The Dog Chicks

I?ve heard about this place and never been near it but this afternoon I was in that area and I though *Heck, I should go in and see how bad it really is just so I have had the experience*.

And as I was about to pull into the parking lot I remembered that the second I walked in I would be flooded with helpless animals that I would not be able to help and I would be reminded that their parents were existing in puppy mills and would never get help.

So I kept driving.

I know many pet store dogs who have good homes and I think that their people should send money to puppy mill rescue in the off chance that they will be able to help their dog?s parents. My family got our first dog, 75% off, from a department store pet shop and she was amazing. She came from Kansas which is a pretty big puppy mill state. Surprisingly, the Amish in PA are among the biggest puppy milling community because God gave them power over the animals and the animals bring them money.

But back to the fact that I let my guard down for a few minutes and almost entered a store which represents everything that I despise about people making money by using animals. And, in a way, this tiny event in my life made me appreciate my Dogger friends because when I told Christina what *I almost did* she was horrified because she knew what seeing those little faces would have done to me.

I would have remembered them forever and would have been able to do nothing to help them.

If you want to learn about how bad this is go here:

http://www.prisonersofgreed.org/

Along with having my dogs I also have parakeets and finches, having birds has brought a new awareness to many of the things I use on a day to day basis. I no longer cook with Teflon pans I now use stainless steel, Teflon if over heated will give off a gas that will kill any bird in the house if it does this to a bird imagine what it’s doing to your lungs. I limit my use of air fresheners and only use ones that are ECO friendly, the majority of air fresheners are a hazard to birds, some of them can contain formaldehyde which is not good for anyone.  I’ve gone back to the cleaners my grandmother used vinegar in water is my main one which is a great cleaner and also a natural disinfectant.  If I need a little more a few drops of detergent goes a long way. Vinegar is a money saver for sure and cleans just as well if not better than the more expensive cleaners on the market. I use ECO friendly paint after reading that regular paint can give of fumes for years and it’s healthier for my birds, dogs and myself. Having birds has made me rethink what I bring into my environment which I know will just make my home a healthier place for my dogs, my birds and myself.  I’m not suggesting everyone run out and get a pet bird but with more information about the environment and more products being ECO friendly we should consider what we are bringing home to our environment and make our homes a safer place to be.

With Halloween fast approaching it?s important to remember that dogs are allergic to Chocolate and Raisins. Children should be reminded not to leave candy treats lying around where your dog might eat them. Costumes and makeup could also pose a hazard to your dog if he likes to chew, or if you have a new puppy in the house. If you have kids coming around trick or treating crating your dog might be the best option, I suggest giving him a Kong filled with a treat to keep him/her busy. Another option is to use the trick or treating to train your dog when someone comes to the door. Sit, Stay or a Down Stay prior to opening the door is a good way to reinforce your training. Keep in mind the costumes may trigger a reaction from your dog, so you should be prepared for it. Since Tricks are part of Halloween why not teach your dog a new trick to show off to the neighborhood children, or dressing him/her up for the occasion.