Ruckus Rules
In this issue...
Rescue!
Ruckus Rulz!
Vet Spotlight!
Woof Report!

Our Supporters!

lexi 2
cbrr 2 logo
If you are looking for a bulldog to adopt, check here first!
Sandy Cove
One of Ruckus' Favorite vacation spots!
 
 
 
 
Ruckus'  Tips and Tid-Bits
Bulldog Tested, Labrador Approved!
January 2010
Ruck and Tuck
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
I don't know about you, but I am sure glad that 2009 is done and over with! I am ready to embrace this new year with open arms and excitement.
 
Ruckus has been my constant traveling companion for the last few months and I have truly come to realize what an amazing animal I have been blessed with. 
 
We attended the SuperZoo pet expo in September and are beginning to bring our 'finds' to you with this newsletter.
 
In March we are planning to attend the Global Pet Expo in Florida. That is a wonderful time to head south for warmer weather!  This show will also give us many new things to share.
   
Don't forget that every photo or logo in this email is a direct link to the company in that section!
 
NOW 
On to some amazing people, places and things! 
Mickie 

Rescue

 Pongo
 
This is too amazing not to share with everyone. 

Larry, the founder of the Pongo Fund, says that it all started with Jackson & Jewels.

Two great dogs that he saw one evening, camped underneath the Morrison Bridge in Portland, Oregon. They lived there with their people, in a relatively clean and orderly campsite. It was almost Thanksgiving, 2007. Although he didn't realize it then, The Pongo Fund was just beginning.

He stopped to ask how they were and if they had Thanksgiving plans. They said they did; they'd be celebrating the Holiday at a shelter just up the street. And they said they were fine and needed nothing. Not for themselves, at least. But some dog food would sure be great. Really good food; could I get them some of that?

They explained that the shelters they frequented rarely had any pet food. But their dogs needed to eat something for dinner, so they all shared the same meals. It wasn't healthy for any of them, but that's just how it was. He said hecould help, and the next day he returned with some Canidae dog food, treats, dog coats and beds.

And that was 200,000 meals ago.

  Check them out here and help this great cause if you can!

 RUCKUS RULZ! TM

Bulldog Tested, Labrador Approved!
 
True Blue 1 
 
Hey all, Sir Ruckus here!  I have met an amazing Labrador named Sam.  His skin-dad Doug likes him so much that he created a product line just for him.  What is great is that now they are going to share it with all of us!  How cool is that.
 
I know that all of you have heard me whine before about taking a bath.  Sometimes it makes my skin kinda dry and the soap can hurt my eyes.  My mom insists that all of the fur-kids in this house smell good so she is always searching for products that she thinks are safe for us but ones that also work good.  Whelp, you guessed it, Sam and Doug to the rescue.
 
Their TRUE BLUE line of pet grooming products are amazing.  They are all natural and have limited ingredients.  All of which mom could pronounce! 
 
So onto the shower we went!  First we did the smell check, and although it was tempting for her to use the puppy shampoo she got one that was more geared towards me.  She used the SuperFresh Dog Shampoo made with Grapefruit and Chamomile.  Now with it being all natural you might think that it wouldn't lather so well, but mom only used about 1/2 as much as she normally would and I looked just like a white fluffy cotton ball.  Once we got me all rinsed it was time for the Moisture Rich Conditioner made with Aloe and Avocado.  Again it just took a little bit and I was soft as can be.  As soon as we got all done mom used the eye wipes to clean up my eyes and wrinkles around my nose to make sure that I didn't have any tear stains and then she cleaned out my ears really good with the ear wipes. (She thinks I will listen better now that I can hear with my clean ears!  HA HA HA)  Tucker felt left out so mom used the teeth wipes on him.  These are really nice because with a bulldogs odd bite sometimes a tooth brush isn't always an easy thing to use.  With the wipes it was really easy for her to fix up Tuck's icky breath... They are made with Parsley and Peppermint and they must not have been too bad because my brother stood still for it.
 
Now my friends you have to check them out for yourself to see all of the different things they have to offer. Not only in grooming items, but  clothes, leashes and beds!  Please let Doug and Sam know that I sent you so they can give you the extra special 'friends of Ruckus' treatment!  
True Blue Logo
 
Don't forget that if you have a favorite person, place or thing that your pet can't live without you can email me at [email protected]  and maybe I can check it out.  Even as picky as a Bulldog is, you never know, it could be my favorite!
 
Smell you soon,
Love Ruckus  

Sonja photo new Talking Spirit with Sonja Grace

 In working with pets it has been brought to my attention time and time again that the beloved family member walks in two worlds.  Your world as your faithful companion and the animal world complete with sniffing, barking, meowing, running, jumping, climbing and going where no man has gone before!  Often times our pets have such a strong connection with us that we relate to them as if they were a child or grandparent depending on the age of the animal.  The bottom line is they are connected to their roots as much as we are.  The obvious is overlooked and the simple facts that our animals have basic animal needs should be addressed.   When your dog accidentally uses the rug for the bathroom, remember they often don't see the difference between the outdoors and the indoors and the rug has the same appearance as the ground outside!  Help your pet by understanding that they do not see your world in the same way you do, nor do they understand the value of a house or a car.    The dog or cat is trying to abide by the rules but remember they are instinctually going to respond from the animal nature in them as much as we think they are human.  So be patient, allow for mistakes and help you're pet to be the animal that they are as well as the faithful companion to you and your family.
To learn more about Sonja Grace visit: www.sonjagrace.com
Her new book Angels in the 21st Century A New Perspective on Death and Dying is now available on Amazon
 
Wikander logo
 VET SPOTLIGHT
 Preventive Health Care for your Pet!
 
 

Research has shown unequivocally that sharing your home with a pet can help keep you healthy by reducing stress in your life. However, if we choose to share our lives with companion animals, it becomes our duty to make sure that we provide them with the care they need to stay healthy and happy. The basics that we must provide to our pets include:

 

Appropriate nutrition. Your pet requires good quality, digestible food and fresh water. With the recent pet food recall, some pet owners have decided to avoid commercial food and instead give their pet table food. The problem with this is that you can inadvertently cause serious health problems if the diet is not properly balanced. Carnivores (meat eaters), herbivores (plant eaters), and insectivores (insect eaters) have very different nutritional needs from humans, who are omnivores (capable of meeting their nutritional requirements through a combination of plants and meats). Few of our pets are omnivores, and if they are fed an inappropriate diet will develop serious health problems over the long term. To further complicate matters, if given the choice between foods that taste good and foods that are healthy, pets will often eat only the tasty things (much like young children!). The nutritional adequacy of high quality pet foods is backed by scientific research and responsible manufacturers have added new safeguards to their processes to ensure food safety. Therefore the best way to ensure that your pet's diet meets its requirements is to feed a commercial diet that is recommended by your veterinarian. But if you still wish to feed your pet a home prepared diet, talk to your veterinarian, who either can give you recipes that include appropriate levels of nutrients such as calcium or can refer you to a knowledgeable veterinary nutritionist.

 

Adequate shelter. Today, most pets live indoors so shelter is less of an issue. However, some dogs prefer to live outdoors and must be given housing that is warm, clean, and pest-free. Birds, small mammals and reptiles must be given clean, well ventilated cages that include the proper bedding and lighting to keep them healthy.

 

Exercise and companionship.  Exercise helps your pet maintain muscle tone, keeps its metabolism functioning properly and provides mental stimulation. Provide toys that are appropriate for the pet and exercise the pet at least twice daily. For dogs, it is important to go for at least 2 leash walks per day. Some pet owners will choose to adopt several pets that are compatible with each other to provide companionship when the human family is not home.

 

Grooming. Grooming includes daily brushing (including tooth brushing), regular nail trims, and bathing when necessary. Brushing removes dead hair and skin cells and stimulates blood flow to the skin. It helps prevent hairballs in pets such as cats and rabbits, and allows you to notice skin abnormalities such as minor lesions or abnormal hair loss. Tooth brushing helps maintain tooth and gum health, prevents premature tooth loss, and may help control breath odor.

 

Regular health care. Pets age more rapidly than humans. In addition, many animals have evolved to hide signs of illness until it becomes life-threatening. Veterinarians are trained to recognize many of these signs and subtle symptoms at an early stage. Therefore, it is important that your pet, no matter what its species, receives regular (at least once a year) 'wellness' examinations by a qualified veterinarian. You can be a partner in your pet's health care by monitoring your pet's appetite, elimination habits, attitude, habits, energy and sleep patterns, and telling your veterinarian about any concerns you may have. 

 

 Article provided by Dr. Wikander of Cornell Road Vet Hospital and Laser Center.
 
woof report

By: The Woof Report

 Top Dog Resort Spots
Top 10 Dog-Friendly U.S. Resort Regions

 It's a dog's world after all. Resort destinations across the nation make sure of it. And to prove it, here's the just-released list of Dog-Friendly.com's Top 10 Dog-Friendly U.S. Resort Regions for 2009. Chosen for the quality of dog-friendly accommodations, things to do with your dog, beaches, parks and dog-friendly patio dining, your dog will dig these spots. Take your pick, plan a doggie dream and go!
 
1. Carmel/Monterey, CA. Luxury accommodations, dining and shopping meet off-leash beach fun at CarmelCityBeach.
 
2. Bar Harbor/Acadia, ME. Pad around the glorious AcadiaNational Park, shop around the historic downtown. Even hop aboard a ferry for a boat cruise. Maine's not just for lovers, it's for dogs too.
 
3. Black Hills, SD. Pitch the pup tent! The campgrounds and many attractions welcome your dog. Make sure to stop by Mt.Rushmore and the BadlandsNational Park too.
 
4. St Augustine, FL. Take your little fur goblin on the ghost tour. Stop off for lunch and shopping. Or, make a day of it on a harbor cruise. It's all dog-friendly in St. Augustine.
 
5. Cape Cod, MA. Dogs who summer will love beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore, along with Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. The cruises and ferries welcome furry passengers.
 
6. Key West, FL. You and your pup can take in the warm temperatures and glistening seas, while enjoying the quaint B&B's, outdoor dining and dog-friendly boating and stores.
 
7. Charlottesville, VA. Even your dog can take in the historic sights! Visit the estates of Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Shop at the downtown mall and visit dog-friendly ShenandoahPark close by.
 
8. Mendocino, CA. Complete with hiking, off-leash beaches, and paddling down BigRiver aboard a canoe, the seaside town's a pup favorite.
 
9. Asheville/Blue Ridge, NC. Leash up the pup for Tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit the awesome Biltmore Estate grounds and pass the afternoon shopping at BiltmoreVillage.
 
10. Amarillo, TX. Giddy up, Cowdogs! Book your stay at the Big Texan Steak Ranch Motel, then visit the famous Cadillac Ranch or spend a day at PaloDuroCanyon.
 
The Scoop:
 
See the five Honorable Mentions and get details about where to stay and play at the Top Ten dog-friendly resort destinations.
www. dogfriendly.com/top10resorts 
 
See DogFriendly.com's 2010 Top 10 U.S. Cities to Visit With Your Dog
www.dogfriendly.com/top10cities 
Sonja Book
A MUST READ! 
Angels in the 21st Century by the clairvoyant Sonja Grace, offers a new perspective on death and dying. Gleaned over many decades of deeply intuitive readings for clients of this world and the next, Sonja's book is a gem that illuminates into the far reaches of our existence. Now more than ever, we need to have a clear understanding of the death process, because it is in dying that we come to know living. In her new book Sonja Grace connects the everyday with the astral, the mundane with the eternal. Angels in the 21st Century is a refreshing and accessible read for the person who has lived enough life to want to know some answers for the difficult questions. Do we reincarnate individually or in families, how do we clear past karmic hangovers, why is my life appearing to be unfulfilled? These and other deep challenges to the human spirit are explained in Sonja's book, and in addition, she portrays a very compelling narrative with real world examples and true stories. The book is available in paperback and is a perfect companion for the baby boomer who is seeking a deep knowledge and fulfillment out of life.