The Lucky Dog Newsletter
 Happy Valentine's Day! |
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What's Happening In Pueblo?
The PAWS for Life Animal Welfare and Protection Society Campus
A couple of years ago the great folks came from the PAWS group to see Lucky Dog South. They were interested in having a dog boarding and daycare facility on the same land as the new shelter they were planning. We got a call after their visit. They didn't want to run their daycare boarding; they wanted us to!
Since then the fund raising for the shelter has continued, and there is still a long way to go. When completed this all green facility will boast the shelter (to go up first of course),the dog daycare and boarding facility, veterinary facility, regulation sized agility field and dog walk area. Wow! The land has been generously donated, but there is more money to be raised. To see how you can be a part of this wonderful project go to the PAWS Pueblo link in Quicklinks above. We will keep you posted on the project's progress.
Debi Ropes-Stevenson
General Manager, Lucky Dog Resorts
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4401 Mark Dabling Blvd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907
719-599-9663
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2801 Janitell Rd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
719-527-9663
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Our Webcams
More than Just Fun!
by Debi Ropes-Stevenson
On most Saturday mornings I sit by my computer at my home in Woodland Park and watch my webcams. I know that I sometimes get a little crazy with my calls to the kennel if I think something is amiss. I can visualize the rolling of eyes and the mumbles - "Doesn't she have anything better to do?" but I always voice my concerns with a phone call, no matter how annoying I may be.
We have safety baskets at various locations around the kennels for emergencies. Whistles, direct stop spray, and other safety gear items are in the basket. A couple of weeks ago I swore I saw a safety basket on the floor! My phone inquiry was met with assurance that no safety basket was on the floor ( baskets on the floor could present a danger to a dog if he got hold of the contents.) After I was assured that the baskets were securely fastened up and away, I realized it was an optical illusion due the angle of the camera, and felt a little silly. I would rather be safe than sorry, however, and apologized for the interruption.
Another time I thought I saw an outside gate opened and had one of my managers rush over there to check it out. It was an inside gate and I swear I got a dirty look from my manager right up into that camera. I know they're padlocked, but again better safe than sorry.
I've called to ask employees where their Lucky Dog tee shirts are. I like all of us wearing the shirts, it looks so much more professional than multiple "civilian" tees. Usually it's a matter of undone laundry or holes in the shirt etc. One day I got a rather comical answer via the front desk manager "Tell her Shadow peed on me!" I excused his unauthorized shirt wearing for that day.
Once, a pair of low rise jeans really got my attention (not in a positive way). I'm sure that North America got a good look before I sent the guardian home to change. Same with the guardian that came to work in a shirt that said "What Would Scooby Doo?" Cute, but not appropriate for on-camera work.
I thought I saw an employee with a gold chain on his neck the other day! This would be a very serious infraction in the dog care world. Dogs will go after shiny objects and PULL! A dog could in theory swallow a piece of chain. Turned out that this particular guardian decided to wear his whistle around his neck that day, which is allowed. Fortunately, a witness made me aware of this before I called to make a fool out of myself once again.
I am glad to say that I have never had to call about a dog behavior, or dogs playing too roughly or anything along those lines. My crews are so good at keeping a happy group of dogs and removing any dog acting up, that it has never been necessary.
So, the cameras serve many uses both logistically, administratively, as well as recreationally.I would never dream of doing without them! My human employees however might appreciate it if I gave them a break on Saturday mornings. I was told once to "go have a bagel or something." This Saturday maybe I will.
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Neuter and Spay - Fact vs Fiction
 We've all heard the old wives' tale that a female dog should experience a heat cycle, and some say have a litter, before being spayed (who are these old wives anyway?) Hopefully, the modern dog owner does recognize this as nonsense, but I'm amazed at how many folks I've spoken to who believe it, or are just not sure. Here is some CORRECT information on neutering and spaying.
A female dog (or "bitch" in correct terms) reaches sexual maturity anywhere from five to 24 months of age, and most before their first birthday. The female may be in season without the owner realizing it because some dogs bleed very little, or keep themselves very clean. So, if you do not plan on breeding your female (and hopefully that's most of us) get her spayed early on at 5 or 6 months to avoid reproductive accidents. Along with helping to control our dog population, spaying reduces the incidence of mammary tumors and avoids the life threatening uterine infection, pyrometra.
A male dog (is by the way a "dog" in correct terms) reaches sexual maturity at 5 to 9 months of age. Neutering your boy does bring about advantageous changes. A dog neutered early will be more mellow and have less roaming and marking instincts. Neutering eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer, and a neutered dog is less likely to develop prostate problems.
Neutering is a much simpler procedure than spaying, but both are surgical procedures that should be performed by a qualified veterinarian. Occasionally after these procedures infection can develop, and licking the surgical site should be discouraged. Some dogs must wear a cone or e-collar to prevent this behavior. Females should be spayed when not in season to prevent excessive bleeding. However, most vets will spay a dog in season, usually with additional cost added to the procedure.
Currently some vets are advising neutering and spaying at a very young age (aged in weeks rather than months.) Consult your veterinarian for his opinion of this practice.
Did you know?
Second hand smoke has been associated with nasal and lung cancer in dogs.
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Doggy Kisses!
You love them or you hate them; those slurpy, drippy, smoozy doggy kisses. Why canines enjoy licking our faces is a matter of opinion. The most commonly believed explanation is that licking the face of a human is a submissive wolf pup gesture designed to trigger regurgitation in the mom wolf. This produces a ready to eat, partially digested meal for the babies - YUM!
Whatever the reason for this behavior, it is easy to encourage or discourage your dog for or from his licking frenzy. Of course to encourage him, praise and act very excited as soon as the lick-fest begins. To discourage, turn your head away and add the word "No!" or "Too bad!" and withdraw your attention. Reward the absence of licks with a play session and affection. If you have a dog that greets you with licking keep a favorite chew toy by your door and encourage the use of the toy, instead of your face, for his oral gratification. Keep in mind that, even if you enjoy the sloppy doggy kisses visitors may not, so it might be a behavior you want to discourage.
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February is National Pet Dental Month!
"Hey mom, look at these choppers!"
The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the time they are 3 years old. Along with foul breath, bad teeth can cause systemic infections, relentless pain, decreased appetite, and bad reactions when the dog's head is touched or bumped. Basically, poor dental health can turn your pet's life into a nightmare!
How can we as loving pet owners prevent dental disease?
* Check your pet's teeth regularly. Examine the condition and amount of staining. Look for sores in the mouth or inflamed gums.
*Brush your pet's teeth. Start from the time they are very young for best results. Use a canine tooth paste for dogs, or make a paste of salt and baking soda. Use a child's tooth brush or a specially designed pet tooth brush.
*Use an oral gel or water additive to help maintain a healthy mouth and great breath. These are particularly helpful if you can't brush the teeth. Oxyfresh products are good ones to try.
*Have your pet's teeth professionally cleaned once a year. This procedure is fairly expensive and does require anesthesia, however preventative cleanings are much less expensive than waiting until there are problems, the worst of which is tooth loss and infection.
*Provide stimulating chewing items such as Flossies, Nylabone, and specially made dental items like CET dental chews. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
*Certain breeds of small dogs such as Yorkies, Poodles, and Chihuahuas are predisposed to early onset dental disease. These breeds tend to have longer lives as well, so it is very important to pay very close attention to their dental health.
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20% Off Any Kong Product!
Coupon Good at Either Lucky Dog Location! 
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Offer Expires: February 28, 2010 No need to print coupon just mention offer!
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