Is anybody reading this blog anymore?
I often wonder if anyone reads the blog when there are no comments. Mind you the blog is my exercise in writing - I enjoy writing. Lately I haven’t had the time to follow my writing groups - there just isn’t enough hours in a day. The problem is our location - we are too rural for volunteers to help out so the majority of the work fall on my shoulders and Dave’s too. But he has the driving and shopping to do since I don’t drive any more ( I have no depth perception and the roads are just too fast and crazy now - so I hung up my keys) There is a lot of cleaning involved with this many dogs and more since we have the puppies - they are cute though. There is laundry and feeding and medicating, and more cleaning. There the computer stuff - that is all mine too. And the dreaded paperwork is constantly hounding me. I often hide from the chat but how do people reach me and lots do. I really am not anti-social just very busy. This new group of dogs is a handful - mostly young untrained males and un-neutered before they got here. They have to learn to get along and they need to learn that there is no pack hierarchy here - one boss/benevolent leader and that is me. I have always maintained that the lower protein food is important in a group - they get along better. And today in my blog emails Just that theory was proven true - how cool is that!!
Part of this wonderful veterinarian’s blog is quoted here:
Anger management via kibble control (On canine aggression and dietary protein)
URL: http://www.dolittler.com/index.cfm/2008/7/29/dog.cat.veterinary.veterinarian.medicine.aggression.protein.diet.food
Here’s a story on how listening to the radio can improve your veterinary knowledge.
Last week I was listening to Dr. Nicholas Dodman (Tufts veterinary behaviorist and vet personality extraordinaire) on NPR. He was letting us all know how critical behavior is to the success of the human-animal bond.
And we all know that.
But did you also know that higher protein foods may be associated with aggression?
Somewhere in the back of my mind that issue had lodged as an old wives tale told by German Rottweiler breeders who fed varying amounts of protein based on the animal’s destination: household pet or protection provider. I never associated it with “science” until Dodman raised the issue last week on national radio.
Seems that some research has been done on this. In fact, the one study I found was out of Tufts…with Dodman’s name in the byline.
Published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) in 2000 (see reference below), it fed 33 dogs diagnosed with dominance aggression, territorial aggression and hyperactivity (11 dogs in each group) four different diets: high protein (30%), low protein (18%), low protein supplemented with the amino acid tryptophan and high-protein supplemented with tryptophan.
In both groups of aggressive dogs the aggression scores were significantly lower with both low protein and low protein with supplementation.
There is more to read her blog - it is linked above!
I have been using a foster group home for most of the dogs for 20 years (some were in kennels and were brought into the house for manners training and housebreaking once applications were on them - which is why all of the dogs now live with us) and all of the dogs for 5 years. In observing their interaction I noticed more bullying/fighting with premium foods versus a lower protein brand. Now I mix premium dog food with lower quality brands. I also fill different bins with different dog food to see which brand works best for peaceful interactions. Some dogs prefer different foods and it is amazing to see which bins are emptied first - it isn’t always the top brands either. I have found that the old dogs prefer higher protein/easier to digest/puppy food. And we have various sizes of old dogs - our seniors range in age from 14 to 19 years old - anything younger is just not really a senior - they are middle aged! The teenagers prefer a higher fat to protein ratio and others - it doesn’t matter - they will eat anything! And another observation - dogs that have eaten a low quality/low protein food for a period of time have a very hard time tolerating premium dog food. As an example Lucy has just arrived with her own food - a very low quality/cheap/low protein kibble. She dove into the premium food bin and has been vomiting this morning. Mind you she is a typical lab who LOVES FOOD. I changed the inside bin to a lower protein and she is doing much better. She is grabbing mouthfuls from the outside bins but since she is following me like a shadow she only grabs a bit while I go in and out! Food does make a difference.
An Update:
Fist Samantha - who was adopted yesterday:
Hi Yvette,
I wanted to let you know Sam had a good first evening with us. She is so gentle and easy to have around. She let me know she likes to run when I took her for a walk yesterday. My daughter, Siobhan took her for a long walk to show her off to her friends and Sam spent most of the evening with the kids watching movies. I have an appt. with the groomers for her to get the “works” tomorrow morning so I will send a photo when she is looking her best. I love her!
Adrienne
And Little Nonie again!
Here’s an interesting coincidence for you— her vet papers list her birthday as Jan. 11. I know that with strays, that is likely just a guess, but get this– my birthday is Jan 05, my grandson is Jan. 12, my daughter is Jan. 13. Can you believe it!!
She had a great night- whined gently but persistently when I left her basket in the kitchen (which is right next to my bedroom), but stopped when I brought it into the bedroom, and settled right down. However, about 1 a.m. I felt a little bump- of course you’ll know what happened- she was up beside me. So of course she spent the night there. I figure she’ll be missing you, and needs the comfort, and I don’t really mind. Whiskey used to come up for about the first hour at night and last hour in the morning, but in the middle he preferred his own space. We’ll see how she develops her own little patterns.
You are so right about how affectionate she is- very responsive and loving. Did you get her young enough for Auntie Sophie to have an influence on her? I loved that story- what an amazing dog. (No Auntie Sophie was busy with the sharpei mix puppies and she was already 5 months old when she arrived - her biggest influence was Edgar!! )
Barb
©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.
Hi Yvette: We should probably do a ‘blog count’ so you have a sense of how many folks are tuning in daily. I don’t miss a day but I rarely comment because I generally don’t have anything of interest or value to add. Today is an exception - Nonie is our new neighbour and wow, what a girl! You did an extraordinary job with her.
There was a quiet meet and greet yesterday afternoon shortly after she arrived (just the humans), but last night Nonie and Barb came strolling down the sidewalk while we were out front doing a little training with our two dogs. It was love at first sight for Nonie and our young female. Our older boy is a ‘law and order’ sort of fellow, and he was thoroughly disgusted by the girls’ silliness - not that they paid him any notice
You can tell Nonie has spent time hanging with the big dogs - in fact I suspect she thinks she is one too.
Once Nonie is settled in and ready to accompany us off-leash on the nearby forest trails, I foresee endless hours of running and playing…and hopefully, exhausted pups.
Thank you so much for the information about high protein food - I’m going to try a slow switch-over for our Mr. Grumpy; despite three years of constant behaviour modification work, he is still, on occasion, inappropriate with other male dogs.
Ticket sales are going well - see you in late August!
Take care, Carrie
Comment by Carrie — July 29, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
I’ve been reading your blog! Just wanted you to know!
Comment by Andrea — July 29, 2008 @ 5:09 pm
I read it every day, you are in my thoughts often and when school is done I will give you a call for a catch up chat!
Comment by Sharon — July 29, 2008 @ 6:55 pm
Me too - I read it every day, sometimes checking back a couple of times a day! Sitemeter is a free download that tells you how many people are visiting, from what city, and for how long. And even techno-phobe me was able to add it to my blog with no problems!
The article on dog food and aggression is interesting. I wonder, though, if the reason they were less aggressive is because they simply had less energy? Based on research I’ve read about nutritional needs and long term health implications, I’m not about to switch from my high protein foods any time soon. I do agree, however, that in some cases, a lower quality food might suit a dog very well; but in other cases it could be disastrous.
I think it behooves everyone to do their own research and feed their dog what works best. And of course there are “lower quality” foods and there are “LOW quality foods” - the latter being foods that are the equivalent of feeding your dog a lifetime of junk food. Learning to read dog food labels is an important step in differentiating between an adequate but lower quality food and an inadequate or outright dangerous food.
A good independent source of information is the Dog Food Project (www.dogfoodproject.com) which was developed by an animal nutritionist friend of mine with no ties to any commercial dog food company either directly or indirectly.
Jean
Comment by Jean — July 29, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
I read your blog daily. I think in the summer tho folks may taper off as they have more outside activity to do..but I am sure lots read it.
Comment by cheryl — July 29, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
This is cool! Thank you for your comments - it has been a hectic couple of days with Dave gone!! and to have new arrivals and others waiting in the wings so to speak- I may have been momentarily down hearted. Look for pictures of “gasp” more puppies!! No mom this time - they are 6 or 7 weeks old but their owner wants a low cost spay voucher for the mom!!! How cool is that.
Jean - the low protein kibble is mainly a short term while they are in my care to help alleviate bullying/aggression in the group. My own and non-adoptable (ok they are all actually my own) have a premium kibble bin in my bedroom!The puppies are also in my room with their puppy food and water dish (a low stainless non tip dish so they can reach it) They do eat the lower protein outside though as they seem to like the taste. There is only one or two chubbies here with free feed too.
Comment by blog — July 29, 2008 @ 8:15 pm
Hi Yvette.
I read every single day. Every day.
I don’t leave comments because I don’t want to bother you. I figure you have enough e-mails and other communications to handle without replying to a bunch of comments. It’s my way of tip-toeing around so that I don’t get in your way.
Lindsay
Comment by Lindsay — July 29, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
Up until now, I have read the blog every day but when you didn’t bother to respond to my last e-mail, I realised that my input was no longer wanted nor required. There is, indeed, a new order at Turtle Gardens. I wish you all the best.
Susan Van Allen
Comment by Susan — July 29, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
Hi, I thought this was an appropriate time to say hi and let you know I have been reading your blog and love all the stories, info, and updates. I used to work with Carol from Saints and adopted a dog from her. I try to volunteer there when I can. I found your site from Carols’ and I found Jeans’ site from yours. You do amazing work and I am very grateful to you and your family and to others like you and Carol for giving up so much for the animals. If anyone in the Langley area is selling tickets for the raffle I would like to buy some. If there is any other way I can help please let me know! Heidi
Comment by Heidi — July 29, 2008 @ 9:32 pm
Every time I comment I say the same thing, “Love the updates! Love the happy ending stories!”
I wonder if people get sick of me writing the same thing, but here goes again, I love the updates!
I fell in love with little Nonie when I first saw her pictures posted so of course, I’m really
looking forward to read about her new adventures and experiences here in the city. Somehow this little spunkster reminds me of Teya.
When we took the pups to Obedience class. the trainer talked to us about the merits of the low
protein diet, and she swore that reactive and overly aggressive dogs became calmer. This is the first thing she suggests to many of her clients with ‘bully’ dogs. Heehee, she also recommended that when Teya becomes an adult, I should switch her over to a low protein diet so she wouldn’t be ’so in-your-face’.
Comment by cynda — July 29, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
hi yvette, i read almost everyday also.i rarely comment …but i have to tell you i have been selling your raffle tickets at our local famers market and a lady came up and asked if i was part of turtle gardens(no just selling tickets) she had just picked up a easy reading book about dogs in prince george a couple days ago and you were mention in the book(she showed me the part in the book too)….she thought that was so cool and also bought tickets and took a pamphlet to read. she was a very pleased with what she had read about rescue and especially with turtle gardens.
Comment by vadie — July 29, 2008 @ 9:55 pm
I read your blog every day since the day we adopted “Nipper” and one month later the Lab Mix “Bonnie” over a year ago! I tried updates several times but there was no response at all…either on the blog nor in the e-mail! Maybe i just didnt figure out yet how to write for the blog,…i allways used your e-mail adress! Was that wrong? However, we enjoy to watch all the pictures of puppies and new arrivals on your daily blog and will keep reading it!
All the best from Southbank,
Eric & Claudia
Comment by Eric&Claudia — July 29, 2008 @ 10:15 pm
Gee Mom… I guess I have a little confession…. Ya I read the blog everyday too even tho I might be upset at you.. or if I even just got off the phone with you… The blog is my happy place!!! I love to see all the pictures of all the happy loved filled faces at your house…..You are one of the riches people I know you are so lucky to live your life surrounded by all that unconditional love….. I now realize after reading your blog that, there are things that people need to hear, and you have always told them to me when I need to hear them…. So I am just going to come right out and say it!!! Mom your my HERO and I love what you do…. I am so proud to have you for a mom… and I think that every time I read the blog….. love stan
Comment by Stan — July 29, 2008 @ 10:17 pm
I too read your comments regularly. Thanks so much for sharing your compassion and experience. I would love to be doing what your doing, when we retire, our plan is acreage and helping dogs who need another chance.
Comment by Shelley — July 29, 2008 @ 10:23 pm
My one real requirement with dog food is that it has no soya in it. In the past I had a lab who reacted very badly with any dogfood with soya and I was the lucky one who got to clean the kennel and scrub the dog. After these traumatic experiences(traumatic for me My Lab thought It was a lark) I vowed no more soya!!! I also prefer that it doesn’t have a lot of corn filler either after all dogs are not cows or crows. Though judging from a few pictures here on the blog, it’s possible that Saluki’s may be part crow and able to fly.
I have also noticed that feeding a quality food cuts down on the amount a dog needs to eat as well as some obnoxious odours that can be admitted at the most inappropriate times( who needs birth control) oh and lets not forget the waste product that we will eventually have to clean up…. I like those nice tidy packages I can scoop up and fling over the fence (No not into my neigbours yard ha! ha! ha!)
I am new to posting comments on the blog but I have been reading them for almost a year now and am astounded at the amount of work and committment you have taken on and how far reached your adoptions are. You deserve two thumbs up
Comment by Laurel — July 29, 2008 @ 11:38 pm
Hi Yvette,
I read your blog pretty much everyday and love to see the updates on all the adopted dogs and new arrivals. There may be a dog that could be our Number 6 dog!!! I have been doing Rally Obedience with my new pup (found on the side of the road in a box in Merritt)and we are having a great time. Not sure if any of the other readers are doing this but I highly recommend it and then we will move on to agility when he is old enough. The Rally is done on leash and is suitable for any dog! We took the beginner obedience and then they wanted me to wait for him to grow up a bit then he could go into Intermediate well I just couldn’t wait and he just turned 7 months old and is doing amazing.Keep up the blog I love it!!! If anyone wants to know more about it they can call me at work Monday to Friday 604-687-5573 or at home 604 946-3054.
Cheers Wendy
Comment by Wendy — July 30, 2008 @ 7:38 am
I am grinning from ear to ear. Thank you for your comments - I will try to stay upbeat!!
Susan I am so sorry I didn’t respond to your last email - I try very hard to answer emails in a timely manner - but sometimes I screw up. Every adopter is important to me. Honey Bear is so very special and Jaxon - he sure looks related to Edgar and Nonie!!) - will I see you at the reunion?
Comment by blog — July 30, 2008 @ 8:53 am
Hi Yvette,
I wanted you to know that I look forward
to reading your blog every morning.
Our “Max” passed away from cancer in Dec./06
and when I was looking through petfinder
several months later, I found your site.
You and your family are angels on earth and I
admire all the work you do. When we are ready
to adopt a new dog one day, I am hoping that
you will have one for us. The set up that you
have for the dogs is so cozy, warm and loving.
Please keep up the good work and my thoughts
are with you everyday. Hugs from Tilly
Comment by Tilly — July 30, 2008 @ 9:50 am
Heidi, I still have a few (very few) tickets left and can sell you some. I can either get them to you in Langley, or if you happen to be going to SAINTS soon I live right round the corner from them. You can email me at animalsinrescue at hotmail.com [replace "at" with @].
Jean
Comment by Jean — July 30, 2008 @ 10:21 am
Hi Yvette,
I read your blog most days too (and if I miss it one day, I go back and catch up)! I don’t always have something of interest to add, and as someone has already said, I don’t want to add to your workload by making you feel you have to reply to comments. That being said, I love reading about the updates, the adoption stories, the photos etc. Also have started reading the Saints blog, and Life with the Critters blog - interesting, heartbreaking, and heartwarming - such fantastic work all of you do with the animals, so good to know there are people like you out there!
To Cynda, Jude and Sarah as well (and anyone else connected with the TG fundraiser) - you are amazing too for all your hard work and efforts - kudos to you! The prizes look awesome and the photos of the resort have me dreaming of sun and sand (of course what I would do with my 2 daughters, dog and 4 kitties while off enjoying all this is another matter!!)
Looking forward to meeting you Yvette at the TG reunion and also meeting other TG alumni (dogs and people too) - we will be there with our TG boy, Grey Ghost - I wonder if there will be anyone he would remember?
Good luck to all the dogs who went to their new families over the past weekend - and to all those recent local adoptions (local for you - North for the rest of us).
Take care, hope Dave got back safely and everything works out with the new fence.
Comment by jana — July 30, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
Hi Yvette,
I love to read your ‘reality blog’ on the ups and downs of shelter care. We got Truman (Ned) a little over a year ago and enjoy him immensely. I am also thankful for the early socialization he got which helped him adapt to city life so quickly.
He continues to do well with other dogs and last weekend we ran into another TG alumni at Trout Lake - Stella (formerly Bella?) who looked just like him but with shorter legs. I recognized her from the pictures on the blog as they were adopted near the same time.
Your dogs have an excellent reputation (from diet, socialization or love) which carries the name of Turtle Gardens far and wide. We wish you all the best and please, keep posting!
Comment by Shannon — July 30, 2008 @ 5:50 pm