All Things Great Pyrenees
We knew we’d be in trouble when Atka hit his adolescence since his puppy months were a piece of cake. We figured it’d only be fair that we’d be in for a rough adolescent phase.
Did you know a giant breed’s adolescent period can last from 6 months of age to 3 years? They don’t all last that long, but some do! [Read more…] about Doggie Adolescence – Atka Gone Bad
This year I’m celebrating Fur-Mother’s Day. And why shouldn’t I? I think of my pets as family; they’re my furry children with four legs. Recent studies have shown that more and more people are starting to think of their pets as family members, rather than just property. [Read more…] about This Year I’m Celebrating Fur-Mother’s Day
After a stressful week of finding a rescue to take Balto, pulling him from the shelter, getting him neutered, and keeping him relaxed in our house, it was finally time to hit the road. The GPS said it would take 18 hours to reach Wisconsin, but we knew that with frequent puppy breaks it would take longer. [Read more…] about From Shelter to Rescue (Pt. 4)
Phew, these past couple days have been crazy. On Tuesday, Balto got neutered. We got the house all ready and were so excited for him to come home with us that evening. When I called to see what time I could pick him up, I learned that they wanted to monitor him overnight. We were devastated, but knew it was in Balto’s best interest to stay overnight.
Wednesday couldn’t go by quickly enough. I was told I could pick him up any time after two. Knowing I had a 30 minute drive, I got ready to head out of the door at 1:30. Little did I know I would have a detour on my way to get Balto from the vet. [Read more…] about From Shelter to Rescue (Pt. 3)
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.
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
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
