Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
Stress and Your Dog
Just as we feel stress, so do our dogs. And although stress in itself is not necessarily bad, for a dog, a build up of stressful situations can cause changes in health or behavior and trigger anxieties.
Change often creates stress in dogs. Some common stressors are loud noises such as thunder, fireworks or construction, boarding, travel, and many other things depending on the dogs' experiences and temperament.
Stress can affect your dog in a variety of ways:
- loss of appetite;
- obsessive chewing;
- weakened immune system;
- diarrhea;
- high blood pressure;
- stomach ulcers;
- frequent urination;
- mood changes and increased readiness for aggression;
- behavioral problems;
- slow healing processes.
When a body is stressed, the body releases cortisol. This helps the body respond to a stressful situation such as directing blood flow to the muscles as part of the fight or flight instinct. When stress becomes a chronic problem, cortisol also causes problems and can weaken the immune system.
Stress also releases adrenaline into the dog's body. Adrenaline increases the heart rate, blood pressure and causes dilation of the bronchial tubes and pupils. It also increases the need for oxygen causing the dog to pant.
Aldosterone is also released when a dog is stressed. It is important in the regulation of blood pressure and water balance - the conservation of sodium and secretion of potassium. When out of balance it contributes to the onset of heart and kidney disease.
Trigger stacking is an accumulation of stimuli that a dog is sensitive to happen in a short period of time and the dog becomes reactive as the survival instincts are switched on. Behaviors that result from trigger stacking are often spinning, lunging, barking, growling etc.
It's not surprising that you will see these behaviors with some dogs found in a shelter. It isn't their "natural" behavior but their bodies response to the stress of a new and scary situation.
Stress is a norm for many rescue dogs. They experience change beyond their comprehension. Some adapt easier than others. For some, this stress is a new experience, for others its the only life they know.
From stress related behavioral problems to exacerbated medical conditions, its a vicious circle for some of the dogs, who cannot cope with a shelter type environment.
Seeing the benefits of CBD oil and its impact on my family's life, I realized that this incredible oil could make the difference with a rescue dog. CBD oil is not a drug or a medication, it's not a tranquilizer. CBD is a natural supplement that helps to regulate the body's systems and create balance (homeostasis). In. other words it helps to lessen the fight or flight responses and reactive behavior allowing the true nature of the dog to shine. This inspired A Pawsitive Cause, providing free CBD oil to rescues in need.
Update on DeeDee and Biscuit: 2 Weeks Into Their CBD Oil Journey
On February 13, DeeDee and Biscuit each received a bottle of CBD oil donated to them through A Pawsitive Cause.
DeeDee is a 60lb Mountain Curr. Biscuit is a 115lb Great Pyrenees/Labrador mix. Both dogs are rescues with Smiles Pets4Vets.
DeeDee started with 20mg of CBD a day - 10mg in the am and 10mg in the pm of Pure Gold (broad spectrum). Biscuit started with 30mg of CBD a day - 15mg in the am and 15mg in the pm of Premium (full spectrum).
After a week, both dogs were doing well on the oil but little change was noticed so the serving sizes were increased. We increased DeeDee to 35mg per day and Biscuit to 50mg.
With the increase in CBD, the dogs are noticeably happier and more playful. Although still early, these are positive signs that they are both feeling better.
DeeDee and Biscuit started their oil less than 2 weeks ago and a noticeable change has been seen in their behavior, which is a clear sign that they are feeling better and a major step forward on their road to better health.
It is very exciting to see the progress of DeeDee and Biscuit as they start on this healing journey. The power of CBD is truly amazing in its effects on the body. And just as amazing is the power of the body to heal when it is in an optimal and healthy state.
Testing “Honest Kitchen Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix”
I have been cooking for my dogs for the last year. My dogs in the past were real easy, I bought what I thought was quality food, fed them and no problem ... until my Catahoula, Finn, joined our clan. I soon discovered, that although we bought the same brand of food, there was inconsistencies from bag to bag and some bags gave him an upset stomach - which usually meant accidents in the house. These accidents weren't pretty. A big dog can make a real "gross" mess! So I looked for another option ... did a lot of research and a little experimenting and started cooking.
Occasionally my experiments did not go well (upset stomach) but for the most part we have that issue completely under control.
Just as we have different nutritional needs, so do our dogs depending on age, weight, allergies and other health issues.
For my dogs, they eat a mixture of organic brown rice & quinoa along with a variety of vegetables (primarily a mixture of brussel sprouts, peas, green beans, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli) steamed and then ground to a paste in the food processor. In addition they get chicken, beef, salmon and occasional sardines, and gizzards. They also get eggs and goat's milk.
Concerned that the dogs were not getting all the necessary vitamins and for days that I need a quick meal because I was limited on time for cooking, I decided to try Honest Kitchen's Base Mix.
I mixed the first batch today! I found it at our local pet food store. It was actually less expensive here ($29.99 for a 3lb box) than on many of the web sites. Chewy's had the best deal if you get autoship - then its $28.99 per box). Since I am already giving my dogs' vegetables, I will only be adding 1/2 cup of the Honest Kitchen base to their daily meals. This means a box will last us about a month.
The dogs tried their Honest Kitchen base with their breakfast and loved it!
To Read a review on Honest Kitchen on the Dog Food Advisor site.
Remembering Finn: the Unicorn of Cats
Several weeks ago we noticed his eating was off and he was coughing a bit. We found out he had heart issues and life expectancy would be short. The night of his diagnosis while he stayed at the vets office for further tests in the morning, I had a dream of him. The dream was so real I could almost swear it wasn't a dream at all. He was sleeping with me, as he always had and was purring as he always did and smiling, radiating his health. I knew that morning it was my sign he would pass soon. He passed within a month of his diagnosis. Eight years is too young to lose a cat, but I remind myself it's not the quantity but the quality. The depth of our affection for each other was so deep and eternal that sadness is not dictated but rather gratitude for being blessed with his incarnation. Sweet Finn has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge sharing his tender messages to all he greets. He was the Unicorn of all cats...loving, patient, delicate, magical, devoted and transcendent. If all cats were like Finn, everyone would have 20 and want more. That's his legacy and we were so blessed to have been a small part of it.
Oops A Daisy: An Unexpected Delivery Turns 2
Sometimes our animals come to us in the most unexpected ways. This is one of the stories. It's also a story of the beauty of nature, and despite the odds and without human intervention, this beautiful soul came into the world, and forever changed her family's life.
How did Daisy come to be with you?
Daisy’s arrival was a total surprise! We had bought a young pony named Gemma. She was only three years old, so my plan was to give her off until the spring of her 4th year so she could finish growing up a little. She was just hanging out in the pasture, getting fat, but we never thought anything of it. I just remember thinking I will have to keep an eye on her weight when the spring grass comes up.
I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was Feb 19, 2018, my husband and I left the farm around 2 pm to run errands, I checked the horses, gave them hay and off we went. We got back about 5 pm to feed. I called Gemma to eat and she didn’t come. I could see her at the far end of the pasture. We rushed down there thinking she was hurt (as she never missed meals) and there was this little tiny thing next to her. At first glance I thought it was a baby deer, but then she turned around and I saw a big white blaze. I remember thinking how did that foal get here ... and then realizing OMG- it’s Gemma’s foal!!!
Who is Daisy's Father?
Now that is a funny question! It took a DNA test to figure that out. Since no one knew Gemma was pregnant, the father was a mystery, however there were 2 suspects that had been neighbors in adjoining pastures. Apparently one of the boys was able to (secretly) reach her through the fence, and no one was the wiser until Daisy was born. The DNA test revealed that Sticky Fingers was her father.
How did Daisy get her name?
Addie Bdzak came up with the barn name Daisy (short for Oops-A-Daisy). Her registered name (she’s half welsh) is Butterfly McQueen named after the actress in Gone with the Wind. The day we found Daisy, all I could think of was the scene where the woman says she doesn’t "know nothin’ bout birthin’ babies" and that was so me that day, so we chose the name Butterfly McQueen.
What does Daisy like to do & who are her best friends?
Daisy is quite sassy and loves attention! Some of her favorite things are: having people come see her (especially if they bring mints or treats), taking naps, eating (she loves her alfalfa hay), getting dressed up (or maybe this is one of my favorite things!!) and hanging out with her best pal Dodger.
Tell me about Daisy's first horse show.
Daisy has only been to one show so far. That was The Devon Horse Show last May. The plan had been to get her to a few small local shows so she could get used to things before her Devon experience, but that didn’t happen. Although Daisy was a bit overwhelmed at first (she had never seen so many horses, ponies and people all in one spot), she got herself together and behaved quite well in her yearling filly class! I was extremely proud of her for being so brave and (mostly) well-behaved lol.
Future Plans?
We aren’t sure if the Devon Horse Show is going to be on the schedule for this year. The plan right now is to get to as many small shows as we can (hopefully some of the welsh shows) and let her get a lot of general mileage/experience. I would like to find some shows that have an in-hand trail/obstacle course for her to do as well. My thought is the more I can expose her to, the better it will be for her. I’d like her to be very relaxed in new situations.
A longer term goal for her is hopefully the Young Pony Under Saddle at Devon as a 4 or 5 year old.
If you are looking for a fun and happy page then you should follow Daisy & Dodger's adventures on Facebook and Instagram!
Daisy’s social media accounts are:
Facebook - Daisy & Gemma https://www.facebook.com/daisyandgemma/
Instagram: Daisy_ButterflyMcqueen
Daisy lives in New Jersey with her persons Cindy and Joe, her best friend Dodger, and her horse friends Leo and Dylan, Magic the barn cat, and other cats Duffy, Tippy, MoonPie, Garfield and Baby Kitty, and dogs Luna, Cooper, and ET.
Animals Are Property? The Law Sees It That Way. What You Can Do To Help Make A Change.
We share this world with many animals. We are their caretakers, they are our companions. We have the responsibly to ensure the well being of animals in our care. Despite our recognition and "understanding of the intelligence and rich emotional and social lives" of animals, the legal system has not caught up.
Although there has been much progress in the law regarding animals, such as felony provisions for intentionally killing a dog or cat, animals the legal system still defines animals as property. (Did you know that a corporation is classified as a "person" under the law?) When you think of property, what comes to mind? Your house, car, computer ... but MOST people would not include their companion animals in their list of property. Our animals are our companions and family members!
"The core purpose of our system of laws is to protect the vulnerable from exploitation and to ensure fairness. Animals deserve a legal status that reflects the kinds of beings they are — individuals with their own desires and lives, who have the capacity for pain and pleasure, joy and sorrow, fear and contentment." (quote from Animal Legal Defense Fund)
How Can You Help?
Help raise awareness and join the Animal League Defense Fund's “I Am Not Property” campaign by following the steps below.
Print out the “I Am Not Property” sign, write in something that describes your animal buddy, take a photo, and post it on social media with the hashtag #NotProperty. We'd love you to include the hashtag #PawsitivelyWell so we know you heard about through us!
Don’t forget to tag the Animal Legal Defense Fund so they can share your photo with their supporters.
Instagram: @animallegaldefensefund
Facebook: @animallegaldefensefund
Twitter: @aldf
Visit the Animal League Defense Fund (ALDF) for more information on animals and the law.
Support the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s efforts to establish comprehensive legal protections and basic rights for all animals in our society by signing this pledge:
Legislation In Place To Protect Animals
Although classified as property, there are many provisions (varying by state) that are protecting animals:
- Animal cruelty laws: There are laws in place in all 50 states. What constitutes cruelty and the associated penalties are determined by each state and vary.
- Animals as crime victims: Being a victim under the law is different then the legal classification of "crime victim." Learn more about the difference. Animals classified as a crime victim have many more rights than an animal victim of a crime. (One of the many nuances of the law.)
- Basic care laws: These are laws requiring people responsible for animals to provide a basic level of care.
- Anti-tethering laws: Almost half the states have these laws, which limit how long animals can be tied or chained outside, especially in extreme weather.
- Hot car laws: About 31 states have laws that criminalize leaving an animal in a vehicle in extreme weather.
- Domestic Violence Protective Orders: Many states now allow animals to be included in domestic violence protective orders. The 2018 Farm Bill includes the PAWS Act, providing federal support for animals affected by domestic violence.
- Evacuations in natural disasters: The PETS Act, (passed in 2006) requires states, cities, and counties to “account for the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals before, during, and following a major disaster or emergency” in order to receive federal funding for their disaster relief plans. More than 30 states have amended their disaster relief plans to account for the needs of companion and service animals.
- Retail pet sale bans: CA (in 2018) and MD (in 2020) are the first states to require pet stores to sell only cats, dogs, and rabbits from animal shelters and rescue groups.
- Laws against the sexual assault of animals: Enacted in all states except Hawaii, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
- Veterinary reporting of animal cruelty: About 17 states require vets to report abuse, other states allow (but not required) reporting of suspected abuse and only Kentucky prohibits vet reporting of suspected cases. What are your state's laws?
- Post-conviction possession bans: These laws prevent a person from having any animal for a determined period of time after conviction of animal cruelty. (About 12 states have no laws providing this protection.)
- Courtroom animal advocate programs (CAAP): These laws allow advocates to provide a voice for animal victims in criminal cruelty cases.
- “Pet custody” laws: Several states have legislation providing guidance to courts for the interests, well-being, and care of companion animals in divorce proceedings.
- Trusts: Most states recognize enforceable trusts for animals providing them the resources necessary for their health and well-being even after their person dies.
- Wild animal performance bans: Some states regulate the use of wild animals in performances.
- Farmed animals:These animals are often under-protected under the law. CA prohibits the most extreme methods of confining farmed animals and bans the sale of products produced in other states using these methods.
- Increased penalties: Some states have laws that allow animal cruelty penalties to be increased for animal crimes, in certain circumstances.
Meet “Smiles Pets4Vets” Rescue Dogs DeeDee and Biscuit
The Pawsitive Cause Project: Our mission is to raise funds to provide a 1 month supply of CBD oil for both DeeDee & Biscuit to assist them in becoming healthy and available for adoption. Pawsitively Well has donated the first 2 bottles of oil (a 1 month supply for each dog) Every dog matters! And you can make a difference one dog at a time.
Meet DeeDee, a 6 year old Mountain Cur mix. She was rescued from rural SW Virginia, where she was living in the trash dumpsters. She was extremely under-weight, with a lot of hair loss and had frost bite on her tail and ear tips.
The day after animal control picked her up, she gave birth to a single puppy who died 3 days later.
A volunteer reached out to Smiles Animal Rescue to see if they could take DeeDee into the rescue. They said yes and she has now been with the rescue for 2 years. Although adapting to her new life and loving care, her skin issues have not been resolved. She has had skin scrapings, medication, medicated baths with prescription and non-prescription shampoos and very expensive dog food, there has been no definitive diagnosis of the root cause.
DeeDee now has fuzz for hair and from a distance she looks so much better, but she continues to have hair loss with very flaky and dry skin.
She is a sweet girl that has been with the rescue for too long ad deserves a loving forever home of her own. We have hopes that the CBD oil will help to reduce her anxiety and bring her body into a healthy balanced state to alleviate the skin problems and hair loss.
DeeDee will be available for adoption through the Smiles Pets4Vets program once her skin issue is resolved.
Meet Biscut, a 5 year old Great Pyreness/Lab mix. He has a partial tear of his ACL in his right rear leg. He has been receiving Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy (PEMF) 2x a week. PEMF uses burts of low level electromagnetic radiation to heal damaged tissue and bone. Although surgery was an option, the rescue chose PEMF because the veterinarian was concerned that he would not stay quiet enough for the surgery to be successful.
Biscuit is a super sweet guy that was surrendered to a small rural shelter due to a divorce along with his liter mate sister, Luna. They are a bonded pair and the shelter could not find a home for them together, so the rescue was asked to take them as their time was running out.
They will be available for adoption as a pair, once Biscuit's leg heals. We are very excited to see how CBD oil will help in his recovery.
How CBD Oil Can Help
All mammals have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which responds to CBD.
The ECS regulates the body’s systems to maintain homoeostasis: the state of balance necessary for healthy functions. Homeostatic processes govern blood sugar levels, internal temperature, pH levels of blood, regulation of water and minerals in the body and the removal of metabolic waste.
CBD helps the body maintain homeostasis so that it can function at its maximum capacity. When a body is in homeostasis it has the capacity to better heal itself.
Donate today to help a dog in need.
Back to The Pawsitive Cause Project
Brinks’ Story: A CBD Journey
As a CBD advocate and educator, I love speaking to people about their experience with CBD. Devan Waters of Goat Ridge Hemp shared her story of her dog's journey with CBD. It's an amazing story of hope, faith and love.
CBD is truly amazing and how it works in our bodies is even more incredible. It's not a drug or medicine but it interacts with our body's systems to bring balance that allows the body to function as it was intended in a healthy balanced state. It cures nothing but puts our body in the position that wonderful things can happen!
Brinks' CBD Journey!
November 14th 2018 our dog Brinks was diagnosed with a very aggressive bone cancer, osteosarcoma.
November 26th Brinks had his front left leg amputated and was left with a very bleak outcome. Our vet informed us that we were only looking at a few months left with him even after amputation, and if we chose not to move forward with chemo his life expectancy would be even shorter. After a ton of research We did opt out of chemo, instead we decided to take the CBD route. We had just started farming hemp for CBD that spring and were shocked that our own best friend's life was going to depend on it. We were (still are) so grateful to be on this journey when Brinks was going to need it most!
We started giving Brinks 2 droppers full of our CBD oil every day. (50mg for each dropper 1500mg bottle of our full spectrum CBD oil.)
FAST FORWARD TO December 10th 2019
We took our other dog to the vet for a dew claw injury and decided to take Brinks in as well to ask for a chest X-Ray (typically you will lose your battle to osteosarcoma due to tumors metastasizing to the lungs). We had given them no warning we were bringing Brinks, as it was a last minute decision on our end; so when we arrived the staff was floored. The vet even went to get his chart before coming in the exam room to check out our other dog. She couldn't believe he was still alive and in such good health. She checked to see if they had sent for a biopsy on his amputated limb (which they had) and his numbers for the cancer were so high, she said he is defying all odds. She agreed to do a chest X-Ray and was floored again when the results came back completely clear of any tumors in his chest.
Osteosarcoma spreads by the cancer cells metastasizing. (Brinks tumors were metastasizing by 3, meaning that every cell that metastasized 3 new cancer cells were created). CBD studies have shown that CBD slows and in some cases stops the metastasizing of cancer cells.
Based on Brinks tumor numbers prior to his CBD journey he shouldn't have made it this far. Thanks to our CBD oil Brinks is celebrating 14 months post diagnosis today!!
Click here to find out more about CBD and its benefit for people and animals.
