Petiquette

10/07/2024

On the way home from daycare at ! 🥰 It was Sally’s second time and their first time together. They did great and I’m a proud dog mom.

I’m especially proud of my Sally girl for her progress with reactivity. She’s so much more confident and actually seeks out pets from strangers. When we first adopted her she had FAS (fear, anxiety, stress) level 4 with new people and dogs. Lunged, cowered, snapped. She was also afraid of stairs and car rides.

Through positive reinforcement training (thanks !) and Fear Free practices, she is well on her way to a healthier, happier life. ❤️

19/06/2024

Let's talk about this photo. It's cute, except it's not. I see a dog who cannot get up without telling the child to get off. How do you think a dog is going to do that?

The 7 Golden Toddler Dog Rules:
#1: If a dog walks away from you, you DO NOT FOLLOW.
#2: Always leave room for the dog to walk away from you.
---that right there is 90+% of dog bites eliminated---
#3: We do not climb on the dog.
#4: We do not grab or pull on the dog.
#5: We do not hit or throw anything at the dog.
#6: We do not touch the dog's food.
#7: We do not go into the dog's kennel.

I promise these are not overly difficult concepts for littles, nor will they rob a kid of their bond with the family dog. It will deepen that bond, while keeping everyone safe.

"Oh, it looks like Moose is walking away from you. She is saying she wants a break. Let's play with this instead!"

"It's Moose's dinner time! Let's give her space to enjoy her yummies."

"That is Moose's room(kennel) and only she is allowed to go in there."

"If Moose wanted a break, could she walk away from you right now? No she really couldn't. Let's move away from the play house. You can keep playing but now she can leave when she wants a break."

In conclusion, ***parent your child or your dog will do it for you, and you will not like how they do it.***

14/03/2024

I had the opportunity to do something I love today: Visiting a hospital to give a lunch and learn! (With pizza pies for 3.14). Thank you for having me. I appreciate your engagement and I’m impressed by all you do! 🐾

27/02/2024

Male dogs and cats can still impregnate an unsterilized female up to one month after neutering. 😮

21/02/2024

Our pretty girl Sally has become protective of us and her grand pup Bubbles when we are out on walks. She also loses her confidence when she’s alone and is fearful of strangers. I’m so thankful we have positive reinforcement training in our community. Sally had her first class tonight called Over Reactive Rover and we could see progress right before our eyes! So proud of her and happy to put in the work to improve her wellbeing. Thanks, ! See you next week!

20/02/2024

06/01/2024

Ice melt can be painful to our pets’ paws and can be harmful if they lick their paws with it on it. If booties aren’t an option, wiping their paws with a towel after coming in will help.

Don't hole up in the house on a snow day. Get outdoors and play with your dog. Here are some ideas for snow fun.

31/12/2023

This morning the most traumatic, scary, near-deadly accident happened to our sweet Bubbles and Sally. They were playing like they always do, and suddenly they were like latched on by the neck. At first I thought they were fighting but it was worse. Bubbles jaw was stuck under Sally’s collar which twisted like a tourniquet. It was so tight around his lower jaw and her neck, it was absolutely mortifying. Thank our lucky stars that Tim and I were both home. Obviously the dogs were scared and had no idea what was happening. Sally bit me while we were trying to free them which was totally not even my concern. I was going to run down to get a scissor to cut Sally’s collar but there was no time. Sally was literally choking. We finally got the collar undone and she laid there limp. I thought she suffocated. I pushed on her chest and Tim jostled her around and she finally was conscious. I was so afraid Bubble’s jaw was broken too, but they both seem okay. We will never use those types of heavy duty buckle collars again. Seriously was the most traumatic experience I’ve ever had. 2023 can be done now.

Btw, Sniff bit me on NYE 2016. So strange.

28/12/2023

It has been a mild winter but gray for days. Someone found some sun to soak in. ☺️

23/11/2023

I’m pretty sure that even rules aren’t boring when is around. ✨ If you’re looking for unique and all inclusive gifts be sure to check out her store! 🌈

20/11/2023

These two double the love in my heart!! 🖤🤍

16/11/2023

A beautiful sunshiny, warm fall hike through my old neighborhood by the river!

12/11/2023

Piney is already 5 years old! 😲

31/10/2023

Every time I talk with Dr. Marty Becker I walk away feeling confident, purposeful, and appreciated. I’m so grateful to be on the Fear Free Pets team! 🎃

23/10/2023

This is a great option for pet parents!

Sniffspot is designed for safe exercise and training in the safety of a private dog park. The best experiences and fun for you and your dog

22/10/2023

Yeah… we cuddle. So wut 🥄

20/10/2023

🍁🌾🐾💙🌤️

17/10/2023

Living a dog mom’s dream 😌

17/10/2023

I just can’t get over how perfect these two are together! 💛🖤 I’m so happy!!

14/10/2023

One of my biggest regrets was not getting Sniff a sibling when he was young. A couple months ago, Bubble’s biological grandma was available for adoption but was soon claimed. I have thought about Sally since then, wondering how she is doing. Yesterday it was posted that she is available again! 🥺 She was returned to no fault of her own, her new human had her in the kennel most of the day, and I’m glad he did the responsible thing and returned her. So now we have the greatest joy of giving Bubbles his new sister/grandma (😂) tomorrow! Welcome to the Gruchow family, Sally! 🖤

11/10/2023

I always dreamed of having my name listed as part of the Fear Free Pets team! 🤩

Natalie’s love for animals began in childhood when her patient parents allowed all sorts of critters in the house, from salamanders to birds. To this day, she rescues earthworms from the pavement and releases the creepy crawlies from the house that belong outside. As an only child her dogs were th...

10/10/2023

My official first day at was today. They are even more amazing than I imagined, didn't even think it was possible! I am incredibly thankful that my heart and core values guided my decisions. Every time I do that it serves me well. 🫶

06/10/2023

I am blown away by the awesomeness of my Fear Free Pets team! I’m grateful I was able to attend at least part of our strategic planning meeting, but now I’m heading back home to give my Disrupt HR talk later today!

01/10/2023

I’ve been cautiously and gradually introducing Bubble to his lizard brother, Piney. This has been the best interaction yet! 💚💛🦎🐶

28/09/2020

Actual conversation with a woman and her high school-aged daughter with their small 15ish pound dog at Woof Fest yesterday:

Me: “I’m raising awareness on leash etiquette & why it matters. Please help yourself to a free yard sign.”

Daughter (while chuckling): “We are the worst people for that.”

Me: “Why do you say that?”

Mother: “I never walk her on a leash. She stays close, about a block away from me.”

Me: “You are exactly who I’m trying to reach. If your little off-leash dog approached my 90 pound dog things wouldn’t end well. It doesn’t matter if your dog is friendly. Not all dogs like to say hello and that’s ok.”

Mother turns away unamused while daughter stays behind & takes a Leash Etiquette Why it Matters Flyer, seeming more interested than her mother.

Me to daughter: “Please read up about it. Thank you for stopping by.”

I got the sense the daughter was thankful to come across my booth and to have resources.

This is the why behind . 💛🐾

Natalie Gruchow Gloria Rick

26/09/2020

We gave away a ton of free yard signs, and the support was phenomenal. Animal Health Clinic dog education trivia was a hit too! It’s a bummer the rain changed everyone’s plans. A big thank you to my mom, Gloria Rick, for always being there to help! Was a lots of fun!!

We are at the 2nd annual Wood Fest and are hosting socially distanced Dog Education Trivia and handing out free yard signs, courtesy of NatCVPM! 🐾

23/09/2020

Just because they aren’t soft and fuzzy doesn’t mean they’re scary. 💚

Warm hands = cozy snake 🐍

19/09/2020

Belly rubs 🖤🤍

16/09/2020

Sniff really enjoyed his pupcake from his birthday friend . 💛 Pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, and whole wheat flour, topped with milk bones. Thank you !

Natalie Gruchow

07/09/2020

The mission of my non-profit, NatCVPM, is to empower pet parents to advocate for the emotional wellbeing of pets and to raise awareness of why matters. 🐾 Thank you to Tiggy’s mom & dad for being some of my first supporters! 💛 Want your own FREE yard sign to help with this important message? Either send me a message or drop a comment ⬇️ and I’ll reach out to you!

Warmest wags,
Natalie Gruchow

PC 📷 Tim Gruchow