Gracie's Bark | Pet Friendly Resource

A Cold Winter's Day at the Beach

Gracie had a fabulous time today at Gooseberry Island in Westport, MA. She met some new friends and had a blast playing with them all around the island.

It was a pleasure meeting the two beautiful Golden Retrievers named Casey & Molly and the very handsome Labradoodle named Jackson! Gracie had so much fun with all of you and hopes we can meet again for another fun beach walk over at Gooseberry Island soon!

  

 

 

Indy, the Siberian Husky, beating the odds for one year

Gracie and I have stayed in contact with Carol Roberts and her amazing Husky named Indiana (Indy). We are always sending get well wishes Indy's way and we keep Indy and family in our thoughts every day. 

You may remember a story about Indy on our blog back on October 27, 2010. Read More

Carol contacted Gracie's Bark again to celebrate Indy's remarkable story and we were more than happy to showcase Indy a second time!

"I would like to share with all of you special people a beautiful tribute to our Indiana, as he is beating the odds for one year! My wonderful husband Steve showed me how to create this amazing video, which I finished last month in hopes that we would still have Indy today to celebrate the joy of his wonderful presence!

 

One year ago we were told the devastating news that our beautiful, loving Siberian husky had bone cancer. If we didn’t remove his front left limb, he would not have even lived another month or two, as it would have spread rapidly to his lungs. We were told that with the surgery, it only promised us 5 or 6 months the most. (with a very small possibility of an extra month) We were also told that it was very rare, but a few dogs have beaten the odds for up to a year.) We hoped and prayed and then prayed some more that maybe this amazing soul dog of mine would be the one to be so lucky to live another year!

I couldn’t even imagine life without Indy! (I still can’t). I am so happy to say that he is still here with us, bright eyed and bushy tailed ~ so full of love & kisses! He sings with me every day and enjoys life to its fullest!  He was put on this earth to spread the love ~ just like his mom xoxo Thank you everyone for all of your love & prayers ~ we so appreciate it!  I also pray for anyone else that is going through something like this ~ that they too may have a miracle ~ as miracles do happen! I believe in the power of love!"

Written by Indy’s mom ~ Carol Roberts~ 

Please note: Indiana can also be followed on http://indianaslove.tripawds.com/

The Dog's Trust Fund

How much do you love your pet? Would you write your pet into your will? 

 

 

 

On January 7, 2011, “Governor Deval Patrick signed into law An Act Relative to Trusts for the Care of Animals to allow legally enforceable trusts to provide for the care of one or more animals if the trust’s creator becomes incapacitated in any way or dies.” (MSPCA-Angell Press Release). The law takes effect in 90 days in Massachusetts. 

MSPCA’s Director of Advocacy stated “When this law takes effect families with pets will be able to provide financial resources for the care of their animals in the event of incapacity or death, benefitting people as well as the pets. Additionally, the burden placed on municipal shelters and rescue organizations will now be eased as there is a viable, enforceable alternative plan for the care of animals.” Read More

My next concern would be to ask myself “Whom would I entrust with the care of Gracie and Luke?” Well, luckily I have Rob, but also some great friends and family members that I could count on to take very good care of my two monsters! 

The Pet Trust law prohibits the person you entrust from using any of the funds for other purposes. It also provides a legal avenue to enforce the deceases owner’s wishes if a person or organization believes that the money set aside for your pet’s care is being misused. 

There are some restrictions that many people should be aware of. This law permits judges to reduce the amount of a pet care trust if it substantially exceeds the amount required to care for the pet, making sure the animal’s care is not impacted in any way.

According to an MSPCA fact sheet, between 12 and 27 percent of pet owners include their pets in estate planning, and more than a third of Massachusetts households are home to a dog or cat. 
There have been instances where people believe certain pet trusts have been misused, but the idea of putting my mind at ease that Gracie and Luke will be cared for and not tossed into a shelter, in the event that something happens, gives me peace of mind. 

Animal shelter statistics are staggering. “Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state.” (ASPCA)

Pet Trusts have now opened a door to continuing pet care for animals and keeping them out of shelters. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the new law and Pet Trusts in general.  Would you write your pet into your will? Write your comments below.

Finding a Lost Pet

Our pets are a big part of our family and we need everyone’s help when a pet gets lost. Please keep in mind when you find a lost pet that there is a family desperately looking for that pet. Remember to always check with your local dog officer and animal shelter to see if someone has reported that pet missing. 

Gracie came across some important tips for finding a lost pet and wanted to share them with all of you.  

Don’t Wait! Start your search right away. Get outside immediately and start calling your pet’s name, make a lot of noise and knock on doors in the neighborhood. Most dogs and cats stay fairly close to where they were originally lost.

Make Flyers and Consider a Reward. Make up flyers with your pet's photo, age, gender, breed and color, and your contact information. Distribute them to neighbors, area businesses, veterinary offices, police departments, and animal shelters. You can also post them at traffic intersections and pet supply stores. 

File a lost pet report with every shelter within a 60-mile radius of your home and visit the nearest shelters daily, if possible.

Search repeatedly and look in hiding places. Keep in mind that pets are often afraid when they’re lost and find hiding places, usually nearby.

Important Things to Remember:

Collar ID Tags are very important. At the very least, your cell phone number should be included on the tag.

Microchips the size of a grain of rice can be implanted under your pet's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. They transmit an identification code and the phone number of the appropriate registry via radio frequency waves. If a pet is found, the shelter or veterinarian will routinely scan for a chip and contact the registry. In turn, the microchip company will contact the pet owner.

 

If your pet has gone missing, immediately contact the dog officer and/or animal shelters in your area. Then contact GRACIE Alert at [email protected]. 

GRACIE Alert activates an urgent blog post about a missing pet that is broadcasted over the internet and shared in several social networking sites. The goal of a GRACIE Alert is to instantly notify the entire pet community to assist in the search for and the safe recovery of a pet.

We are still looking for Pepper, a 6 year old Australian Cattle Dog, lost on December 21, 2010 in the Westport MA area. Please help Pepper and family be together once again! Read More

 

Weekend Pet Friendly Events in Massachusetts

 

Gracie is dedicated to helping pet owners and their dogs find fun places to go and fun things to do throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Check out our list of great dog friendly and pet friendly events below. 

 

 

 

Healthy Hounds

 

Saturday, January 15, 2011

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Bark Place, Boston, MA

Cost: The seminars are FREE to attend but you must sign up in advance at the store, or by e-mail at [email protected]

Bark Place South End has introduced a month-long schedule of programs and events to educate pet owners on health, proper care, and wellbeing for their dogs. The series will address diet, fitness & training, grooming, and dog massage therapy.Program highlights include:

January 15: Holistic Diet

January 22: K9 Fitness & Training

January 29: Dog Massage Therapy

Click here... to learn more!

 

Perfect Paws Pet Ministry

 

Sunday, January 16, 2011 (or every third Sunday of every month)

5:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Location: Calvary Episcopal Church, Danvers, MA

Cost: Free

A special half-hour worship service for humans and their much loved animal companions (canines that are leashed, and other household pets in carrying crates) from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month. The Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas, rector of Calvary Episcopal Church, offers a Holy Eucharist and homily for the humans, and each companion animal is offered a treat at the end of the service. More...

 

National Walk Your Pet Month

 

Sunday, January 16, 2011 (and every day for the month of January)

8:00 a.m.

Location: Lowell Dog Park, Lowell, MA

Cost: Free

The cold January temperatures are not overly inviting, but January is National Walk Your Pet Month and the benefits of a brisk walk with your pal are numerous. A stroll is a great way to bond with your dog and give him (and you) much needed exercise. Additionally, a daily walk with your pooch may help you stick to your New Year’s Resolutions.

 

For more Pet Friendly and Dog Friendly Events, visit Gracie's Dog Friendly Event Calendar!

If you are interested in posting a dog friendly event, please email Gracie at [email protected] with complete details of the event(s). Pictures and videos are welcome, space permitting.  

 

Melts in Your Mouth, Not in your Paws

With a Winter Storm Watch in effect it is important to think of how this weather affects our pets. Below are some dog winter safety tips to remember.

Keeping your dog inside whenever the temperatures hover around freezing. Just like humans, dogs can get frostbite, especially on their noses, ears, and tails. Even dogs with full winter coats can get cold when the temperature hovers below freezing for several days. It is best to bring your dog into the house during extremely cold weather, especially at night when temperatures tend to drop. Gracie is one lucky pup; she cuddles with us in bed every night and spends her days nice and warm inside our home.

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice (especially during a snowstorm) because dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost.

Make sure your dog always wears an ID tag and consider Microchipping your pet. All pets should wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their owner, but only a microchip provides permanent ID that cannot fall off, be removed, or become impossible to read. A pet microchip creates a forever bond between you and the pet you love. Both Gracie and our cat Luke are microchipped!

When your dog comes in from outside, wipe off her legs, paws, and belly. Otherwise, she could ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking herself dry. Also, the ground doesn't need to be covered with snow for you to pay extra attention to your dog's feet on a winter walk or hike. When it is cold and wet out always take a moment to dry and clean your dog's paws to help avoid tiny cuts and cracked footpads.

Rock salt can be very dangerous to pets. The rock salt that is used to melt ice on paved surfaces may also irritate footpads which is another reason to keep your dog's paws clean. The National Animal Poison Control recommends using sand or kitty litter instead of salt. We use sand on our driveway, sidewalk, and porch. I feel more comfortable knowing it is safe for both Gracie and Luke.

Active dogs, like Gracie, need a little more food & water in the winter. Working and outdoor dogs do have increased caloric and nutrition requirements as the temperature drops. Increased protein will give your dog (and her fur) the best winter conditioning.

These are just a few dog safety winter tips to help keep our pets happy and healthy. Does anyone else have any dog winter safety tips they would like to share?

Email us at [email protected]

I Take My Coffee Black With A Few Dog Hairs

The saying "A dog is a man's best friend" may be a cliché to some, but many can attest to its truth. Studies have shown that dogs are not only good for mere companionship but they can also help provide health benefits for humans.

How would you feel if on the next visit you made to the doctor there was a canine assistant there to greet you? 

Do you think that canine assistant could learn to promote positive "chemistry" between doctor and patients by recognizing and responding to the needs of each individual? 

There have been many instances where dogs have responded differently with different people depending on their emotional states and conditions. So why not have them work their “magic” with patients?

“Experts speculate that people give off tell-tale scents under certain physical or psychological conditions that only dogs can detect.”

A growing number of doctors and therapists are beginning to bring their beloved dogs to work with them in their private practices to greet, comfort and cheer their patients. Our loyal companions are becoming widely known as canine assistants.

Did you know that pets have the ability to improve your mood? Or control blood pressure in some cases better than drugs?

Pets ward off loneliness and provide unconditional love. 

Pets can be there for you in ways that people can’t. In addition to offering love and companionship, they can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets and are excellent snugglers.

Pet’s don’t judge us, they just love us! 

So the next time you are visiting the doctor’s office, take a good look around to see if there may be a few dog hairs in your black coffee. 

“The Doctor’s Dog Will See You Now”

 

Gracie Missing Dog Alert

Gracie is reaching out to all her friends in the Southcoast and hoping everyone can pass this information along.

LOST DOG

6 Year Old Australian Cattle Dog

"Pepper"

Last seen Tuesday, December 21st

on Main Road in Westport, MA.

Please call Barri with any information

at 508-636-6138 or 508-971-2757

$$ REWARD $$

If you feel more comfortable contacting animal control, please call 508-910-1840 with any information about Pepper's whereabouts.

Please help Pepper and family be together once again!

A special "thank you" from Gracie, Tammi & Rob for taking the time to read this and pass it on. Let's try and get Pepper back home as soon as possible! 

Check out Nash! Gracie's January 2011 Spotlight Dog

Tammy Correira contacted Gracie's Bark to spotlight her adorable dog Nash.

"We adopted Nash in July of this year through BONES of New England. He is a seven year old beagle/hound mix and he quickly became a loving member of our family. He loves people, dogs, and kids - especially our niece Emma who he loves to greet with a kiss every time he sees her. He loves going for long walks in the park and loves visiting and walking around Newburyport. His strong nose always leads him - usually to the doggie bakery! When he's not out walking, he loves to chew on bones and bully sticks are his favorite - but most of all, he loves to snuggle with us in bed every night. We are very lucky to have found such a great dog."

Nash also enjoys running and playing ball in the tennis courts. Tammy took a great video of Nash in the tennis courts near their home. Check it out at: The Nash Nose

Nash is adorable and we want to thank him for becoming part of Gracie's Bark Blog Family. Every month Gracie will spotlight a dog.

Please email your entry (short story) with a photo to [email protected] and tell her about your favorite pal! Additional pictures and video welcome, space permitting.