Pets Archives ⋆ And the Underdog Wins

Goodbye Indy

Hello Underdogs. I know that I have been absent recently. It’s with a heavy heart that I must say that my beloved dog, Indy has passed away. This by far has been one of the hardest things that I have gone through and I am broken. I have lost dogs before, but Indy was my best buddy in the whole world, and it hurt worse than I could ever imagine. For those who think I don’t know real loss, I know it all too well. I lost all my grandparents, my Dad, and some very good friends during the course of my life. It makes me upset when people say that you “just lost a dog.” I didn’t just lose my dog, I lost my best friend. Grief isn’t measured in a person, or a pet, but by how much you loved. If you are lucky, your life will be filled with grief.

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I had Indy with me since he was a baby. We went through so much together. He literally saved my life twice, and it almost cost him his very own life both times. He slept with me every night. He traveled with me all over the USA. He moved with me in several places and several states. My one regret is that I could never afford a place to live that had a fence in yard where he could run and play as much as he wanted. He was by my side during the worst moments including the loss of his sister, Poe, and my Dad.

There has never been another soul as pure and as wonderful as Indy. He wasn’t the smartest crayon in the box, but he sure was pretty. He had a huge bark, but was a big snuggler. Indy would moo like a cow sometimes, loved his ears rubbed, and enjoyed cheeseburgers. He was a great brother, a wonderful friend, and part of my soul. Anyone who has lost a pet understands how hard it is to walk into your house, and feel so alone. Even though I do have another dog, my life feels so empty and alone now. I love Sunny so very much, but of course, she isn’t, and never has been a replacement for Indy. You can never replace an animal, you can get another one, but it doesn’t take away the loss and pain of your beloved lost animal.

That’s all I want to say for now. I’m not taking this so well, and that is the truth of the matter. Each day hurts, and it gets further and further away from the last day I had him in my life. It gets worse. Grief is very real, and very hard. What I learned is that I need to take my own time. I can cry and hurt because it’s okay. I can also want to be alone because things have become too much. I can also be happy too. One day, I will be better, but today is not that day, and it may not be that day for a very long time. Indy was with me for 12 years, and I’m thankful for every moment. There are no words to express how much I loved my dog, and how much I miss him.

Goodbye my baby, Indy. I will miss you for the rest of my life. Thank you for letting me be your person.

***If you are able to help, please check out my go fund me page to donate to Indy’s Burial Fund:

http://gf.me/u/kirjzv

Category: Mystery Monday, Pets | 3,990 Comments

July 31

Sunny’s Bath Time

Every single dog gets smelly once in awhile, and sometimes you don’t have an option to wash your dog at home. It could be for several reasons including not having a bath tub, hose outside, or are worried about the hair clogging the drain. I have always been a bit skeptical about taking my dog to a place where you self-wash the dog. I keep saying that I could do all of this at home on my own. However, a nice lady at Pet Valu (not sponsored) gave me a very nice coupon to try it out. I found out that it may actually be safer and cheaper in some instances, to take your dog to a self washing bath. So, I decided to take Sunny and try it out!

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Pet Valu provides several things for Sunny’s bath time. First, they have a fairly deep bath area for your dog to get into either by using the steps, or in my case, picking up the dog and placing her inside the tub. They have a restraint to put your dog on while you take off their harness or their collar so you can make sure they get all clean! They have sprayer that you control the temp and the pressure. They also have an actual dryer, towels, about 10 different choices on shampoo, and towels. All of this being provided is worth it to me, but that’s not all because your pup will also get treats while they get their bath! Normally the cost of this service is $10.00. You don’t have a time limit on your bath, but it’s nice to aware of the people around you who may be waiting to also take a bath.

Poor Sunny was very afraid when we started the process. The lady who works at Pet Valu went and got a calming spray to help with her fear. That as well above and beyond what they normally do, and I can tell you that it worked. Even though Sunny looks scared, she really did calm down and eventually she enjoyed herself. First, I got the proper temp for the water, and slowly sprayed her down. Sunny didn’t like this part of the bath. Next, my friends read off all the shampoos they had ranging from ones that were good for shiny coats, shedding, or even itching. I decided to use one for Sunny’s bath that had tea tree oil. This is a great essential oil that helps will everything from itching, to any skin problems. It also smells really good and this made her coat very soft.

I massaged Sunny with the shampoo, and let it sit for around five minutes. During those few minutes, I was able to reach over and pick up some lovely complimentary treats to feed Sunny while she had her bath. Sunny did try to get out a few times, but that is pretty normal. Once the shampoo settled, I then sprayed her off, and grabbed the dryer. Sadly, there wasn’t any instructions that told me how to turn this on or off, so it was a lot of trail and error before I got it to work. It is at least cool air, so it won’t hurt your dogs, and it has 3 settings to help with the drying process. This was too scary for Sunny, so I switched to using a towel. The whole bath process took around 15 minutes.

So, here is what I learned about taking your dog to have a bath at a self-washing station. First, walk in and see the place before every taking your dog. I did this the day before, and it was important for me to feel the place out and make sure everything was safe. Always ask for instructions, even if there are posted. They may tell you some tips that are not listed anywhere. Wear clothing you don’t mind getting some dog hair on, or possibly that will get wet. I didn’t realize until it was too late, but they had an apron that I could have put on while I was giving Sunny her bath. I was covered in dog hair and went home to change. Be relaxed yourself, because your dog may feel your anxiety and it could make bath time a lot harder.

Is this worth it? I think it really is, especially if you don’t have a space to clean your dog. Again, I encourage you to check these places out before walking in with your dog, ready to give them a bath. Some places require a reservation, or some take walk-ins only. I only have experience with Pet Valu, so this is the only one I can give an opinion on. I really had a great time giving Sunny her bath. It was cheap, and a simple process. Sunny was afraid, but then started to relax as it went on. I think that’s pretty normal for most dogs who don’t like bath time in general. I would take Sunny here again. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars!

What do you think? Have you ever taken your pup to get a bath at a self-wash station. Leave your comments below using the hashtag: #dogbath

Category: Pets, Review, Try it Tuesday | 4,219 Comments

April 24

Kona Leashes

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As you all know, I have two awesome dogs, and my roommate has one awesome dogs! For the longest time, I only had 2 leashes for all 3 dogs because I didn’t have the money to purchase a new one. I also ran into a bit of issues with Sunny, my newest baby. While she is a smaller dog and only weights 15 pounds, she is very strong. She is kind of a box and can break leashes if she really wanted to. I have had them snap on more than one occasion because she is so strong that she can easily get the snap to come loose. I happened to be contacted by Kona Leashes https://www.konaleashes.com/ on my Instagram page, who asked me to consider being a brand ambassador. This meant that I got to try out one of their leashes which I desperately needed for Sunny.

I was very excited for this chance, but worried about the price of the products. I understand that they aren’t cheap. However, they are specialty products and I have seen leashes priced quite high in chain stores. Please don’t get these confused with Kona Dog Treat items because these are not the same companies. These are “Durable Rope Leashes” for your pet! They come in several different colors and sizes, and you can choose to have a grip added if you would like. The best thing about Kona Leashes is that it is an investment that you can live with. First, they offer a lifetime warranty on all of their products. That is really important to me because my dog is a tough little cookie, and I can see her being a bit crazy and finding a way to fray the rope.

Secondly, but most important to me, is that Kona Leashes donates dog food to shelters. For every item that you purchase, they will donate dog food. There are several options for a donation place, but you can also email the company and suggest a donation to your local shelter. Since 2016, Kona Leashes has donated around 2000 pounds of dog food. This is a win-win situation because you are getting an excellent product with a lifetime warranty, and you get to help out other dogs in need! All products are also made in the USA, and I believe they are made to order. I’m not 100% on that, but I ordered the smallest pink leash, which was 4 feet, and added a grip for comfort, and because Sunny is an evil little thing and likes to pull.

While this product is aimed at very active people and very active dogs, I believe it’s a great product for anyone. Kona Leash started off for a person who liked to take their dog hiking and running. That meant that they needed a strong leash to make this happen, so they created Kona Leashes with the durable rope, and the carbine which is the clip that hooks onto the dog’s leash. This has proven to be very helpful for me because again, Sunny is very strong and with the clip, I never have to worry about Sunny breaking free. I got her the Pink Camo Knot Climbing Rope Leash that is 4 feet, and recommended for dogs under 30 pounds. The grip was extra, but I am happy that I added this option since my hands are not hurting after walking her around.

I feel that I am an active person, but not a hiker or anything like that. I don’t think that Kona Leashes are “too much leash”for my dog, but just perfect for this very curious little puppy! She really likes to run, sniff and play, and I like to pretend that I can keep up because I always take two dogs out to potty at once! Having a strong Kona Leash gave me a lot of confidence because I have never felt like it would break, snap, or the clip wouldn’t work. The pros are what I listed above, and the cons are the price. Everything is kind of a high price. However, if you look at it for an investment, with the confidence of the lifetime warranty as a backing, I think it will help you feel better about your choice to try out Kona Leash. Because of this, and how easily it handles my active Sunny, I give them 5 out of 5.

If it’s in your budget, I would recommend trying out Kona Leashes by going to the website listed below. https://www.konaleashes.com/ Since you are my readers, you will receive a 20% discount when you use the code: KL20 at checkout. I’m super excited to see that they now have light up collars! I’m also planning on getting one for Indy as soon as I can get him a new leash. You shouldn’t be purchasing a new leash every few months, and Kona Leash will help if you have that issue. I wouldn’t trust any old leash to my fur babies, so when I say consider them for yours, understand that is coming from a place of love for animals. I want them all to be as safe as possible, and I think Kona Leash could be for you too!

Category: Pets, Review, Try it Tuesday | 4 Comments

December 11

Sunny Came Home

Hello Underdogs, and I hope you are having a good Monday! It has been a bit of a mystery as to why I have been absent, so I thought I would go ahead and make this post a Mystery Monday! First, I have been incredibly busy as a caregiver. Then, on December 9th Sunny came into my life. Who is Sunny? She is my new puppy! I didn’t get up that day thinking that I would get a new dog, yet here she is and she is home to stay! I have been thinking about getting a new puppy for the past several months. My dog Indy, who is a black lab, is 11 years old. He is truly my baby and my heart. However, I know he is getting up there in puppy years and I wanted to give him a thunder and cuddle buddy. My roommate has a chihuahua, named Rose who is awesome, but not a cuddly dog to Indy at all. Indy needs a cuddle buddy and I’m hopeful Sunny will help him during a storm since he gets so scared. Most of all, I love dogs so much and I hope to give little Sunny a good life and a good home!

I looked at several rescues for the past month, but none of them leaped out to me. The ones I really like had a huge price tag! For example, a lab that I really liked cost $700.00 to adopt! This was insane and I couldn’t find any reason why that price was so high! The other problem that I ran into was that I am a renter and I have certain breed restrictions to bring home. All the dogs that I saw fell into those categories. I was sad because I wanted to help all of these dogs. They were in no kill shelters so they were in good hands until they find their forever homes. I officially gave up and said if there was supposed to be a new dog for me, it would come. I wouldn’t go overboard doing research, making phone calls, and visiting shelters. It was getting heart breaking.

Then, on Sunday, I got a call from a friend who told me to come quickly because there were several puppies that needed to be rescued. I couldn’t make it, so she went on my behalf and picked out the sweetest, most cuddly girl that they had. The adoption took place, and Sunny and her sister were rescued. Her sister went to my friend and Sunny came home with me. I fell in love instantly! In fact, the reason this puppy is called Sunny is because the first thought that went through my mind when seeing her is how how she was a ray of Sunshine. She is a beagle/terrier mix and was 7 weeks old. This means that Sunny was born right around Indy’s birthday! They are soul mates, sort of!

The puppies full name is Sunshine “Sunny” Amelia Pond Tebrinke. Yes, I had to put the Doctor Who reference in there but it fits so perfectly. Sunny is very active, cuddly, and has a heart on her nose. She loves to play, and is still walking around like a drunk puppy. Indy is still not super happy with her being in the house, but if he is sleeping, he doesn’t mind that Sunny climbs all over him and sleeps on his back. Rose is pretty indifferent when it comes to Sunny. She wants to be the number one girl in the house. Sunny has other plans.

I’m a bit nervous on how this is going to work out with the three of them. However, I think in time they will all be thick as thieves. There are moments when they seem okay, but Indy still only likes Sunny when she is sleeping! It is not unusual for a male dog to not want anything to do with a puppy. I think as she grows, he will fall in love with her and she will be the cuddle buddy that Indy needs. She is a lot of work right now, but that is okay! A few things take a back seat while I am a caregiver and a new puppy mom. I wouldn’t have it any other way! Welcome home Sunny!

I love dogs! Would you like to see a dog day during the week, or another entire blog about dogs? Let me know in the comments.

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Category: Mystery Monday, Pets | 2 Comments

July 10

My Monday: Cat Adoption

Image may contain: cat — Robbie with the tude!

Hello Underdogs! I hope you enjoy this non dog story about cats! Specifically, how awesome it is to adopt a cat! The last year has brought a lot of changes for my Mom. She lost her beloved dog that she had with her for over 14 years. She moved out her house in Iowa and came to live closer to me in Indiana. Mom really didn’t want any more pets because the loss was so hard on her. However, I knew how much she loved animals and how much she needed one in her life. I waited until Mom was pretty settled into her new place before I went to find a new friend.

I went with a recommendation from a friend on a place to go adopt a cat. Paws for Pals partners with Petco to bring in cats who need adoption. There they are seen, snuggled, and adopted out to happy people. I decided that the cat would be a Mother’s Day gift and I went to meet Robbie, a 10 year old cat who had not had any interest. I knew he had a rough history because he was attacked by a coyote. He is also an older cat, and people tend to only want kittens. I knew Mom needed a cat that was already housebroken, and already had some experience in life. When I went to see him, I knew instantly he was for Mom! Ever time that I tried to talk with him, and see his sweet face, he would turn his furry butt away from me! I’m pretty sure this attitude was on purpose, and he was going to be awesome!

The adoption process was very easy. I got the information for Martha, who was the head of the adoptions. She was kind enough to text and email me all the needed paperwork. She answered all my questions, gave me recommendations, and set up a time to adopt Robbie, which was the day before Mother’s Day! I went with my gal pal team, and we picked up Robbie and got him his essentials like food and potty trays. I have Petco rewards, and I happen to have downloaded a coupon onto my phone earlier that day to save $15.00! With Robbie, his new items, my gal pal team, we headed to Mom’s for his new life. He didn’t make a peep on the car ride there and I was worried that he may not like his new home. I was also worried Mom may not like my surprise.

The worry was unfounded, and as soon as Mom saw Robbie, they became instant friends. We set up his potty tray, food, water, and toys. He wondered around the house and took over. By the end of the few hours that we spent there that first day, Robbie was in Mom’s lap and purring. Since then, he has become Mom’s little buddy. She even has a leash and takes him out for small walks around her building. They are quite a pair, and I’m so glad that I brought the older, grumpy cat home my Mom.

I know what some are you are thinking, shouldn’t you adopt, not shop? The answer to that question is YES! It can be confusing because Petco was involved in the process and it would seem like they are responsible for the adoption process. The truth is, Petco just offers a place to house and care for these cats to spark interest in their adoption. They feed them, tend to their health, and of course, potty them. They also set up people who come in on a volunteer basis to play with the kitties! Petco does not hand out, or take the adoption paperwork. They do not take the payment for the adoption fees, that goes straight to the adoption agency Pals for Paws. These animals are not purchases from those terrible puppy or kitty mills, but are pets who are in need of adoption. The fee to adopt is affordable. When you adopt, you are more likely to get the pet’s spayed or neutered, have up to date shots, and a medical history. It is worth it go check out a place that adopts out cats and dogs! I would highly recommend it! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask them. If they are a legitimate place, they will have no problem giving you all the information that you need. So yes, adopt not shop and give as much happiness to someone as Robbie has brought to Mom and vice versa!

If you want more information on Pals for Paws, check out their website here: PALS FOR PAWS

Have you ever rescued an animal? Leave a comment and let us know how your experience was!

Category: Pets | 1 Comment