Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
What’s In Your Backyard?
We live on 3 acres, surrounded by lots of undeveloped land, This past Christmas we got a couple of trail cams to check out the activity on our property that we will likely never see.
We have a fisher cat that makes multiple weekly appearances, deer, coyote, squirrels, turkeys and more. Check back weekly as we share the images that we capture in our yard on the trail cams.
This is our backyard.
Should We Keep Our Pets During the Zombie Apocalypse?
There are certainly pluses and minuses. Dogs can be fiercely loyal, but require you to support them with precious food. Cats are not so loyal, but can fend for themselves. Your goldfish might be a burden if you have to relocate quickly, but maybe your canary can sound an alarm for you.
The end has come. You’ve seen the plot many times in pixels: marauding zombies hunting for brains while handfuls of humans struggle to survive. But now it’s for real and you have decisions to make, such as where to hole up, how to stay warm in winter, what to do for food. Oh, and should you take your pets with you?
Let’s begin with the apocalyptic rules for the sake of our discussion:
• Get bitten by a zombie and you’ll join the horde.
• Animals seem to be immune from infection.
• Zombie taste for brains is particular to the human variety.
• It is an apocalypse, so the power grid is no more, and there are no authorities to protect you. You and your family and friends are on your own.
So should you keep your pets?
We’ll begin with dogs. The apocalypse can be pretty lonely, and dogs can make life more worth living. And if you are not completely alone, when your family starts driving you crazy, your dog can keep you sane, possibly preventing you from becoming a monster yourself.
From there it gets dicey. Food will be in short supply, and getting enough for your dog compounds the problem. But maybe you stumble onto an overturned Petco truck and there’s plenty of Chewy. Still, there are other issues. If you need to move your family to another location, will the presence of a dog help or hinder you? Well, barked warnings could save your life, but it could also draw zombies, and dogs are not known for their reticence. Also, while they are courageous fighters, they are not much for discipline among the ranks…especially if they spot a walking bag of bones. So, you’ll have a lot to weigh when deciding.
What about cats? They’re very good at predicting the weather, which will come in handy. If you survive long enough to plant crops, cats can keep mice out of your harvested stash. The physicist Schroedinger showed us how cats can be both alive and dead at the same time, not sure if that would give them an edge against the undead. There doesn’t seem to be much downside to keeping your cat, except for this: toxoplasma gondii. A parasite carried by cats that will infect your brain. And with zombies already hungering for it, maybe it’s best to give your brain a break during the zombie apocalypse.
Could any other pets come in handy?
• Homing pigeons: in case you want to get a message out, since cell phones will be useless.
• Goats: because they’ll eat anything, so if you have any dead undead lying around…
• Hamsters: you can hook that wheel they love to run on into a small generator which might get you enough to charge a battery. Don’t plan on powering your home, however. It would take 460,000 hamsters.
So what’s the conclusion? Should we keep pets during the zombie apocalypse? Joanna from the Zombie Guide Magazine concluded we should not. Considering the pros and cons, I would suggest the following: if you don’t have any pets before the end comes, the apocalypse might not be a good time to consider getting one. However, if you see your pet as part of the family, as most of us do, then treat them accordingly. So if you got room in your new fortress for Uncle Irving, save a spot for Fido and Kitty.
Grooming Tips to Paw-nder
When it comes to keeping our pets looking and feeling their best, regular grooming is of the utmost importance. Each dog (or cat) has their own unique needs when it comes to grooming that vary depending on factors such as age, breed, and lifestyle. No matter the pet, however, there are some grooming necessities that all of us pet parents should consider.
As spring rolls in, one of the most common concerns is excessive shedding! Any pet with a thick double coat will begin to release the dead hair kept close to the body that is used to keep the body warm through the winter. This is when pet parents pull out the vacuums and lint rollers, inevitably bringing Rover to the grooming shop looking forlorn and exhausted, maybe even a little itchy.
Do not underestimate, however, the power of an at-home brushing routine. Not only does regular brushing remove the dead and excess hair that causes shedding, but it also improves circulation which promotes skin health. It is even a great way to bond with your pet as many come to really enjoy brushing as a way to receive positive attention and also just because it feels good!
How often to brush your pet’s coat and which type of brush is best to use differ depending on breed and coat type. Consult your groomer or vet before purchasing a brush to make sure it is a good fit. Getting in the habit of brushing and tending to your pet’s coat all through the year will make shedding season easier for you, your pets, and your carpets. It may also lower the bill of any professional grooming services as you won’t be tacked on upcharges for things like de-matting or de-shedding.
Another grooming requirement universal to all pets is nail care. Nails that are overgrown can cause discomfort and even pain to walk on, potentially making the pads of the feet sensitive and even setting your pet up for arthritis in the future.
Some cats may require nail trims, although cats who are allowed outside or those who very diligently use their scratching post often maintain their own nails for the most part.
All dogs require regular nail trims regardless of age or breed. A good time frame for most dogs is about two nail trims a month, or once every two weeks. If you do not feel comfortable to trim your pet’s nails yourself a professional groomer can perform this service quickly and for a low cost (usually about $10-$20).
Another great option is to consider filing your pet’s nails. Many dogs who are fearful of nail trims find filing to be more comfortable than trimming and will allow pet parents to perform the nail care more easily. Also, there is little danger of hitting the quick (blood vessel) and causing bleeding or pain when filing nails as opposed to trimming.
In order to make nail care a smoother process for everyone, it is best to take a few minutes to touch and play with your pet’s feet everyday. Touch the tops and bottoms of all four feet, put your fingers between each of their toes, and touch each nail as you do so. You can end the session with some cuddle time, a toy or treat, whatever is the most coveted reward for your pet. This will make nail care seem like no big deal and will help to desensitize pets who are fearful and stressed out by the process.
There is so much more to discuss when it comes to grooming, but these are some basic and important tips that any pet parent can implement and get started today! Just as we groom and care for ourselves each day, our pets require that same TLC in order to shine to their full potential and they thank us with their love for our constant care and concern
Written by:
Ashley Gustafson
https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gustafson.31
Instagram (@ashikiwoman)
Bees!
Spring is here and with that comes the flowers and the bees!
Our honey bees will be here April 17th! In the meantime, the bees are starting to buzz around the yard.
This afternoon I went out into the yard and there were little mounds of dirt everywhere with bees buzzing around. I peeked into the hole and this is what I saw. (Image on the left).
I really never noticed before, but a little bee was inside and peeking out at me. At first, every time I moved the little girl would dart back in where I couldn't see her then come back and peek out. So of course, I looked up more info on the bees ... and here it is!
Some Colletes facts:
These are solitary bees and each female builds her own nest, often side by side with other bees. They are not aggressive and won't sting you unless you try to handle them. They are a sign that spring is here and the warmer weather is coming.
These bees are important to the environment because they pollinate many of the plants in the nearby area.
These bees also hibernate under ground during the winter.
Never use pesticides or other deadly chemicals where ground bees are thriving. If you really don’t want ground bees around, try to make the area less desirable for them and they’ll likely find somewhere else to live.
https://entomology.cals.cornell.edu/extension/wild-pollinators/native-bees-your-backyard/
Chief: Check-In
Another great check-in from Chief!! One of our beautiful Pawsitive Cause Project dogs receiving CBD oil through our non-profit. There has been so much improvement with his behavioral issues that he has now enrolled in doggy daycare. His trial visit went well so he is now enrolled 2 days a week so he can socialize with other dogs! This sweet boy has made such amazing progress in the last few months and we are happy to share in his journey. So many people gave up on him but his current family was determined to be his last and have made it work! The Pawsitive Cause Project: every dog deserves to shine!
Top Ten Famous Pets
Whether it’s famous pets of kings and queens, dogs of Presidents or notorious creatures of emperors, we’re fascinated by the bonds between the mighty and their animals. The nature of these bonds seems to say something about the person who wears the crown, while also highlighting the difficulty of forming normal human connections from positions of great power.
1) Edward VII’s dog “Stinky”
OK, that was just an unofficial nickname. Edward, the oldest son of Victoria, had a brief reign of nine years. He named his terrier Caesar of Notts, possibly giving us some insight into his mindset sitting atop the mighty British Empire. Or maybe he was just having some fun with the fact that Caesar was the boss of him. But the terrier was nothing if not loyal, following faithfully behind the monarch’s casket in the funeral possession.
2) President Andrew Jackson’s drinking buddy
The famous hero of the War of 1812 and the 7th President of the United States suffered terrible tragedy throughout his life, and entered the White House a powerful but haunted man. As a boy, he and his brother were captured by the British during the Revolutionary War when they worked as couriers for the rebels. Put to work for a British officer, Andrew was kicked and slashed by sword for refusing to polish the boots of the officer, giving him scars he bore on his face all his life. When they were finally freed into their mother’s custody, his brother James was so weakened that he didn’t survive the journey home.
The era in which Jackson ran for President was one of brutal politics. During the 1824 campaign, Jackson’s opponents tarred him as a slave owner, a cannibal, and with extra venom, a bigamist. As the result of this pressure, his wife Rachel died three weeks after the election. So Andrew entered the office a tortured man. Perhaps it was not surprising that he sought friendship outside the human race.
It’s unclear when the friendship formed, but after leaving the White House, at his funeral, his special friend had much to say. In public, the former general had become a polite man of society, an aging gentleman sitting quietly at church. But his great friend, a parrot named Poll who had adopted Andrew’s manner of speaking at home, let loose a salty barrage beside the President’s casket, perhaps giving insight into the real Jackson.
3) Ivan the Terrible’s bears
Ivan IV Vasilyevich, or Ivan the Terrible, kept bears in the dungeons of his castle and fed guests to them for his entertainment and to establish the terror that fueled his reign. Hard to say if he felt any affection for them, but they were pets of a sort, and their use does tell us much about the man. He had inherited his father’s throne at only 3 years old, and was officially crowned at 16, so his human connections were stunted in development. Maybe he really did love those bears.
Source: https://listverse.com/2011/03/18/10-historical-characters-and-their-unusual-pets/
4) Pope Leo’s White Elephant
The Medici were a powerful ruling family from Florence that managed to establish one of their own, who wasn’t even a priest, as pontiff of the Catholic Church in Rome. On the day of his coronation, he received a white elephant, Hanno, as gift from King Manuel I of Portugal. The intelligent beast made a huge impression on the Romans, and on the new Pope. Unfortunately, after a few years the animal grew sick, and Papal prayers could not save him. But at his death, Leo did write a poem mourning him.
Source: https://listverse.com/2011/03/18/10-historical-characters-and-their-unusual-pets/
5) The Maharaja of Junagadh’s dogs
The last ruling Nawab of British India, whose reign went from 1911 to 1948, once owned over 2000 high-pedigree dogs, for which he spent a fortune to celebrate their birthdays, and even “marriages”. He was known to dress them in evening jackets and parade them around in rickshaws. India has long been famous for a brutal caste system, and the Nawab had elevated his pets above the lower castes, which held the majority of the population.
6) The lion of Ramses II
The pharaoh may or may not have expelled Moses and the Hebrews, but he bonded pretty well with his ferocious pet lion. According to legend(and the Pharaoh employed excellent legend makers), the lion accompanied him into battle against the fearsome Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh. The battle would have been a complete disaster for the Egyptians if the lion hadn’t remained by the great Pharaoh’s side until the tide turned. His generals apparently didn’t survive to give their version, as those not killed in combat were executed by Ramses. Who needs generals when you have big cats for friends?
Source: https://listverse.com/2011/03/18/10-historical-characters-and-their-unusual-pets/
7) Queen Victoria’s Pekingese
Sacred dogs of the Chinese imperial court, Pekingese found favor in the British court of Queen Victoria. Looty, given to her by one of her captains, became her favorite and quite famous within its time. With a 2000 year heritage, these aristocratic animals fit right in with the pomp and snobbery of the age. Heavy is the crown, as they say, and Victoria’s head wore it for 63 years, a lonely job made bearable by furry friends.
8) Mozart’s Starling
This bird is so famous it has its own Wikipedia entry. The starling lived with him for three years and is credited with inspiring Piano Concerto 17. Or perhaps he merely trained the mimicking bird to perform it. When the bird died, Mozart gave it a lavish funeral which included a procession and a poem written by the composer. “Here rests a bird called Starling, A foolish little Darling. He was still in his prime When he ran out of time, And my sweet little friend Came to a bitter end, Creating a terrible smart Deep in my heart. Gentle Reader! Shed a tear, For he was dear, Sometimes a bit too jolly And, at times, quite folly, But nevermore A bore. I bet he is now up on high Praising my friendship to the sky, Which I render Without tender; For when he took his sudden leave, Which brought to me such grief, He was not thinking of the man Who writes and rhymes as no one can.”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozart%27s_starling and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano_Concerto_No._17_(Mozart)
9) Alexander the Great’s dog Peritas
The dog, which accompanied him to many of his famous battles, was named after the month of January, and Alexander renamed a conquered city in Pakistan after him. Legend has it the dog took on, at different times, both a lion and an elephant…and won! Well, details in history can be a little hazy.
Another story has the canine saving Alexander when he was trapped and wounded behind enemy lines by charging to reach his master. That probably does warrant a city name, but unfortunately Peritas died in that same charge, pierced by an enemy javelin.
10) Catherine the Great’s Greyhound
The powerful Russian empress made dogs the focus of her affection, and in particular a greyhound she called Zemira. Her favorite apparently slept in the same room as the ruler of all the Russias. It was rumored that she had sex with her favorite horse, Dudley, certainly a fiction spread by her enemies at court. Besides. Her deepest affections lay with her canines.
Source: https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/catherine-the-greats-favorite-breed/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_the_Great
Written by Kevin Lenihan
My Story: Getting Vet Care During Covid
Meet Nova! My sweet rescue dog of 7 years. She was found in Louisiana living on the streets with her mom and three litter mates. Nova was "adopted" for about 12 hours and then returned because the family said she was aggressive. Let's just say, I have NEVER seen one bit of aggression in this sweet girl in all our years together and that 12 hour fail was my SUCCESS and a huge blessing in my life.
In our years together, Nova has never been sick. Although I had a vet with my previous dogs, I took Nova to the local clinics at Tractor Supply for her shots and all was good ... until this year. In January Nova developed a small lump on her foot. It looked like a small hematoma (her big brother can get a little rowdy when they are playing) and I wasn't too concerned.
The lump remained small with no changes, then recently started to grow. In January and February, I had reached out to a local "house call" vet but she never called me back. Then about a month ago the mass got larger and Nova started licking it. I found another "house call" vet in a neighboring town and set up an appointment (2 weeks out). She was FANTASTIC, she gave Nova her rabies shot but informed me the mass was would need to be surgically removed. After she left, I called multiple vets and none were taking new patients. Finally, I found one and was able to get an appointment in 4 weeks. I thought I was lucky and took it.
The next day, the mass got worse and the skin opened up and looked terrible. Although Nova wanted to lick it, she was running around, showed no signs of pain, and definitely no change in appetite or attitude.
Keeping Nova from licking her foot started to become difficult. A sock worked as long as she sat still, but it fell off as soon as she walked and didn't work for nights.
So, I came up with another idea ... my grandson sleeps in a sleeper sack, so I borrowed one. Nova was not too excited the first time I zipped it on her but it worked! (Photo is the first time wearing it.) So, I starting using this at night.
I also bought an inflatable cone but that didn't work. Tricky little girl could still reach her foot with that one. Great in theory, poor in practice.
I was hoping we could hold out the 4 weeks until the vet appointment, but things don't always work the way you hope.
By Monday, I knew that I couldn't wait 4 weeks to get her into the vet so I called 5 more vets. Many were not accepting new patients. The best I could get was 2 weeks and I knew that was still not good enough so we went to the local Puppy ER. Nova spent the day in the ER and luckily I was able to get her scheduled for surgery 3 days later. 8 hours in the ER and $1,100 later, I was able to bring her home. That was on a Tuesday, surgery was scheduled for Friday. I received a call Wednesday that there was a cancellation so surgery was rescheduled for Thursday.
I do not know the affects elsewhere, but in MA, Covid has changed the way our animals get medical care. It's not a good feeling when you just drop your dog off and cannot be there for the examination and treatment.
I dropped Nova off at 7am for her surgery. I called to check in about 1pm and she was just going in for surgery. Around 2 the surgeon called and said everything went well and to check back around 5 and if she was doing well, she could come home but she may need to spend the night.
Nova did well and I was able to pick her up at 6pm. I pulled into the only empty spot, called the number and said I was there and was told she would be out soon.
So, we need to wait a week to get Nova's test results to find out if her mass is benign or malignant. We go back next week to get the bandage changed and then the following week it can be removed.
Although emergency care isn't the most practical (financially) way to go, I am very happy with everyone who helped care for Nova. The surgeon was amazing and caring and explained everything very clearly. We were very lucky that all has turned out well and Nova has received such good care in a short time!
It's one of the truths of life ... all is well until it is not well.
If you have a healthy dog and don't have a designated vet, it's a good idea to have someone in cases of emergency especially if local vets are not taking new patients.
House call vets are a good option but they do not do surgery. I loved having the vet come to my house. It was a great experience and I was able to be with Nova the whole time in the comfort of my house which was less stressful for her (and me).
Anyway, we have a new E Collar coming - the cone the vet sent her home with is okay but very upsetting to Nova because it hits everything when she tries walking and Nova just sits and won't move. Luckily, I am working remotely so she spends the day in her bed under my desk where I can watch her. We also have a little boot she wears outside to keep her bandage dry and that's working well! My biggest challenge is keeping big brother Finn from stepping on Nova. He's trying hard!
Springtime Considerations For Pets
Each year as winter gives way and opens into spring us humans start to come back to life, thaw out, and shake off the dust. It is healthy and even therapeutic to begin the process of clearing out what we don’t need and creating space to let in the new; allowing our lives to mirror the age-old cycles of nature. For those of us who live with pets this is also a great time to consider what their needs may be in regard to starting off the new season happy and healthy.
As you go through your home and clean off your own surfaces, be mindful of where pets spend a lot of time. Perhaps there is that favorite spot on the rug where your dog always naps or that blanket on the bed your cat just can’t get enough of (as pictured above). We all know our pets would give us a hand (or paw) when it comes to cleaning off their favorite items if they could. But since they cannot, they count on us to keep them comfortable and make informed choices about how often we clean and the products we use!
There are many great options out there when it comes to pet friendly cleaning supplies. For some items that tend to be easier to clean, such as food and water dishes and hard chewing toys, often a vigorous scrub with hot water and soap is all that is needed. For items that are often soiled or experience more wear and tear, make sure to read the labels on cleaning products before making a purchase. Some ingredients to avoid in any products that will encounter pets are:
- Phenols
- Chlorine
- Formaldehyde
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ammonia
- Phthalates
It is also important to check over all your pet’s favorite toys and bedding after cleaning and before replacing them to their usual spot. Blankets with holes in them can get caught on collars and harnesses, making them a potential hazard. Toys that are frayed or broken can put your pet in danger of choking.
Go through food and treats, checking expiration dates and making sure that nothing has started to go bad which could upset your pet’s stomach. Does your pet take any medications or supplements? If so, you can take this time to organize and clean out the doggie or kitty medicine cabinet, ridding your home of old bottles or prescriptions that may have gone bad or are no longer used.
If you do not already have a yearly wellness visit scheduled for your pet at your vet or wellness specialist, this is a great opportunity to take a moment and schedule one to ensure your pet is just as happy and healthy on the inside as their purring and wagging tails tell us they are on the outside!
When the seasons change, it is evident that our pets feel the effects and have their own unique needs to cope with the fluctuations. By taking the time to give them and their stuff a little spring cleaning, we deepen our bonds with our pets by taking care of them and loving them more fully. And we all know that our beloved fur-kids thank us for that!
Make sure to check back next week for a post all about springtime grooming concerns. As someone who worked in professional grooming for many years, I have seen over and over again the woes of springtime allergies, shedding, even sunburn. I look forward to sharing more info and connecting with you and the animals in your lives once again.
Ashley Gustafson
https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gustafson.31
Instagram (@ashikiwoman)
Healthy Living: Reducing Toxins In Your Daily Life
Click here to find out Your Toxin Risk Factor.
We are very excited to announce that we are now offering a full line of nontoxic household and personal care products in addition to our CBD line!
Did you know that many personal care and home products contain ingredients which may be hazardous to your health (allergens, carcinogens, neurotoxins, and endocrine disruptors).
When it comes to family, we know you do everything you can to protect them, and we want to help!
Just as most people have learned to read labels on the food they eat, we think it is equally important to understand ingredients when choosing personal care and home care products.
The average US woman uses 12 personal care products containing 168 different chemicals. Although most men use fewer products, they are still exposed to about 85 chemicals.Teens, who use an average of 17 personal care products a day, are exposed to even more.
And that's just personal care, when you factor in your household cleaning products, the numbers increase significantly.
Here’s something to think about:
Manufacturers of many products have to wear hazmat suits when manufacturing their products. That’s because their products contain toxic chemicals. Why are toxic chemicals allowed in their products?
There are three major reasons:
1. They’re cheaper.
2. Toxins make their products last longer.
3. U.S. regulations don’t require toxic chemical testing for personal or home care products.
This all results in our families being exposed to toxic products that are peddled as safe. That is not OK! Check out some of the common toxins found in many of your day to day products here.
We offer a wide variety of competitively priced non toxic products for every day living.
Skin care products: cleanser, toner, eye cream, moisturizer, night serum, exfoliator, charcoal mask, blemish stick, mascara, eye liner, lip gloss, tinted moisturizer and much more.
Personal care products: toothpaste, hands soap, bar soap, hand sanitizer, supergreen hair products, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, body wash, sunscreen and more.
For baby: wash and shampoo, baby cream, lotion.
For children: body wash and shampoo, monster spray, kid's toothpaste.
Household: Glass cleaner, surface cleaner, scrubbing cleanser, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, master blaster.
For our furry friends: Pet shampoo, pet odor and stain remover, and paw balm.
And more ....
To check out our great products, visit our site at: www.purehaven.com/pawsitivelywell
Want to earn some freebies? Set up a Gathering for fun with friends and as Host you will earn free and discounted products.
If you'd like to know more, email us at: [email protected] or text 774-826-8118.
There are so many reasons to say yes to our products! The bottom line, if you are not satisfied, the 60 day guarantee means, if in 60 days, you are not fully satisfied, you will receive a full refund of the purchase price less shipping.
If you'd like to learn more about identifying the toxins in your home, we offer monthly educational (free) gatherings on Facebook. Send me an email or message me on Facebook and I'll send you an invite for the next gathering.
Welcome Ashley!A
Hi, I’m Ashley and I’m a yogi, nature lover, and spiritual seeker who helps people to reconnect with themselves and nature through conscious breath, mindful living, and relationships with our plant and animal family.
Before blog writing, I worked for 10 years in animal care both in pet services as well as animal welfare. Pursuing another passion on the side as a yoga teacher, it seemed only fitting to eventually combine these two interests and work to bring awareness to the issues affecting both humans and animals today in the topics of health, wellness, and spirituality. I now not only write for nonprofits in their efforts to promote animal health and wellness but also teach yoga and offer one-on-one healing sessions in the ancient art of shamanic healing in order to help facilitate the deep level full-person healing that is so needed in our world today.
I enjoy spending time with my two dogs, Jackie and Roxie. I am also an avid fitness enthusiast and find a lot of other ways to get moving on top of maintaining a daily yoga practice including hiking, trail running, weight lifting, pilates, HIIT, barre, and tabata exercise. Aside from writing blogs and copy, I am also a long time poet and constant journaler.
I am available for blog writing, copywriting, as well as consultations for one-on-one healing and yoga sessions. You can follow me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gustafson.31) Instagram (@ashikiwoman) or email me at [email protected]
Thanks for reading and hope we can connect soon!
