Vacation with your Canine Companion

Summertime means travel time to most of us.  And nothing can be more rewarding than taking your beloved canine with you on a travel adventure.  Before you pack up your pooch, check out these tips on making traveling with your dog safe and as hassle free as possible.

Preparing for your journey:

1) Research your destination: Where will you be traveling with your pet?  Are there certain restrictions in the area regarding dogs?  Are there dog friendly restaurants or parks for your pooch?  What are the leash laws in the area? Will you be traveling by plane or by car? Sometime airlines place restrictions on pet travel during certain time of the year, especially in the summertime because of the heat. Before you plan on taking your pooch on vacation make sure you and your pet can arrive safely together. Check out this link for dog friendly travel: http://www.dogfriendly.com/

2) Accommodations: Where will you and your pet stay during your vacation?  Make sure hotels are dog friendly.  Even if they say so on the Internet, it's best to call and speak to someone at the hotel to confirm that pets are allowed and become familiar with the rules and regulations regarding their stay.  Check into the fees and rates so there are no surprises at check-in. Check out this link to find dog friendly hotels: Find Dog Friendly Hotels

If you plan on renting a vacation home, many websites offer searches that allow you to choose dog friendly options.  Again, it's best to confirm pet policies with the landlord of your vacation rental to make sure policies are up to date.  Check out Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO): http://www.vrbo.com/

If you are staying with friends, make sure your friends are really okay with you and your canine companion staying at their home.  Again find out about any restrictions your friends or family may have regarding where your pet will be allowed.  Is it outside only?  Locked in a laundry room?  Will you need to bring his kennel?  If you detect any hesitation on the part of your friends on the subject of your dog, make arrangements for other accommodations for your stay.


Boarding facilities. Even if you plan on keeping your dog with you during the duration of your stay, it's a good idea to have a back up plan in place should you need it.  Perhaps you'd like to take a day trip where dogs aren't welcome.  Or perhaps an emergency causes you to have to take your dog somewhere safe until the problem is resolved.  Again ask for recommendations from friends and family or give a local vet a call to get boarding recommendations.


3) Veterinary care in the area: No one likes to think about needing a vet while on vacation, but reality is sometimes medical care for your pet is necessary when you are away from home.  Check out local veterinarians.  If staying with friends and family ask for recommendations.  Stop in and visit the local vet upon arrival to make sure it's a place you feel good about taking your dog.  If you are unfamiliar with the area, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) awards accreditation to veterinarians that are held to a strict Standards of Practice Guidelines.  Check out this link for recommendations on AAHA accredited veterinary hospitals in the area you plan to travel: http://www.healthypet.com/Accreditation/HospitalSearch.aspx

4) Vet check at home before you leave: Prior to your travel, take your pooch into visit your normal vet.  Get updates on vaccines, refills on any medications you might need and have the general health of your pet checked out.  This is the best time to redose on your flea and tick preventative as well, especially if you plan to hike or camp on your vacation.

What to Pack:  The size and type of suitcase you bring for your pooch depends on your final destination and the activities you plan to do together.  Are you just visiting friends - hanging out on the back porch, sipping cool beverages and tossing the ball around or are you planning a camping and hiking adventure?

1) Bring plenty of your dog's current food.  Abruptly changing food can cause stomach upsets.  Your dog may be even more susceptible to this type of problem in a new, strange environment where he might already be a bit anxious.  So pack enough of his current food for the duration of the trip or make sure his current food is available in a store near your vacation spot.

2) Bring your dog's medications.  If your dog is on scheduled medication, plan ahead and make sure you have enough for your journey.  Just because you go on vacation together doesn't mean that Fido should take a vacation from his meds.

3) Bring your doggy ID. Leashes, collars and harnesses are a must.  Make sure your dog collar has identifying tags with current information on them.  Cell phone numbers are best as that way you can be reached directly in your current location should your dog get separated from you.  Microchip, microchip, microchip.  If you have never microchipped your dog, traveling with your dog is a great reason to do it.  Thousands of dogs are reunited with their families each year because of microchips.  Microchips are a sure fire way to ensure your dog will be identified if he is found.  Make sure your chip is currently registered with current information.  Update it before you leave if need be.

4) Other doggy equipment.  Don't forget collapsible food bowls, doggy poop bags and dog beds.  Kennels are great for traveling too.  Especially if you dog is used to his kennel, he will feel safe in his familiar surroundings especially with his favorite blanket or toy to snuggle.  Your dog's favorite toys such as retrieving dummies, Nylabones and the beloved Chuck It are all toys that travel well.

While a little extra prep goes into traveling with your pet, the memories that you can make with your canine companion can last a lifetime.  Try it.....I bet your pooch thanks you for it.....

A Boy & His Dog

A few months ago, I took over the role of donor relations for Heart of Texas Lab Rescue. This means that I get to collect the data from the donations we receive and have the opportunity to send letters to our donors thanking them for their gifts.

After a few months, you become familiar with the names of regular donors. Our donations allow you to sponsor a current HOTLR rescue pup, or honor a person or pup special to you. We also get many donations in memory of pups and/or people who have passed.

While each of the specially designated donations make me wonder and think about the people or pups who are recognized, none has fascinated me more than a monthly donation in honor and memory of Army Corporal Kory Wiens and Military K9 Cooper.

As, I watched the news this morning, the biggest story of the day was that after nearly 9 years, the war with Iraq is over. I watched as the American flag was lowered in Baghdad during the closing ceremonies. I watched as the last of the American troops boarded the plane for home. I watched as the statistics of the nine year war were posted - 4,487 dead, over 32,000 wounded, $8 billion spent.

It got me thinking again about Kory and Cooper. So, I googled Kory Wiens, and I found his story. And I read it. And I saw a picture of him with his yellow Lab. He was stationed in Iraq. On July 6, 2007, he was 20 when an IED killed him and his dog Cooper. His plans were to stay in the army just long enough that when Cooper's bomb-sniffing days were over, he could adopt her. They were buried together. Then my eyes filled with tears and I wept. I was grateful that this boy and his dog gave their lives for this country. I was grateful that someone in Austin, TX has not forgotten them and honors them every single month with a donation to HOTLR.

Today, I made a donation to HOTLR in honor of Army Corporal Kory Wiens and Military K9 Cooper. Kory and Cooper, I thank you and salute you. May you both rest in peace together forever.

During the hubbub of the holiday season, please remember to embrace those you love. Each day, remember to appreciate the love and Labs in your life. Be grateful for freedom and a safe place to live. Keep in your memories, those that have given their lives to keep these things safe for us. Remember Kory & Cooper.

Happy Holidays to you all from the folks at Heart of Texas Lab Rescue!! We could not save as many Labs as we do without the time, support and dollars from our volunteers, supporters and donors. A heartfelt "thank you" to each and every one of you.

To Give or Not to Give......That is the Question.

Many times during the gift giving season, dogs and cats are given to people as presents. Make sure the look of surprise on the face of your gift recipient is one of true pleasure and not horror. This can be a wonderful gift for the right person, but a terrible idea for someone else. Why wouldn't a pet be a perfect gift choice? Check out the reasons below to decide if your gift idea is really a good decision.

Consider that 5 million to 7 million cats and dogs enter into humane societies and shelters every year in the US. Of these, 60% are euthanized. Is the person you want to give a pet to really ready for the responsibility of pet ownership?

Anyone adopting a pet should first answer the questions below. If you are gifting a pet to someone, you must be able to answer these questions for them. Can you?

1) Is the person emotionally ready for the responsibility of a pet. Pets need a lot of care - every day for up to 15 - 17 years. Is the person you are considering giving a pet to ready to make sure that their new pet is fed and cared for every day for this period of time? Goes to the veterinarian for regular health checks? What about unexpected vet visits? Is the pet recipient ready to drop everything to rush to the emergency clinic on a Saturday night at midnight if necessary?

2) Along with the emotional responsibility of a pet, comes the financial obligation. Let's face it, caring for a pet can be expensive. There is of course the initial expense of pet ownership.....food, a bed, a kennel, a fenced yard or (safe place to stay when left alone), a health check, collar/leash/identification, spay/neutering of an intact dog, vaccinations. What about puppy behavior classes or adult dog training classes?

Then the ongoing costs. Annual vet visits, medications like heartworm preventative and flea and tick prevention, an emergency vet fund for unexpected illnesses or injuries. Consider that an ACL tear (a torn ligament in the knee), a common injury in young active dogs, can range from $1200 to $3000 to repair. If the dog has a complete tear of the ligament, the dog will be unable to bear weight on the leg and will be lame. Probably not an injury he/she should live with for the long term. Can the person you are considering afford the expense of a pet?

3) Time commitment. How much time does it take to care for an animal? It is recommended that a dog get at least an hour of exercise every day. How long will the dog be left alone during the day? Will there be sufficient opportunities for bathroom breaks? The days of happy hour after leaving the office are over once you bring a dog into your home. Animals left alone for hours on end can become destructive due to boredom, both to the home and the yard. Is your person ready to commit the time to a positive relationship with their pet?

What about vacation and travel? Where will the dog or cat go when people leave town? Pet-sitters, boarding facilities, family or friends that can "baby-sit". All of this must be taken into consideration when getting a pet.

4) Finally, do you want to rob somebody of choosing the perfect pet for themselves. HOTLR meet 'n greets are set up so that the whole family is required to be present. The look of joy when the right dog finds the right family is priceless. This is the best way we can insure that both the family and the animal is truly committed to each other. Can you really choose a forever companion for your friend or family member? It's kinda like choosing a spouse for them, don't you think? You wouldn't do that would you?

We think the best gift you can give this Christmas, is the opportunity for the pet lover in your life to choose their own pet. So, how about buying a dog bowl and wrapping it up as a gift for your friend? Create a little certificate or note in there to tell them you'd like to help them find a furry soul mate. Then let your friend or family member take it from there....

This week's blog is not meant to bring you down, or shoot a hole through a beautiful idea. It's just meant to give you some points to ponder. We know that you don't want your gift to be one of the 7 million that could end up in a shelter next year. So, think carefully before gifting a pet for the holidays.

If you know someone interested in adopting a Labrador, please refer them to Heart of Texas Lab Rescue. We have lots of wonderful dogs available and waiting for their forever homes.
Don't forget to join us at Barnes & Noble gift wrapping session. It's great fun and a wonderful way to spread the word about HOTLR. Sign up now!!!

Avoid Turkey Day Troubles

So Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. It's hard for me to say why exactly, but I suspect that it has to do with the quality and quantity of food, friends, family and football. There is nothing I like better than a day at home, yummy smells in the air, a guilt free 12 noon glass of wine, football on the tv, dogs relaxing at my feet, a post dinner nap. What could be better?

And then there is the dreaded day after....no such warm feelings for this day. By now, we all are familiar with the term "Black Friday" to describe the day after Thanksgiving. Stores opening at 12am on the Friday after Thanksgiving, people lined up for hours beforehand. I saw this guy on the news this week, that actually pitched his tent a week early in front of a Best Buy!!! Really???

But it's not only early bird holiday shoppers that think of the day after Thanksgiving as Black Friday. Often, veterinarians think the same thing. This is the day when multitudes of pets that have gotten into the wrong stuff on Turkey Day are presented to the vet for a cure of their holiday hangovers. How do you make sure you aren't one of those who spend their time and money in the vet's office instead of reaping the benefits of holiday sales? Check out these tips below:

1) First and foremost - Leave the people food for the people. Yes, it's tempting on this special day of thanking and feasting to be tempted to reward the pet in your life by adding some tasty tidbits to his food bowl. However, people food can spell disaster for dogs. A nasty bout of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can put an end to your holiday fun pretty quickly. Dogs experience very painful abdomens and scary bloody diarrhea. Vomiting may also occur. Also, pancreatitis is a very common ailment associated with pets that eat the wrong thing. Dogs can become very sick from the "inflammation of the pancreas". Symptoms include, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and lethargy. Treatment for both is largely supportive only often requiring administration of IV fluids, special diets and hospital stays. This can become quite expensive at a time of year when the last thing you want to spend money on is your sick pet.

Even if your dog does not develop pancreatitis, eating food that your dog is not used to often times ends up in bouts of vomiting and diarrhea at the least. Who wants to spend their precious holiday time off cleaning up those messes? Not to mention that your pet will feel lousy too. Still feel bad? Consider a special treat such as a canned version of his regular kibble. Or add a little pumpkin puree to his regular food (not pumpkin pie filling, but real canned pumpkin).

2) Keep the trash picked up and secured in a safe place. With all the extra folks and garbage generated from a holiday feast, sometimes it's easy to have garbage overflow. There is nothing that a dog likes better than to go through the holiday leftovers from the garbage. Besides the fact that they may get sick from the food they eat, there is also the possibility of them getting into turkey bones. Turkey bones are a big no-no for dogs. As they travel through the digestive process they can splinter and break causing tears all the way from the esophagus to the rectum. Cooked turkey bones are even worse as the cooking process has relieved them of any moisture causing them to become even more brittle. This spells big trouble for your dogs intestines. Tears or perforations of the intestines can be a life-threatening situation. Also, obstructions and blockages can result from ingesting bones requiring your dog to have surgery. To avoid these horrible situations, ensure your garbage is secured away from your dogs sensitive snout and hungry belly.

3) Boarding Blues - many of us travel at Thanksgiving and board our dogs while we are gone. Although most reputable boarding facilities require their boarders to be up to date on vaccines, it's still a wonderful place for your pet to pick up an illness or disease. Even fleas can be a problem in the cleanest boarding facility. To make sure your dog stays safe while you are gone, thoroughly check out the boarding facility where you plan to leave your pup. Make your reservations early so that you aren't scrambling around at the last minute trying to find a place to leave your dog. Make an appointment at your veterinarian two weeks prior to leaving and get your pup up to date on his vaccinations and give him a full health check. Apply a topical flea product, such as Frontline on your dog prior to dropping him off to make sure he is protected from fleas. Or consider alternative solutions. Bring someone into your home to stay with your pet, or make arrangements to take your pet with you. Your doggy will love a good vacation!!

4) Pet ID - if you do travel with your pet, it's also wise to be sure he is up to date on his vaccinations and is healthy to travel. Also, be sure you bring the proper gear to make sure your pet stays safe. A collar, leash and/or harness are a must to guarantee you and your pet won't get separated in a strange place. Also, if you are driving, collapsible crates, a comfy dog bed or blanket and some favorite toys can make a strange place feel just like home. Last, please, please, please microchip your pet and make sure his/her collar has ID tags with current information on them. If your pet does become lost, this is the best way to ensure you will be reunited. Finally, think about hanging around the house for the first 24 hours after your arrival. Let your pup get used to his/her new surroundings before you take off. Take him for a long walk, introduce him to people he'll be spending time with. Also, find out where the best vet is in town in case there is an emergency.

Following these tips will hopefully allow you and your pet to have a stress free holiday. Stay safe and have a great holiday.

During this time of year, we are reminded again of all the HOTLR supporters and donors without whom this organization would not exist. All of us at HOTLR thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your donations, support and volunteer hours. 2011 has been one of our most successful years. Thank you for allowing us to save as many of these wonderful dogs as we can. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at HOTLR!!!

For more information on Turkey Day safety for your pets, check out these links:

ASPCA Thanksgiving Safety Tips
Petfinder Thanksgiving Pet Care Tips
Guardian Pet Sitters Thanksgiving Pet Care Tips

Need a new friend this holiday season? How about adopting or fostering one of our adorable Labs? Check out who needs a home here: HOTLR Labs Available for Adoption.

Looking for a way to pump up your holiday spirit? Sign up for Gift Wrapping with HOTLR at a participating Barnes & Noble. Dogs, kids, gifts...it's the perfect way to get into the holiday swing of things!!! For more info and to sign up, click here: HOTLR Upcoming Events