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Gracie's 15th Birthday

Victoria@GracieAndCompany.com (Victoria Blackstone) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:48:00 GMT

December 3, 2009

Today Gracie reached her 15th birthday.

She was born December 3, 1994 in Marietta, Georgia, to a champion Yorkshire terrier sire named Tuff Stuff and a mom named Misty. Her only littermate was a sister named Lucy, ironically the name of my Yorkie I had before Gracie. I was unaware of her sister's name until I received Gracie's registration papers from the breeder and it gave me pause when I read it. You see, my own Lucy's life had come to an untimely, tragic end in the Spring of 1995. After grieving her death, and realizing that I was ready to adopt another Yorkie, I started my search.

After looking at more than 50 Yorkie babies, all it took was one visit with Gracie and my heart melted. I sat down on the breeder's back deck as swarms of tiny Yorkie puppies ran to me, jumped in my lap, and barked their greetings. With her sweet spirit and gentle manner, Gracie waited until the other puppies' frenzy had calmed and they ran off to play. That's when she walked over to me, sat in my lap, and gently kissed me on the cheek. As I looked down at Gracie, I knew that she was "the one" - but who had chosen whom?!

And so our lives together began in the Spring of 1995. From that day when I brought her home to live with me, Gracie has been a joy. She is a five-pound bundle of love with an irrepressible spirit and a zest for life. Through all the seasons in Gracie’s life – puppy, adolescent, adult, senior citizen, and now handicapped – she has maintained that same sweet spirit I saw in her as a puppy. Whether she chose me, or I chose her, I am richer for it.

She still melts my heart.

Happy 15th birthday to my beloved Gracie.

Gracie was unavailable for comment on her birthday as she was too busy playing and napping afterward.

Click here to visit Gracie & Co., read more about Gracie, and see beautiful pictures of her.

Dog and Cat Sweaters - Prissy or Practical; Sensible or Silly?

Victoria@GracieAndCompany.com (Victoria Blackstone) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:42:00 GMT

November 25, 2009

Does your dog or cat really need to wear a sweater? Well, perhaps. Providing your pooch or kitty with a winter sweater may be just what the doctor ordered.

Many older dogs and cats, just like older people, have poor circulation and difficulty maintaining their body temperature. A sweater may be needed to keep them comfortable, even in a heated home. Arthritic dogs or cats, regardless of age, can have limited mobility that leads to inactivity. With insufficient exercise, they can lose body heat and their arthritic pain escalates. Simply wearing a sweater will help trap their body heat and ease some of their discomfort.

Similarly, many handicapped dogs and cats experience challenges to their mobility resulting in their inability to exercise adequately. Care must be given to find a well-fitting sweater that accommodates different handicaps. Crippled dogs and cats who spend much or all of their time lying down can develop sore spots from sweaters that have underbelly fasteners. A smooth, flat bellyband that goes underneath the body and fastens at the back will be their most comfortable option. Amputees will need sweaters that stay secure without slipping and restricting their movement.

Convalescent and postoperative dogs and cats may "kick the covers off", so to speak, while they are resting. Without a blanket covering them, they may get chilled which can slow the healing process. However, if they are wearing a sweater, it’s like wrapping a blanket around them that stays in place and provides the constant warmth they need. Once they are restored to full health, wearing a sweater may be unnecessary.

Many dogs with very short hair can also benefit from the extra warmth of a sweater. Chihuahuas, miniature pinschers, and Italian greyhounds are examples from the toy-breed group of dogs that routinely wear sweaters. It’s not only small dogs who need sweaters, but also other breeds including greyhounds and whippets. Larger dogs with short hair and slender builds are typically good candidates for needing a little more insulation in cold weather. In addition to purebred dogs, there are many mixed-breed dogs whose need for sweaters is just as important.

Anomalies of the dog world like the Chinese crested and the Peruvian Inca orchid are hairless dogs and the Sphynx cat is their hairless feline counterpart. With no body hair to insulate them, these dog and cat breeds certainly need the added warmth of a sweater. Yorkshire terriers, Maltese, silky terriers, and shih tzus are dogs that have hair, not fur. They lack the undercoat of other dogs, which acts as an insulating layer. Even when their hair is long, it does not always provide sufficient warmth because of the absence of a fur undercoat.

At first glance, dogs and cats wearing sweaters may appear excessively prissy. There are, however, valid reasons that support this choice as a sensible, caring gesture. Gone are the days when apparel for dogs or cats was reserved only for pampered pooches or chichi cats whose owners wished to make fashion statements. Not just for looks any more, dog and cat sweaters serve a useful purpose and may actually be just what the doctor ordered.

Click here to see our tailor-made sweaters for dogs and cats, lovingly made by crochet artist Susan Hulsey.

The GracieLoo Dog Litter Box Helps Handicapped Dogs

Victoria@GracieAndCompany.com (Victoria Blackstone) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:35:00 GMT

November 18, 2009

Of the many benefits of training a dog to use an indoor litter box, it is perhaps of highest benefit to handicapped dogs. Often physical handicaps come with increasing age; sometimes physical handicaps are congenital; and many times physical handicaps result from the trauma of accidents. No matter the reason for their handicaps, many dogs are faced with daily challenges to relieving themselves. What used to be a simple walk outside or down the stairs can become a painful and/or impossible trek for dogs. As an alternative, a short visit to an indoor litter box may provide them with a viable solution to this obstacle.

When people have handicap challenges, they have access to specially equipped bathroom stalls, handrails, ramps, and other assists to their physical needs. As valued members of our families, we can help our dogs with similar assists for their needs. Instead of a specially equipped bathroom stall designed for people, we can provide a litter box that is designed specifically for dogs. A litter station that has a very shallow entrance allows handicapped dogs to enter and exit easily and safely. Instead of handrails designed for people, an indoor dog potty with taller back and sides will give a handicapped dog something to brace against when relieving herself. The GracieLoo dog litter box offers both these features.

Why not simply put doggy diapers on a handicapped dog? For many dogs, that is certainly the most compassionate and logical solution. For other dogs, however, it is compassionate to allow them to use a litter box, if their physical constraints allow them. When many dogs lose control over their mobility or surroundings, they simply give up hope. Providing an indoor bathroom station for their needs allows them a sense of accomplishment through their challenges.

Is this yet another example of assigning human emotions and characteristics to dogs, or is it a legitimate assessment? Many canine behavioral studies support this observation. In "When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals", it is confirmed by many animal behaviorist’s field studies that animals do have a wide range of complex emotions. One only needs to observe the family dog over a lifetime to know this is true.

For the love, joy, humor, and loyalty dogs bring to our lives, our response to them during their difficulties is nothing less than we would give other family members. Compassionate care for our handicapped dogs can include simple litterbox-training to assist with their bathroom needs. It is certainly possible to teach an old dog new tricks, and an older handicapped dog can easily be re-trained to use the GracieLoo instead of going outside. With successful re-training, these dogs can renew a sense of accomplishment and also fulfill their inherent need to please us.

Click here to see the GracieLoo Dog Litter Box and read more about its benefits and features

Litter Choices for the GracieLoo Dog Litter Box

Victoria@GracieAndCompany.com (Victoria Blackstone) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:02:00 GMT

November 11, 2009

Do you actually use cat litter in the GracieLoo?
There is a wide variety of litter options with the GracieLoo. Choose the option that works best for you and your dog.

- Yes, you may use cat litter. I have used clumping cat litter in Gracie's personal GracieLoo for 10 years. This litter not only absorbs liquid waste, but also forms a solid clump that is easily scooped.

- Optionally, you may use litters made of recycled pine pellets, compressed newspaper pellets, wheat, or ground corncobs. These litters will absorb liquid waste, but will not clump.

Clay cat litter, especially clumping litter, is reportedly dangerous for dogs and cats - is this true?
There are conflicting reports concerning clay litters - their potential toxicity and their potential to cause respiratory illness. I refer to the ASPCA website (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for this answer:

    Many scoopable cat litters contain bentonite clay and/or
    silica. The clumping component of kitty litter, sodium
    bentonite, is a naturally occurring clay mineral that is
    considered to be biologically inert when ingested. Silica
    is also a physically and chemically inert substance, and
    is a major component found in ordinary sand. Silica,
    therefore, is also not considered to be toxic. In our
    experience (ASPCA), pets ingesting small amounts of
    silica may develop only mild gastrointestinal upset, if any
    signs develop at all.

    Many cat litters that contain silica are processed in
    such a way to remove as much of the fine dust as
    possible. If you find that you or your dog is particularly
    sensitive to airborne dust particles, you may wish to
    consider using an alternate form of litter.

This does not address the issue of a few dogs who may ingest large amounts of litter because of their habit of consuming solid waste. Any large amount of a non-food substance has the potential to cause digestive problems. If this occurs, there are products on the market that deter this habit.

Click here to read more about the GracieLoo Dog Litter Box

Dog Litter Box Training Will Liberate Your Schedule

Victoria@GracieAndCompany.com (Victoria Blackstone) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:54:00 GMT

November 6, 2009

Can you "hold it" all day long? This is what you ask your dog to do when you cannot be there to let her out to relieve herself. Teaching your dog to use a litter box not only benefits your dog, but also helps you, too. Here's how...

Long days at the office, delays in traffic, or unexpected schedule changes can turn a routine day into stress overload for you. Your little dog becomes stressed, too, if you cannot be there to take her outside. She is at the mercy of your schedule in her need to relieve herself. Fortunately, there is a solution that will benefit both of you.

With simple litterbox-training, your dog can relieve herself when nature calls and you won’t come home to a soiled carpet or wet floors. Using praise, patience, and persistence you can successfully train your dog to use a litter box. This training will not only help your dog but it will also reward you with greater freedom in your daily schedule.

Consider these three questions: 1) Are you willing to make a reasonable time commitment to your dog's training? 2) Can you confine your dog to an uncarpeted room in the house while you are away during the training period? and 3) Will you diligently practice the "three Ps" - praise, patience, and persistence - as you train your dog? If you can answer "yes" to these questions, your dog will have a great trainer!

Even before you train your dog successfully, another important component of liberating your schedule is the kind of litter box you choose for your dog. Some dog potty systems require the owner to empty trays of standing urine, rinse grids, and clean dog waste from an artificial grass platform. These extra tasks of maintaining an indoor dog potty require more cleanup time from you, compared to a dog litter box that can be quickly and easily scooped of waste. Additionally, if you have an unneutered male dog who "lifts" instead of "squats", you will want to consider an indoor dog bathroom station with taller sides that can be used as a backsplash.

The GracieLoo addresses each of these issues. It is not a grid-and-tray potty that must be emptied and rinsed, nor is it a modified cat litter box. It is a superior indoor bathroom station designed exclusively for toy breeds and other small dogs that can be filled with cat litter, recycled pine pellets, compressed newspaper, or other litter of your choice. Waste is simply scooped and discarded. A taller back and sides provides a backsplash for males who lift instead of squat, and it also offers a privacy screen to shield the bathroom area from view.

Training your dog to use an indoor litter box is liberating, for you and also for your dog. If you cannot be there to let him out, he can relieve himself when necessary and you do not have to worry about rushing home. Your dog will become a responsible member of your household, your floors and carpets will remain unsoiled, and you will enjoy the results.

Click here to learn more about the GracieLoo Dog Litter Box.

Tiniest World War II Heroine was a Four-Pound Yorkshire Terrier

Victoria@GracieAndCompany.com (Victoria Blackstone) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:56:00 GMT

November 4, 2009

Found in an abandoned foxhole in New Guinea in 1944 during World War II, a tiny Yorkshire Terrier would become a decorated war heroine. An American soldier, Corporal Bill Wynne, adopted Smoky after another soldier rescued her. A bond of love and trust quickly developed between the two as Smoky also stole the hearts of many other military men serving with Bill Wynne.

Soon after becoming the mascot for SWPA's 26th Recon Squadron, Smoky won "Yank Down Under" magazine's first prize in their 1944 mascot contest. Her status as mascot was soon elevated to that of War Dog and Heroine. Smoky was called upon to serve her country in a most unusual way and in a feat of sheer bravery, she rose to the challenge.

After U.S. troops captured the first airfield on Luzon, they had to establish vital communication. Telephone lines needed to be run under a 70' airstrip. To dig up the taxi runway, bury the lines, and repair the runway, fighter planes would have to be relocated. P-51 Mustangs, P-38 Lightnings, and P-761 Black Widow Night Fighters would not be able to use the landing strip during this operation, and would be exposed to enemy attack.

When an 8" diameter drainage culvert under the airstrip was located, Corporal Wynne attached a communications line to Smoky’s collar. While his buddies held Smoky at one end, Corporal Wynne called to Smoky from the other end. Hesitating at first, Smoky entered the long, dark culvert and pulled the communications line underneath the 70’ airstrip.

Smoky's special mission in the combat area of the Lingayen Gulf on Luzon resulted in teletype and phone lines being activated for the U.S. and Allied forces. The ultimate rescue dog became a decorated war heroine and also the first documented therapy dog, serving American troops in military hospitals. Smoky survived kamikaze attacks, the Luzon invasion, typhoons, a sting from a 6" jungle centipede, and many other challenges of war before coming home to the United States with Corporal Wynne.

"My Yorkie Doodle Dandy could make Americans at war forget their troubles simply by watching her chase giant butterflies...", writes Bill Wynne in "Yorkie Doodle Dandy", a memoir of Smoky. Gracie & Co. salutes Smoky, the ultimate rescue dog, by supporting the Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue. For each signed copy of "Yorkie Doodle Dandy" sold through our website, Gracie & Co. is donating $5.00 to the YTNR.

Click here to order your copy.

Click here to read more of the story and see wartime photos of Smoky.

My New Blog

Victoria@GracieAndCompany.com (Victoria Blackstone) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:39:24 GMT

November 2, 2009

It's official - I'm a blogger...finally. After five years as a garden writer with my nursery business, I am now expanding my writing interests in a completely different direction.

Gracie & Co., the business I've been building for 10 years, is named for my Yorkie. I am simply the "& Co." of my business name, but Gracie is the real star. She is the namesake of the GracieLoo, a litter box I designed exclusively for toy breeds and other small dogs.

What? A litter box for dogs?! You read it right. You see, after a tragic accident claimed the life of my other Yorkie, Lucy, I ended up finding a blessing through that tragedy. I wanted to keep my new Yorkie, Gracie, safe indoors and away from outside dangers. My friend, and Gracie's doctor, was a little concerned that I'd "gone off the deep end" in my grief over Lucy and that by keeping Gracie indoors all the time, she would not get to be a "real dog". We have since laughed about this because, you see, that never happened. Gracie will celebrate her 15th birthday on December 3rd, and she is undoubtedly the sweetest and best socialized little dog I've ever known...and I believe her doctor would agree. She has never been yappy or snappy, as some little dogs are, but instead she loves people and is especially fond of children. Squirrels may dispute her sweet nature, but I know otherwise.

Before I brought Gracie home to live with me the Summer of 1995, I designed a litterbox-training system for her. Dissatisfied with other products marketed as dog litter boxes, I designed my own. I wanted more than a modified cat litter box or an unsanitary grid-and-tray system that had to be emptied and rinsed, which were the only products available for dogs. When many friends and family members saw how perfectly trained Gracie was, they thought Gracie's litter box would help other people and their little dogs. This was the humble beginning of the GracieLoo.

At first, I designed the GracieLoo to keep Gracie safe indoors. Then I discovered how convenient it was to have Gracie litterbox-trained. But it is now, in Gracie's golden years, that I consider her GracieLoo to be invaluable.

After nearly 15 years' experience of working with my canine litterbox-training method, throughout all stages of a dog's life, I speak from experience and not from theory. It is my hope that I will be able to help other people enjoy the many benefits of training their little dogs to the GracieLoo. While the "boss" of Gracie & Co. snoozes beside me as I write, we launch our blog and we invite you to subscribe to it. Simply enter your email address in the "Subscribe" box.

Click here to visit our website.