Gertie™ Gear Pet Beds are Grrrrrrreat!

Cercei loves her new Gertie™ Gear bed!




Michigan Made Gertie™ Gear Pet Beds: Available online at gertiegear.com/

Read more about Gertie™ Gear and the namesake on AnnArbor.com/Pets

Taking a Walk - Pomeranian (and Mutt) Style

Attack of the Pom

My neighbors are a bunch of dogs!

What's more fun than three dogs? Four.

Yesterday I took some pictures for my neighbors and the dogs were having a grand ol' time. Running, jumping, swimming, chewing, and of course barking.

Things have been hectic, to say the least

I've been awful at writing lately, but at least this time I have an excuse. During the wee hours of June 6, a Tornado ravaged the small town of Dundee. Although no one was killed and few were seriously hurt, the destruction to my neighborhood was great. Many of my neighbors had far greater damage than we did, but the loss of 50+ year-old trees is still something that's hard to take. We lost seven, over 20 ft. tall, pine trees on our property alone. The entire, historic neighborhood will take another 50 years to look that beautiful again.

Besides the neighborhood looking quite bare, it was so sad to see all the squirrels and birds wandering aimlessly about. They were confused because their "homes" were gone, and some even lost their babies. I've never experienced anything quite like it and hope that I never do again.

Here's a slide show of the damage at my house. Pictures will never do it justice, because seeing it in person is so much more intense.

Walk & Wag 2010

Mel shows off his Walk & Wag swag
Originally uploaded by reneetellezphotography

This will mark the 7th year that I've participated in the Walk & Wag, although it's only Mel's 5th year. We were able to raise $210, which is very good considering Michigan's economy.

Last year I raised money, but had to miss the actual walk due to my WCC graduation ceremony. I thought I'd have to miss it again this year because I had tickets to (wait for it)...

CATS.

Even though it was raining and a storm was predicted for the morning; I decided to get Mel ready, hop in the car, and hope for the best by the time we reached the park. For some reason, it seems to rain every year on this particular day, but always seems to clear up just in the nick of time; and this year was no different.

Because of those tickets, I had to get back home before Noon to change and arrive in Detroit by 2:00, so Mel and I set out to get there early. We only got there about 15 minutes before registration was set to start, but the Humane Society of Huron Valley's volunteers were set up and ready to go!

Not only did the weather clear up, Mel had a fantastic attitude. He was excited to be there, let a lady kneel down by him, smelled a few dogs, and made friend that he walked next to the entire way. She was a little, laid back, 11 year old Jack Russell named Lucy. He had such nice manners and I was very proud to be in public with him that day. We were having such a good time, that I hated having to leave. Then, after I actually saw CATS, I wished that I could have stayed at the Walk & Wag even more; but that's a whole other story for a different type of blog. :)

If you'd like to read more about the 2010 Walk & Wag, visit AnnArbor.com/pets. They have a great post with a slide show (which shows Mel's new friend, Lucy).

Sharing is rare

Sharing is rare
Originally uploaded by reneetellezphotography

Today was kind of a busy day and it didn't end when I got home. It was cold, rainy and just plain yucky out. Since a walk was not going to happen today, I decided to do a little work. Even though they would rather be playing, when Mommy's working they are my little angels. So bored, but so patient. They'll even share a pillow once in a while, which almost NEVER happens.

Even though they are naughty at times; they always know when it's important to be good. My sweet little fur-babies.

To a dog, every walk is a new adventure

Through the eyes of a dog..

Walk,
run,
hop
or gallup  –
it doesn't matter how you do it,
just as long as you do.

Every tree,
bush,
flower
or blade of grass contains a message.
It tells me who's been there and why.

Every fragment of poop
or drop of pee
tells me a story;
if you're sick or healthy,
male or female,
young or old.

It would only be rude if I didn't send a pee-mail back!
Of course I'll have to get mine just a little higher than yours.

When we see each other on the street;
I may bark,
growl,
jump,
pull,
sniff
and whine.
Don't be offended,
that's just my way.

Mel checks out his LOL Dogs book

Mel's in the LOL Dogs Book!

You can order the books from Amazon.com

Snowspeeder

Mel hates everything

I have the worst behaved dog on the planet.

That may an exaggeration, but I bet he's in the top group. I didn't make him this way, he was given to me like that.

For those of you who don't know, here's a little back story – Mel first arrived at my door around 8 p.m., about five years ago. The woman next door begged me to take him off her hands because she couldn't take it. I grabbed him out of her arms and he immediately decided I belonged to him, because he tried to mark his territory (i.e. pee on me).

This little sweetie had already lived in four homes before he even turned a year old...  no shots, not neutered, horrible care and major abuse. Needless to say, my heart melted and I took him in.

The first sign of trouble was when he caught fleas. He's allergic, like most dogs are, and broke out in a rash. Apparently, he would rather be itchy because when I tried to put cream on him, he tried to bite me.


I've tried everything: watching dog training shows, reading books, positive reinforcement, treats, behavior specialists and private lessons. I would have continued with regular classes, but was told by the instrutor that we would need an "in-home" trainer. Don't get me wrong, he is MUCH better than he was when I first got him.

With all that being said, little Mel can be the sweetest little guy ever. He loves to sit on your lap, is great in the car, loves his doggy bag... but, do something he doesn't approve of and you better be faster than he is!

As seen in the photo: This is the look right before the bite comes. 

Things Mel hates:
• Baths
• Grooming, especially the hair dryer and nail clippers
• Being moved from "his seat"
• People other than his "mom and dad"
• Anyone being too close to his "mommy"
• Other animals
• Loud noises or sudden movements
• Crawling on the floor
• Getting a check-up
• His sister's getting "his attention"
• Anything
• Everything
• You name it, Mel hates it


The truth is, that many of his "hates" come from fear. It took me about a month to convince him that belts weren't scary. It's actually very sad, but also a little frustrating. He's much better than he used to be and doesn't even have to get muzzled at the vet's office anymore.


Mel's a little stinker, but I love him.

Snuggies only look cute on dogs

Mel flies through snow drifts

Mel flies through snow drifts
Originally uploaded by reneetellezphotography

There could be hope for dogs with cancer after all

Vical partner gets approval to market dog cancer vaccine, which is for melanoma in dogs, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported this morning. The company said its vaccine Oncept, given after disease onset, significantly extends survival time after tumor removal.


What exactly is melanonma, you ask? Melanoma is a common form of skin cancer, which show up as either dark or unpigmented tumors. Most tumors found on the skin are benign, but the risk that they are malignant is greater when found on the mouth, toes or under the eyes. 


Unlike people, dogs don't get cancer from sun exposure. Instead, experts believe that they could be caused by excessive scratching or licking, which causes skin cells to divide and multiply frequently. Older dogs (9+ years) and males tend to be at higher risk. 


Certain breeds tend to be more susceptible to developing this type of cancer, although any breed can be affected. You can read more about Melanoma in dogs by visiting the Natural Dog Health Remedies website.

Dogs love snow!

Please stop smoking Mommy

At the beginning of every new year, you get to wipe the slate clean and start over. There's no better time than NOW to do something that's good for you,  your loved ones and the environment.

This month marks my 2 year anniversary of being a non-smoker. Yes, I decided to quit when I landed in the hospital. But making myself healthier was not something I did for myself. I mean I really, REALLY enjoyed smoking. I had already stopped smoking at the workplace, had cut it down to an average of 5 a day and there was no smoking allowed in the house. And even though I have a "smell phobia" – I don't want to be the smelly guy and don't like people who are – the stink factor also didn't curb my urge.

Even though I try to eat good, exercise and love my family; the main reason I quit smoking... my dogs. If I die tomorrow, who would take care of my fur-babies? Yes, I have a husband who would probably do just fine. But I just couldn't stand the thought of them being left without me.

Here are some tips to help you put those butts out for good – Dogster's - for the love of the dog blog


Tip 1 - Do it for your dog
Tip 2 - Inhale the facts
Tip 3 - Make your dog your exercise partner
Tip 4 - Take advantage of your dog's job title
Tip 5 - Make your dog an anti-smoking billboard
TIp 6 - Train your dog as a smoke alarm
Tip 7 - Share your financial windfall with Fido
Tip 8 - Get hypnotized by a dog


For a more in depth look at their tips, visit their website at dogblog.dogster.com