Sunny Saints St. Bernard Rescue

This spring, tiny eight-week-old Sasha Fierce was rescued by Sunny Saints from a bad situation.  Covered from head to toe with fleas and ticks, she succumbed to Erlichiosis, a disease caused by a bacteria transmitted by ticks. Weighing only four pounds, her immune system was not strong enough to fight it.


This week, another new Sunny Saint, Sophie was rescued from a sad situation also.  Covered in ticks and fleas, and unable to get up and walk, she was rushed to the vet’s, where she’s now clinging to life.  Her illness could be a paralysis or Lyme Disease, caused by the tiny tick.

These cases have been real eye openers for Sunny Saints.  While we tend to think of ticks as an “east coast” problem, the truth is, infected ticks are found in nearly every county in California.   Dr. Laura Weatherford of Tustin Santa Ana Vet Hospital said that dogs are most likely to encounter ticks in the canyon areas, but in parks and scrubby areas as well.  Your best bet is to protect your dog with flea and tick preventatives, and be sure to check with your vet for the best product for your dog.  Comprehensive resource information can be found at http://www.capcvet.org/capc-recommendations/ticks, which also includes good prevention and control information.

Invest some time in finding the best flea and tick products for your dog, but also treat your house and lawn, keeping bushes and trees trimmed back; check your dog even after short walks, and keep him indoors during the height of tick season.

Ticks may be common, but they can really make your dog sick if left unchecked, so you may want to read up! More resources to keep your saint safe include:

http://www.examiner.com/article/common-ticks-southern-california

http://www.petmd.com/dog/parasites/evr_dg_10_ways_to_stop_ticks_from_biting_your_dog?page=2 

While preventing tick bites and infestation is the best way to prevent disease, if caught early, it can be treated with antibiotics.  We try not to pass judgment, and focus on saving saints,  but could this information save some lives? It didn’t have to be this way.  If you agree, please share this information by passing it along.

It’s funny how one’s mind can make the leap from one seemingly unrelated topic to the next.   

Daylight Saving Time (DST) arrives this weekend, Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m.  When most of the nation “springs ahead,” there will be grumbling on both sides – either “I’m losing an hour of sleep,” or “I’m loving the extra hours of sunshine.”  If you want to learn more about why we turn our clocks back or forth twice a year, and where this idea came from, check out Daylight Saving Time 2014: When Does It Begin? And Why? 

It seems Benjamin Franklin was the first person to suggest the concept of daylight saving time. According to computer scientist David Prerau, author of the book Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time , while serving as U.S. ambassador to France in Paris, Franklin wrote of being awakened at 6 a.m. and realizing, to his surprise, that the sun rose far earlier than he usually did. Imagine the resources that might be saved if he and others rose before noon and burned less midnight oil, Franklin, tongue half in cheek, wrote to a newspaper.  "Franklin seriously realized it would be beneficial to make better use of daylight, but he didn't really know how to implement it," Prerau said.

And how does this relate to Sunny Saints, now?  DST means more hours of daylight to spend outdoors with your Saint!  This newsletter: DogTrekker - Have Dog Will Travel is too good not to share in its entirety.  Click on the link, and start planning away! According to them, they’ve checked out the best dog-friendly places in Northern and Central California for you and your saint to stay, eat, hike, swim and play!
Not only do they list by destination, but by itineraries also.  For example, there is a Grow Wild - Paso Robles Wine Country  tour, listing dog-friendly wineries, maps, directions and other helpful stuff.  All you have to do is get in the car and go! Let us know if you’ve been to some of these places, or if something great is missing.  For our Southern California adventurers, check back to the July 13, 2012 post for local day trips.

So remember to set your clocks forward, and make some plans to enjoy the extra sunshine.

While many New Year's resolutions can be well-intentioned but short-lived, here's one that will make a difference! Commit to saving a life.  Sunny Saints St. Bernard Rescue can always use more foster homes. Foster homes are the single most important part of our rescue and are literally the difference between life and death for many of our dogs.

If you have always wanted a St. Bernard, or other extra-large dog but were not sure of what you were getting into, or wondered if you could commit to a dog for the long term, fostering is a great way to find out. We have dogs in need of foster homes from puppies to seniors, small (under 100 pounds) to big (close to or over 200 pounds), and everything in between. We pay all approved medical expenses for our foster dogs and when it’s available will also supply food, treats and toys.

We ask that our foster homes care for the dog and help us make the dog a well-adjusted family pet.   We often have adoption events throughout California, and if one is near your home, we strongly encourage you to attend with your foster.  We may also ask you to talk with a potential adopter for your foster dog and let them know about the dog that is in your care.

And, what if you fall in love with your foster saint?  Well, you wouldn’t be the first “Foster Failure” we’ve had!  In fact, we celebrate “foster failures” on a regular basis.  We do ask that you take in a dog that we feel is a good fit for your home and family and not just foster to pick out the dog that you think you may want to adopt. Our foster homes are the backbone of this rescue, and we ask that you stay in touch regularly to make sure that the dog and your family are doing well together.  You are our eyes and ears for that dog and we need to know everything that you discover about it so that we can make an educated decision on what the perfect forever home for that dog will be.

If you have any questions or concerns about fostering, give us a call and talk to us.  It could be one of your most rewarding experiences, ever.  If you would like to be a foster home for one of our Sunny Saints, please complete the Foster Agreement & Adoption Application (be sure to write in “FOSTER ONLY” at the bottom of the Adoption Application) and email both forms to Pam at pam@sunnysaints.org or FAX them to 562.435.6361. 

Start the New Year right.  Make a difference.

Hot spots aren’t just annoying, but if allowed to fester, can be downright painful to your pet.   What to do?  Take him in? Treat it yourself?

According to one of Sunny Saints’ trusted vets, Dr. Greg Martinez, your dog needs an accurate diagnosis and treatment if the dog is sick, or in pain, and he recommends taking them to the vet or emergency if they are suffering. A severe abscess or skin infection can be life threatening if it gets out of hand.

If the hot spot and symptoms are mild, Dr. Greg suggests, in Dog Dish Diet  “Itchy Skin and Hot Spots in Dogs,” some basic steps to help with the itching and pain until you can decide whether or not your dog needs expert treatment. These basic steps include giving your dog aspirin or other pain reliever, over-the-counter cortisone ointment on the wound, checking for fleas, and a nice warm bath with a mild shampoo.  He suggests following this with cortisone ointment and Neosporin to help with pain, infection and inflammation.  He also lists several antihistamines that may be useful, and recommended dosages. But please, remember it’s always wise to check with your own vet to see what’s best for your saint.

If you want to try the natural route before heading to the vet, quite a few Sunny Saints' supporters recommend apple cider vinegar to alleviate hot spot discomfort.  These are a few other sources that have also recommended applying it to hot spots, or as a shampoo or rinse:

Earth Clinic Folk Medicine/ Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs

Vetinfo.com/ Treating Hot Spots on Dogs with Apple Cider Vinegar

Animal Planet Pets 101/ Uses for Vinegar: Pet and Animal Care

Surprisingly, apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy used for more than just hot spots.  Animal Planet mentions it for minimizing shampoo residue, ear cleaning, skunk deodorizing and even bee stings. You can also spray your dog with apple cider vinegar before going out for a walk, in order to repel fleas and ticks naturally.

Others have mentioned adding fish oil or Omega-3 supplements to their food to improve their coat and prevent itchiness.  Switching to a quality dog food, possibly grain free, can also improve their overall health and allergies.

So, let’s raise a cup of cider vinegar to a hot-spot free summer!  And please, share your experiences and successes with all of us.  If you leave your comments here in the blog, it will be here for future reference for others!

Springtime has sprung weeds, rather than roses, for some of our Sunny Saints.  Last week, young Rosie from Napa went in for her spay surgery.  As the good doctors at U.C. Davis were prepping her for surgery, they found a foxtail embedded in a pocket in her throat.  Same day down south, new rescue Angus was in surgery having three foxtails removed from his paw.

Foxtail is a weed that grows in abundance in the west.  As the weather warms, it starts to dry, turning from green to brown. The seed head drys, becoming stiff and sharp. It presents a very real danger to your Saint, working its barbs into any part of your dog, including  the nose, toes, ears, eyes and mouth. And they don’t stop there.  Once inside the dog’s body, foxtails will travel.

Dr. Laura Weatherford (Dr. Laura), of Tustin Santa Ana Veterinary Hospital is treating several dogs for foxtails right now.  She confirmed that foxtails are a big problem in California, explaining that “Foxtails are arrow-shaped, and will only move in one direction. They can penetrate skin and tissue, migrating around the body causing bad infections and pain.”

According to Dr. Laura, these bad seeds are difficult to find and remove.  One current patient has a small abscess between his toes. She probed while the dog was awake, but was unable to find a foxtail.  She said sometimes  surgery is necessary to explore the cause.  Sometimes, the foxtail has just punctured the skin and caused an infection, but the dog was able to get it out before it got all the way in.  She has another big dog that may have a foxtail under his tongue.

Foxtail Grass and Your Dog, an article on WebMD.com, recommends checking for foxtails or contacting your vet if your Saint displays any of these symptoms:

• Feet. Foxtails love your dog's feet and can easily become embedded between tender toes. Check for foxtails if you notice swelling or limping or if your dog is constantly licking the area.
  
• Ears. If your pooch is shaking his head, tilting it to the side, or scratching incessantly at an ear, this could be the sign of a foxtail -- one that may be so deep inside the ear canal you can't see it. Your veterinarian needs to take a look using a special scope.
• Eyes. Redness, discharge, swelling, squinting, and pawing all may be signs your dog has a foxtail lodged in its eye. If you think this may be the case, seek veterinary care immediately.
• Nose. If you see discharge from the nose, or if your dog is sneezing frequently and intensely, there may be a foxtail lodged in a nasal passage.
• Vagina or penis. Foxtails can find their way into these areas too. So if you notice your dog persistently licking at its genitals, foxtails could be the cause.

Avoidance seems to be the key to keeping your Saint safe.  When you walk, stay off the grassy, overgrown areas, and check his or her coat thoroughly afterward.  Keeping your yard free of weeds will help also.  And, as always, we recommend checking with your vet if you have any questions, concerns or suspicions.

The following links may be helpful:

http://news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=4226  Foxtails Pose Autumn Threat to Dogs

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/foxtail-grass-and-your-dog

As always, please share any tips or comments that may be useful to others in the Sunny Saints family.  If you post your comments here on the blog, rather than on Facebook, we will have an easier-to-find reference!

Sunny Saint Bojangles, or “Bo,” was resting up on a Sunday night, from a fun-filled weekend that included the Sunny Saints reunion picnic. His mom Sandi saw that Bo was not acting normally.

“Bo just wasn’t himself,” explained Sandi.  “I noticed that something was different shortly after he ate.  He was very restless, up and down, and that was not like him. Then, about 45 minutes later, he started drinking a lot more water than usual. He started pacing, then wanted to go outside.  He then started retching horribly and threw up about six times. It was frothy and foamy, and I could see his stomach was extended and as hard as a rock. “

Sandi’s gut instinct told her something was very wrong, and she immediately suspected dog bloat, or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV).   She’d read an article “Bloat in Dogs,” a few weeks before, that had been posted in Facebook by Sunny Saints supporter April.

“I went back and read it.  Bo had all the symptoms for bloat.”  Sandi did the right thing.  She did not hesitate, and rushed him to the emergency vet hospital, ten minutes away from her home.

Is this something for all Saint owners to be scared of? Yes, or at least, very concerned, and for good reason. Bloat is a leading killer of dogs, second only to cancer. It's estimated that every year, about 60,000 dogs in the United States are affected by bloat, and a third of them die as a result.  Even more scary is the fact that the large, deep-chested breeds, such as Saints, are more at risk for developing the dreaded condition.

According to Vetinfo.com, “Dog bloat occurs when an animal rushes through a large meal and then becomes active right after the meal. By gulping excessive air with the meal and then running around, the stomach ends up twisting, preventing the excessive air from releasing in a burp. Worse, the spleen can become trapped in the twist, reducing blood flow to the stomach. The stomach tissue, starved of oxygen-rich blood, dies, and toxins increase, leading to blood poisoning. With dog bloat, the stomach can rupture. Other organs become poisoned by the toxic blood supply and shut down. The chain of events quickly leads to death if immediate health care is not given.”

According to Sandi, x-rays revealed that Bo’s stomach had twisted and there was a very large pocket of air the whole length of the stomach.   “The vet said that if I had waited another hour, Bo wouldn't have made it. I owe thanks to April for posting that article. I'm so glad my boy is home.”

“Bloat in Dogs”  lists typical symptoms that may or may not occur in each case:
·      Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-30 minutes
This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the "hallmark symptom."
·      Doesn't act like usual self
Perhaps the earliest warning sign and may be the only sign that almost always occurs.
·      Significant anxiety and restlessness
·      "Hunched up" or "roached up" appearance
·      Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy
·      Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum)

The article cautions that, from the onset of the symptoms, there may be only minutes, or hours to get your dog to the vet.  Bottom line, know your dog, and know when he or she is not acting “normally.” Be prepared!  Know in advance what steps to take if you suspect bloat.

Be sure to talk to your vet about bloat, and read up on it.  Sunny Saints and most of our supporters are not experts on medical issues, but we do have experiences to share.  Keep your vet’s phone number handy, as well as the phone number of the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.  Some recommend keeping a gas relief product on hand, like Gas-X, or Mylanta Gas.  It could buy some more time to get your beloved Saint to the vet.

For more information, check out the following links:
·      http://www.Vetinfo.com/dog-bloat.html
·      http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm
·      http://www.webvet.com/main/2008/05/30/bloat

And, as always, please feel free to share information or experiences that may be useful to the rest of us Saint lovers. Looking forward to your comments!

Parents know very well that preschoolers, with their not-fully-developed immune systems, bring home all kinds of bugs and germs.  But did you know that puppies and young dogs can, too?

Jen recently tried to wipe something off of Bailey’s tongue, thinking it was a piece of paper, or popcorn, sticking to it.  Realizing it was a growth of some kind, she frantically texted a photo of it to her vet, then scheduled an appointment for her 14-month-old saint.    Turns out, Bailey had a case of canine papilloma virus, or warts.  The virus strikes puppies and senior dogs because their immune systems are weak or not fully developed.   It spreads through direct contact or sharing items such as toys and water bowls.  It looks like cauliflower-shaped growths within or around the mouth of the animal.

According to Vetinfo.com , “If you have a multi-dog household and a dog with warts, you should keep him isolated for 1 to 2 months. However, adult dogs and dogs that have healthy immune systems are very unlikely to get the virus, so you may only keep your pet away from puppies and older dogs to prevent infection. However, the infection cannot be fully controlled, as the incubation period may last up to 2 months and the dog may not present any signs of warts but still be a carrier of the papilloma virus.”

You should check with your vet to get a proper diagnosis, but the good news is that, most often, the problem resolves itself in a few months.  If the growths are interfering with eating or swallowing, there could be a surgical option.

If you have a young dog, ask your vet about the papilloma virus, or  you may want to check out  Vetinfo.com or http://www.webvet.com/main/2008/06/06/papillomas-dogs.

Sunny Saints staff was recently asked to list three, four or more things that people may not know about dog rescue.  Not surprisingly, our discussion started off with the joy and satisfaction of saving lives, and the pride we take with creating happy families.   However, some surprising revelations were made, and we want to share them with you.

First, everyone thinks that all you need is a big heart to work in dog rescue. Wrong. You need to be able to think smart and have a strong backbone, to know what you can humanly do and not do. You need to make tough decisions about when to put a dog down for health or public safety reasons. You may have to walk away from a beautiful Saint in the shelter, knowing you have no suitable foster home for him, or if he’s animal aggressive. If an animal is placed in a home, and injures someone, your rescue could be liable, and be shut down by an insurance claim or lawsuit. Sometimes, you let one animal go for safety reasons, so that you can continue to SAVE many more. It can seem cruel and heartless at times. You must keep focused and keep your eye on the gold: Finding forever homes for as many  Saints as you can.

Dog rescue can be very depressing. You wonder, "we are only saving one Saint at a time, while thousands are dying and/or being abused." Yes, we aren't even approaching the TIP of the iceberg. Sunny Saints volunteers must remind themselves that they are removing sadness and misery from the world with each dog saved, and bringing joy - lots of joy - to families.  Removing sadness and misery, replacing it with joy. Not a bad thing.

It takes all kinds of people to form a successful rescue. It starts with passionate people, and you must assemble a team of people with diverse talents and skills. It takes business savvy, sometimes legal knowledge, dog training and behavioral knowledge, accountants, nurses, marketing pros, computer pros, vets, etc. This is just a very short list of the types of people we have involved. Sunny Saints seems pretty straight forward in its mission, but it takes a diverse village to run smoothly to continue it's success.  

It doesn't take a large yard, tons of time or even lots of money to help save Saint Bernards. Volunteering at an event for a few hours, donating $5 for food, helping transport a dog to a new home... priceless. And we can't do it without you. Even posting a flyer for a dog that needs a foster home. You may have just saved a life. It's so darn easy.

And the number one bonus of being a Sunny Saints volunteer is that you meet the nicest people, from ALL walks of life. To all of our Saint-loving, big-hearted friends: we can’t do it without you! You are appreciated! 

Now, it's your turn to add  to our list of "things you'd never know about dog rescue."

Thank you for opening up your hearts and homes!

It may be fall, but we still have the warmth of the sun … perfect for bathing your saint!  Sunny Saints supporter April recently shared some grooming tips, and,  given that her saints Goliath and Persephone are always looking so good, we figured we had to pass on her secrets to you.  Her dog baths may end up sounding more like “spa day,”  and you may not have the time or stamina to do the same, but find what works for you.  April’s grooming bucket includes a slicker for removing mats and tangles, a rake for combing through the long hair, a Zoom Groom rubber grooming brush, dog shampoos, and a pet dryer.  Shampoos formulated for dogs, rather than humans, are best, because the human variety can be very harsh on a dog’s skin, leading to dry and itchy skin. 

Spa day for these pampered pets starts off with teeth brushing, using an enzymatic toothpaste and a human toothbrush.  Other saint owners have suggested a baby washcloth wrapped around a finger to clean the teeth. Be sure to look for any redness, bleeding, or loose teeth that may need a vet’s attention.  April says she started doing this when her dogs were young, so they are used to it and don’t fight it.  If it becomes a test of wills to clean teeth, leave it to the professionals.  Some of her favorite products for maintaining healthy mouths are … Tropiclean Fresh Breath Water Additive and Fresh Mint Foam .

After a trimming of the nails, hair on the paws, and a sanitary trim,  you should spend time on a thorough brushing.  April has learned from show groomers that it’s essential to get all the knots and tangles out prior to the bath, as well as to remove the dead undercoat and matting, to allow proper penetration of water and shampoo to the skin.  This bath prep can be time consuming, depending on the dog, and can take up to 30 to 45 minutes!

Whether you bath your Saint outdoors or in your bathroom, secure them with a leash to prevent runaway wet dog. Now, this passionate Saint owner uses three (yes, three) professional-quality shampoos, but swears there is a method to her madness.  First, using a baking soda-based shampoo , transferred to a restaurant-style ketchup squeeze bottle for ease, she runs a bead of the shampoo from the neck, down the back to the tip of the tail, and down each leg.  Spritz with water and start to lather and then rinse.  If you’ve done a decent job of brushing out the hair and undercoating, the water and lather will get down to the skin, and not just merely the top coat.  This should “deodorize” your dog.  

The second step involves a whitening shampoo.   Be sure to include the dog’s head and chin in this step.  The third step is the freshening shampoo.  Now’s the time to bring in the Zoom Groom rubber brush which is great for working in lather and a soothing rub down.  Rinse well, and rinse again to make sure no trace of shampoo remains.  An oatmeal and baking soda conditioner may help troubled spots in the coat.  Allow to sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

After towel-drying thoroughly, Persephone and Gogo get a few finishing touches, While many choose to let their saint “air dry,” April actually invested in a pet dryer, because not only does she not want the “wet dog” smell in her home, but she says it prevents your pup from getting hotspots and other skin problems as a result of the lingering moisture.  She uses the Metro Air Force Quick Draw Pet Dryer  that she found on petedge.com for less than $100.

April reminds us that saints’ floppy ears, combined with moisture, are a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.  Grooming isn’t complete without an ear cleaning, using an alcohol-based cleaner to remove any trapped water.  While your saint is still leashed, and holding the tip of the ear firmly, keep the whole ear upright and squirt a generous amount of the cleanser into the ear.  With your free hand, gently but firmly massage the base of the ear.  You will hear a squishy sound, and your dog will not be happy.   “Let go and move away,” she warns, “as your dog will shake his head.”  Repeat on the other ear.  With a few paper towels, or cotton pads, and two fingers,  wipe out and dry the inside of the ear.  She finishes off this star treament with a spritz of fragrant grooming spray.

Sunny Saints does not officially endorse any particular brand or type of products, but we do have a lot of passionate St. Bernard lovers and supporters who have a lot of experience and situations to share.  We’d love to hear about your dog grooming tips that just might make life easier for the rest of us!

Dog Aggression, Kids, and Harmony in Your Home

Expert Advice We Can Never Hear Too Often

Even the seemingly best-behaved and submissive dogs can surprise their owners at times, and the surprise is not always welcome.  This is the case with unexpected aggression.  My son is home from college for the summer, and my normally quiet, uneventful home is temporarily turned into a summertime beach retreat for young adults stopping by to borrow a surfboard or looking for a turkey sandwich.  Friends know they are welcome, and sometimes just walk in unannounced, which was fine.  In the past.

Since last November, we have acquired two Saint Bernards, in addition to our 10-year-old aussie mix.  They have had to acclimate to my son coming home on occasional weekends, and now, during summer, anywhere from 1 to 15 kids stopping over to visit daily.  The dogs have done relatively well, and I’ve somewhat managed to shield them from the stress, but this week, Sunny Saint Beni had enough.  Jack, a very nice, polite, 19-year-old has been the target of Beni’s irritation and aggressive barking.  Not just once, but three times.  We know now this should have been nipped in the bud.  Behavior: unacceptable. This should have happened only once, but, alas, I am the de facto dog trainer in this house, and, not home to correct the behavior, no one else dealt with the situation immediately.  Bad move.

I’ve read that this form of aggression can be the dog trying to assert his place and prominence on the family totem pole.  We’ve all heard about the “packleader,” and how the rest of the family,  including dogs, have their spot in the pecking order.  This is so true.  If you want harmony and balance in your family with the dog, and to avoid a potentially dangerous situation, you must heed the experts’ advice.

I recommend an article, “My Dog is Dog Aggressive. What Can I Do About This Aggression?” by Ed Frawley. Mr. Frawley says one of the major reasons for aggression is “rank drive” within the dog pack. It gave me a lot to think about, in terms of how I rate as the packleader, and learning how to “read” my dog.  He says this natural instinct is extremely powerful, and affects how the dog interacts within the family structure. If the dog is aggressive toward a particular person, that dog should never be left alone in the home with that person, and should always be on a leash, even in the home. This is so the packleader is able to make an immediate correction, and let the dog know, that, under no circumstances, is aggression to be tolerated. This is a must for any household with smaller children as well.

It’s not easy knowing that my front door can’t be the always-revolving door as in the past, but I now have the know-how to deal with it. I thought I knew a lot about dogs, but I realize I’m still learning every day. Time to share this information with the rest of the family.

As always, Sunny Saints would love to hear your thoughts.

-Jen Geller

Congratulations to the Munoz Family on their adoption of Tabetha, this weekend. In many cases, it takes time for the family and the Saint to settle in, and get to know each other.  In this case, Tabetha’s quite sure of where she fits in, and knows this is her forever home.  Here is what the Munoz Family reports after the first day:

Thank you Kim!!!  The cats will take a bit of work but the evening went without a hitch. The kids distracted her so much last night that she ended up sleeping in the middle of all the rooms keeping us safe then she jumped from each room and then went back to her post.  I need to share a story with you.  Of course, we took Tabetha to run our morning routine today, so off we went and dropped off Lily at school, and noticed Tabetha's angst when Lily left the car but reassured her that she would see Lily again,  and off we went to the park.  While at the park, she enjoyed a great walk and to my surprise chased a little bunny into the bushes... BOY is she STRONG!!  

Before circling the park again, I decided to drop off thekids in the playground area while we walked a big circle around the playground. Tabetha and I were maybe 10 feet away from the kids when she noticed that they weren't following us.  She stopped and looked at me like "Hey, I think we forgot those 2 monkeys climbing and hanging off the bars."  Again reassured her and proceeded to walk a few more steps.  This time she pulled on the leash, looked at me again while DIGGING HER FEET into the ground and refused to move!!!!!  I thought, well maybe, she just wants to walk on the other side of the park (a new area).  So I allowed her to lead and to my surprise she glanced back at me and trotted  straight to the kids, smelled each one, wagged her tail and looked at me like "Hey lady, I'm not going anywhere without my kids!"

I LOVE HER EVEN MORE and look forward to the lifetime of years that we'll be sharing together.  So in answer to your question she is doing great!  :)  Although she cried when the 2 little ones were dropped off at the Boys & Girls club but I reassured her and went back home where I treated her with fresh water, her morning breakfast, her treat (as it’s a MUST) and a good tummy rub and tons of hugs and kisses.

Hubby and I love her dearly and so do the kids.  We are blessed and appreciate you having found her for us.  I'll send pics so you can share them with everyone! Bug me ANYTIME!!!   We'll be life long friends thanks to our Saints and will be sure to attend as many organizations to help get the word out about you, all the wonderful people at Sunny Saints and to get these pups into good homes. You folks are amazing and are lucky to have you there to save these gentle giants.

Did you ever use the Heimlich maneuver on someone choking on a hard candy?  Well, choking is not reserved just for people, but dogs as well.

Case in point:  This morning, Sunny Saint Beni started choking and gagging, leaving a trail of spit-up and who-knows-what-else stomach content all over the wood floor. After two minutes of choking, gagging and being herded out the back door, out of Beni’s mouth popped a plastic water bottle cap … the simple, round variety abundant in many of our homes.

Your kids may be older, or grown up and moved on, but if you have dogs, there’s still strong argument for carefulness and supervision in your household.  Here’s a few things to be aware of:

• Kids toys:  Dogs can sniff, chew and swallow anything laying on the floor.  In the case of St. Bernards, we know there’s nothing they can’t reach! Keep the stuffed animals and Barbie dolls, and toys with a million parts out of reach, especially when no one is watching.
  
  
• Rubber balls, tennis balls and golf balls.  Tennis balls and golf balls have been known to lodge in the throats of some giant breeds, and rubber balls can be chewed into small bits and cause choking.
  
  
• A personal unfavorite is rawhide!  This popular treat becomes soggy and super flexible after a while, expands, and can lodge in the throat.  A better bet for your dog is bully sticks, which are made from the meat, not hide, of a cow.
  
  
• Rocks, sticks, bottle caps, any little thing. Remember going through the toddler  phase with kids?  Get back into that mindset with your dogs.              
  

The Humane Society of the United States of America has a list of common household dangers for pets, which goes beyond just choking hazards, listing toxic and poisonous substances as well, which your Saint can get into.  Prevention is always best, but just in case, you may want to read up on doggie first aid and emergency advice at How to Give First Aid to Your Dog, or Choking in Dogs.

The ultimate in preparedness, if you have a few hours on the weekend, is to attend a Pet First Aid class given by the American Red Cross.  A quick glance at the schedule by the Red Cross’ Orange County and Inland Empire chapter shows Pet First Aid classes scheduled on a regular basis, one sure to fit your schedule. Check the chapter nearest you. According to the Red Cross, the course offers information and advice pet owners can trust. From basic pet owner responsibilities, like spaying, neutering and administering medications to managing breathing or cardiac emergencies and preparing for disasters, the class also includes managing urgent care situations, such as car accidents; wounds; electrical shock; and eye, foot and ear injuries. Choose from three course offerings including Dog First Aid, Cat First Aid, and Cat and Dog First Aid.

Day-trippin’ or weekend get-aways?  Summer says it’s time to hit the road with your furry friends. Where are you headed?  Whether you’re a local or  a welcome visitor, here’s a sampling of some tried and true So. Cal. get-a-ways sent in by Sunny Saints supporters.
  
If you live near, or are visiting the San Diego area, Fiesta Island Dog Beach needs to be on your list. It’s the largest leash-free beach for dogs down south, providing nearly 100 acres of romping grounds. Bordering the calm waters of Mission Bay, it may be a great chance to introduce your Saint to the water!

Want to spend the day at the beach with your dog, but prefer something on a smaller scale?  If you are willing to take a short, relatively rugged hike from the bluffs to the beach below, San Onofre State Park, straddling the San Diego/Orange County line, is your place. Dogs are allowed (on leash) on trails one and six. If you time your visit right, you may just have a beautiful, desolate beach all to yourself. A cup of coffee, a chuckit and tennis ball may make for a perfect morning. If you’re staying longer, take an umbrella for sun protection for you and your Saint’s pink skin. On the down side, unfortunately, the state’s budget woes have hiked the price of admission to our state parks to $15 per day, or about $200 for an annual pass.

Is your Saint more of the “let’s do lunch” type?  Head north on the coast again, to the quaint town of Seal Beach, to the River’s End Café. Right on the sand, this establishment offers dog-friendly, outdoor dining.  A Sunny Saint supporter also strongly recommends 2nd Street in Belmont Shore (Long Beach), noting that almost all of 2nd Street is dog-friendly, including Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ and La Creperie Café.

If you’re not fitting into that Saint-kini, and lunch is just not on your menu, head upwards to the local mountains.  Big Bear Lake’s Alpine Pedal Path is an easy 3.5 mile-long trail that follows the lake on it’s north side.  There are picnic areas for lunch, and plenty of shoreline for your Saint to dip his feet.  If you are staying overnight, several of our Sunny Saints recommend the Golden Bear Cottages in Big Bear Lake because they appreciate the pet-friendly cabins with the fenced-in yards.

There are plenty of “dog-friendly” resources and websites available, but it’s always better to hear what’s good from a friend. Do you have a favorite spot?  Let us know!  And if you’re gone overnight, are there any especially Saint-friendly places to stay? Please, don’t forget those “insider tips” that can really make or break an outing.

If you are planning on introducing a new dog into your life, either as a foster, a new family member or even at the dog park  -  Check out the free webinar at www.aspcapro.org.  It is available live on July 12, 2012 at noon Pacific Time.  All you need to do is sign up and they will send a link to you.  If you attend, you can ask the presenter questions during the seminar  about your situations.  If you cannot attend live, the webinar will be posted on their site within 24 hours.

They have many webinars at no cost to educate you about the animals in your life.

It is time to once again keep a close eye on your pets for fleas and ticks.  With the hot weather approaching, they become increasingly pesky.  If your dog needs to be vaccinated for the coming months, join us at the Woof Xtravaganza May 19 at Mason Regional Park in Irvine.  They will have a microchip and vaccination clinic on site from ten to two where they also offer vaccines for Lyme Disease.