DEAR DOGGER PACK!
Hello! Hope everyone is well, and getting through this unusual summer! We're good, the family is healthy, the dogs are living their best life, and we are happily taking care of the essential worker pets and over-nighters. Since we miss everyone so much, we thought we'd just say hello!
This month's newsletter is still just for fun: we have some tips on dealing with the Frightful Fireworks problem, how to treat Quarantine Canine Obesity, and some nice pictures of Dogs in Love. We also spotlight our dog of the month Charlie Lategan and our walker Aurora McCrory.
Hope to see you soon, lots of Love!
Basia & Ian
dogger co-founders
P.S. We are open for walking and boarding, just reach out and we'll gladly take care of things if you need to get away!
BEST DOG LIFE EVER
Advice on how to make your dog happy!
Preventing Canine Obesity
“Research” has shown that since The Quarantine has begun, two types of dogs have emerged. Group A - those that are fitter than ever thanks to their CrossFit and FitBit obsessed parents (you know, the ones who have used all of their free time to run miles and miles with their dog); and Group B – those that have been enjoying treats and baking and Netflix just a tad too much. Which is why it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to keep Fluffy at a healthy weight.
Here are some ways to prevent Quarantine-caused canine obesity:
Limit your dog to only one food a day that contains the word “Cheez.”
Make vegetables more appealing by drawing faces of squirrels on them with a marker.
Carefully cut open a bag of Milk-Bones, replace the treats with baby carrots, and reseal the bag. If your dog is confused, respond, “Huh, I guess they changed the Milk-Bone formula.”
Provide clear guidelines for what kind of body type you expect your dog to maintain.
Set a good example by scarfing down grass in front of your dog.
Dog Fitbit!
Some “research” has shown that pressuring pups to lose weight can also lead to obesity, so good luck.
TROUBLE TIMES
Advice Column by our dog Trouble, the resident dogger Fixer
Dear Trouble: Help! The Fireworks, the damn Fireworks, they just won't stop, how can I keep my dog calm?
Dear: "Help! The Fireworks, the damn Fireworks, they just won't stop, how can I keep my dog calm?":
It's not even July yet, but the fireworks are going off each and every night. Fluffy is besides himself with the shakes and howls, and you want to keep him calm but don't know how. Venting about it on facebook and twitter hasn't worked. What to do, what to do?
First off all, be sure your dog is wearing a tag with your phone number, should the fireworks start earlier than usual and he (god forbid) springs loose on a walk. If he does run away, see my column on what to do if your dog runs away. Also now is a good time to check that his collar/harness are tight and secure and don't have any rips.
Second, create a safe haven for Fluffy in your house, wherever it is the most quiet, such as a bathroom, a room with no windows, the basement, or a large closet. Provide your pup with familiar toys and treats, a comfy dog bed, and one of your unwashed shirts that he'll love smelling for comfort. Use a crate if that’s where your dog feels safe, but don't lock it, he should be free to go in and out as he pleases. A white noise machine or loud fan will help too, and if things get particularly loud, stay in there with him, comforting him and telling him it's going to be alright.
Third, you could try to desensitize Fluffy to the sound, by playing firework videos on youtube, quietly at first, and then a little bit louder bit by bit. Give him treats too while you cuddle up listening to the booming and thundering, you never know, he might get used to it. I heard playing "God Save the Queen" helps sometimes.
Last, if it's really bad and your pup is in severe distress, some vets will prescribe anti-anxiety meds which will see you through for some time. But try to sound proof a room in your apartment, and do your walking before it gets dark and the madness begins.
All the best,
Trouble
PS: When you're alone and as far away from your house and dog as possible, be sure to set off at least one personal firework as a tribute to Vulcan, ancient Roman god of fire, or face his wrath. Good luck!
TRENDING NOW
Dogs in Love!
PUPPY PHOTO CORNER
Throwback photo of baby Otis Hall! (From June 2019)
MOST POPULAR INSTAGRAM PIC OF THE SUMMER (so far): Baby Jax & Taylor!
DOG OF THE MONTH
Dr. Charlie Lategan
Dr Charlie Lategan is an American physician and scientist who has served as the chancellor of the National Institute of Physician Scientists. Since February 2016, when he was adopted in Baton Rouge by his wonderful mama Dr Hannah, he has been considered one of the most trusted medical figures in the country. He is also one of the world’s most-cited scientists in popular scientific journals such as the Fibromyalgia Almanac and the Xeljanz Journal.
Born in Louisiana, this precocious Chihuaha captained his high school’s basketball team and graduated first in his class. He attended medical school at Cornell, and then completed his residency in internal medicine at the New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Charlie has been a visiting professor at many medical centers, and has received 50 honorary doctorates from universities in the U.S. and abroad. In his spare time he enjoys Grand Theft Auto 5 and pilates.
Congratulations Charlie for being Dog of the Month!!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Aurora McCrory
This month our spotlight shines on the fearless and fierce Aurora McCrory, who has bravely continued to work through the Quarantine. She's been walking and taking care of essential worker dogs throughout the summer, and we're all so grateful for her hard work!
Aurora grew up outside of Detroit with three pups and countless cats, always with a huge love for all her furry friends. A recent Acting Conservatory graduate, she has always dreamed of living in NYC —and those dreams came true when she moved here in 2016!
A passionate theatre artist, dog walking has always been her favorite job in between acting gigs, especially because she loves dogs but her building doesn’t allow them. She does have two kitties though - Saki and Tofu, and they are the loves of her life. She’s also a yogi and a self-proclaimed avid literature geek! We're so glad Aurora's on the team, and can’t imagine dogger without her!
TAYLOR'S TRAINING TIP
Got a super-puller on your hands? Proper equipment can make a big difference. Try using a front clip harness or head halter (Freedom Harness or Halti Harness for example). Avoid choke or prong collars as these can cause not only physical damage, such a trachea collapse and breathing problems, but can also lead to more severe behavioral problems. For example, when a dog is wearing a collar that causes choking or pain they can start associating the things they see with that pain. So if they pull on the leash every time they see another dog and they are choked, then they can start associating other dogs with pain and start acting aggressively.
UPCOMING PET EVENTS
Everything is Still Cancelled
Love and Kisses from all of us at dogger, thanks for reading!
