DIY: Foxtail Toy For Dogs

December 9, 2009

DIY: Foxtail Toy For Dogs

A Foxtail toy is a ball with a nylon sock about 30 inches long sewn onto it. It’s good for playing fetch and is easy to throw. Saffron likes shaking the one she has. Instructables has a tutorial on how to make your own Foxtail-type toy. You’ll need:

a tennis ball–an old one will work fine
at least 30″ of fabric (preferably lightweight nylon)
sewing machine
heavy duty thread or dental floss
heavy duty needle
possibly needle-nose pliers

The tutorial doesn’t have a template for the sock, but the dimensions should be 9 inches on one end, 2 inches on the other end, and 30 inches long. It should taper on the center from the wide end to the narrow end.

November 30, 2009November 30, 2009

Etsy: Rear Gear

Oh lordy, this cracks me up! (no pun intended) Is your dog or cat embarrassed by his backend? Rear Gear has got it covered. They have adjustable butt covers—disco ball, air freshener, heart, flower, biohazard, smiley face, #1 ribbon, cupcake, sheriff’s badge, dice. Make a statement, issue a warning, make someone laugh. Ha! (thanks, Ange!)

November 30, 2009November 30, 2009

Rudolph The Dachshund

Rudolph was born deaf and blind in a puppy mill in Ohio. He was adopted by a few different families, but they didn’t know what to do with him given his disabilities, so he just lived in a cage. Then Marcia Fishman rescued him and changed his life. She’s also wrote a childrens’ story about Rudolph, Rudolph’s Nose Knows.

Now Rudolph is helping teach children about what it’s like to live with a disability. He’s quite similar to most dogs in some ways—he knows how to sit, lie down, & walk on a leash—but instead of using sight to get around, he uses his sense of smell. Rudolph’s story is also encouraging students to read. I hope it also opens people’s eyes to the possibility of adopting a special needs animal.

November 29, 2009

2 Dogs Test Positive For H1N1

Two dogs in China have reportedly tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu). It’s believed the dogs caught it from humans. Even though officials advised people to not panic, I’m afraid this isn’t good news for dogs in China.

The C.D.C. and the A.V.M.A. don’t yet have anything on their sites about H1N1 in dogs. I would imagine, to be on the safe side, you should take your dog to the vet if you see signs of a respiratory. Look for:

coughing
sneezing
lethargy
conjunctivitis (swelling & redness of the membranes around the eyes)

Don’t panic. You can protect your pets. If you’re feeling sick:

wash your hands regularly
use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
cover your mouth & nose when you sneeze
avoid touching your cat’s eyes, nose, & mouth
the CDC adds, you should limit contact with your pets until 24 hours after your fever is gone

Keep up to date on information about companion animals and H1N1 from:

November 28, 2009June 1, 2013

Dogs of the Mayflower

The English Springer Spaniel and the Mastiff were the first dogs breeds brought to America on the Mayflower in 1620 according to research.

John Goodman apparently brought them with him. Mastiffs were used as a guard dogs and for hunting, while English Springer Spaniels were used to flush game birds into the air and to retrieve.