WAGGIN' TALES
Famous Animal Lovers
By Kathleen Little
The admiration and desire for companionship with animals is universal. We like to think that our OSW friends feel even more passionately about pets and other fauna. For a little fun during this season of love of all kinds, here’s what some of our favorite historical figures, great minds, and celebrities had to say about their fellowship and fondness of the animal world.
The admiration and desire for companionship with animals is universal. We like to think that our OSW friends feel even more passionately about pets and other fauna. For a little fun during this season of love of all kinds, here’s what some of our favorite historical figures, great minds, and celebrities had to say about their fellowship and fondness of the animal world.
“I always befriended animals and have said many a good word for them. Even to the least-loved mosquitoes I gave many a meal, and told them to go in peace.” — John Muir
Rescue is my Favorite Breed
Anne Groebner
This past weekend, I spent a couple of days with some of the crew from the Tails of Love Rescue. We set up booths to try and raise the much-needed funds to supplement the work they do for free-roaming dogs. During the time I spent with them, they received several phone calls about lost dogs people found wandering around the White Mountains area. When all of the shelters are full, they send people to Lance Matthews, the founder of Tails of Love. He and his wife Amanda, as well as his assistants Kelly, Shandon, and April, take every call very seriously. READ MORE...
Keeping Your Pets Safe in Winter
Sometimes I have to refrain from checking Facebook so I don’t have to look at how many pets get lost or get “found” wandering around the area. Now that it’s winter, it is crucial that pet owners take a more responsible attitude when it comes to their pets. Just because they have furry coats, doesn’t mean that they can survive in our winter weather. Even some large hairy dogs are susceptible to frost bite. With winter, comes a lot more dangers to pets. Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club and American Humane on how to keep your pet safe.
HOMEMADE
DOG TREATS
KATHLEEN LITTLE
With Thanksgiving around the corner, there’s no better time to show your gratitude for your pups than with a homemade treat that’s fit for your feast. Give these a try!
PEANUT BUTTER
AND BANANA TREATS
Ingredients:
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol, as it can be toxic to dogs)
• 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mash the banana in a large bowl, then add the peanut butter and mix until smooth.
Stir in the rolled oats until the mixture becomes a thick dough.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut it into shapes with cookie cutters.
Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Allow the treats to cool completely before serving them to your dog.
TOP 10 MOST GOOGLED DOG QUESTIONS
1. WHY DO DOGS EAT GRASS?
Most vets agree that eating grass helps relieve upset stomachs and other gut symptoms. Some dogs, however, seem to simply enjoy the taste especially from early, green moist growth.
2. DO DOGS DREAM?
Yes, dogs dream. Research with EEG scanning conducted while dogs slept support dream activity. If you watch your dog closely, you will notice that they occasionally move their legs as if running, whine, whimper, or even bark, breathe heavily, and have normal rapid eye movements during dream sleep.
3. WHY DO DOGS HOWL?
A howl is a nonspecific form of communication behavior. Howls happen with stress or territorial issues. Howling can also simply be a fun activity they do together.
4. WHY DO DOGS HAVE WHISKERS?
Culinary Cats and Canines
Kathleen Little
Americans sure do love their fur babies. In fact, according to Forbes Advisor, U.S. animal lovers spent almost $137 billion on their pets in 2022 alone. That is an 11% increase from 2021 and this trend shows no signs of stopping. Reasons for the increase in pet owner spending are varied, but across the board, intensified devotion to health and happiness is the major cause of the uptick. If you are a proud pet owner, you have probably noticed the jump in the price of supplies reflecting the demand in this market. Necessity being the mother of invention, many are finding different ways to offset costs while giving their four-legged family members only the best. One of the easiest ways to do this is to consider making your own pet food. READ MORE...
Saving Pets
and Their People
The White Mountain Pet Food Pantry
By Kathleen Little
Bobbi Brien is on a mission, several, in fact. A woman with Native blood from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, she spent her youth in rural Alaska before pursuing her education. She took on the role of a career woman after earning her BA in technical writing and communications and an MBA in business. Her next move
The Importance of Spaying and Neutering
Benefits for Animals and Communities
Lance Matthews
Spaying and neutering are essential procedures for controlling the pet population and promoting the health and well-being of dogs and cats. The overpopulation of pets is a significant issue that leads to overcrowded shelters, euthanasia of healthy animals, and a burden on communities. This article will delve into the reasons why spaying and neutering are vital for both animals and the community at large.
- Benefits for Animals
Health Benefits: Spaying and neutering have been proven to reduce the risk of several health issues in dogs and cats. For example, spaying female pets reduces the chances of developing mammary gland tumors and uterine infections, while neutering male pets lowers the risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems. Overall, these procedures can lead to a longer, healthier life for pets.
Give Me Shelter
Tails of Love Rescue
By Anne Groebner
In a perfect world, all dogs would be healthy, happy, and living comfortably in a home with loving humans. Humans who feed them, walk them, and promise to keep them safe and warm. The reality is homeless animals outnumber homeless people 5 to 1, only 10% of dogs born will find a permanent home, and around 3.9 million dogs are abandoned or given up to shelters each year. That means hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dogs are left on their own to survive on the streets. The READ MORE...
Protect Your furry Friends and Community
By Lance Matthews, Tails of Love Rescue
Let's talk about something that’s close to our hearts and homes – our beloved pets. Now, we all agree that ensuring their health and safety is paramount. So today, we're going to delve into the simple act of rabies vaccination - a measure that safeguards not only your pets but also your family and our wider community.
You've probably heard of rabies, a deadly virus that, once it shows symptoms, is almost always fatal. It sounds scary, and it is, but here's the good news - rabies is completely preventable through vaccination.
Culinary Cats and Canines:
Feeding Pets with Love
By Kathleen Little
Americans sure do love their fur babies. In fact, according to Forbes Advisor, U.S. animal lovers spent almost $137 billion on their pets in 2022 alone. That is an 11% increase from 2021 and this trend shows no signs of stopping. Reasons for the increase in pet owner spending are varied, but across the board, intensified devotion to health and happiness is the major cause of the uptick. If you are a proud pet owner, you have probably noticed the jump in the price of supplies reflecting the demand in this market. Necessity being the mother of READ MORE...
Rally in the Park
Putting your best paw forward to enjoy your Dog!
By Jennifer Rinaldi
The day dawned warm and clear as our small group of Rally fun seekers, and White Mountain Kennel Club members set up our courses on Ponderosa field at Show Low Park on October 1st. Our judge, Christopher Smith, came in from the valley to officiate, and graciously helped schlep and haul all the necessary equipment to the field.
Jumps were set, distraction bowls filled, and ribbons made ready as local and out-of-towners began to arrive with their dogs.
I was introduced to the sport of Rally last year when the Vice President of our kennel club, Jane Dyer, invited me to come to one of their practices with my dog, Sully, at Show Low Park. I was hesitant since my dog can be aggressive and disruptive at times, but I prepared myself to give it a shot. I am so glad I did!
Our small group of handlers understood immediately that my dog needed space, and by the end of our third class, I no longer worried that Sully would be disruptive. He came to trust that I would keep Read More
