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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pet Washing Machine: Cool or Cruel?

Apparently, pet grooming services abroad offer a new way for bathing dogs and cats. They call this the Pet Washing Machine. It literally works like one, complete with the wash/dry buttons.

Here's the video of the cat inside the machine. Clearly, the cat is not loving it. Trauma alert! I feel bad for her:



And here's the video of the dog, who didn't lose it like that cat above and seemed okay with it:



I'm just not sure all dogs will behave like this one. I highly doubt any of my male dogs will. They don't even like bathing the traditional way.

What do you think of a Pet Washing Machine? It does seem like a convenient way to clean pets. But convenience vs. trauma? I don't know. It's probably best not to use this.

How big is this thing, anyways? Would I fit inside it? *planning to bathe inside a pet washing machine*