Happy "Howl O Ween!" |
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A Great Big "Pink" Thank You!
To all of our clients and staff that helped make"Pooches In Pink" a big success! The weather did not cooperate, but everyone had a good time, and helped raise money and awareness for the Susan G. Kormen for the Cure foundation. We still have some pink tee shirts available, so if you haven't purchased yours yet, stop by and pick one up!
Just a reminder.....Don't be a Turkey!
Our Thanksgiving boarding space is going fast at both Lucky Dogs,so make your reservation today! While you're at it...we've been taking Christmas reservations for boarding since July, so don't be disappointed. Christmas is sooner than you think!
For those needing in-home pet care now, or over the holidays, call Lucky Dog At Home at 648-7893. Our pet sitting coordinator, Astrid, we be happy to give you more information.
Remember that all canine influenza vaccines (both injections) must be completed by Oct 31 for your friend to play or stay at Lucky Dog!
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| Contact Us |
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4401 Mark Dabling Blvd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907
719-599-9663
or
2801 Janitell Rd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
719-527-9663 www.bealuckydog.com |
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The Older Dog - Cognitive Dysfunction and the Dietary Link
Darla's 11 year old poodle "Maddie" ad been acting strangely for quite some time. The cuddly, attention seeking dog she once knew had become disinterested in her and the environment in general. Maddie no longer showed interest in play, cuddling, and she could no longer remember the simple commands she had learned as a pup. Darla's veterinarian told her that Maddie was probably suffering from cognitive dysfunction disorder, a symptom of aging similar to senility in human beings.
How Old Is Old?
Dependent on a dog's breed, health history, and genetic background, signs of old age can begin as early as 7 years, but the average for age related problems is about 11 years. Other signs of cognitive dysfunction disorder in dogs over 7 years can include loss of bowel or bladder control, nighttime wakefulness, and general disorientation. Research veterinarians from Cornell University have traced the disorder in part to "oxidative stress." Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals (harmful chemicals produced in the body) are present in the canine brain. The presence of these chemicals can damage neurons causing learning and memory problems.
What Can Be Done?
A two year study by the University of Toronto and California State University Irvine, has shown that a diet rich in antioxidants can improve an aging dog's ability to learn and remember, by limiting free radical damage in the brain. Manufacturers of high quality senior diets have performed extensive research to establish the nutritional requirements of aging dogs. Check your dog food bags carefully! Certain berry fruits, especially blueberries, have been shown to provide a high level of antioxidants. Many high quality foods not specifically for senior dogs, are better for an older dog than low quality senior diets. Again, know exactly what your dog is eating! Our staff at Lucky Dog will be happy to point you in the right direction for quality dog and cat foods!
The cornerstone for the health and well being of any pet is diet! Next month's newsletter will concentrate on canine nutrition.
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Pawtoberfest and HOWL 'oween!
Join your friends from Lucky Dog for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region's 
Pawtoberfest on Sat Oct 17! Starting at 10 AM there will be a walk/run through Monument Valley Park and downtown Colorado Springs (see Quick Links for web site registration.) Bring your dog to enjoy vendors and other activities from 11 AM until 2 PM, which includes a dog friendly beer garden. From 2 PM to 4 PM enjoy blues music at the Nosh patio at 121 S. Tejon. Lucky Dog is one of this year's sponsors of this event, and all proceeds go to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region!
On Oct 3rd at 10 AM come out and support the great rescue organization "Safe Place" which helps find loving homes for pets of the terminally ill. HOWL'oween will be held at Daniels Chevy Land at 670 Automotive Drive. The festivities will include a canine costume parade, 2500 prizes, and a chance to win an audition for David Letterman's Stupid Pet Tricks! Lucky Dog will be this year's sponsor of the Haunted House, and all proceeds of the event benefit the Safe Place Rescue Organization!
Attention!
New at Lucky Dog! Multiple dog daycare discounts with purchase of a 30 day package!
With the purchase of a 30 day daycare package, 2 dogs from the same family visiting daycare on the same day will automatically get the days for $14 per dog. Bring 3 or more dogs you get the day for $13 per dog! All dogs must be in the same family and all must be present on the same day to get the special pricing. Another great reason to refer your friends to Lucky Dog!
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Leader of the Pack?
By Angie Neal, CDBC
So frequently dog trainers will explain to a client the need to be "the pack leader" or "alpha dog" in their home. Traditionally, establishing oneself as the alpha was associated with forceful, violent, or aggressive methods. For most dog owners, this is a horrible thought, so often the bad canine behaviors are ignored and people learn to live with them. However, a true alpha is a confident, benevolent leader, gentle but firm, loving but tough. The trick is to establish a pack structure wherein our dogs view us as the leader, we initiate the actions, and we set the rules. If you think you might need to take back control in your home, read on.
MINE!
Dogs have a list of valuables in their world. Their food, toys, bowl, and the attention of their owners are all "coveted" items. Some dogs get themselves into patterns of behavior in which they patrol their territory, steal items and won't give them up, or demand attention by pestering, nudging or barking at their owners. In other words, they start running the show! This behavior can obviously cause problems between human and canine. Putting yourself and other human family members first when dealing with your dog will help make him aware that he is not in charge, and you are!
Becoming Alpha
Leaders go through doorways first, decide when it's time to eat, and decide how much work should be done to earn a meal.Teach your dog to perform a simple obedience command like "Sit!" before you feed her, this gives her a "job" that she must complete to get her meal. Different breeds were bred for different tasks, and a dog that is not given mental stimulation along with physical activity may develop behavior problems. Ignore unsolicited demands for attention, from your dog but remember to use your attention as a reward. Leaders decide when to play and when play time is over. Make sure your dog understands that this is your decision, not hers.
Help!
If you think you need help with your dog reach out to a canine behaviorist who is trained to assist you in creating a harmonious relationship between you and your dog!
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Halloween Is Scary for Dogs and Can Be Deadly!
This article was first published in our October 2008 Newsletter.
Every one loves Halloween, and this group of canine trick-or-treaters is no exception! Keep in mind however that Halloween can be a "tricky" time for your dog. Here are some basic Halloween safety issues you should be aware of!
Scary Stuff! Costumes are designed to change your appearance in a big way, but these changes can be frightening for your dog. Just a minor change in someone's appearance, like the use of a cane, or wearing a big hat, can frighten your canine friend. Now consider your dog watches you go into another room looking like his beloved companion and you return looking like Captain Jack Sparrow! This transformation can be a disturbing and confusing visual for him. Adding to this, your home is suddenly invaded by groups of scary looking visitors ringing your door bell!
Keep Your Dog Calm It is best to put your dog in a quiet room with a stuffed Kong, or his favorite toy once the Halloween festivities begin. Turn on the TV to provide some comforting and familiar background noise. Do not put your dog in the back yard, for enthusiastic trick-or-treaters have been know to tease or otherwise disturb dogs. Also, kids in costume tend to exhibit strange physical activities along with their wardrobe change (especially when they magically become "super heroes".) Children are bitten on Halloween more than other times of the year, so tell the kids to cool it around the dog, and/or put your dog in a quiet place away from the kids.
Treats Can be Tricky
Lots of yummy treats for kids are dangerous for dogs, and some are potentially fatal. Raisins and chocolate are big offenders. Keep an eye on very young children in particular who might not realize the consequences of sharing their candy with four-legged friends.
Dogs In Costume
Dog costumes are not necessarily safe for dogs. There are no safety requirement for most dog costume manufacturers. Netting, sequins, wire, and elastic can all present choking or bowel obstructions hazards for your canine friend. A scared dog may run away with a costume on and get caught in trees or bushes, so do not allow him to wear his costume if he is not under your visual supervision.
Don't end up spending your Halloween at the veterinary emergency hospital!
Creating a safe, less traumatic Halloween event for your dog is better for all the celebrants, human and canine alike.
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Valued clients,
We put it right on the front of our web site "We Invite Comparison!" The Lucky Dog team is always working on new ways to save our clients money, and to improve our canine care services. A client recently asked if we would consider a discount for multiple dogs for clients who purchase our 30 day package. It took us two days to look into that, decide it was fair and a great idea! So now multiple dog households get the package discount and an additional discounts for more than one dog!
We're different in other ways too!
Our daycare packages have no expiration dates. You'll never be told your money has "disappeared!"
Along with your daycare discount, your 10 or 30 day package money can be used for any service or retail item at either of our locations.
Your dog is rested during the day in-between play periods. If dogs are left on the playfloor all day they become irritable - imagine trying to rest on a floor with other people running and playing all around you! Designated rest periods are the way to go in dog daycare!
The reason we can do what we do is because we are your Colorado Springs home grown canine care center. We don't franchise or answer to a big corporation somewhere, we created Lucky Dog because we love dogs and want our clients to get the best deal in town!
Next Month: A Special Pet Food Edition of our Newsletter - Don't miss it!
Happy Halloween!
Debi Ropes-Stevenson
General Manager, Lucky Dog Resorts
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No Tricks Please...Here's Your Treat!
One free Kong Lunch with the purchase of a Day of Daycare!
No Need to Print Coupon - Just Mention at Drop Off |
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| Offer Expires: One free lunch per family - Expires October 31, 2009 |
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