All Things Great Pyrenees
Tomorrow is the big day! I get to pick up Balto from the vet after his neuter and bring him home with me. He’ll stay with us for a few days and then he’ll be off to the wonderful Great Pyrenees Rescue of Wisconsin.
Even though we don’t get to keep him (darn 2 animal limit in housing), my husband and I have felt like we’re getting a third dog. [Read more…] about From Shelter to Rescue (Pt. 2)
My next few posts are basically going to be an extended story. I wanted to share with you what it has been like attempting to spring a dog from the shelter and get it into a breed appropriate rescue. It has been quite the stressful week so far. [Read more…] about From Shelter to Rescue
Grooming a double coated dog, like a Great Pyrenees, can be quite the task. But, fear not! It’s not as difficult as it may seem.
I can’t even keep track of how many times I have heard someone ask me, “why don’t you just shave them?”. Shaving a dog with a double coat is rarely ever a good idea. The only time shaving should be done is when it’s absolutely necessary. I can think of two such times:
1. A dog has been neglected and his coat is severely matted. Brushing/trimming out the mats isn’t even an option.
2. Surgery
Few people realize that a dog’s double coat actually helps them in the winter and summer. Have you ever heard someone say, “my dog is blowing his coat”? For most double coated breeds, this happens twice a year. Once to go from summer to winter and again to go from winter to summer. Currently, Mauja is blowing her winter coat and getting in her summer coat. This means extra shedding! Atka still has mostly puppy coat, so he is slowly shedding that for his beautiful adult fur.
This is going to be a little more of a rant, but hey, we’re all human and we need the opportunity to vent every now and then. I volunteer at my local shelter and am amazed every single day (and not in a good way). One thing that really bothers me are “know-it-alls”. I think we all have the ability to continue to learn every single day. [Read more…] about What you see isn’t what you get: Breed or Owner?
When we got our first dog, Kaeto, he wasn’t particularly friendly with other dogs. We used to stand outside the dog park near our house watching all the dogs play, wishing we could take Kaeto in. I’m sure we looked kind of creepy. When we got Mauja, she was socialized to go to the dog park when she was old enough. Same goes for Atka. [Read more…] about Why We Won’t be Visiting the Dog Park
Do you have a nice landscaped yard? Lush green grass, blooming flowers, tall trees, stones in all the right places? Let me guess… you don’t own a dog?
Especially not a Great Pyrenees. [Read more…] about How To Stop Your Dog From Digging
EDIT: Note this is a GENERAL guideline, not a definitive list of what constitutes an irresponsible breeder. Many amazing breeders will not adhere to these statements, but they are things to consider. Always use your best judgement.
I believe that purchasing a puppy from a breeder or adopting a rescue dog is a very personal choice. I have a hard time listening to the constant “adopt, don’t shop” slogan. I work with several rescues and definitely believe there is a perfect shelter dog for most people
My husband had this wonderful idea.
“Let’s get a desk since you’re spending so much time on your computer lately.”
It was true. I have been glued to my laptop for the past few weeks. Between starting a new blog, wedding planning, and getting organized to start volunteering with Big Dogs Huge Paws and the Great Falls Animal Shelter, I have been spending a lot of time online. [Read more…] about Never Build Stuff with Dogs Around