This is the time of year to go strutting with your mutt or enjoying dogtoberfests east or west (see event list below). It is a great time of year to get out and about in the crisp fresh air, and our animals love it too! It’s not too hot or too cold and while it doesn’t seem like there are as many bugs, you still have to be diligent about keeping the fleas and ticks at bay. September can often be one of the worst months for fleas and ticks (as they thrive in 70° weather and ticks can hide in a pile of leaves). Don’t let this wonderful weather pass you by – put on your walking shoes and enjoy the season before the snow falls.

Halloween is just around the corner. While we may be enjoying all the chocolate and sugary treats, we know they are not appropriate for our furry and feathered friends. However, that doesn’t mean our animal companions have to be left out of the celebration. You can find plenty of healthy treats to offer them.

• Freeze dried liver treats for dogs or cats
• Raw-meat nuggets/medallions would be a fun treat for your dog (especially if you don’t regularly feed a raw diet then it would be a real treat).
• If you are having a party – get creative: set up bobbing for apples for the kids and bobbing for hot dogs for the canines. Apples you have left over from bobbing, or dipping in caramel, would be a treat for your bird (as well as those pumpkin seeds from your jack-o-lantern).

Training Tip:
Get in the Halloween spirit and teach your old dog a new trick. You can do something as simple as “give me five” or “shake”. If your clever canine has mastered those, you can add “give me the other five” or “wave good bye”. Don’t exclude your kitty or feathered friend – they can get in on the tricks too. Remember that you need to reward within 1-2 seconds of the actual behavior and you need to use high value motivator (such as special treats something that your dog (cat, bird, etc.), will be motivated to work for and keep her interested). You want to engage the mind so that your animal companion is learning.

Quote
Whoever said “let sleeping dogs lie” didn’t sleep with dogs - Unknown

Most beds sleep up to six cats, ten cats without the owner – Stephen Baker

Astrological Signs for May/June:

Cancer: Let me charm you with my big brown eyes. I’m hungry isn’t there a snack? No, let’s play. On second thought, I think I’ll go over here and chew on my bone.

Leo: I am Lion, hear me roar. I may be a little cat to you but I have a big heart. Don’t betray me for I may slink off in the dark of night.

Leo is a fun loving little cat. He has a loud meow and a loud purr. You always know where he is and if you don’t he will come running. One day he did not come running and hid for over 24 hours. When he came out of hiding, he was a very sick kitty. He had calicivirus (which he had been vaccinated against). This virus can be mild to severe, but poor Leo had a severe case. Since it was a virus there was no real treatment, other than to keep him hydrated & nourished. He was on antibiotics for any secondary infection, but it was the fluids, liquid feedings, supplements, TTouch®, love and TLC that helped him through. Never underestimate the power of love, gentle touch and support to the healing process. Leo is back to normal, running around and letting us know!

Bakasana
Strengthens upper back, forelegs & carpus

Strengthens abdominal muscles

Virabhadrasana
Strengthens chest, lungs & neck

Strengthens shoulders, forelegs & abdomen

BIG BEN is a cruelty confiscation case. He was abandoned in the inner city by cruel owners who moved out and left him confined to the yard without any food, water or shade. He remained that way for weeks in 100+ degree heat. How he survived is a mystery -- by all rights, he should be dead.

Despite the horrific neglect and cruelty he's suffered at the hands of humans, Big Ben is a gentle giant and loves people. He did well when tested with another dog (but has not been observed around children or cats).

You may find out more about Big Ben or any of his fellow shepherds at Missouri German Shepherd Rescue, http://members.petfinder.com/~MO445/index.html, whose mission is to find forever homes for these wonderful dogs. N2paws offers discounted services to transition Big Ben to his new forever home (N2paws specializes in whole pet positive training and animals with special needs). If a new canine family member is not in your future, consider making a donation to support Big Ben’s care.

Upcoming Events for N2paws & other fun stuff

Sept 25 – Strut with your Mutt, Brookside (MO)
Sept 25 – Weiner Dog Contest, Brookside Barkery, Lee’s Summit, MO
Oct 3 – Bark at the K – take your dog to the Royals game
Oct 4 - 25 – Doga (Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm), OvPk, KS
Oct 16 – Dogtoberfest, Lawrence, KS
Oct 17 – Kemper Outdoor Education Center, Lake Jacomo, MO Announcements

If you need treats for your canine, feline or avian family member so they don’t feel left out this Halloween, contact N2paws for a variety of choices. N2paws carries several high quality brands that are just perfect for training your animal companion – that way they do the trick and you give the treat!