Adventures in buying your pet food online: Mr. Chewy

I have to confess, in the day and age of being able to buy almost anything online, I had been a stubborn naysayer when it came to purchasing dog food that way. I did check out a few online stores, but always left convinced that I could find the same variety and better pricing at my local retail establishment. Even if that store was sold out of what I needed, I just substituted and went with a different store. Until, one day a month ago, I received a friendly invitation from one such online establishment to give them an honest try. “Mr. Chewy’s” is a rapidly growing dog and cat food/treat retailer I heard of before from people in the rescue community. Those who follow my blog know that I am a stickler for knowing what’s inside my dogs’ food after losing three beloved animals to the tainted with rat poison food scandal five years ago. I regularly scour the web for forums, rumors, reviews and opinions. I make note of any brands that make mine and foster dogs fat, irritable or lethargic. I regularly torture my vet with questions about any latest research. So, given the opportunity to buy dog food through Mr. Chewy’s with a coupon for $50 in return for a sincere review, I considered it and then immediately looked up the quality of food they offer.   

Weight loss for dogs: tips to help slim down your round fosters

"Not my dog!” I say, together with the 70% of dog owners* who refuse to admit their dogs are fat. My dog is cute, huggable, and attractively round! I play with her. I buy her toys. I spoil her with love. Until one day, I see her next to another of the same breed and the nagging thought creeps into the underbelly of my ironclad conviction. Many lives ago, when my dog was a wolf, gaining extra pounds was simply impossible. It took the whole pack to chase down any kind of nourishment. But, here’s a bit of good news: if I inadvertently helped her expand, then it will have to be I who will help her regain her svelte figure. 

What to do? Reduce her food intake? Get her onto an expensive veterinarian-prescribed diet? Talk to my pooch about her self image? No, the first step should be the understanding of what caused this change. In the dog community, there are three main reasons for weight gain in dogs:1) Just like with humans, lack of proper diet or exercise are key, 2) The dog’s metabolism and hormonal issues might be an underlying driver; and 3) Bet you didn’t know, but spaying and neutering has an almost guaranteed weight gain as its side effect?

Being a responsible dog owner, I went to the vet to identify which of the three culprits it was. The vet said it was

Grooming Blossom or you never know what hides under the fur

Want to hear a story about heartbreak mixed in with important bits on grooming? Here it is.

Blossom - the before pic
Every foster has one: the one dog that got away. Mine was little Blossom. Part Sheltie, part Pomeranian, she had a way of leaning against you when she wanted attention and picked up on how things worked after just one go. No heavier than 15 pounds, she came to the rescue, like so many other dogs, as a stray. Somebody obviously lost her in the rural wilderness of Virginia on the border with Tennessee, but why that somebody never looked for her will remain a mystery. Going off just one picture, I agreed to take her in, but by the time I arrived to take her home, I discovered a creature quite different from my expectations. She actually smelled, was extremely matted, and displayed a clear “stay-away-from-me” attitude.

Who knew: holidays can damage your pet

Had an interesting chat with my favorite vet just before Christmas. So much enlightening and comprehensive information! And even though some of us are already done with the holidays, lots or most of the information below will still be of interest for this year or the next. Who knew holidays are this fraught with danger?
Dangerous Foods -The following can be toxic to dogs: chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum containing artificial sweeteners.
        Chocolate - Can affect cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems. Even people are affected by the caffeine in chocolate in different ways, so you definitely won't know how your poor dog will react to it either. The smaller the dog - the more immediate the reaction because of their low body mass.
     Candy and Gum (especially if sweetened with Xylitol)

What do you really want for Xmas?

Whether you are all done with your holiday shopping or are still rushing night after night in search of that one special gift - this short, but oh so poignant dog tale is sure to help. A very special thank you to a fellow blogger for posting. Here is to our pets, be they found or adopted, for reminding us what the Season is really all about. Enjoy!

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