Fact and Fiction About Dog Poop

Do I need to contemplate doggie poop? I don't think so!
That is Mama's responsibility. 

This month kicked off with "International Pooper Scooper Week" on April 1 and will end with a similarly themed weekly ahem …celebration: "National Scoop the Poop Week."

To commemorate both - and that daily ritual for pet parents - we separate the fact from the fiction about disposing pet poop.

Fact

Flushing dog poop down the toilet - without a bag, only the waste - is perhaps the best disposal method, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Resources Defense Council. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into storm drains, and eventually into local waterbodies.

But cat feces should never be flushed, as it may contain Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can infect people and animals. Municipal water treatment systems do not always kill this parasite. 

But cat feces should never be flushed, as it may contain Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can infect people and animals. Municipal water treatment systems do not always kill this parasite. 

Fiction

Leaving dog poop behind is good for the soil. Reality: In order for feces from a carnivorous animal to be used as an effective fertilizer, it has to be fully composted with other materials such as egg shells and grass clippings and allowed to break down over time.

Fact

America's 78.2 million dogs collectively deposit 10 million tons of waste per year, according to waste clean-up service, Doody Calls. That's enough to fill some 268,000 tractor trailers.  

Fiction

Dog waste cannot harm your health. Reality: Dog feces can carry a host of disease and worms -- including heartworms, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, parvovirus, giardia, salmonella, and even E. coli. This is why it's imperative to clean it up after Fido does his duty.

Fact

If not flushing (again only bagless dog poop, never cat waste), it's best to use a biodegradable bag and place in the garbage.

Fiction

Bagged poop can be flushed. Reality: It can clog home plumbing and stress sewer systems.

By Bryant, Carol / Pet360

Bag Balm

I suffer from "happy tail." Mama didn't even know there was a name for my condition. I become extremely excited when I am released from my house (aka crate) and I wag my tail so hard against the walls, cabinets, washer, and dryer. Every day our kitchen and laundry area looked like a battlefield and this would happen a couple times a day. Dad was getting very upset over it because he didn't want to see the blood everywhere but more than that he was worried about my tail.

Mama tried every type of bandage and vet wrap.  Her friend had a great idea to use pipe installation (foam padding) to protect my tail, so Mama tried it. Nothing helped because I ripped off anything that was applied to my tail. Oh, I am not dumb, I wouldn't do it until Mama wasn't around to see me.

Two vets told Mama if my tail didn't have a chance to heal it would more than likely have to be removed. Oh no, those are words we didn't’ want to hear. Mama was determined not to let that happen to me, but she didn't know how to stop it because I couldn't control myself--I just couldn't leave anything on my tail even though I knew it was for my own good. Hey, after all, I am only a canine, although I am a great and beautiful girl.  

Mama researched alternative methods and came across recommendations for Bag Balm. She told Dad that it can't hurt to try, so she ordered it from Amazon. That Amazon has loads of good stuff!

We absolutely love Bag Balm. My tail has not bled since Mama started using the product a week ago. She makes me sit and says “tail” so I will let her apply the balm. Of course, I sit but I try to tuck my tail under me (again, I want to remind you that I am a canine). But Mama outsmarts me because she now gets the balm container and a treat. She knows I will do just about anything for a treat. She applies the balm a few times a day to protect the tip of my tail and I get a few extra treats.  I think the saying is “it’s a win-win for all.”

Mama and I would recommend this product for anyone who is experiencing the issue I have (I think I should say “had”).

Jackson's Angel Day--March 29 2014

Saturday, March 29 Jackson let his parents know it was time for him to go. He was surrounded by people who love and cherish him, including his brother Louie. Louie went with Mama, Dad, brother and sister to Oradell Animal Hospital to support Jack-Jack with lots of love and hugs until he took his last breath.  Mama told me that Louie stood up and put his two front paws on the gurney and kissed Jackson goodbye. Mama says it was amazing and heartbreaking. 

Jackson watching his Dad getting ready to walk his bride down the aisle. 

Jackson is Mama's grand dog. I never met him but she tells me he was an extra special dog. She has so many wonderful memories of Jackson. She said Jackson was David's best friend like Sierra was her best friend. 

Jackson was a lucky dog to have David and Danielle for parents; he couldn't have asked for a better mommy and daddy. Jackson never wanted for anything and in return he gave his parents more love and loyalty than you can imagine.

  

Our family will miss Jackson deeply and will never ever forget him. I am sorry I didn't have a chance to meet him. One day, a long time from now, I will have the chance. In the meantime, Jackson will be with my sister, Laura, who I never met either. Heaven just got better—Laura, Sierra, and Jackson are there. 

Jackson, Sierra, Louie

Woof, woof with respect & sympathy, 
Zoey

Fundraiser for START II rescue

Reminder: April 3 is the event. Mama and her friends had lots of fun last year and they are looking forward to the excitement again this year. Some of Mama's friends were lucky at her table; hopefully this year they will all be lucky. There certainly are enough chances to win a basket. Mama said it was the best Tricky Tray ever.

Who knows, maybe Mama will win a basket full of delicious dogie treats for little ole me!

Come out and support the animals. Details in the flyer.

Woof, woof, till later...
Zoey.
. 

Bandage? What bandage...

Guess what...Mama arrived home and got a full view of my beautiful tail. She was not a happy camper! She said she will wrap it again with Dad's help.

Hey, at least I didn't eat the pipe installation wrap; I figured Mama would want to use it again. She doesn't give up easily.

PS Happy St Joseph's Day.

Woof, woof, till later, 
Zoey

You should see me now...

Some of you may already know that I suffer from a condition called "Happy Tail." Why should I have to endure the ridiculous bandages Mama puts on my tail? After all, I am wagging my tail because I am so happy to be living with Mama. 

Mama and Dad have tried to wrap my tail so many different times and different ways and I am always able to get the bandages off. Even when Mama sprays yucky stuff on the wrap. She really thinks the scent of green apple is going to stop me from chewing off the wraps! Needless to say, I have been winning the battles but losing the war because I am the one getting hurt. I don't mind my tail being injured but Mama and Dad are worried over it. They also are not happy cleaning blood from the walls, cabinets, stove, washer, dryer, etc. a couple times a day You would be surprised to see the amount of splatter my beautiful tails produces. 

Last night Mama invited her friend, Mrs D, over to help her try once again to secure a bandage to my tail. She even uses Vet Wrap but I remove that too. Anyway, Mrs D is pretty darn smart...she brings over pipe installation. I take a look at her and the black tube and I think just maybe she misunderstood Mama. Did she think we need a pipe wrapped? I have to admit she was thinking outside of the box. As of this morning I was still wearing the soft foam and protecting my lovely tail. 

I am surprised Mama didn't think to take a pic of me with that pink thing that rings different tunes. 

Let's see if I keep it on all day. .

Woof, woof, till later, 

Zoey

Mama's friend, Bruiser

Yep, Bruiser wore his scarf today!
Scarf made by Mama

one for Bruiser and one for me

Woof, woof, till later, 

Zoey