The economy is impacting pets too!

I sometimes volunteer at Paws Chicago. I should volunteer more often and keep meaning to sign up to walk dogs again. Maybe this article I read today can motivate me, and you, to help the poor puppies and cats affected by the economy:

Vet bills too high for some pet owners

This is so sad. I can't imagine having to euthanize my dog due to an expensive pet bill. I can imagine there are many many pet owners that have struggled with this very situation and quite a few tears shed over the issue. I realize there isn't a simple answers for those pet owners and can't judge them for making a tough decision. So sad!

On the other hand, I also read that pets save their owners money. The problem seems to be that the savings are long term, while the economy is impacting the pets in the near-term. I want to help! Part of me wants to start a charity to help these animals because I know shelters like Paws can't help every dog owner that is struggling. I definitely agree with the author about the savings due to walking the dog, etc. I know I have definitely had to walk Toby when I felt like sitting on the couch, drinking hot chocolate, and snuggling under a blanket!

My boss now officially thinks I am totally Dog Crazy

I thought I had overcome the new pet owner syndrome. You know who you are- your dog makes a funny noise, sleeps longer than normal, or throws up and you RUSH to the vet. Lucky for me, my big brother ais a veterinarian. This has most likely saved me hundreds, if not thousands in vet bills. (Thank you J.R) Anyway, through all of my hysteria and over-reaction, my husband has continued to harass me- accusing me of being too soft, baby-ing our dog, etc. etc. Slowly, I was getting over this- no REALLY, I was getting over it.

Then, today happened.

Today was an especially good workday, finally feeling productive. During a meeting with my boss, my cell phone rang, and then my office phone rang. And rang. And rang. Sure enough, it was my husband asking me to leave RIGHT away. Our pup was frantically and compulsively licking everything- the rug, the floor, the doors, the couch, windows, pretty much anything his little puppy tongue could reach. The news got worse when he said that the dog had vomited more than 5 times and was acting strange, with no apparent attention to commands.

I rushed home since my husband never does this type of thing and found my dog, licking, licking, and licking. I immediately held and pet him to calm him, and felt his heart racing. His stomach started making the loudest, strangest gurgling sounds, and he starting vomiting again. He uttered possibly the most wrenching, awful sound I have heard and out came ALL the hair and floor scraps that he must have licked up.

Moral of the story- Don't feed your dog a million rich, new treats (aka bcon, hot dogs, scooby snacks, and more) in the name of training him out of his dog aggression. The cliche' is true- what goes in must go OUT. Poor thing.

An airline for my pet?

Apparently, my dilemma will soon be solved. I would love, absolutely love, if we could bring Toby with us to a beach. Imagine a dog on vacation with us- how great!?! Unfortunately, our dog is over the weight and size limits to fly with us in the cabin. I absolutely refuse to fly him in the cargo space below the passenger cabin. The oxygen and temperature isn't 100% perfect down there. My distrust of the situation is so great that I had planned to drive for 5 days if we moved cross-country rather than fly my pet with LUGGAGE. I just came across this link for Pet Airways.
http://www.petairways.com/

I can't believe it. I feel so lucky that I live in Chicago and may be able to take advantage of the service. My only problem? While they fly OUT of my home city- they don't seem to fly to any of my destinations. Not that I expected Charleston, SC or any airport nearby to be in their first cities. A girl can dream I guess....

Chicago Dog Events in March

Dog-A-Holics (Armitage)
Food Education and Free Sample Days
March 7
Nature's Variety
March 14, 15
Merrick Canned Dog Food

March 21, 22
Orijen Dog Food

March 28, 29
Zukes Treats

Louie's St. Patty's Day Bash March 14, 2009
Minimum $100 donation for 15 min. photo session with you and your dog, Food and drinks, party favors

Pictures with the Easter Bunny- April 4th

The Anti-Cruelty Society
110th Birthday Celebration
March 7 1- 4 PM
Birthday Cake, Gifts, Contests, Pets for adoption

Intro to Canine Massage
March 8th, $10

Pet First Aid and CPR
March 14th 9-10 AM, $25

Chicagoland Family Pet Expo
March 20, 22, & 22
Agility, Disc, Grooming competition, Dancing with Dogs, Art, Most Lovable Pooch Contest, Cat Show, Bird Show, Dizzy Dog Tail Chasing Contest (I think this is the funniest contest)