Back-Off Dog and Cat Urine Repellant

Found this at Pooch Park in Robinson's Metro East. 

A bottle is about Php450.00 and is about 100ml only. You spray this on areas where you wouldn't want your dog to pee on. 

Back Off Urine Repellant

It worked for a while.

But the problem is, you'd have to keep spraying every 12 hours. And I just had this one bottle vs seven dogs. Well, okay four dogs. Because three dogs have mastered their toilet training well and aren't causing problems.

The whole bottle lasted four days. Whatever's left of it is 90% water now. My son just keeps spraying, hoping some of the smell from the liquid inside this would still work with the dogs.

The one other problem? They did stay away from their usual spots where I've sprayed Back Off. Those spots are free of urine.  But they found new spots to soil. :P And only once or twice did they go to relieve themselves in the place I've designated for them.

Haaaay.

Sibling Rivalry Ongoing

Oh boy! I haven't had a chance to update this blog.  It's not work that has been killing me, thankfully. I think I'm able to manage doing enough vs. slaving over work.

The truth is, taking care of 7 dogs is e-x-h-a-u-s-t-i-n-g!!! 

They're all grown up. Whatever we haven't taught or trained them to do, it takes longer for them to absorb now. At almost year 1 and year 2 1/2, our dogs have minds of their own.  Sometimes, they really refuse to listen. 

And they've really been testing my patience. 

For instance... we've had our rounds of quarrels between two pups (now grown dogs). Sibling rivalry and the fight for dominance has escalated between Frasier and Bob, that they've actually ended up getting injured. It's enough to have us so worried. If we're not vigilant and obsessive about this, one of them is bound to wear a muzzle.

On my last count, Frasier has been wounded on the face in three different instances, while Bob wasn't able to open his eyes for a day one time, coz Frasier had bitten it badly. 

Frasier is very aggressive. I've seen him in action. One time, he held on to Bob's ear flap and tugged it so hard, in a fit of anger, that we couldn't pry them apart. He's pissed at his brother. Over what? I just don't know yet.  Bob's very good at pissing Frasier off with something as simple as walking in front of him. Maybe it's the way Bob walks. (He walks funny, in fact.) Or the smell of him. Something rubs Frasier the wrong way.

As I'm writing this entry, Frasier is again pissed at Bob and is barking at him. Bob wouldn't be bullied and stands on guard, ready to attack. I don't know who started this. But I'm keeping a watchful eye.

Most days, these two don't see eye to eye. And literally, they shouldn't. Once their eyes meet, a brawl happens next. But some days? It's like nothing happened. 

I read somewhere that with dogs, the master shouldn't treat sibling rivalry the way one would handle it with children. 

In children, parents are supposed to not pick favorites; siblings are to be loved equally and treated equally. It's not the case with dogs, apparently. The parent is supposed to favor someone, so that the rest of the pack can look up to that favored dog and follow his lead. 

So, what this reading suggested is that I have to find out between Frasier and Bob who the Alpha Dog is, and treat that one better. Meaning, I have to give to that dog food first or greet him first before the other one. I have to establish his dominance over the other dog. Once that is recognized, the rivalry will stop.

It doesn't sound easy. 

First of all, I do not know who is more alpha between Frasier and Bob. Bob is bigger, so it would appear he's more dominant.  Second, they're both aggressive. And they both fight back. So, I don't know who has more grit on him to say he's more Alpha.

But I experimented and tried to show the two I was favoring Frasier over Bob. My basis? Very simple, actually. Frasier was minutes older. He's basically "Kuya" by 20 or something minutes to Bob. Ha-ha! So, I give Frasier food, water and attention first over Bob. 

Something did happen. Yes, the fighting did stop. 

Bob didn't seem bothered that I was favoring Frasier. And it could be because Bob's kinda slow (more on that later), so he has no idea what is really going on. 

But there was a noticeable change in Frasier's behavior.

During those days when I was putting Frasier first over Bob, he hardly got pissed at him. He would only stand or sit by my side when Bob would pass, sometimes with a smug look on his face, as if saying --- "I can rise above you, twit. I can show the lady, I'm more mature than you are."

But there were no fights. 

And no one was injured. 

Ahhh, peace at last?

Not quite.

A couple of days ago, Bob was able to catch a tiny, tiny mouse in our kitchen. By doing that, he received all praises from his human Dad. And all the other dogs saw how happy Dad was with Bob's "accomplishment".

And after that happened, whatever "experiment" I've been trying to do failed and now we're back to zero: Frasier and Bob are fighting again. 

And what I really need at this point?  Is my time out from all of these.

Think it's hard to curb sibling rivalry with children? It's so much harder with dogs. :P

Ikea Now Offers Pet Furniture!

I don't have the inside scoop on whether or not Ikea's coming to the Philippines but if there's one thing a lot shoppers here wish for, it would be this --- a real Ikea shop in the area. There are Ikea dealers somewhere in either Ortigas or Makati. (Is it? I forgot.) But the prices are marked up and items have to be specially ordered.

But while we're waiting for this to happen, Ikea abroad continues to come up with nifty, affordable furniture. In Australia, they're even launching a line exclusively for pets, such as this feeding chair!!!

It's so weird watching this. I'm aware how much dogs are like family. I treat mine like babies. But I draw the line at other stuff. This high chair would be outside of that line for me. I just don't think it's practical. Or sane.

For $59.99, would you get your pet this?

Now This? This is the Real Snoop Doggy Dog!

Here's an amusing video of a dog who head bops to rap music!



Makes me wonder if any of my dogs can dance or has musical inclination. I know Frasier is, a little bit. Is it crazy if I think of ways on how to encourage that?

And who else also got a bit distracted by that funky white boy who failed to put his shirt and pants on?

Singing Dogs To Sleep

It would be so amazing if I can put our dogs to sleep as easily as this.

Dog Whisperer Sings to Puppies - For more of the funniest videos, click here

My Dogs Have Gone Vegan

The past few days, I've changed our dogs' diet and started letting them eat more vegetables than their usual diet of meat, doggie canned goods and kibbles. The decision came about when I noticed the dogs were no longer as enthusiastic about eating the same food we prepare over and over. They can't even finish lunch, which is really surprising because normally, they would fight over who gets to eat the most amount.  I was also adamant about changing their diet when one of them developed fever from whatever it was we fed them last, and from constantly switching dog meat sources.

So, I turned to the internet and looked for information about alternative meals and found my way to reading about vegan food for dogs.

I am keenly aware that not all vegetables are good for them and meat is best since they're supposedly carnivores.  But having read information from this BARF site, it turns out, dogs can eat just about any greens and other vegetables, save for a few types.

"Dogs need vegetables because they contain many important health promoting nutrients. The fiber your dog obtains from raw vegetables includes both soluble and insoluble fiber. Vegetables supply many other nutrients. Many of those nutrients are the ones that have been found to be in short supply in the modern dog's "civilized" diet. This includes difficult to obtain omega 3 essential fatty acids, most of a dog's vitamin needs, masses of enzymes and various anti-aging factors, including antioxidants and phytochemicals"

Convinced my dogs needed this, I searched online for vegan recipes meant for dogs and have found a few that I thought were good enough to be eaten by people! But while vegetable is their main staple for now, I still include a few meat in their diet because they still need that protein source.

They're so far loving their zucchinis, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash,eggplants and leafy greens which I sometimes mix with Pedigree or Alpo. They're also enjoying their fruits. But I have to say their tummies are still adjusting to the changes since I found one of the dogs' poop was a bit runny (ate too much mashed squash!).

But so far, it's good and I hope to stick to this. Vegetables are a lot cheaper too, considering we're feeding 7.

I also found this story of a dog who lived to be 27 years old in human years (roughly about 200something years old in dog years!!!). It's all because she loved eating veggies most! Amazing, huh?

It's Quiet Here But It's Not So Quiet In The Homefront

While this blog has been quiet for about a week and a half,  the situation at home is the exact opposite. I don't know what's happening, but our dogs seem to have turned into beasts in a short span of time.

One, they quarrel with each other a lot.  Two, they're greedy with food. Three, if left downstairs late at night, they would bark outside our window so loudly that they could disturb the neighbors (horrifying!).

Running around the house is normal routine for them. But they seem to have also grown bigger the last couple of weeks. Because as they run around furniture this time, they also bump their bodies onto chairs and table corners, displacing everything in sight. I can't count how many times I've to arrange and re-arrange or fix and clean the house in a day. It really is draining following after our pack of seven. It's a full body workout, especially since our Jack Russells don't seem to run out of steam.

My son wondered over dinner earlier when the dogs are going to mellow and start, uh, "behaving". He, too, must be physically tired of looking after them.

Most days, it does get crazy.

Photo Credit

But there have been a couple of nice changes, too.

For instance, Bob, whom I've described as the most standoff-ish of the pack, is learning how to kiss and cuddle. We don't know what ate him. It's like, one day, he just decided maybe he'd get more things his way if he started acting cute. It's a nice change for Bob and for us. Because cuddling him gives me warm feelings all over, particularly since he's big and fat...just so very huggable.

Roz has been sleeping a lot lately, which is nice because there's one less dog to look after when she's snoozing off. She sleeps like a log, this girl. I know nothing's the matter with her because when she's awake, she's a ball of energy. Me thinks she sleeps a lot because she's recharging. (Growing girl!)

Niles is beginning to show he's got balls. I mean that literally and figuratively. I noticed one time that Niles' balls have grown a lot bigger than his other brothers. Which is ironic, because we think he's gay (heh!). Also, he's starting to become a lot more assertive and won't allow himself to be bullied anymore. (Good for him!)

I still have not noticed any changes with the rest of the pack, though.  But I'm hoping they all start behaving better.

The dogs turned exactly nine months yesterday. In human years, they're about the same age as kids graduating from Kindergarten.

I guess that explains why all this is happening to our dog-kids, huh?

Dogs With ADHD or Autism

Have you heard of this? Are you aware that dogs can also develop human behavioral disorders like ADHD and Autism?

I was following this discussion in one of the pages that I've "liked" on Facebook:

It didn't go anywhere after the last post, but it did spark my curiosity and I tried finding more information online. Unfortunately, I didn't find enough. Most literature that ended up in my search pointed to kids having ADHD or Autism and how having dogs can help them cope. I couldn't find a good source that speaks about dogs specifically.

How can you tell autism or an ADHD disorder with dogs? Especially with one type of breed where "hyperactivity", a common symptom of ADHD in humans, is the one characteristic that's often used to describe Jack Russells?

Here's one article I thought would be helpful:

Does your dog jump on you so vigorously that it takes at least a few minutes before you are able to settle in when you arrive home? Is your dog so restless and active that it starts barking every time it hears the slightest noise behind the door? Is it difficult for you to take your dog for a walk, because it pulls on the leash, jumps and barks the moment you want to play?

YES. YES. YES. YES. And YES. Those are behaviors I notice with our JRT's all the time.

The article goes on to say...

If you answered “yes” to at least one of the above-mentioned questions, it means that your dog may suffer from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Unfortunately, it’s no use trying to convince yourself that the dog will grow out of such behavior. Hyperactivity is not normal for any of the dog breeds and the animal diagnosed with ADHD should be taken care of as soon as possible.  [SOURCE]

Huh??? Serious??

Should I believe what I'm reading? I said YES to all of the "symptoms"... so, are all our dogs afflicted with ADHD then? Is it the same with humans, as in it's hereditary? Did the pups get this from their papa (Eddie)?

Is there even such a thing with dogs?

I'm still not convinced.

Then I found this book with a Jack Russell on the cover:

I thought I hit the jackpot and would finally be able to get all my answers. But the product review says otherwise:

This cute book -- perfect for kids or dog lovers -- matches photos of puppies with descriptions of behavior that canines and children with ADHD share.

It's meant for kids. The book makes use of dogs to illustrate to kids how they're different but special...just like dogs.

Now, I'm a wee bit insulted they used a JRT for the cover.

The more I find information about dogs and ADHD or autism, the more I'm realizing that if our dogkids were actual human beings, society would have already labeled them and treated them differently.

I'm so, so glad they don't understand any of that. My kids are special, no matter what.

If A Dog Were Your Teacher

If a dog were your teacher
These are some of the lessons you might learn...

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face
to be pure ecstasy.

When it's in your best interest practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you're scolded
don't buy into the guilt thing and pout
run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not

If what you want lies buried dig until you find it
When someone is having a bad day
be silent .....
...sit close by.
...and nuzzle them gently.

(Author Unknown)

Waking Up Kuya

As soon as we're up and out of the bedroom, Niles does this every morning:

♬ Doors...why do there have to be....doors?♬ 

It's his first order of business. He waits and sits by door of Sean's bedroom, while the rest of his siblings scurry off downstairs to pee and survey the house.

But Niles? He would wait.

I've long observed him doing this. Sometimes, I don't open the door right away, just to see how long he'd wait, because I'm sure he's also waiting to go downstairs to pee. But he'd have none of that yet. He won't go down unless Sean is up.

At first I thought he was doing this because sometimes, Eddie sleeps with Sean and I thought, that's who he wants to see in the morning --- his papa. But last night (and some nights, too), Eddie slept with us. And Niles still sat by Sean's door the next morning.

As soon as the door opens, I don't exactly see what happens because I'm already heading down the kitchen to prepare Sean's breakfast or iron his uniform. But I would hear Sean scream (in that deep voice of his), "No, Niles! No!" and then I'd hear footsteps and pawsteps (?) chasing each other upstairs.

I swear, Niles is better than an alarm clock.

Dogs Grieve Too

This story is both sad and heartwarming. I got this off the Chien d'Or's web site. It's a story of loss, which makes it sad.  But it also shows a dog's great devotion for its master, ever after death.

Dogs are truly loyal, self-less creatures with you (the master) as their center of their universe.

Hug your dogs for me, please.

Pet Cremation and Burial In The Philippines

My apologies beforehand for picking a morbid topic to blog about on a Sunday morning. Discussing about death isn't "ideal conversation", I know.  I don't even discuss plans about how my family can dispose of my body when I die; nor listen to my parents or the husband when they broach the subject. No one likes this conversation.

Not to worry anyone, but I just got curious about pet cremation when I saw this article on the Philippine Star.

I secretly wanted something like that urn for all of our dogs when they pass and I want them displayed here in our house, too.

Unlike with actual human family members, dogs don't get meaningful burials.  And I've been through a number of dog deaths in the family to know that most of the time, their bodies are left buried in our backyard.

We don't have a big backyard where we now live. There's only a small garden we know isn't fit for burying. So where do we put the dogs when they eventually...rest in peace? I can't stomach throwing their bodies in the garbage bin and we can't just bury them in a vacant lot, where someone's house is going to sit there sooner or later.

So, I said to myself when I read the article, I'd like them cremated, in an urn, where they can be with us in the house even when they're not there anymore.

Then, I googled for information about pet cremation and found these links:

Day care centers, cremation services now offered for your pets

And since dogs’ life span is 10 to 15 years, the owners' attachment to their pets are understandable and inevitable. He said it is because of this that Animal House now offers cremation as one of its services.

Pet Cremation, Manila, Philippines

Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial Services can alleviate many of the problems involved with pet deaths and burials. We provide twenty four hour cellphone service, which allows you to reach us in your time of need. We will pick up the pet from the home or veterinary clinic. Please find this information useful:

Package includes: 1) Pick-up and drop-off of remains from and to the clinic or your home, 2) marble urn and name engraving, 2) memorial card with pictures, 3) custom acrylic paperweight. The service may take 4-14 days, depending on the availability and/or delivery of marble urns, engraver and customization of paperweight.

As life-long pet lovers ourselves, you can be assured that your loved ones will be treated with utmost respect and decency as they rightfully deserved. Afterall, this service was made possible because of our interest in providing a graceful goodbye to our pets who we also consider family members, and who deserves nothing less. We will also provide documentation photos of the whole process upon request.

Package Prices
P 9,000.00 for Small dogs (10kg below) and all Cat sizes
P 10,000.00 for Medium dogs (20kg below)
P 12,000.00 for Large dogs (21kg up)

24-HOURS HOTLINE

Give us a call or an SMS through this cellphone number: +63 915 607.6080 or you can email us at: angelicum@gmail.com

All dogs (and cats) can go to heaven in style

In Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights in Quezon City, part of a 5,000-sq m lot owned by the Manila Electric Co. has been turned into a burial ground for pets. The compound also houses the animal rehabilitation center of the organization.

Anna Cabrera, PAWS’ program director, said she prefers the term “pet memorial” to pet cemetery.

“We never thought of this place as a burial ground,” Cabrera told the Inquirer. “Initially, we just wanted to accommodate pet owners who live in condominium units or apartment buildings who have no lots of their own to bury their dead pets.

I'm putting it here on this blog for my reference.

And maybe yours, too.

The Most Expensive Dogs in The World

Gorgeous, gorgeous furry dog, this Tibetan Mastiff.

Some woman in China paid $582,000 for a pedigreed Tibetan Mastiff, allegedly. Regularly, they are valued between 3,000 and $7,000.

Now, this...I thought are Japanese Spitzes. We used to have two spitzes growing up, Hennessy and Nichols. My grandma named them after whisky. =)

But these dogs are known as Samoyed. I admit, it's the first time I've heard of this breed. Originally from Siberia they can sell as high as $11,000.

Once in a while, I'd spot a Chow-Chow in Tiendesitas. Our neighbor has two of these, in fact:

But I don't know if he's aware this baby can value up to $8,000.

Check for some of the most expensive dogs in the world here.

Vegan Dog Recipe

Going vegetarian with the dogs is sounding a lot like a good idea. Eddie & Marty, and to some extent, Bob, all have problems with their ears and I suspect this is because they're the ones who eat so much food, they've become allergic to some.

I forgot to note down the site where I clipped this from but I'm going to explore vegan recipes for dogs when I'm off work later.

Welcome Dad!

The dogs are always excited when someone's at the door. Their human dad arriving after being gone for three weeks triggered something else, some sort of excitement overdrive. The dogs even jumped to his luggage.

First it was Eddie, but I wasn't able to take a photo of him.

Then it was Daphne, who also tried to speak to their Dad by howling. She always does that, by the way. She raises her neck/head and howls at her human dad.

I was only able to take a photo of this one:

That's Niles, who tried to follow what Eddie & Daphne did and also jumped on the luggage.

They were just too pleased, I guess.

And that night, when we were to retire to the bed, the dogs were in their best behavior. They were all cuddled next to their human dad --- beside him, on his legs, under his armpit, at his head...they were all over him.

When Philip said they have to get off the bed and sleep on the floor, they obeyed. Philip has a way of saying, "DOWN!" that the dogs follow. Maybe I should get a recording of that command and play it when they make a playground of the bed again and their dad's not home, no?

The Cat and Dog Diary

Funny stuff from one of those Tumblogs I hopped into last night (wasn't able to get the link, sorry!)

The Cat’s Diary:

Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. Jerks! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

---

The Dog’s Diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Most days, I definitely sound like that dog.

Photo from Google Images.

2 Random Cute Puppy Photos from A Place To Love Dogs

I was looking at some puppy photos last night and fell in love with these!

Follow APlaceToLoveDogs on Facebook and make your day a lot better.

Eddie Smells A Rat

The leader of the pack, at work:

We've got an extra guest (pest?) in the house and he's no Remy (from Ratatouille). Eddie has been tracking the rat down for over three days now and he almost caught it this morning. But because the rat was too fast, or maybe because Eddie's still a bit heavy in spite slimming down a little, the chase wasn't a success.

We still have a rat in the house and it's driving Eddie crazy.

I don't know if I'm supposed to allow him, since he kisses us on the lips all the time. But Jack Russells are rat hunters by nature. I don't wanna take that away from the dogs.

Thoughts?

Oh My lord, This Dog is HUMONGOUS!

I think his legs are as big as mine!!!!

Got this off Snopes.com and they confirm that it is not true.

When Did You Grow Old?

We had an early lunch of Sinigang today. Since it's a Sunday, the dogs also had their helping of "people food".  It was filling and satisfying.

After that kind of meal, the next best thing to do is to go sleep, right?

So, we all retired to the bedroom afterwards. I was supposed to be watching something and the dogs were supposed to rest, too.

But I had to do something else for a few minutes and left my furkids with their human brother upstairs. When I got back, this is what Sean showed me, as taken from my phone cam:

Eddie was sleeping comfortably in the pups' really old whelping box.

He was snoring, rather loudly. He couldn't be disturbed. Sean tried moving this box all over the place, and Eddie just slept. Nothing could really wake him up.

He was dead tired and relishing siesta time.

Even as his kids were biting through the box (It's the reason why I still keep the box, to keep them from biting other stuff in the bedroom), nothing could wake Eddie up from his deep slumber.

It's like he knows he deserves this after a tiring and stressful week tending to 5 puppies. He doesn't really do that. But I'd like to imagine that it's what he's thinking!

When did Eddie grow so old?