Puppuccino Day

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I went to Starbucks today because it is National Coffee Day. Since Oliver was in the car with me because we went shopping, I decided to get a special treat for him and the girls (who were probably pouting at home because they couldn’t come along). So, I got a Puppuccino for them to share. Best thing is it’s free!

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What is a Puppuccino? It is a small cup of whipped cream that Starbucks offers to dogs. If you go through the drive thru and they see you have a dog, they will usually offer your dog a Puppuccino. Some Starbucks aren’t aware of this special puppy treat so you may have to inform them.

 

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I definitely wouldn’t do it all the time since it isn’t very healthy, but they deserved a special treat. As you can see they all enjoyed it! What can I say, I love spoiling my pups!

 

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Happy National Coffee Day!

My First Puppy

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As a dog lover, dogs have been in my life for as long as I can remember. When I was little and my mother wasn’t ready to add a dog to the family, I would dream about owning one someday. That day came in 2002 when we adopted a miniature poodle named Mills. He wasn’t a puppy though, he was a 10 year old, grumpy but spunky dog. He started my pack and the rest of the dogs who joined down the line were also adult dogs. I’ve never had the chance to raise a puppy until now.

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Meet Daisy, she is a 13 week old Bichon Frise puppy. I found her on Petfinder (listed with her two siblings) and decided she was going to be mine. The only hitch was her location, all the way down in southern Virginia. That didn’t phase me one bit.

I took the long drive down there and Daisy joined my family on Saturday, July 26, 2014. It was a tiring trip but worth it. I felt like I was dreaming while driving home with her. (I knew it was real when she got car sick all over my lap.) I couldn’t believe that I had adopted my first puppy. I was excited but nervous all at the same time. I was a new mother to a puppy.

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Why a puppy? After we had to put down Lady (In Memory of Lady) a week before Christmas last year, I told my mother, “Our next dog is going to be a puppy.” I love adult dogs, but I wanted the experience of raising one puppy in my life. Plus, it would be easier to integrate a puppy into our pack of dogs and cats. We decided that one day, down the road, we would get a Bichon Frise puppy. That day came when I adopted Daisy.

Daisy is a little bundle of joy and full of mischief, but I am loving the learning experience. She loves playing with toys and stealing a shoe once in a while. Let me tell you, she will snare a shoe that is bigger than her (she currently weighs 4.5 lbs), and carry it all the way to the dog bed. Daisy is smart, curious and ready for anything. My mom and I are in peril with every step we take because we often find Daisy right under our feet as we walk.

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While she is delighted to be around her new dog siblings, I cannot say that Princess and Oliver enjoy Daisy’s company as much as she enjoys theirs. It took Princess a few days to get used to the puppy in the house. Daisy would jump all over her and Princess wasn’t too happy about that. I let Princess know she is still the top dog of the pack and no puppy could change that. Now Princess doesn’t mind when Daisy lays near her or jumps all over her. Oliver, on the other hand, still isn’t too happy about the puppy. I knew it would be more of an adjustment for him since he is more territorial and my mother’s baby boy. Luckily he doesn’t go after Daisy, but he would prefer that she not get near him. Sorry Oliver, the puppy is here to stay.

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I am excited for all the puppy days to come, but I am also excited to watch Daisy grow up to be an adult dog. I have my camera ready to capture all those precious moments as she lives a great life in my pack. Welcome to your forever family, Daisy!

Five tips to keep your dog cool this Summer

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Five_tips_to_keep_your_dog_cool_this_summer_oliver_lifetimewithdogsSummer is here and the sun is beaming down on us. It is a fun season for humans and dogs alike. Most humans and dogs enjoy playing outside and taking advantage of the sunny, warm weather. If your dog spends a lot of time outside in the heat, or if you don’t have air conditioning inside, there are solutions to keep your dogs cool during those hot summer days.

1. Cool water

It is essential for dogs (and even for humans) to always have access to fresh, cool water on the brutally hot days of summer. Change the water regularly and keep it in the shade whenever possible. If you won’t be around to keep an eye on the water bowl, consider using an automatic water dispenser (like the Petmate Replenish Pet Waterer) to provide your dogs with a constant supply of fresh water.

2. Always have shade

Dogs may run around in the sun and enjoy sunbathing, but all dogs need a cool, shady spot to rest when they are outside for long periods of time. Trees can provide some shade, but the most ideal shade is from an actual structure (ABO Gear’s Dog Shelter).

3. Go for a swim

If your dog loves water, then this tip is for them. Kiddie pools (molded plastic, not inflatable) are great additions to the yard or porch during the summer months. Dogs can have fun and relax in the water on a hot day. Remember to change the water frequently and don’t leave it in the sun. Also, empty the pool after use so that it won’t attract mosquitoes.

4. Paw protection

Make sure to keep your dog on grass or dirt whenever possible during summer walks. Standing on asphalt or sand for too long can burn a dog’s paws. The best solution is to use dog booties (like Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots) to protect their paws from any pain. If you have a small dog, you can put them in a doggie stroller until you reach the park or other destination.

5. Leave your dog at home

As many of us like to be outside and go places during the summer, sometimes it’s best to leave our four-legged family members at home. Don’t leave your dog in the car unless the air conditioner is running. A car can heat up to a dangerous level and kill your dog, even with the windows open. When enjoying activities that will keep you in the sun all day, leave your dog at home where there is air conditioning and no beaming sun. Your dog will be more comfortable indoors than suffering outside from the heat.

As a person who loves the summer, I enjoy taking my dogs outdoors on adventures. But I know when it is best to leave them at home if the heat will harm or affect them.
How do you keep your dogs cool during the summer?