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My Handicapped Dog – 10 Lessons She Taught Me

2012-04-19T05:00:00Z

Sometimes hope crushes fear and gives us strength to move forward.
At a veterinary emergency room, I heard those dreaded words, "There’s no hope." Three veterinarians told me that it was impossible for Gracie to live through the night. With tears streaming down my face, I said, "I know she will die some day, but today is not that day. We’re going home." I wrapped her warmly on that cold November night and took her back home with me, where she lived not only through that night but also for another two years!

The circumstances of life can change in a heartbeat.
We are not guaranteed our next heartbeat, nor are our loved ones. Moving forward with a quiet confidence when I brought Gracie home from the emergency room, our lives’ circumstances did change in a heartbeat. One day Gracie was running and playing; the next day she was crippled, never to walk again.

Giving loved ones a soft place to land can cushion life’s unforeseen hazards.
The first time I watched Gracie dive off the couch with braces on her crippled legs, I was horrified. She was completely nonplussed, seemingly unaware that her little stunt had unnerved me. That very day, I arranged plenty of pillows at the foot of my couch. If my fearless Yorkie continued to take flight, at least her landings would now be cushioned. I never tried to stop Gracie from diving into the unknown; I just gave her a soft place to land.

Creative adaptability meets life’s challenging obstacles.
Two years later, the pillow pile was still at the foot of my couch and Gracie still took flight. I made many other modifications to our home environment, meals, and daily schedule to accommodate Gracie’s needs. As needs arose, I adapted.

Surprisingly, some physical disabilities may be tender mercies in disguise.
When Gracie was young, our house took a direct lightning hit that traveled down the chimney and sent sparks flying into the living room with a loud thunderous explosion. From that day forward, Gracie became terrified of storms and even the rumblings of distant thunder started her trembling. As she grew older, her hearing grew weaker. I was grateful that the tense days of noisy thunderstorms were over and she was mercifully spared her storm terrors.

Loyal friends are often found where least expected.
Gracie used to play with my cat, Chloe, in mock battle. Often, I’d have to clear tufts of Chloe’s long, white hair from Gracie’s mouth after they’d played. Although he was three times Gracie’s size and with claws intact, Chloe was a gentle giant and never retaliated. When Gracie came home from the hospital after a life-threatening episode, Chloe curled up next to her and gently touched her face as they both fell asleep. Two years later, the night Gracie died, I awoke to find Chloe once again curled up next to her. My huge cat and my tiny Yorkie remained loyal friends ‘til the end.

It’s okay to let someone carry you when you cannot walk by yourself.
Walking the dog took on a completely different meaning at my house. When Gracie could no longer walk, I carried her. For two years, either tucked under my arm, or in a sling around my neck, I "walked" her. As I walked, she navigated by dog paddling and nudging me in the direction she wanted to go. Here we are in 2008; I'm carrying Gracie in her sling while she "helps" me pick muscadines:

Closing our hearts can cripple us more than physical handicaps.
Gracie was a five-pound bundle of love who stole my heart at first sight of her. In spite of physical challenges later in her life, Gracie had an irrepressible spirit that amazed and inspired me and she never allowed her handicap to close that spirit. Crippled legs did not cripple Gracie’s heart.

Compassion for others is magnified because of personal experiences.
I could never have understood some of the daily obstacles that handicapped dogs and cats face had it not been for Gracie's experiences. With a desire to help others, Gracie & Co. is committed to expanding its product line with items geared specifically for elderly and handicapped dogs and cats.

Love trumps bitterness, anger and sadness.
My love for Gracie encompassed my sadness over her failing health and handicaps. It became impossible for bitterness and anger to consume me as I watched my little Yorkie continue to live her life to its fullest measure. Even in the face of some very tough circumstances, Gracie's purest love prevailed. This is what she taught me.

Please add a comment to this blog post and tell us what product(s) you have found helpful for your handicapped dog or cat. We value your input.

About the author: Victoria Blackstone is the founder and owner of Gracie & Co., the inventor of the GracieLoo dog litter box and the author of “Dog Litter Box Training: Here’s the Poop.”

Compassionate Care for Older Dogs with Incontinence

2012-04-10T05:00:00Z

Dogs of any age can have problems with incontinence, which is the inability to control their bladder. As some pups age, they experience difficulty when trying to control their bodily functions. Even well-trained dogs may begin to dribble urine while sleeping or wet the floor while awake. Understanding the reasons why senior dogs have trouble “holding it” is the first step to helping them manage it.

Ask your veterinarian to perform a comprehensive geriatric examination to determine the cause(s) of your dog's incontinence. Results may reveal the following culprit(s):

Muscle tone. The muscles that hold urine in the bladder can grow weak with age. As muscle tone diminishes, your dog is unable to control his urination.
Hormonal imbalance. Hormones affect how dogs control the sphincter muscle, which holds urine in the bladder. As dogs get older, their hormone levels naturally decline, causing them to lose control over the sphincter muscle.
Reproductive sterilization surgery. Reproductive organs produce hormones. Spayed females and neutered males have had their sexual organs removed, which results in reduced hormone production. The ASPCA reports that urinary incontinence because of estrogen depletion is most often seen in middle-aged to older spayed female dogs.
Hip, joint and back problems. Painful conditions, such as hip dysplasia, arthritis and disk problems, inhibit your dog’s mobility in going outside for potty breaks.
Diseases. Your veterinarian will test for diseases, including diabetes and polyuria, which increase frequency and urgency of urination.

Consider these solutions to help manage your older dog’s incontinence:

Medication. Many senior dogs are helped by medicine that strengthens bladder muscles, provides hormone-replacement therapy or manages disease.
More frequent potty breaks. Don’t ask your older dog to “hold it” for long periods of time. Take him outside more often so that he can relieve himself comfortably.
Joint supplements. Give your senior dog a daily supplement, such as those containing green-lipped mussel extract, which alleviates inflammatory joint pain.
Puppy pads. Place a pad where your dog can use it if you’re not there to let him out, or if he just can’t hold it until his scheduled potty breaks. Use a puppy pad or layers of thick towels on top of your dog’s bed if he can’t make it through the night without wetting his bed. Like the towels, some puppy pads are washable.
Doggy diapers. In cases of extreme incontinence, special garments are made to be worn by dogs. Diapers come in all sizes and are made for males and females.
Dog litter box. You can help your small pup by providing a dog litter box and teaching him how to use it. He will not be at the mercy of your schedule to go outside and can relieve himself when needed.

About the author: Victoria Blackstone is the founder and owner of Gracie & Co., the inventor of the GracieLoo dog litter box and the author of “Dog Litter Box Training: Here’s the Poop.”

Lucy, my Snake-Wranglin' Yorkie

2012-04-06T05:00:00Z

My first rescued dog, Lucy, was quite an adventurous little Yorkshire terrier. I found her through a local Yorkie rescue group and we bonded immediately, as soon as we met. Although she was several years old when I adopted her, she had no bad habits or behavior problems. The day I brought her home to live with me, it was as if she’d always lived there.

As a gardener, I worked outside every day in warm weather and Lucy tagged along beside me. Curious as a cat, she watched and listened – while cocking her head from side to side in that familiar Yorkie way – as I shared botanical information and demonstrated how to grow plants. Ten years later, when I became a horticultural speaker, I thought of my very first “audience” and missed our gardening times together.

One day in early springtime, I decided to remove some brick steps and install flowerbeds on either side of the steps. As I lifted one of the bricks, I saw the tail of a baby king snake disappear underneath some adjacent bricks. Lucy was sitting next to me and she saw the snake wriggle away, too. I said, “Lucy, look – a snake!”

"Lucy's snake"

The excitement in my voice fueled her excitement. She stood up and barked at the bricks, while pawing at the ground to get that snake. I started removing bricks quickly to uncover the creature and pull him out of his hiding place. I taught Lucy the word “snake” by repeating it several times and showing it to her. Her vocabulary comprehension was quite extensive, and I shouldn’t have been surprised that she would retain that word immediately.

A few minutes later, after I put Lucy inside the house so that she wouldn’t follow me, I let the snake go in the woods behind my house. The next weekend, when I was working outside again, my neighbors came to see the progress I was making on my new rock garden. As always, Lucy was there with me, and I had to share the snake story with them. As I repeated the word “snake” in telling the story, her ears perked up and her head started cocking from side to side. We laughed, and I said, jokingly, “Lucy, go find me a snake!” Without a moment’s hesitation, she turned around and ran off into the woods. We laughed again.

A few minutes later, my little snake-wranglin’ Yorkie came running out of the woods dragging a 3-foot black rat snake with her. She held it behind its head while it flailed from side to side. “Lucy, let that snake go!” She brought it right to me, so proud of her successful capture, as I said, “Lucy, drop that snake!” I had to take it out of her mouth, but how could I scold or punish her? I’d taught her the word, and then asked her to go find one for me, which she did!

Lavishing praise upon my little hunter, I took her inside and gave her some huntin’ treats, while I was still holding that snake. Sneaking back outside, I released it into the woods. That night as she was sleeping, her legs started moving and she started “yipping,” no doubt chasing another snake in her dreams.

Or was she dreaming of pulling another duck out of mid-air as she’d done the previous year? You can read that story here: “Lucy, my Duck-Huntin’ Yorkie.”

About the author: Victoria Blackstone is the founder and owner of Gracie & Co., the inventor of the GracieLoo dog litter box and the author of “Dog Litter Box Training: Here’s the Poop.”

Dog Litter Box Training for Chihuahuas

2012-04-04T05:00:00Z

Small dogs enjoy many benefits from learning how to use a litter box. Their size adapts them perfectly for living indoors, especially as apartment or condo dwellers. Long work days, inclement weather and outside dangers pose only a few of the challenges that can be overcome with dog litter box training for Chihuahuas.

The American Kennel Club lists the Chihuahua as a member of its Toy Group. Although the breed is named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, drawings depicting their canine ancestors have been found in the ruins of Chichen Itza on the Yucatan peninsula. Another ancestor was the Techichi dog, from the Toltec people in central Mexico.

Tiny dogs with large personalities, Chihuahuas are intelligent, alert and sassy. These pups are favorites among apartment and condo dwellers because of their small size. The AKC 2011 dog registration statistics rank the Chihuahua as Number 14 in popularity among 161 registered breeds.

Chihuahuas of all ages and life stages can learn to use an indoor dog potty. Each dog has an individual personality and a unique response to training, so training times and responses will vary for different dogs. The success of their training is directly proportional to the commitment you make to train them.

The “Three Ps” – praise, patience and persistence – establish a bond between you and your Chihuahua that leads to successful training results. Conversely, the “Three Nevers” – never yell at your dog, never hit your dog and never rub your dog’s nose in his own waste – are counter-productive and should not be practiced. Training through intimidation is unnecessary and inhumane.

Your Chihuahua is a member of your family. Teach good habits early in life and your dog will become firmly established as a responsible member of your household. Please contact us with any questions you have about dog litter box training, or post a comment about your successful training results.

About the author: Victoria Blackstone is the founder and owner of Gracie & Co., the inventor of the GracieLoo dog litter box and the author of “Dog Litter Box Training: Here’s the Poop.”

Many Dangers to Dogs and Cats Lurk in Easter Baskets

2012-04-02T05:00:00Z

This is a guest post, reprinted by permission.
Thanks to Dr. Debra Rowell of Cat Care Hospital in Marietta, GA:

Originally titled "Many Dangers to Cats Lurk in Easter Baskets," these dangers also apply to dogs. Keep the holidays fun and safe for everyone in your household – including your furry canine and feline family members!

Beautifully filled Easter baskets are nice surprises for your kids, but they can hold dangerous surprises for your kitty. Keep Easter baskets out of your cat’s reach and substitute other things in place of these dangers to cats:

Paper or cellophane Easter “grass” is irresistible to curious cats. If kitty swallows this grass, it can become twisted around his intestines and require surgical intervention to remove it. There's also the possibility that it will perforate the intestines, causing peritonitis.
Ribbons that are used to make bows for Easter baskets are more playthings for cats. If cats decide to eat the ribbons, they'll likely require surgery to remove them. Ribbons also pose a strangulation risk if they become wrapped around your cat’s neck. Ribbons, like cellophane grass, can also possibly puncture the intestines and cause peritonitis.
Cellophane bags that wrap Easter baskets can suffocate your cat if he becomes trapped inside. When your kids remove the bags from around their baskets, discard them or put them out of your cat’s reach.
Discarded foil candy wrappings are shiny, crinkly playthings to cats. But they can also cause choking hazards or present sharp edges that perforate your cat’s stomach or intestines.
Chocolate can be toxic and even fatal to cats. Dr. Patty Lathan, professor of small animal medicine at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, says that it only takes one time of getting into an Easter basket for your cat to suffer irreversible damage.
Jelly beans and gummy animals may cause your cat to choke while he’s trying to chew or swallow these sticky treats.
Raisins may be a healthy treat for your kids, but they are a toxic treat for your cats. Ingestion can cause kidney failure.

Please read Dr. Rowell's blog post about how Easter lilies are extremely toxic to your cat, and keep those out of your cat's reach, too!

About the author: Debra Rowell, DVM, has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1986, after graduating with honors from Mississippi State University. In 1993, she opened Cat Care Hospital in Marietta, GA, as a practice devoted exclusively to cats.

Gracie & Co. Announces Winner of March 2012 Red Bow Award

2012-03-31T05:00:00Z

Gracie & Co. presents our March 2012 Red Bow Award to Mr. Bill Wynne.

Gracie was not only the namesake for Gracie & Co. and the GracieLoo dog litter box, but she was also my beloved Yorkshire terrier for 15 years. I established our Red Bow Award to recognize individuals or businesses that encouraged me, inspired me or played a significant role in giving Gracie the best quality of life possible.

When I used to take Gracie places with me, I always pulled her hair up into a ponytail on top of her head. For special occasions, I secured her ponytail with a red bow. During the last two years of Gracie’s life she was crippled, unable to walk or stand. Even though she was handicapped, Gracie still wanted to go places with me

So I carried her in a sling around my neck and she continued to wear her red bow for certain occasions. The red bow symbolized something special; something set apart from the ordinary. Likewise, recipients of the Red Bow Award are also set apart from the ordinary and they are very special to me.

Mr. Wynne is the author of “Yorkie Doodle Dandy,” a memoir he wrote about Smoky, his Yorkshire terrier. Smoky was found in an abandoned foxhole in New Guinea in 1944 during World War II. His tiny 4-pound Yorkie became a decorated war heroine, after she served her country in a most unusual way. You can read her incredible story here.

Mr. Wynne’s book is an inspiration to all of us who have been fortunate enough to find a similar bond with a dog. He was not only inspiring through his book, but he was also encouraging to me during my launch of Gracie & Co. He generously autographed some of his books for me to sell in my store. And then when my Yorkie, Gracie, died in 2010, Mr. Wynne understood my grief and offered kind words to me during that most difficult time.

It is with sincere thanks that Gracie & Co. presents our March 2012 Red Bow Award to Mr. Wynne. Because of his inspiration, his encouragement and his understanding, he stands apart as someone very special to my business as well as to me personally.

About the author: Victoria Blackstone is the founder and owner of Gracie & Co., the inventor of the GracieLoo dog litter box and the author of “Dog Litter Box Training: Here’s the Poop.”

A Doggie Paws Keepsake Leaves A “Forever Paw Print” in Your Heart

2012-03-29T05:00:00Z

Fond memories of long walks, playing together and just spending time with your dog or cat can be memorialized with an impression of your pal’s paw print. Inferior products made from clay or ceramic can crack or break, but not Doggie Paws. These three-dimensional life-size gilded keepsakes are so durable that they will not break even if dropped.

The Doggie Paws is a Houston-based company that understands the special bond that exists between people and their animal companions. They specialize in one thing only – converting paw impressions into works of art that will last for a lifetime.

When you order one of their easy-to-use impression kits, it arrives with complete instructions. You make the impression and then return it to the company inside their included box. Upon their receipt, they craft it into a custom-made keepsake and then return it to you.

You write your own personal sentiment; Doggie Paws engraves it for you on the product you choose; and your memento becomes uniquely yours. Walnut plaques hold inscriptions, paw prints and even photo sleeves. They can be displayed flat on a desk or table, on a stand in a curio cabinet or hanging on the wall. You can even choose to have your pet’s paw print mounted on a clock.

If you prefer a loose paw print, Doggie Paws is happy to accommodate that request, too. Perhaps you have a special trinket box, music box or cremation urn you’d like to adorn with your special pet’s paw print. Or maybe you’d like to display the paw print on your desk, or tuck it inside your purse or pocket as a reminder of your pet.

Doggie Paws are not just for remembering our cherished dogs and cats who are no longer with us, but also for honoring the special friends in our lives right now. I’ve already ordered the impression kit for my Yorkie, Stella, and will proudly display it in my office. When you order your Doggie Paws keepsake, let them know that our spokesdog, Stella, referred you and you'll get a 15% discount!

About the author: Victoria Blackstone is the founder and owner of Gracie & Co., the inventor of the GracieLoo dog litter box and the author of “Dog Litter Box Training: Here’s the Poop.”

I Carried My Handicapped Dog Close to My Heart

2012-03-27T05:00:00Z

I carried my handicapped dog close to my heart in an over-the-shoulder sling. For the last two years of Gracie's life, she was unable to walk or stand. Her Sling-Go made it possible for me to continue taking her places with me. Although some people carry their dogs as “accessories,” I carried my little Yorkie to accommodate her handicap. This allowed her to have continued mobility, even though it was in a creative and unconventional way.

Like many people, I had to address the difficult decision of whether euthanasia was the best choice for Gracie after she became crippled. To make this very personal decision, I decided to “listen” to what Gracie communicated to me. She was one of those once-in-a-lifetime dogs, and we’d always had an extremely close bond. I trusted my heart to guide the decision of what was best for her.

In spite of her challenges, Gracie made it clear that she wasn’t ready to give up, so I made my decision against euthanasia. Her crippled legs never crippled her spirit or her zest for life. In her younger years, Gracie had always been such an active dog, accompanying me on many adventures, and she wanted to keep going with me.

I found the perfect soft carrier – Kyjen’s Sling-Go – that held Gracie safely and comfortably, while giving me hands-free access for other activities such as shopping, gardening and hiking. Here’s Gracie “helping” me pick muscadines (Georgia native grapes) at a local vineyard for my homemade muscadine jelly. As I picked the grapes, she supervised while enjoying the beautiful summer day with me:

If your dog or cat has similar needs, visit our store and order a Sling-Go. For older or handicapped dogs and cats, this carrier can be their ticket to enjoying life’s adventures in spite of their challenges.

About the author: Victoria Blackstone is the founder and owner of Gracie & Co., the inventor of the GracieLoo and the author of “Dog Litter Box Training: Here’s the Poop.”

Pink Pig Fun for My Dog and Me

2012-03-23T05:00:00Z

When I was a child in the fifties and sixties, a visit to Atlanta’s downtown Rich’s department store was a Christmas treat. During the holiday season every year, the store had a monorail train in the shape of a pink pig that children could ride. The first car was the pig’s face and the last car was the curly tail. The Pink Pig rode kids high above the toy department where kids could gaze down onto Rich’s “Wonderland of Toys.” As a little southern girl, I also remember removing my white gloves to eat lunch in Rich’s Magnolia Room after riding the Pink Pig.

Fifty years later, I bought my Yorkie, Stella, a toy for Christmas that triggered fond Pink Pig memories. Bottle Buddies dog toys use empty water bottles as crinkly-crackly centers inside plush animal bodies. Dogs find crunching on these toys irresistible. From the animal choices, of course I had to get the pink pig toy for Stella. She loved it!

For a small dog, Stella is a very aggressive chewer with her toys. Bottle Buddies dog toys form a sleeve over recycled plastic water bottles, which are encased in a durable inner liner that fastens with Velcro. When bottles lose some of their “crackle and crunch,” it’s very easy to remove the old one and replace with a new one.

Providing dog toys for your special pup offers many benefits:

They keep their jaws and teeth healthy.
They give them exercise.
They keep a dog’s mind engaged and alleviate boredom, which can lead to behavioral problems.
They allow bonding and training opportunities.
They’re fun for your dog!

About the author: Victoria Blackstone is the founder and owner of Gracie & Co., the inventor of the GracieLoo and the author of “Dog Litter Box Training: Here’s the Poop.”

Praise, Patience and Persistence: The 3Ps of Dog Litter Box Training

2012-03-21T05:00:00Z

My dog litterbox-training method advocates six absolutes that I call “The 3Ps” and “The 3Nevers.” (I’ll address the 3Nevers in an upcoming blog post.) The play on words notwithstanding, the 3Ps really will eliminate the “pees” around your house. Praise, patience and persistence are effective training tools that yield successful results through positive reinforcement and gentle correction.

Praise. Our dogs have such strong desires to please us. A little praise goes a long way, but a lot of praise will make your dog do back flips! In 1995, when I trained my Yorkie, Gracie, to use her litter box, I used very small, low-fat treats as one part of her training reward. The other part of her reward was the lavish praise I heaped on her every time she used her indoor bathroom station. Clapping my hands, I’d say, “Gracie, I’m so proud of you!” She enjoyed her little treat, but I think she enjoyed my praise even more. For the next 15 years (until the day she died), she faithfully used her litter box, and I faithfully praised her efforts.
Patience. Puppies are all over the place, with short attention spans and limited bladder control. During the training period of teaching a dog to use a litter box, accidents will happen. Piddles here and puddles there are normal consequences of a puppy’s learning curve. Your impatience can contribute to your pup’s nervousness, which exacerbates the problem of improper elimination. Maintaining a calm and patient demeanor will reward you with successful results.
Persistence. Don’t give up. Your consistent training habits communicate your expectations to your dog. Inconsistent training leaves your dog confused, with mixed messages, and hinders the potty training process. Dogs exhibit individual responses to training and require different training periods. There is no one-timeframe-fits-all result. Recognize that your pup is unique and make the commitment to be the best trainer possible for your special dog.

About the author: Victoria Blackstone is the founder and owner of Gracie & Co., the inventor of the GracieLoo and the author of “Dog Litter Box Training: Here’s the Poop.”