Punk’s Paradise

01/07/2022

Today will be the first time Lux hears fireworks!

Fireworks can be extremely scary for dogs and cause tremendous anxiety to the point where some dogs shut down, or hurt themselves.

As Lux is still in a very important developmental period that can effect how she reacts to things for the rest of her life we want to set her up for success today!

Some of the things we are doing:

-making sure to stick to her regular routine (like a toddler she has meals and naps at specific times!)

-providing physical and mental stimulation throughout the day so she is physically and mentally tired by tonight.¹

-keeping in mind not to OVERstimulate and end up with a grumpy puppy.

-previously had played videos of fireworks in increasing volumes as she does normal everyday activities to desensitize the sound.

-we don't celebrate Canada Day, so tonight will be a normal Friday movie night (providing a cover of sound)

-letting her have a Friday night treat (frozen duck foot) to help distract her.²

-making sure her microchip information is up to date and she is wearing a collar with contact information.

There are also a variety of calming chews, calming caps (muffle sounds,) thundershirts and more on the market that may help your dog if they do not like fireworks. If your dog is severely anxious you can talk to your vet about a situational medication to ensure they do not hurt themselves- mentally or physically.

¹ Today Lux will go for a short (distance) sniffari with Punk, eat 2 of her meals in slow feed bowls, and use one meal for a training session. This is a good balance of physical and mental stimulation without doing too much! Some dogs may need more or less, our training sessions are usually a good hour and tire her out!

²Some dogs may be to stressed to eat, you can also provide distractions with new toys, dog television and more.

10/06/2022

Photo TW: deceased pet cat (last photo)

If you love your cat you won't let them roam! Outdoor cats can meet very many terrible fates including but not limited to:
●being attacked by wildlife
●being attacked by dogs, other cats or domestic animals
●hit by vehicles
●fiv², diseases, lice, ticks, worms- vaccines cannot protect your cat from everything.
●being poisoned (this can happen in a variety of ways including ingesting small prey that have been poisoned.)³
●cruel humans, there have been cases of people mutilating cats and worse, yes in Canada. (https://globalnews.ca/news/2338063/edmonton-man-admits-to-killing-cooking-cat/)
●exposure to extreme weather
●pet theft

On top of all these risks domestic and feral cats are an ecological nightmare. They are not a natural part of our ecosystem.

They kill an estimated 100-350 MILLION birds per year in Canada. They are directly contributing to large scale declines in bird populations. Cats make up 95% of all bird mortality in Canada. Cats also kill protected migratory songbirds.
(https://www.ace-eco.org/vol8/iss2/art11/)

Cats will kill whether or not they are hungry, it is natural instinct. Your well fed cat is no different.

Along with the massive amount of damage they do to local wildlife, cats breed like it is a sport and contribute to shelters being over capacity.

Canada has a HUGE cat overpopulation issue. It is estimated that the vast majority of animals in shelters are cats, including strays, loose cats brought in, and lost/outdoor cats.

Cats are less likely to be reunited with their owners than dogs, and take longer to adopt out. Some shelters unfortunately have to euthanise cats to make room for more adoptable animals, as they cannot keep up!

In 2011 it was predicted that more than 600,000 homeless cats were in Canadian shelters and did not find homes¹

Cats have also been known to spread toxoplasmosis to humans in Canada which can cause miscarriages, blindness and possibly be fatal for immune compromised people. (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6244761)

Things you can do to be a responsible Cat Owner:
●keep your cat indoors
●train your cat to go out on a tie out while supervised
●have a catio built⁴
●take your cat for walks on leash
●cat proof your fence⁵
●provide enrichment for your cat indoors⁶

There are no excuses, don't let your cat be a part of the problem.

More info and helpful arcticles about cats in Canada:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.3130437

¹https://humanecanada.ca/our-work/focus-areas/companion-animals/cats-in-canada-2017-a-five-year-review-of-cat-overpopulation/

³https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/rodenticide-warfarin-poisoning-in-cats

²https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv

⁴https://catiospaces.com/catios-cat-enclosures/diy-plans/

⁵https://www.purrfectfence.com/blogs/guides/cat-proof-fence-guide-different-options-effectiveness-ideas

⁶https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/cat-enrichment-for-bored-cats

http://www.concordanimals.com/Responsible_Cat_Ownership.htm

02/06/2022

Soon to be back in the kitchen cooking up some yummy pupcakes!

A certain dog is ready to start taste testing again.. even the old recipes, for quality control, right? 😉

Send us a message to learn more about our home made pupcakes and cookies.🍪🎂

27/05/2022

We made a TikTok account to share fun adventures and cute pictures/vidoes of the dogs. ❤

Go check out our first two videos! (Keeping in mind I don't know what I am doing yet 😜)

29 Followers, 28 Following, 15 Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by PunksParadiset

26/05/2022

Yesterday we made up a batch of Tummy Trouble treats!

Unfortunately I could not get the food the breeder was feeding Lux (not even in Alberta.) So we found the next closest thing until we can get her on a food we can consistently buy while living in the north.

Although this food is as similar as we could get, she is having some tummy rumbles and loose stool.

Not wanting to upset her tummy but also wanting a treat to be able to reward our house training and crate training efforts these are the perfect solution.

These also work great for dogs with sensitive stomachs!

If you are interested in trying some shoot us a message.

23/05/2022

Today we opted for a slow feed bowl.

Punk's dinner consisted of: Go Solutions Pet Food turkey kibble, Zignature catfish kibble, Primal Pet Foods pork bone broth, Big Country Raw quail egg, K9 Choice Foods turkey neck bones, some veg and fruit and Identity turkey canned food all frozen for a mentally stimulating meal.

Now he is taking a post dinner nap with his new sister (who had her food in a kong- never to early to provide training and mental stimulation.)

19/05/2022

Although we are still on 'vacation' we are home.

The load of pet food has been dropped off to Hay River Animal Shelter and Kori will be able to help get pet food to those in need.

We had so many offers of donations from multiple organisations down south and it was incredibly heartwarming.

We stopped in at ALPL Pet Food Bank - Edmonton Area and they filled us up completely! Thank you so much for helping those effected by the flooding up north. This will help not only the animals currently in the shelter but all the displaced people and their animals, and the animals still out and about.

15/05/2022

Punkdate!

While this was meant to be a relaxing vacation we couldn't NOT help Hay River and Katlodeeche First Nation!

With connections to some animal rescues, food banks and welfare programs we are bringing up a full trunk of dog and cat food! This will be brought for the Hay River Animal Shelter to benefit animals in care and those needing food in the coming weeks.

A huge thank you goes to ALPL Pet Food Bank - Edmonton Area for filling us with donations to bring up. Thank you to all the other Alberta Rescues that also offered food- wishing we had a trailer!

12/05/2022

Please volunteer to be an emergency foster for those who are effected by the flooding in Hay River and Katlodeeche First Nation.

People can take shelter in Yellowknife at the Multiplex and call 1-833-699-0188 to check in.

07/05/2022

Exciting news!

Next week Lil' Punk and I are going on a much needed vacation to pick up his new sister!

That being said any special orders for cookies, pupcakes, or snuffle mats are on hold until June.

I have dropped off snuffle mats to both locations of Borealis Kennels & Pet Specialties

While we are south we will be picking up new colours, if you have colour suggestions or ideas for a special mat (after June 1st) let me know!

With the rainy weather today and predicted for the week, it is a perfect time to introduce beyond the bowl feeding.

Pick up a snuffle mat and give your dog (or cat) one of their meals on it to help provide mental stimulation and utilize their natural instincts.

04/05/2022

One mat left at the downtown location and more being restocked by Friday.

Snuffle mats are great for:
-fast eaters
-mental stimulation
-encouraging sniffing and foraging
-outlet for hard-wired natural behaviours

Did you know that a dog sniffing can make them happy?

Beyond the bowl enrichment is one way we can help our furry friends live their best life!

And while you are at the store, make sure to check out their huge selection of treats that you can use with your snuffle mat!

01/05/2022

A fun custom xl mat for someone very special!

28/04/2022

One mat (in Yellowknife) up for grabs through an auction to raise money for U16 Girls volleyball tournament down south.

Click the link and check out all the great items up for grabs!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1643343899356934/?ref=share

26/04/2022

Punk enjoying his gotcha day bone!

We were very lucky that a co-worker kept a good meaty bone aside to spoil Punk with. (Thanks again!)

Raw feeding is not only a great way for dogs to have a healthy mouth, big meaty bones like this are feeding and a workout all in one! Chewing raw meaty bones is great for the neck and shoulder muscles.

That being said, this is absolutely not a balanced meal and a special treat! Raw feeding needs to include organs, and should be rotational.

Punk got to enjoy 20 minutes of chowing and then we put it away for a different day, as too much might upset his stomach.

What do you feed your pets? Share in the comments!

25/04/2022

Today is Punk's gotcha day!

7 years ago today he made the trip from Texas to Canada!

Do you do anything special on your pets' rescue day or birthday?

Punk will be getting spoiled with his favourite cookies, and the best spot on the couch.

(Here is a video of him being displeased a human is sitting in the best spot, (there is room on both couches, but it has to be this spot!)

22/04/2022

Punk is getting ready for a road trip, if you would like snuffle mats or cookies for the month of May, please send a message before May!

17/04/2022

Spring Pupcakes Pre-order!

Check out a new special mini-cake!

2 pupcake flavours, and 2 cookie flavours.

We can accommodate allergies or food sensitivities so please message if your dog is like Punk and allergic to the world!

Swipe -> to see Punk helping with the dishes.

14/04/2022

While everyones favourite dog sleeps, I am busy at work making snuffle mats.

Snuffle mats are back Borealis Kennels & Pet Specialties and I am open again for any special orders! (Larger, smaller)

Check back soon as I will be posting spring pupcakes (plus a special minicake), and cookie flavours.

09/04/2022

Check this awesome tag we special ordered from Borealis Kennels & Pet Specialties

If you know Punk, you've heard of his antics.. and climbing skills, so we thought this tag was fitting 😂😂

They have a tag machine downtown where you can pick out your own fancy tags, pick your font, and engrave all in about 5 minutes.

Punk and I 10/10 recommend checking it out!!

07/04/2022

Pupdate!

Sorry for the absence. We* were working through some debilitating health issues, and things are looking up!

Snuffle mats will be back in stock at both Borealis Kennels & Pet Specialties locations this Monday!

We have two openings for monthly cookie orders as well, if you are interested in healthy, fresh, homemade dog treats message for a price list. First sample bags are FREE!!

Monthly Pupcakes will return for May 1st pick up. Make sure to check back closer to May to see spring flavours.. and kitty owners, we may have something special for you too!

*Punk is healthy and happy; we being the creator!

21/03/2022

Shake it…shake it off…

A recent study by two researchers in France looked at sniffing, pulse rate, and leash length on walks. Sixty-one dogs were taken on three separate walks, five minutes each walk, once with a 1.5m leash, once with a 5m leash, and once without a leash at all (walk order was randomized for each dog). Off-leash dogs sniffed the most, more than 3x as long as the dogs on short leashes. Dogs on long leashes spent nearly as much time as unleashed dogs sniffing, almost 3x as long as dogs on short leashes.

This study also found that sniffing resulted in lowered pulse rates, and the more intensely they sniffed, the more their pulse rates lowered. Pulse rate was also lowered when dogs “shook off” during walks on all leash lengths. The “shake off” behavior was often seen when the dog’s pulse rate was particularly high.

Read more about it below!
http://www.dogfieldstudy.com/node/1

https://thebark.com/content/dog-walks-sniffing-shaking-and-pulse-rate

What else can we learn about dogs from their walking behavior? Take your best friend on a Sniffari and see what you observe!

06/03/2022

Edmonton and area followers will be able to find one of our snuffle mats in this auction- along with many other great items to help a world changing animal welfare program 🥰

26/02/2022

Where did Punk come from?

Punk was a young stray living in Texas, USA.

He had been seen wandering around a neighbourhood for a few weeks, when a young gentleman almost ran him over. This hero scooped Punk up and stuck him in his grandmothers backyard.

After a few days he needed to find a more permanent solution. Enter his amazing Foster mum Anke. Anke and her family welcomed Punk with open arms, he was underweight, dirty, scratched up, his nose, face, neck- covered in bite and scratch marks. And had ALL the worms. Including heartworm*

Anke and her family welcomed him in, getting regular food into him, bathing him, medicating, and loving him. Anke herself gave him the ever so fitting name, Punk.

My heart goes out to his Texas family that kept him safe and started him on his journey to the good life.

Anke and a local rescue got Punk started on a heartworm protocol, neutered him, de-wormed him, and posted him on pet finder- where one sleepless night I saw him and thought 'God his ears are stupid. I need him.'

I applied not thinking I'd even be considered being so far away. Who would send a dog from one end of a continent to another?

And then, a few days later I get an email putting me in touch with his foster family, and I was over the moon!

Punk flew to Vancouver where he stayed with his uncle overnight, eating his phone and ruining his couch- securing his name in his new country, and then he came to us.

The very day I met Punk I knew I had met my dog soulmate. A dog that would challenge me, in every way, while also being the comfort I seek out when needed.

I have had Punk around 6 years now and every single day is an adventure.

From overcoming heartworm, multiple knee surgeries, over 10 moves together, my own health issues, there is no one better who could be by my side.

Next post we will talk about his multiple health issues that led me to fundraising, cookie baking, and his fanbase.

*(We will make a whole post about his ordeal with heartworm, overcoming it, and the seriousness of it.)

The photos are some of those that were on petfinder, with his Foster family and the very first photo of Punk in the north.

25/02/2022

Apologies for being quiet, it has been crazy here and we have had some tech issues, but later today we'll be posting Punk's rescue story 🥰

Punk is currently dealing with an ear infection and we wanted to give a shout out to our favourite local pet business for stocking multiple alternative choices for elizabeth collars.

Punk is wearing a zenpet collar that allows him to see and rest comfortably! He wears a size large.

P.S - anyone else reminded of this iconic scene when it is cone time?

22/02/2022

HOW DARE YOU- Punk.

04/02/2022

Always appreciate the unconditional love.

Punk has been such an inspiration to many, and I thank you for following his story.

In the next few days I will be posting about our journey together and why I started producing interactive toys and pupcakes.

♡

26/01/2022

We hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy the nice weather today!

P***y's favourite thing to do is take leisurely walks and smell to his hearts content, so that is exactly what we did this evening!

If you have been following our page since the beginning you may have seen our post about the importance of letting your dog sniff things.

If not, scroll back and check it out (or if you are following us on Instagram check out our highlights!)

An easy way to sum it up, is that dogs see the world through their nose, and letting them guide their walks (within reason) through their nose is great mental stimulation, and it is great for their whole well-being. Try and work in a sniffari walk into their schedule and they will be thanking you!

Punk is wearing a RC Pets vest, a Shedrow K9 coat, an Energizer collar, a Pajamas for Pitbulls onesie (under his coat) and snood, and of course locally made Borealis Kennels & Pet Specialties boots.

25/01/2022

We are loving these Punk's Paradise masks so much!

Soft, and adorable, what isn't to like?

16/01/2022

Our friend had a pupcake or two this christmas. Isn't she such a good girl, patiently waiting?

I yell at mum to hurry her up- maybe I can show Hazel how to train her humans

10/01/2022

We have been pretty quiet while taking time to focus on self care and ensuring P***y is okay and adjusting to being the only dog.

I will be announcing February flavours and opening up pupcake orders the last week of January!

I will also have new snuffle mats at both locations of for February 1st.

(If you want one put aside please message, also if you are looking to order cookies, I will be ready to get those orders out for Feb 1st.)

Punk is doing well, and practicing modeling, he calls this look 'blue steel.'