My Pittied Life // June

You know how life can get so incredibly busy that you can’t even remember what you had for lunch two days ago?

Okay, so maybe my memory is borderline horrible, but I feel like there’s so much going on with the dogs’ lives lately that I fail to mention (let’s be honest, my life would be quite boring without them).

Thus the beginning of this series:

my-pittied-life-teal-lolathepitty

Each month I will have a post dedicated to what’s happening in our crazy “pittied” lives. And I’ve got a lot to cover this month, so bare with me & scroll on!

Obedience Training

At the end of May, Lola received her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate!!!

And Rio is well on his way. Right now, we are taking Advanced Obedience class and in just four short weeks we test for his CGC. Then if all goes as planned – therapy prep class!

Rio - Obedience Graduation. www.lolathepitty.com

So proud of all the hard work we’ve put in. It really does pay off! But the most important thing I’ve learned – patience is key.

Adventure at the Northstar Bike Race

Lola the Pitty
Photo by Megan Rademacher

We took the pups to the city for a large bicycle race that was going on that one of my friends was photographing.

We decided to bring Lola and Enoch as I wanted to see how E would react in a crowd. After all, he’s basically rocked every other experience he has been introduced to; and he did not disappoint here either.

Enoch quickly began stealing the center light from Lola – which I don’t think she minded one bit.

We even had a stranger come up to us and ask if he could take Enoch’s picture! He remarked, “Wow, that is one awesome looking dog…do you mind?!”.

Let’s just say we did our duty of making positive impressions for pitties. We must have been asked 15 different times, “Are those pit bulls!? They are so pretty and nice…I really like your dogs!”.

Then we walked past the Apple store and they invited Lola and Enoch inside to enjoy some fresh water. Again, everyone fell in love and was complementing the dogs on how good they were being and what pretty dogs they are.

Way to be awesome breed ambassadors, Lola & E!

Enoch!

Enoch - adoptable dog on lolathepitty.com

If you follow us on Facebook you have probably seen the photos of our newest {temporary} foster, Enoch. Oh my gosh ya’ll, I’m in love…again. However, he’s going to be another Weeser experience, I already know it.

We have been trying to help him with his crate anxiety and have been using our own tips for crate training, along with a new-found solution: place Rio in the crate with him. And it worked marvelously! Turns out it may be more of a separation anxiety, but we are making progress even in the short time we’ve had him.

I’m also fairly certain he has a home lined up – wish us luck as we’ll know more soon. Can’t wait to tell everyone!

p.s. I say temporary foster because (to let you in on a little secret not-so-secret) we may be bringing Mama Emma back to our home until she gets adopted, once her pups are old enough of course.

Big news: Emma & Pups

Mama Emma’s puppies are seven weeks old this weekend, crazy how time flies!

One Four Five of them are already spoken for and the meet and greets are beginning for the other pups.

If you’re interested in meeting one of Emma’s pups, you can start by filling out an application on the Secondhand Hounds Rescue site.

Mama Emma's Puppies from Secondhand Hounds Rescue - www.lolathepitty.com

Birthday month!

Someone…who this blog so happens to be named after, has a birthday coming up at the end of June! Let’s call in June 25th since we really have no idea when she was actually born.

Lola the Pitty! Photography by Barbara O'Brien Photography
Barbara O’Brien Photography

I think we’ll celebrate with pupcakes and meet up with friends at a park! Cannot believe she’s going to be two years old already.

Thanks for reading!

Meet Enoch – Adoptable Dog of the Week

Enoch - Adoptable Dog of the Week - lolathepitty.com

View Enoch’s profile on Petfinder here!

This week’s adoptable dog is extra special. Meet Enoch, aka “Wink”. I call him Enoch though because that’s what he knows and responds to. Enoch has been staying over at our house for a little while! I really was hesitant to post Enoch on here because I would truly like him for myself. Ugh – the hard part of fostering. I promise, I don’t fall this hard for every foster. Maybe that’s not entirely true, but…

Okay, so here’s the scoop on Enoch or “Wink”. Isn’t Wink a cute name!? Totally adorable. Only problem is, he doesn’t know it.

1 year old pit bull mix | house trained | great with everyone! | some crate anxiety that we’re working on

Enoch is a total love bug. In fact, he’s curled up next to me on our big chair right now. He is amazing with both of our dogs, even when Rio gave him a little “that’s MY mommy” sass.

Enoch - adoptable dog on lolathepitty.com

He is really a calm, relaxed boy and loves curling up next to you and following you around the house. He’s also glad to go on a walk or to the park, although he hasn’t quite figured out the whole purpose of ‘fetch’. It’s more like, “Umm, you go get it. I didn’t throw it way over there”.

Enoch also spent some time in boarding at a doggy daycare and he is quite the social butterfly. Does great with small dogs, large dogs, bossy dogs, you name it.

See why I’m in love? Still want more? Okay, here you have it:

  • potty trained
  • walks nice on the leash
  • does his business quickly (hey! It’s always a plus when they don’t dilly around. Psst, townhome/apt owners – you know what I’m talking about)
  • cuddle bug
  • knows sit, shake & down
  • smart & willing

I could totally see Enoch being fit for a therapy dog someday.

Enoch - Adoptable Dog of the Week - lolathepitty.com
Wait, are those treats!?

The one thing Enoch doesn’t truly care for is his crate. You see, he has already had TWO previous owners and since he’s been in rescue, has stayed with a few different families and at boarding. He needs consistency and someone to show him that his crate is a safe place, a positive place, and not a place where he is ‘put’ when someone is leaving for a long, long time.

If you’re interested in Enoch, please visit the Baby Gia’s website and fill out an application to meet him! Please, I’m begging you – we cannot have three dogs right now and if he’s not adopted fast, well, he might just have to stay.

 

Spot Farms Treats & Giveaway!

Ok, so we’ve seen those dog treat reward continuums, right?

Where the treats range from low to high value (to your dog’s liking) and you decide what treats are appropriate for your dog due to the different distraction level. Well these treats are definitely on the far end of the “highest value” side.

It was a battle of who can do the coolest trick to get the treat as soon as they each got a taste.

Rio is hilarious, as soon as the treats come out, without any word from me, he begins his performance.

“I sat. Okay, that didn’t work – how about down?! Roll over?! Bow? Shake! It’s gotta be shake!  Momma, where are the treats!?!”

Meanwhile, I’m just cracking up at my oh-so willing little guy and Lola patiently waiting in her posture-perfect sit. They are complete and total opposites but I love them both more than I could ever imagine.

Okay, honestly though, I was about to dig into these Spot Farms dog treats myself. Here are the ingredients in the Chicken Strip with Glucosamine & Chondroitin treats:

Chicken, Brown Rice Syrup, Salt, Natural Flavor, Turmeric, Vinegar and Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract.

And the Hickory Smoked Turkey Bacon?

 Turkey, Brown Rice Flour, Honey, Salt, Vinegar, Celery, Natural Flavoring, Black Carrot Powder, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract and Beet Color.

What I loved:

  • Lola & Rio went bonkers over them, more than usual
  • Great ingredients (especially with Lola and her never ending developing allergies)
  • They’re obviously made in the USA otherwise they wouldn’t even be on this blog
  • The addition of Glucosamine (500mg/kg in the chicken treats), Omega-3’s and other healthy goodness for your dog
  • Antibiotic-free meat
  • Simple, all natural recipes
  • 100% human-grade ingredients
  • Resealable bag

They are on the expensive side though, at $15+ a bag. But that’s really becoming pretty standard now with quality dog treats and these are a 12.5oz bag.

Spot Farms Giveaway - on lolathepitty.com!

Okay, so let’s get to the good stuff: treats for your pup! I’m giving away TWO large (12.5 oz) bags of Spot Farms Treats and ONE training treat pouch!

The two bags of treats are (1) Chicken Strip with Glucosamine & Chondroitin (2) Hickory Smoked Turkey Bacon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My favorite part about these treats though has to be the notice on the bag: *Made for your pet to eat, not you!. #Dangit

Check ’em out, their treats are now available at Petco, Unleashed by Petco and on wag.com!

spot-farms

The products used in this post & giveaway were donated by Spot Farms in exchange for my honest review.

Meet Dolly: Adoptable Dog of the Week

Meet Dolly: Adoptable Dog of the Week

Our Adoptable Dog of the Week post is dedicated to special dogs who are in rescue but still looking for their perfect home. These dogs are often ones that are having a harder time than others finding the perfect home. Please consider sharing this post — you might help Dolly find her ‘fur-ever’ home!

View Dolly’s profile on Wags & Whiskers

Oh my goodness. Beagle crossed with a pitty!? Total cuteness. Turns out Dolly is more than just cute, though. She’s pretty much an amazing sidekick! She is a chill girl who loves going on walks and is one of those dogs that is so trustworthy that she doesn’t even need to be crated (although she won’t fuss if you do crate her). She is back at her ideal weight after having one too many cupcakes with her previous owner, so she may need some help avoiding all the tempting sweets (don’t we all), but that’s really the only challenge this girl is going to bring to you!

Quick Facts!

~8 years old | pit bull/beagle mix | house and crate trained | great with dogs | shy with new people | great walking companion!

From Dolly herself:

“Hi, my name is Dolly. These really nice people think I was born in about 2005/2006. For the first few years of my life, I lived outside in a kennel.  I wasn’t treated very nice and was never really shown love.  I came to Wags & Whiskers rescue about 3 years ago.  I learned how to live in a house with people.  I did get adopted to a very nice lady about 2 years ago and she really did love me.  In fact, she spoiled me rotten.  But, she got really sick and couldn’t take care of me anymore, so now I am back to my old foster mom’s house.

Now, I am going to be honest here, I did come back to the rescue overweight.  But my foster mom put me on a diet and we go on lots of walks!  I am back down to a perfect weight and I feel so much better! I am 100% house trained.  I am also kennel trained.  I do not have to be kenneled anymore though because I am a very good girl.  I love going on walks, did I say that already?!  I hope I can continue that with my new family.  I also get along great with other dogs and probably would do better with another one in the home!  I am still shy in new situations and meeting new people.  I just get a little nervous and shake.

I think I’d do best in a less active home, with not that much commotion.  What I would like in my new forever home is a fenced-in yard.  It’s not required, but I can’t be trusted off leash because I have a hound nose and I might get carried away. All I really want is a family that will promise to take me out on walks! I also need my family to help me watch my weight.  What can I say, this girl likes her food!  I also love to cuddle on the couch and give lots of kisses.  Foster mom says I give the best kisses in the world.  If you think I might be a good match for you, fill out an application.  Then my foster mom will contact you and can answer anymore questions you might have!” XO ~ Dolly

If you are interested in meeting Dolly, please visit www.wagsmn.org and fill out an adoption application.

See our other Adoptable Dogs HERE and check out our fun & healthy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes!

Cuteness Overload

Be prepared to be overwhelmed with cuteness. We went to visit Emma and her TEN pups on Saturday.

(if you haven’t read the story about Emma’s journey, start HERE.)

Cuteness overload: Emma's 4 week old puppies | @lolathepitty

We ended up having a little mini photo shoot.

Turns out taking photos of ten four-week old pups can be the highlight of your weekend.

Cuteness overload: Emma's 4 week old puppies | @lolathepitty

As you can imagine, there was a whole lot of high pitched baby-talkin’ voices. ‘A’ specializes in this, truly.

“Come here wittle cutie patootie – kiss, kiss, kiss”

(I want to take this boy home with me!)

Cuteness overload: Emma's 4 week old puppies | @lolathepitty

“Ohhh you so cute, aren’t you?! Smoochie, smoochie my little Georgie boy!”

I mean, seriously. These little nuggets are too darn cute. And they are at that age where they are just starting to cruise around on their wobbly little legs; which some proved to be very good at. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a little kiss. And they love to suck on your fingers and nibble on your shoelaces. I didn’t mind one bit.

Cuteness overload: Emma's 4 week old puppies | @lolathepitty

If you’re wondering what breed these pups are, my best answer is Heinz 57. Both parents are mixed breeds. Emma is a pittie mix and dad is, well, your best guess. See pictures of mom and dad here.

I can already tell you who the trouble maker is going to be:

Cuteness overload: Emma's 4 week old puppies | @lolathepitty

The hardest part: keeping track of who was done and who we still needed to snap photos of.

Solution: bucket-o-puppies

Cuteness overload: Emma's 4 week old puppies | @lolathepitty

The next challenge, five black puppies with a little bit of white on their chest and feet, so we had to write down who-was-who on a sheet of paper.

Cuteness overload: Emma's 4 week old puppies | @lolathepitty

We took a total of about 200 photos between Emily and I. We *might* be a little obsessed.

Cuteness overload: Emma's 4 week old puppies | @lolathepitty

If you are interested in adopting one of these puppies, you can fill out an application on Secondhand Hounds website. Puppies will be available for adoption at 8 weeks old (which will be at the end of June).

Until next time…!

Cuteness overload: Emma's 4 week old puppies | @lolathepitty

*Read: Behind the Scenes of an Animal Rescue

Meet Vala: Adoptable Dog of the Week

adoptable-dog-of-week-vala-lolathepitty

Our Adoptable Dog of the Week post is dedicated to special dogs who are in rescue but still looking for their perfect home. These dogs are often ones that are having a harder time than others finding the perfect home. Please consider sharing this post — you might help Vala find her ‘fur-ever’ home!

View Vala’s profile on Wags & Whiskers

Quick Facts:

5 years old | Potty & Crate Trained | Dog Friendly | Kid friendly | Does great on leash | Knows basic commands

Vala has been in rescue for OVER TWO YEARS people! That’s longer than we’ve had Lola. That makes my heart hurt.

Well if you’re looking for a dog that is totally over all that puppy-biz, Vala’s your girl!

She was born in December of 2009. She won’t chew your shoes, pee on your floor or complain about going in her crate. Already sounding pretty good, huh!?

Are you looking for a dog that already has some obedience training? That’s Vala! She knows how to sit, shake and lay down. Vala wants you to know that she is very smart and eager to learn more!

And it gets even better. Looking for a walking partner? Vala does excellent on a leash and would love to accompany you for a stroll. Are you looking for a playful dog who also wants to cuddle? Vala is great at both!

Likes to cuddle? Check! Dog friendly? Check! Does well with kids? Check! Can totally rock a tutu? Check!

If you are interested in meeting any of animals that are currently up for adoption, please visit the Wags & Whiskers website at www.wagsmn.org or email wagswhiskersmn{at}gmail.com

Meet Princess: Adoptable Dog of the Week

Meet Princess: Adoptable Dog of the Week on Lolathepitty.com

Our Adoptable Dog of the Week post is dedicated to special dogs who are in rescue but still looking for their perfect home. Please consider sharing this post — you might help Ginger find her ‘fur-ever’ home!

View Princess’s profile on Wags & Whiskers

 ~3 years old | great with kids & cats | would prefer to be an only dog | house trained & knows basic commands

Princess is a gorgeous, playful pittie mix who was born August 2011. However, she has been in rescue for far too long and deserves a family to call her own! By sharing, we can really help her out.

A little more about Princess:

She is very playful and very willing to cuddle and show affection towards her humans!

She is very energetic yet agile; she loves to play on the jungle gym and trampoline with the kids.  While she does get along amazingly with kids and even cats, Princess needs to be an only dog. Do you know someone who might be interested in Princess?

If you are interested in meeting Princess, please fill out an application on www.wagsmn.org or use the contact form on their website.

6 Remedies for Dog Allergies

6 Remedies for Dog Allergies and how to use them - lolathepitty.com

6 Remedies for Dog Allergies and how to use them - lolathepitty.com

Growing up, our dogs never had any issues. Or so that I remember. Then, I grow up , have a dog of my own and we’ve taken more trips to the vet and had more reactions to shots, allergies, treats, etc. than I can remember.

No one ever said Lola was low-maintenance and she constantly proves that…

And Rio, well that’s a whole other story.

Every spring and fall Lola’s allergies start up. It starts with red bumps in between her paw pads that then swell and grow. She constantly is trying to lick her paws.

The first year we immediately made a vet appointment thinking it was a yeast infection as she also developed some darkening around the tip of her nail. $200 later it was not a yeast infection and rather, an allergic reaction that became infected.

*Also a must-read: 7 tips on crate training your dog or puppy.

Live and learn, we now are able to keep them under control with a few different things that we keep around the house.

Here are some tips on treatments and at home remedies that have worked best for us.

Treatments and at home remedies for dog allergies! | Lolathepitty.com

 

1. Skin spray.

It’s called Richard’s Organics Skin Spray. This stuff is great, it has tea tree oil, coconut oil, witch hazel and other goodness packaged inside this spray bottle. We purchased this for about $9 at Chuck & Don’s pet outlet in Minnesota.

Spray it on clean paws and make sure they don’t lick it off (at least let it sit for a little while).

2. Dog booties.

I know it’s a pain, but come this time of year, we slip these little socks (called Pawks) on Lola’s feet before going outside. I recommend these or the balloon-looking shoes known as Pawz.

3. Coconut oil (virgin).

Coconut-everything is sooo popular right now, but for good reason. It has many uses and remedies. We put a scoop on their food, I rub it on Lola’s paws and in between her pads, then put it on my hair. Really. Just not in that order.

4. Epsom salts.

1 cup salts + 1 gallon of water + Lola’s feet. Two times a day.

5. Self-adhesive wrap

Four bucks at Walgreens and this is one of my favorites. The booties work well for quick trips outside, but if we’re going out for a longer walk, I wrap her paws with this as it is more comfortable and natural for her to walk, plus it stays on incredibly well.

6. Benadryl (25mg)

Lola is a tiny little pocket pittie at about 35-40 lbs and I give her half a tablet a day if her reaction worsens.

Does your dog have allergies?! What do you do for them?