SPREAD SOME HOLIDAY CHEER

As we celebrate the holidays please remember to somehow someway enjoy yourselves. Also see if there is a way that you can perform a kind act for someone else. I plan to dress my puppy, Molly, in a Santa suit and hat. Then we will head to a nearby nursing home to spread some cheer.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a healthy, happy, prosperous new year.

THERAPY DOGS ARE BEING USED ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

Here is yet another amazing example of how dogs are enhancing the lives of people. This example shows how dogs are being used to help stressed college students. If I had a therapy dog while I was in veterinary school I would not have graduated because I would have been with the dog all day! Read about the therapy dogs here:

therapy dogs help college students 

NEW SPIN ON TYING YOUR DOG UP OUTSIDE

If I needed to go into a store I would not feel comfortable leaving my dog tied to something outdoors. I love my dog too much and would worry about dog theft. Maybe that is the NYC girl in me. This new idea may allow pet parents to feel comfortable about leaving their dogs outside while they run into a store.

Read about it here: place to park your dog

A PET’S BUCKET LIST

I wish that I had the opportunity to do something special for my dog Pappy before he transitioned but he died unexpectedly. Here is something great that this pet parent did before his dog transitioned (see below). If you did something/will do something for your beloved companion what was it/would it be?

huge group walks with dying dog on beach

WHAT DO A BACHELOR PARTY & PUPPIES HAVE IN COMMON?

Read this to find out: http://www.today.com/pets/stray-dogs-find-homes-bachelor-party-t104497 

A YOUNG BOY WORKED A LONG TIME TO BUY A PONY

This is a story about a seven year old boy who worked really hard for a pet that he wanted. What are you willing to do to get what you want?

Read about the story here: boy worked two years to buy pony

EMOTIONAL THERAPY ANIMALS

Emotional support animals are animals that provide comfort and companionship for people who have mental and emotional conditions including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and depression. Here is a story about a turkey that fulfills this role: 

Turkey That Is an Emotional Support Pet

ADOPTAPALOOZA: PUPSTARZ & ANIMAL RESCUE FUND OF THE HAMPTONS

Here are the last two of the five interviews that I did when I worked at the Mayor’s Alliance For NYC’s Animals’ Adoptapalooza event in August. It was a huge event that had many rescue/shelter groups there with many wonderful cats and dogs for adoption. This week I would like to feature: PupStarz Rescue and the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons.

Here are the links to their sites:  http://www.pupstarzrescue.org/  

http://www.pupstarzrescue.org/

Here are my interviews that tells about them in a few short minutes: 

ADOPTAPALOOZA: LINDA’S FERAL CAT ASSISTANCE

As you know I worked at the Mayor’s Alliance For NYC’s Animals’ Adoptapalooza last month. It was a large event that had many rescue and shelter groups in attendance. I interviewed a number of these organizations and this week I would like to feature Linda’s Feral Cat Assistance which is a group that is dedicated to the rescue and temporary fostering of feral cats.

Here is the link to their site:  http://lindasferalcatassistance.com/

Here is my interview that tells about them in a few short minutes:

ADOPTAPALOOZA: BIDEAWEE PET WELFARE ORGANIZATION

Last month I had a great opportunity to work at the Mayor’s Alliance For NYC’s Animals’ Adoptapalooza which was a huge dog and cat adoption event. There were a number of rescue groups that participated in the event and this week I would like to showcase Bideawee which is an organization that does much more than rescue animals.

Here is the link to their site:  https://www.bideawee.org/

Here is the interview that I did with them: 

ADOPTAPALOOZA: HUSKY HOUSE

Last month I had a great opportunity to work at the Mayor’s Alliance For NYC’s Animals’ Adoptapalooza which was a huge dog and cat adoption event. There were a number of rescue groups that participated in the event and I want to showcase a few of them in my blog since they do such fabulous work. In the next few weeks I will highlight some of the rescue groups that participated in the event and show the interviews that I conducted of them.

This week I will feature Husky House: here is the link to their site: Husky House

 and here is my interview with them: Dr. Mobley's interview:Husky House

NATIONAL DOG DAY AUGUST 26TH

Tomorrow is National Dog Day. It will be a great day to kiss, salute, hug or recognize the special roles that dogs play (played) in our lives. You can read more about it here:

National Dog Day

ANIMAL RESCUE GROUPS

Animal rescue groups serve a wonderful purpose. The people who work at these rescue groups typically perform countless hours of behind the scenes volunteer (usually) work. The end results include fabulous, furry or unfurred friends for many people and animals whose lives have been saved.

I got my dog Pappy (see below) from the North East Boston Terrier Rescue Group. As a veterinarian I can confidently say that he is the BEST DOG ever! I had the opportunity to work as a vet at a NYC adoption event, Adoptapalooza, a couple of weeks ago and I interviewed a number of people who work with various rescues. I hope to showcase these videos in the ensuing posts.

HEARING ABOUT LOST PETS WITHOUT IDS BREAKS MY HEART

Last night I received a call from my neighbors to tell me that they found a lost dog. The adorable little dog in the photo below did not have a collar or any tags to identify him or his pet parents. He could be microchipped but it would expedite things if he had a collar with an address and phone number to contact his pet parents.

Perhaps he was set free by his pet parents. I hope that is not the case because having a pet is a responsibility that must be taken very seriously. If anyone wants to surrender a pet, please, please, please consider finding a rescue group that may take your dog rather than setting him/her free to fend for him/her self in the unknown streets.

Do you know of any really good rescue groups?

I WAS RESCUED BY A RESCUE DOG

In two days, I will be celebrating a very special day. August 6, 2016 marks the five year anniversary that my dog Pappy came into my life (I also celebrate his birthday that day). I adopted him from the Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue. The truth is that Pappy rescued me during a very tumultous time of my life. It was a difficult time because it was hard for me to accept my mother’s advancing dementia and my career future was unclear. I was dealing with two important issues that had unpredictable and uncontrollable outcomes. All of my life I felt as though I had control over the carefully planned results in my life. Then these (and other) realities taught me some pretty tough lessons. My best companion ever (yes including boyfriends:)) was there for me every step of the way.

Happy anniversary Pappy, I love you!  

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CLEAR OUT OF YOUR LIFE?

I have often said that life should be enjoyed to the fullest. One way to begin having more enjoyment is by taking an assessment of your life. What do you need to keep that is positive and what do you need to get rid of that is no longer serving you?

It is time to get rid of your trash! Watch this funny video of a dog and trash: 

guilty dog and trash

ELIMINATE WHAT YOU DON’T LIKE FROM YOUR LIFE

Why do people tolerate things and people who they do not like in their lives? Life is meant for us to experience both pleasant and unpleasant elements so that we can have more of what we like (if we choose to). We do have a lot of control over what we choose to have in our lives. We can choose to get rid of the things that we dislike. So why don’t we do that just like the bird in this video?

bird hates broccoli! 

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE HEALING POWER OF PETS: THIS TIME IN DALLAS

Here is the best news out of Dallas at this time. Dogs are headed there to help heal the people of Dallas who experienced recent traumatic events. Another fantastic example of the powerful healing that pets provide.

Chicago dogs bring comfort to Dallas

PET SAFETY TIPS FOR JULY 4TH

As we approach 4^th of July celebrations in the U.S. there are a number of things to keep in mind for your beloved pets. These include a number of items that can be toxic or bothersome to your pets such as food, fireworks, insect repellents and other substances that are mentioned in this link:

July 4th Pet safety Tips

Please keep these in mind and have a safe July 4^th!

ANOTHER INTERSPECIES CONNECTION

Another interspecies connection – this time between a bulldog and a koi. I am using the word connection because I am not sure what is happening between them.

Watch the video here: bulldog and koi

Since dogs are curious maybe this bulldog figured he/she would try to get a taste of uncooked fish. What do you think?

TIME TO EVALUATE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

We are half way through 2016. Do you remember the New Year’s resolutions that you made? Have you made progress with them? If not it is a great to assess where you are and readjust your plans if you need to with more realistic goals in mind. Don’t beat yourself up. Go for what you can realistically attain.

What progress have you made with your New Year’s resolutions? Make sure that you reward yourself for the advances you made with them (if you made progress).

BOND BETWEEN A MAN AND OWL

All animals play a vital role on our planet and in our lives. No one animal is more important than any other (including humans). I feel that animal rescuers are wonderful people who do great work to save the lives of those who are in the animal kingdom with us. Here is a story about the interaction between a person and a wild animal (owl):

man and owl hug

What unusual story do you have about a touching interaction between a person and a wild animal?

ARE DOGS CATS’ BEST FRIENDS?

This is a great video that shows the wonderful relationship that different species can have with one another. It also dispels those beliefs that:

• cats are not affectionate
• cats do not get along with dogs

cat giving dog a long hug

What types of positive interspecies interactions have you seen?

c

DOGS’ HEART RATES FOUND TO BE IN SYNC WITH HUMANS'

More and more evidence is popping up about how much our lives are intertwined with our furry and unfurred pets. This study shows how dogs’ heart rates are in sync with their pet parents'. Please read the article here:

Your Canine Pal's Heart Rate Is In Sync With Your's: Study

THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF HORSES ON AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Here is a great example of the powerful impact that animals have on people. There is plenty of evidence that animals have positive effects on people (e.g., the calming effect of goldfish in nursing homes, a dog’s presence that leads to a breakthrough during a therapy session). This example shows how horses can help autistic children:

horse's positive impact on autistic children

THE VALUE OF PET IDENTIFICATION

It is vitally important to properly identify your pet. Here are two ways to do that:

v get a collar for your pet that has the pet’s name, your address and telephone number.

v microchipping your pet with a permanent ID number that can be scanned if your pet is lost.

What type of identification do you have for pet?

This story is a great one that describes how a lost toddler was returned home because the dog that accompanied her was microchipped. They knew exactly where to return them both.

microchipped dog helps find lost toddler

PET THAT IS EARNING HIS KEEP

How many times have I said that my dog Pappy has to earn his keep? Well this dog has done just that. What does your pet do to earn his/her keep?

Happy Thursday to everyone!

helpful dog

THE HEALING POWER OF PETS

You have read my posts that describe the powerful healing impact of pets. I take my dog Pappy to a nearby nursing home every day and boy do I hear it if I come without him! No one even bothers to say hello to me, they just look disappointed and ask “Where is Pappy?”

How have you used your pet to brighten someone’s day?

CARING FOR YOUR PET AFTER YOU TRANSITION

I don’t want to be morbid but I want to make sure that people begin to think about care for their pets after they pass away. If you do not make any plans, your beloved companions may be surrendered to an animal shelter. If your pet is an older pet it is more difficult to find placement for him or her when they are in a shelter. Have you prepared any plans? If so, what plans did you make?

Here are some steps that you can take to plan ahead and prepare if that should happen to you:

pet estate planning

ANIMALS THAT PERFORM AMAZING HUMAN ACTS

We are still learning what our friends in the animal kingdom can do. We are beginning to make strides but there is so much more to understand about all the things they are capable of. Here are some other stories of human acts that pets and wild animals have performed:

amazing human acts that animals perform

What stories can you share about animals that did amazing human acts?

GRATITUDE LIST

Many people live a very hectic life. Sometimes there just does not seem to be time for a break to do something that is enjoyable. It is time to restore some joy into your life. One way that you can do that is to take a moment to make a list of the things that you are grateful for in your life. It will allow you to pause and really appreciate what you have. You can also begin to realize what is important in your life and focus more on that rather than rushing to do the non-essential things.

What are you grateful for? Can you guess where this picture was taken?

PETS THAT DRESS LIKE US: A HORSE!

I often see clients come in with their dogs that are wearing adorable outfits.  I even saw a dressed up cat. One dog had on a dress with ruffles and she was wearing a pearl necklace. I thought that this pet/pet parent pair took the best dressed pair award: he had on a black and cream tee shirt with black pants as well as black and white sneakers. His dog had on the same outfit even down to the sneakers that were on each of his dog’s four paws. It was the highlight of my day – they were so cute!

But the pair in the link below take the top best dressed animal/person pair prize hands down! Have you ever heard of this trend with large animals like cows or horses? Well check this out:

well dressed horse

BUNNIES MAKE GREAT PETS ALSO!

I know that many of you think that my blogs are dogcentric and I agree that they are. So this time I would like to showcase another animal that makes a great pet and has the same healing powers as dogs. Not only are dogs and cats great companions but so are rabbits! Read this wonderful story about a giant rabbit:

giant rabbit finds a home

***The truth is any animal that you are attracted to/love has healing powers and opens up your heart.

THE EFFECT OF A FRENCH BULLDOG PAINTING

This painting was created by Scott Woolever and appeared on the cover of a recent J.A.V.M.A. (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association). What a great painting! Just looking at it warms my heart. What effect does it have on you?

P.S. - I wonder how long the dogs stayed in that spot:)?

HOW WILL YOU GET SUNSHINE INTO YOUR LIFE?

This morning I saw my dog lying in the sun in a corner against the wall and near the couch. Pappy somehow found sunshine to bask in even in an obscure place. How far are you willing to go and what does it take for you to find some sunshine in your life?

WEATHERING THE STORM

In the NYC area we had quite a severe storm yesterday with winds that exceeded 50 mph. High winds brought down trees, caused accidents, knocked out power and even caused buildings to collapse. There was even a tornado watch in northern New Jersey. Before a storm comes there is quiet and this morning after the gusty storm there were blue skies as well as peaceful quiet in the area.

This is just how life is for us. Everything is just hunky dory and then bam we get slammed by a horrific stormy event in our lives. Think about it. After every disaster that we thought we could not endure we made it! We survived to have our peace and blue skies.

HOW TO GET UNSTUCK: TAKE LESSONS FROM OUR FURRY FRIENDS

Sometimes it feels as if we are in a rut and can’t get out of it. During those times we have to find ways to calmly deal with our circumstances and focus on the great things that are waiting for us ahead. Initial rage is allowed but we have to somehow find a way to regain our focus on what we want to get or achieve in the future. We can take a page from the pets around us. Take a look at how our furry friends deal with life when they are stuck:

pets that are stuck

LOOK TO GIVE LOVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day is a day that we typically shower our loved ones with gifts such as dinners, chocolate candy or cards. Here are just a few other ways that we can show our love without spending a dime.

v Tell someone that you love him/her. Expressing love with words can have a great effect.

v Give someone a kiss or a hug.

v Spend some quality time with someone.

When you perform a loving deed you will receive so much joy from your action. How will you show someone that you love him or her on Valentine’s Day?

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 

 

DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER/THE POWER OF LOVE

I was wondering what to put in my blog this week and I came across this fabulous story that shows the intimate bond between people and animals. I also wanted to feature a cat in this post because I do admit that I have swayed more toward dogs in the past. The story below tells how a young girl in Istanbul saved the life of a homeless, disfigured cat. It highlights the exceptional goodness that resides within children and people all over the world. Please remember that each time you interact with someone – even the most difficult person.
Cat Rescued By 7 Year Old Istanbul Girl

THANKFUL

The last few days have been filled with wonderful expressions of love from people. I received a call from a gentleman who used to work in my department. Someone else called with some advice on how to accomplish something that I want to do. Last night, a woman that I mentor treated me to dinner.

I meditate each morning and before I start I sit quietly with overwhelming thankfulness in my heart. I am thankful for all the wonderful people and things in my life. I do not take them for granted. What are you thankful for?

SCHEDULING TIME FOR FUN

Has your life become so hectic that you do not have time to do the things that you enjoy? Your schedule can become overwhelmed with work and familial responsibilities. Any available time during your day easily becomes filled with work or other activities rather than things that you actually enjoy doing. The key is putting some play time in your schedule every day even if it is only a short amount of time. This will allow you to offset some of the stress that builds up from the other activities.

Why not take a moment to do what these two dogs are doing, HAVE FUN! How many of you schedule fun time with your dogs? What do you do?

 

SERVICE DOGS TRAINED BY PRISONERS

I often speak about the tremendous effects that dogs have on people’s lives. My own dog is an example – he consoled me when my mother’s dementia worsened. Another example is service dogs that are trained by prisoners. There are so many positive results that arise from these training programs. They include: providing well trained service dogs that will enhance the lives of people with disabilities, allowing prisoners to open up their hearts to dogs that give them unconditional love without judgment of the crimes they may have committed and feeling a sense of accomplishment when they conduct this training. Here is a great story about this topic:

Service Dogs Trained by Prisoners

Please tell me your stories about how dogs have helped you in any areas of your (or others’) lives, I would love to hear them!

WAYS TO START OFF YOUR NEW YEAR

Here is an article from Success magazine – it offers some great tips on starting off your new year. Enjoy!

44 Ways to Star Your New Year