, you'll soon see a big improvement in your pet's joint health. Recovery from arthritis takes time - and it may never disappear completely - but there is a lot you can do to reduce your dog's joint pain and let it get on with the business of living. Here's to the good health of your dog's joints!

Heckin Happy Puppers: Keeping Your Pooch Healthy and Content

Our dogs have tell-tale ways of letting us know how they feel. The obvious one? A wagging tail. But there are also more discreet behaviors: playfulness, lack of destructive activity, sleeping belly up, a good appetite, putting on a show of exciting play when you return to the house. The list goes on. It’s important to keep an eye on your pup’s happiness and wellbeing at all times. But even if your four-legged friend seems content and happy, don’t slack. There’s always room for further improvement. Here are a few things to add to your pup’s happiness checklist.

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Walkies

Almost every dog’s favorite word tends to be the “w” one. The one you have to whisper in order to prevent them from running berserk around the house while you feebly attempt to get them into their harness and try to attach their lead. Every dog loves a walk. But it’s not just a treat. It’s a requirement. To keep your pooch happy and healthy, you need to ensure that you walk them at least once a day. This goes for any breed at almost any time (if your pup has had a surgical procedure or is ill, consult your vet and follow their instructions regarding walks and exercise). So get your walking boots and venture out, even if it is pouring down with rain. It’s the least you can do for the furry little bundle of joy.

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Treats

Second to “walkies”? Treats! Just like us, pups love chowing down on their favorite snack after a long walk, in front of the television or, well, at any time really. Young puppies generally can’t have treats, so check packets for a recommended age before feeding them any. Certain puppy orientated snacks are out there on the market, so check them out and allow your pup a few when they reach the right age. As time goes by and your pooch matures, you’ll soon learn to know their preferred textures, flavors and brands. Some will prefer biscuits, some will like fresh meat treats and some will like paste treats in a hollow toy. These require a little extra effort to get out, making the treat all the sweeter once they’ve earned it. Try out healthy treats for dogs too! Some of these will help to clean your dog’s teeth, improve their breath and control plaque and tartar build up in their mouths.

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Grooming

Your dog will have specific grooming requirements depending on their breed. Short haired dogs tend to require less regular grooming. Their hair generally sheds in a kind of self-cleaning process. So you will only really need to bathe them every now and then, or when they manage to roll in muddy puddles. Use dog shampoo, as human shampoo often contains harsh chemicals that may irritate your pooch’s sensitive skin. Long haired breeds and non-moulting breeds will often need to visit the groomers regularly. These professionals will be able to trim and cut their fur properly and safely, comb out any tangles or knots and give your dogs special treatments to soothe their skin. Remember that all dogs should have a checkup with the vet regularly. While you’re there, check whether they need their claws clipped or anal glands emptied.

Preparing Your Children for a New Dog

If you’ve finally caved in and agreed to get a new dog for your family, then you might’ve just made the best or worst decision of your life. Most parents are responsible for the family pet even though the kids promise to take care of it. They don’t quite understand the pressure or responsibility required to take care of a living animal, but here are a couple of tips to help you ease them into the role of a responsible dog owner.

Maximus and EJ

With Max

Relax your child around your pets

One of the biggest concerns that you’ll face when introducing your child to a pet is that your child is going to be frightened, reckless and sometimes even aggressive towards your pet. These sudden jerky movements can often frighten animals that are new to your household, so ensure that you relax your child and teach them to be comfortable with your new pet. Teach them not to be too firm with your dog and take it slow when trying to build a bond.

With Champ

Teach them chores to look after your pet

There are some basic chores that your child can learn when getting them comfortable with your pet. Firstly, teach them to put away pet dishes and refill the food. This is a good place to teach your child how to properly manage feeding because overfeeding can make your pet overweight and underfeeding will leave them malnourished. Teach them how much food to pour, when, and how to properly clean the feeding dishes. It’s also recommended to teach your child how to deal with dog poop and urine. It’s probably one of the smellier and messier parts of dog care, but it’s something that your children need to learn if they want to grow up with their dog and learn to care for them properly.

Cleaning and grooming your dog

Children should be actively involved in the cleaning and grooming of your pet. The first thing you should consider is getting a guide and learn how to groom your dog. If you personally don’t know how to groom your dog, then you need to learn first, practice and then pass the information onto your children. For instance, if it’s a furry dog then make sure the coat is brushed on a regular basis. Clipping toenails is also beneficial to the pet and also your children, and even their teeth need a good clean now and then. Bathing your dog can also be quite a challenge, but it’s important that your children learn how to do it as well.

Don’t just leave it up to your children

Finally, we need to talk about commitment and responsibility. One of the worst things you can do is get a dog then leave it up to your children. As mentioned before, you’re going to be responsible for the dog as the parent and you need to slowly introduce your children to the tasks and responsibilities of a dog owner. This is why you personally need to also show some compassion and care when taking care of your dog. If you aren’t remotely interested in getting a dog, then tell your children you simply don’t have time for it.

Reasons Your Kids Deserve A Dog

What parent doesn’t want the best for their kids? What parent wouldn't do anything to help their children be healthier and happier? Of course, every Mom and Dad would do all they could. And if you knew there was something that you could do better, would you do it? Absolutely, Well if you don’t have a dog then you could be doing more! Studies have shown what dog lovers have known for years. Dogs are great for people but they are even better for kids.

Dogs make kids healthier

Even babies benefit from having a dog around. Studies have been showing that babies who are growing up with a dog in the house have less coughs, runny noses and ear infections. It is also being shown that even babies who have allergies are overcoming them when they are around dogs.

If someone had told you that dogs could cure eczema would you have believed them? They’d be a miracle cure. But it is true. Children who have dogs in the house are showing less tendency towards eczema and other skin diseases. It would seem that these pooches are boosting the immune systems of children they come into contact with. Children around dogs recover more quickly from illness.

Dogs make kids happier

From the scruffiest mutt imaginable to the most adorable white labrador puppies. Dogs are changing children's lives for the better. Dogs increase good mood factors and playing with their dogs helps children feel less stressed. When a child interacts with a dog something magical happens. That relationship blossoms and fills the child with increased self esteem.

Dogs teach kids well.

Encouraging a child to take care of a dog gives them a greater sense of responsibility.They learn about trust and also about giving. A dog is without judgement, totally loving and filled with loyalty. Children pick up on that and they understand it. They learn to recognise and value these qualities in themselves. A dog is a great infinitely patient teacher. A dog displays selfless commitment, loyalty and patience. When you think about it this is a list of virtues we’d all love to instill in our kids. A dog is all of them personified.

Dogs make children fitter.

Well dogs make us all fitter, but children have a wonderful energy. The opportunity to play with a dog brings it out again and again. Playing with dog toys, walking, running, jumping, fetching, throwing, getting wet and getting muddy. A dog is a brilliant play pal for a child. When a child is given responsibility for a dog they become part friend, part teacher and loyal buddy. Training your dog makes a relationship for life.

Dogs protect children

It has to be said, a dog is loyal without question. A dog would give its life for your child. It will protect it and guard it. Your child is safer with a dog around. Your home is safer with a dog around.

Dogs are great for kids and that’s a fact. Actually I’m not sure I can think of a single reason our kids should not have a dog.

How To Keep Your Dog Healthy & Happy

Dogs are more than a pet, they are part of the family. As such, it’s every dog owner’s wish to give their pooch the best life possible.

Treating the dog in the best way will enable it to live a long and happy life. More importantly, it should help the pet stay healthy and avoid any major discomfort. That’s the least that they deserve after all the love and joy they bring into our lives.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Nutrition

Good nutrition should be considered the foundation for any living being. The dog should certainly be no different. Ensuring it eats well is vital to keeping your pooch in the greatest shape possible.

There are many do’s and don’ts to consider when it comes to a dog’s nutrition. Your dog will give you clear indication whether things are right or wrong. Apart from its appearance and shape, excrement should let you know when a problem arises.

It’s also important to encourage good eating routines. If nothing else, this should help the dog’s behaviour.

Active Lifestyle

As with humans, a dog’s health sees nutrition come as part of a package. Regular exercise is vital for the dog’s muscles, organs and joints. Ultimately, this will promote a long and happy life.

Dogs are natural explorers too, so an active lifestyle will encourage better development. You should try to mix up their favourite spots with new locations to ensure they get the best of both worlds. As these guides at http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/10-brain-games-to-play-with-your-dog show, you can also use their eating routines as a way to develop their brains too.

Keep the dog stimulated both mentally and physically at all times. In return, you should be blessed with a healthy and happy pooch.

Treat Health Issues

Like us, dogs will suffer the odd illness from time to time. That’s just nature. However, our furry little friends will need a little help to get over those issues quickly. Early treatment is key.

Mange is a particularly uncomfortable condition for the pet to suffer. Every dog owner should visit http://www.homeremedyshop.com/13-home-remedies-for-mange-in-dogs/ to find out more info on this problem. Meanwhile, it’s important to look out for issues with teeth and gums as well as joints.

There are various supplements that can help prevent certain conditions. Most importantly, you must be prepared to accept when a vet is needed. Sometimes, the experts are the best people to find the right solution.

Encourage Better Relationships

Apart from being healthy, your dog requires one thing more than any other: love. Dogs are very affectionate creatures, and they will become a central part of your family’s DNA. So you must encourage good relationships all round.

This doesn’t only include relationships with humans, though. Integrating the dog into a home can take some work. But improving those connections with existing dogs or other pets is crucial. It’s not only the dog that will benefit; it’s the entire household.

Ultimately, that loving family atmosphere is all your dog ever wants.

Labradors Mandy and Hershey

Meet these two labradors that our neighbor  have.  This summer, our neighbor asked our kids to  be their sitters when theyare  not home which the kids doesn't mind.  They love dogs so this is a kind of treat for them.  

 This is Hershey, she is 15 years old and  battling from severe athritis.  She  find it hard to  come up and down the steps of their home.  I feel bad for her because she is  the most loving dog.  We fell in love with her ever since we moved here.  

 Meet Mandy, she is only 4 years old.  She got overweight so now she is on diet.   We take them out for a walkonce in a while.

 Taking a rest as the fur babies were getting overheated.

Their summer job is also my job because I go with them everytime.  Thanks Becki for letting us take care of Mandy and Hershey.

Pure Breed vs Cross Breed - Which Puppy is Right for Your Family

Deciding whether to buy or adopt a new puppy is not something you should rush. You have to be sure a puppy will fit into your family and that you have the time and resources to take care of a new four legged friend. There is also the question of whether to buy a pedigree puppy – and if so, what breed should you buy – or a cross-breed pup. So which one is likely to be right for you?

Bolt is Mixed Breed of Miniature Pinscher and Doberman Pinscher

Champ is a pure breed Jack Russel Terrier

Buying a Pure Bred Puppy

Pure bred puppies have two parents that are the same breed. For example, say you love yorkies, you would be looking for a pure bred puppy from a registered breeder of yorkies. What you wouldn’t want is a yorkie puppy whose parents were of dubious parentage. To avoid this happening, make sure you look for breeders who are registered with the American Kennel Club. 

Why Choose a Pedigree Puppy?

A lot of people want a pure bred pup because they have fallen in love with the idea of a particular breed, perhaps because they had a dog of that breed as a child, or because their favorite celebrity owns one. There is nothing wrong with buying a pure bred puppy, but expect to pay a lot more for the pup. Pure bred pups are also more likely to have health problems – many breeds are prone to serious genetic disorders.

Buying a Mixed Breed Puppy

Mixed breed puppies are not difficult to find. You can probably visit the local animal shelter and be greeted by dozens of cute puppies all waiting for a new home. Or you can try looking online at puppy websites such as Little Puppies Online, which sell cross breed puppies such as Cockerpoos and Morkies.

Why Choose a Mixed Breed?

Mongrels, mutts, whatever you want to call them, mixed breed dogs and puppies have a lot to offer. Mixed breed pups are less likely to have genetic disorders and other health problems. They can often be more suited to family life, and if you can’t afford to pay pedigree prices, a loveable mongrel is a much better choice.

What Dog is Right for You?

Is there room in your life for a puppy? You may assume the answer is yes, but don’t rush into buying a puppy without giving the matter some serious thought. A dog is for life, not just for a few months and it isn’t fair to take a cute puppy home and then give it up once it grows into an adult dog.

Puppies require a lot of time and care in the early months. Toilet training, exercise and visits to the veterinarian can be time consuming and expensive. You need to be prepared to treat your new puppy like a baby in the early weeks, as it may take him a while to learn some manners and get the hang of toilet training.

Puppies can be immensely rewarding little creatures. Like many animals, they have a lot to offer and if you give a puppy a home, you will be rewarded with a lifetime of unconditional love.