HARP Reiki In-Your-Home Pet Services

25/08/2024

Today's Dog Training Myth of the Day: "Only tell them once!"

What if you ask a dog (whatever age, breed, s*x, background, training level) to do something, but there is no response?

Set aside the myth of "only tell them once." Good rule of thumb: if it were a toddler, what would you do? Probably wait a few beats, be sure you had the kid's attention, then ask again.

Just like us, dogs may not be tuned in 100% because they are busy having their own experience of life which may or may not include you at any moment.

If you *do* have the pup's attention, and they did hear you, next step is to consider that they do not understand and/or don't see the point!

I've often asked clients to stand on a chair and sing happy birthday. I've done it while they were trying to take notes. Result: no compliance, and they say usually say, "Sorry - I was focused on taking notes. What did you say?"

If they are paying attention to me but look at me as if I'm crazy, I ask, "Did you understand what I asked? You did? So why aren't you doing it?" Inevitably the answer is, "I don't want to" or "Why would I do that?" It helped them understand how their dogs might be responding.

So give your dogs the courtesy of clear communication, engage attention first, be sure there is understanding, and make it worthwhile for the dog to work with you. Respect, courtesy and taking responsibility for what we are communicating and how we are communicating -- those are all supportive of healthy dog/human relationships.

This does not mean repeating, Sit-sit-sit-sit-sit-sit which is not good communication no matter who you're talking to! 😊

If you want and need response to just one request (and this has great value!), you first have to teach understanding, understand that connection and attention must come first always, then develop the skill, tighten the criteria and make it worthwhile. Then practice!!!

05/08/2024

15/07/2024

🐶😺 Many pets have health problems caused by too much inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can be a precursor for cancer or malignancy. Any disease syndrome that ends in "-itis" is inflammation: arthritis, hepatitis, cystitis, gastritis, myocarditis, dermatitis, etc. Allergies, kidney disease, and dementia (also known as cognitive dysfunction) are also caused by inflammation in the body.

Omega3: https://tinyurl.com/ys6yhms6
Bone broth: https://tinyurl.com/53s6a9z5
Mushrooms: https://tinyurl.com/yv938fx6

15/07/2024

The next book we'd like to showcase is "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine.

This book really emphasizes the importance of you navigating the grief you feel at a pace, and in a way, that works for you. We live in a very "death phobic" society, and so when we do experience a loss, there is often pressure to return back to normal as quickly as possible. That pressure is antithetical to the normal healing process we must go through.

Additionally, when it comes to pet loss there is often a disenfranchisement of our grief that occurs. It's not uncommon to hear people say things like, "It's just a pet" or otherwise try to diminish the grief you may be feeling. It's unfortunate, but society places different "values" on different types of grief and that can leave you feeling alone, misunderstood, and having your feelings invalidated.

There is no need to gatekeep the grieving process. Grief is grief.

02/12/2023

At 11:00 Saturday, 12/2/23 St. Gabriel's will have a live stream of Roger Lehrer, Sr.'s Funeral.

26/11/2023

There have been reports of a new strain of canine respiratory disease circulating across the United States. Symptoms have included coughing, discharge from the eyes/nose, fever, lethargy and occasionally the development of pneumonia. This is not canine influenza or the other more common respiratory viruses/bacterial infections (Kennel Cough). Coughing can last for weeks (to months in some cases) and is not responsive to antibiotics.

We advise the following:
-If you are concerned about your dog contracting an infectious respiratory disease, limit your dog's contact with other dogs of unknown health status.
-Keep your dog away from sick dogs.
-Make sure your dog is vaccinated for the other strains of canine respiratory illness like Bordetella and Parainfluenza.

If your dog is showing symptoms:
-Keep them away from other dogs; no doggy day care, dog parks, boarding, groomers until they stop coughing for a minimum of 2 weeks.
-If your dog is coughing or has clear discharge from the eyes/nose but is still eating, drinking and has a normal energy level, supportive care at home is all that is recommended. Make sure they are staying hydrated and eating. A cool mist humidifier can be used. Any discharge can be gently wiped away with a damp cloth.
-If your dog is not eating well, not drinking, has green/yellow discharge from the eyes or nose, severe lethargy, has labored breathing, or symptoms are not resolving after 3-4 weeks then please contact our office to schedule an examination.
-We ask that you keep any symptomatic dog in your car to limit exposure to other dogs in the waiting area. We will es**rt you and your pet directly to a room.
-If your pet is in respiratory distress, please seek emergency care.

24/11/2023

Did you know that foxes are an indicator species and a keystone species? Let me explain what that means:

They are a keystone species because they help control populations of the animals they prey upon, especially rodents…

They are also an indicator species, because a healthy fox population indicates a healthy ecosystem.

Here are two foxes that we received and were unable to save. They had severe mange and their blood would not clot normally.

The one on the left was a female we received from Rowley Ma. We have her brothers and their blood also did not clot normally on intake.
A necropsy of their sister showed she had Bromadiolone in her system at her time of death. That’s rat poison.

The fox on the right was from Wilmington Ma. He didn’t make it one day with us. His blood took forever to clot. His necropsy revealed Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, and Difethialone in his system. These are three different types of rat poison.

Both foxes were only 7 months old at their time of death…

My question to you is, if these guys are an indicater species of our environment - what are they trying to tell us?

What am I thankful for this thanksgiving? I’m thankful I don’t have to worry about my meal being poisoned. It’s a privilege some of our wildlife don’t have.

Please don’t let their stories go untold…

STOP USING RAT POISON.

24/11/2023

📣Friendly reminder, Garlic is not toxic!!

In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, garlic is indicated for Food Stagnation, cancer, diabetes, and asthma. It is used to Warm the Middle and promote both digestion and healthy intestinal flora. Most commonly, garlic is used for natural prevention of parasites like fleas and ticks.

Garlic can be beneficial for both dogs and cats in appropriate doses. I use fresh crushed cloves to get the full benefits of garlic.
🐱 For cats: 1/4 clove (crushed) daily, 3-4 days per week.
🐶 For dogs: 1/2 clove (crushed) per 20 pounds of body weight daily, with a maximum of 3 cloves. Best to take at least 1 day per week off.
*Please make sure to note the difference between a clove and a bulb/head of garlic.

Not recommended for puppies and kittens. Long term use is contraindicated in pets with vision issues. If your pet has a history of hemolytic anemia, it would be safer to avoid use of garlic in any form.