BiPiGis-Doggie Talk: The Joy of Dogs

BiPiGis-Doggie Talk: The Joy of Dogs: Lady Spot The Joy of Dogs So often we come across with pets that we become quite attached to, and it gives the impression that all groom...

The Joy of Dogs

Lady Spot

The Joy of Dogs

So often we come across with pets that we become quite attached to, and it gives the impression that all groomers do, is play with the dogs all day. I must admit that statement is sometimes true. For the most part Groomers are way too busy to play, but you can't help it when you get special dogs that come in that capture your heart. Lady Spot is one of many that has that special quality. She is always a joy for both Nestor and myself.  She comes every two weeks for her bath, brush and pedicure. I just love her, she is so cuddly and cute, she always does special tricks for us, and loves to come and see us. Last week she came in and while her owner Charley was out side waiting for her to do her business, Lady came and was scratching at the door to come in. There's Charley standing in the middle of the dog walk area, and she is at the door by herself. I just laughed. Now that's a dedicated dog.

She jumps right up on the table and allows us to do every bit of her grooming without struggle or hesitation, always giving us lots of kisses. I can fully understand why Charley loves her so.

Our job doesn't always come with kisses and wags, so we are very happy to get them when we do. What owners don't realize is,  sometimes it takes a little time for their bundle of joy to become warm and friendly with the new groomer. Often, first timers are frightened of the unknown and being away from the security of their home and loved ones can be a scary thing. It's like bringing a child for the first time to day care, kids scream to the top of their lungs at the sight of a new person and there Mom just walks away! OMG, life as they know it for sure has come to and end!
  I remember that feeling, I remember the day my brothers and I were separated for the first time, they went one way, and I was taken the other, and sometimes I still feel that sting. Those memories help me to comfort the new pets that come in, and my memories have given me a better understanding of how the pet feels.

  Animals are no different then people, some say they don't have the same feelings, I beg to differ, just because their DNA chemistry is different doesn't mean they don't feel. I have seen dogs go through deep depression, pain, anxiety, happiness and many other emotions.  I have handled dogs that were mistreated by others, and helped in so many surgery's putting poor dogs back together after their owners beat them half to death, and dogs that were abandoned and left to fend for themselves. Shame on the people who do this to poor unsuspecting creatures.  All they wanted was to be loved and asked for so little in return for their devotion.

 When I see dogs for the first time that are frightened, I usually ask a lot of questions to help me with handling, as each situation can cause a different reaction. I don't even begin to pretend I know it all, but I do know that different situations call for different measures of safety to all involved.
 Dogs go through different stages, fright, flight, or bite, just to mention a few all of which can turn to trouble very quickly if a handler doesn't have previous knowledge of your dog.

 Owners please don't with hold valuable information, we groomers need to know the whole story so we can handle your pet effectively. Our lively hood depends on the care and consideration we give every pet. We love them or we wouldn't be doing what we do, but one nasty bite can put us out of commission for long time. In some cases early retirement.

I love my furry friends, I want them to feel comfortable, and in order to do that you as the owner has to feel comfortable with me. But the big question is how do you know your new groomer will be kind and gentle to your beloved pet? That's easy, make a random visit to your new groomer before your first appointment, take your pup with you, if the place is extremely dirty and the groomer won't answer your questions, or there's to many incontinent dogs chained to walls or running loose, that would be clue enough for me that this isn't the right place. Dogs in general like a peaceful surrounding, too much noise and hell breaking loose can be very scary, heck it scares ME!  You also can ask your neighbors for referrals or go on the Internet and see what others think about the place your contemplating on. Reviews are huge these days, and can be a big help in your decision.

 My opinion is, happy dog, happy customer. Communication with my clients is a must, I make sure every client tells me about their pet, so I know what to expect. I want to know his little quirks, what makes his tail wag, what health he's in, etc. This is important to me, I don't want to just grab the dog and run, that's scary!
 I want time to say hello, get to know each other a little, if for anything, to put the pup at ease.  Sometimes it takes a little coaxing from Mom, and then they soon realize, well this isn't so bad.  When I have completed my grooming service, which usually takes a couple hours, A kiss on the nose or scratch behind the ear, I then call my clients to come take them home.
 The next time he comes in, he already realizes his time with me isn't going to turn his life upside down.

I have so many times, had dogs turn back to me after handing them back to the owner, as if to say thank you, I had a great time! My response is your welcome baby. and they turn back to the owner with their tail wagging out the door. Now that makes it all worth while :)

(Don't forget my next appointment Dad)

 The main reason, why I work by appoinment only is, I don't want pets to sit in my shop for 8 to 10 hours.  The poor babies get tired, they have to go to the bathroom, their hungry or thirsty, and when they get frustrated they can get over heated in that warm cage. Not to mention, their owners get impatient, they have a life too, and waiting all day for one little dog to be groomed is and should be unacceptable.

Groomers wake up and smell the coffee! Over booking too many dogs, for all day stays is frustrating for everyone involved including you, the Groomer!

Who needs it! Too many injuries and bad mistakes come from frustrated, rushed, Groomers who loose sight of why they started in this industry to begin with.  Take time to play, and get back to the Joy of Dogs! That's the tail waggin, face lickin ear scratchin truth of it all!

And that's the Buzz on Doggie talk!
{{{Huggie's to my doggies}}}
Colette

My Dog, My friend, think I'll keep him!

The very best of friends are the hardest things to find, and when you do, how do you treat that friend? Are you Catty or impatient, jealous or over bearing, mothering, and smothering always sitting on each others door steps on a daily basis? Do you love each other enough to say so? Do you ever really say thank you when the person goes out of their way for you, or do you just take it for granted that, it's owed to you some how? Is the friend supposed to be a mind reader and know your every thoughts, and should the friend respond on those thoughts with out question? Do they make you hurt or angry over the silliest things? Hmm.... interesting questions.

Seems I hear the phrase "The more I meet People the better I like my Dog", more often now that I am older, then ever before, in fact, I almost think I invented that phrase I say it so much. Reason being, people always seem to let me down and my dog doesn't. Why do you suppose that is?   Could it be that we expect people to be like our dogs. Have we tuned in so much to our pets that people become secondary in our lives. I don't know about you but it would seem that's how it is for me. I just never know what to expect out of people, they are forever changing creatures.

I know what to expect from my dogs. They are so happy to be with me or go where ever I want to go. They don't disappoint me because I know they are just animals and they are subject to minor set backs such as taking a whiz on the carpet, OH NO! my fault I didn't open the door and let him out, am I angry? only at myself because "I" didn't let him out and now I have to clean it up! Did I get angry when he didn't stay when I said so, Yes, but not for long because I know that dumb dog never stays when I say so. It isn't the unforgivable sin. It is totally what I expected of him. He isn't going to change unless I change. Animals are like dancing to the beat of beautiful music, the dance is always the same until you change the routine.

I just love it when my dog sits vigil at my bed side when I am sick. He never leaves my side, he knows I am sick, he knows I need love and attention. He is my guardian and reads my every thoughts. The dog knows instinctively when danger is around, he knows what time is, when the food dish is empty, when the mailman comes, when I'm happy, down in the dumps, angry, fearful, quiet times, all these things he knows and responds to. Humans don't, that's why we give that phrase I spoke
of consideration.



Animals don't talk so they don't annoy me. I think that's why I like the dog more than people. They don't come up with things to say for a lack of anything better to do then to say something stupid! Like the lady who came into the Vet Clinic I was working at to find out if her hamster was dead! Stiff as a board, belly up, bloated, and starting to stink of decay and she wanted to know if it was dead or hibernating for the season! Come on lady where's your sign?! Sorry people but you don't have to know rocket science to know if a hamster is belly up stiff and stinking to know if it's dead or not!

Most people will repeat something they heard and think they know the facts because that's what they heard from someone else. Or better yet they saw it on the Internet! When you need professional help you need to seek professionals. Keep in mind just because it says professional in front of their name don't always mean they are 100% right. Just because you saw it on TV, read it in a magazine, or on the Internet don't always mean it's right. If it worked for one it may not work for you. Life is a trial and error process and we must learn what is good and right for ourselves. You are less likely to say something stupid if you have the facts.
  Like the lady who told me don't put a bow on the dogs head because he gets a head ache.  I asked her how she knew the dog had a head ache, did he hold his paws up to his head and wine like my husband does, wheres the aspirin? She gave me the strangest look and started to laugh because she at that point knew she didn't have all the facts. The fact is her dog hates bows and does all he can to pop that sucker out with in 5 minutes or less.  I don't know if Dogs don't get head aches, the jury isn't in on that one LOL.. I do know they get annoyed with the bows tied in their hair.

Don't get me wrong, I do love people, animals, and children. and I do have some pretty wonderful friends out there, who have committed themselves to be my friend, and I theirs. But the fact remains in a relationships that they come and go in your life, people move away, pass away, or we say something stupid and the relationship ends. You don't have to worry about that with animals, the love is unconditional and the light never goes out.

My Dog, My friend, think I'll keep him!
and that's the Buzz on Doggie Talk

{{Huggies to My Doggies}}
        Colette

Oakley,Top Dog December 2011

Atascadero Bipi Gi's is proud to announce the newest member to our Wall of Fame,

Top Dog of the Month "OAKLEY" from Atascadero CA.

Oakley is a sweet natured 4 year old Shihtzu, who was adopted all the way from Oregon. Oakley's Mom and personal assistant Lynne states, that after an extensive search for the right companion, she found Oakley on the Internet. His previous owner could no longer care for him so he was put up for adoption. Going on high hopes and dreams of filling her life with this little bundle of joy. She drove for hours all the way to Oregon to get Oakley, and sure enough it was a match made in heaven. After all Oakley shares the same birth date as Lynne's son how could they miss, it must be fate, stated Lynne. Oakley was then relocated to Atascadero and now resides with Lynne and her son, living a very pampered life.

Oakley is groomed regularly at Atascadero BiPi Gi's where Colette and Nester tend to his hygiene needs. Oakley is styled in the Teddy Bear Cut with a #1 comb and scissored in a shorter style head and ear set, as he likes to dip his hair in his water dish. His nails are clipped and filed, ears cleaned and bathed in a soothing oatmeal bath with oatmeal conditioner, to keep his skin in peak condition. Lynne does a great job in between grooming with Oakley's upkeep. His hair requires daily brushing and combing, his breed is considered high maintenance due to the length and texture of the coat.  It doesn't shed but the hair does break and has a tendency to tangle easily with new growth, and it is vitally important to maintain the coat in between grooming. Oakley's breed type needs to be groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep the coat healthy. Oakley is fun to groom as he is a happy boy who loves to give lots of kisses and hugs to his groomers.

Internet security

               Internet Security 

Oakley on the Job

Oakley takes his job as security guard, very seriously, he sits visual over the computer and assures Lynne, that her son isn't visiting sites he shouldn't, on the Internet. He also will turn off the TV or change the channel when scary dogs are barking, as he doesn't want Lynne frightened by it.




 He enjoys his walks in the park, visiting with his best doggie pal Max, rolling in fresh green grass, his toy frog, and just kicking it with Lynne.

Yes, this is one pampered Pooch! He enjoys life to the fullest, while Lynne tends to his every need. He goes almost everywhere with her, and shares a deep devotion and love with his family, that many other dogs never find. Oakley is a lucky dog to have found such a loving home, most unwanted pets are left in shelters awaiting their fate lonely and cold, unwanted and forgotten about. It's a shame to see all these pets left on the wayside, it is a world wide problem, that just doesn't seem to go away. Why can't the Vets see that if they would reduce the price of spay and neutering and make it cost effective for a pet owner, we could reduce some of the torment, to these poor animals. Oakley is a lucky one, he found just the right companion who gives him unconditional love and attention. His life is now happy and healthy and he shows it by his unending love and companionship to his family.

Congratulations Oakley, on your win of Top Dog of the Month for December, we love you little buddy!

And that's the Buzz on Doggie Talk

{{Huggies to my doggies}}

Colette

Meet the December Candidates

Meet December 2011
Top Dog of the Month Candidates

Tootsie

Tootsie, Queen of Couch Potatoes. She enjoys nothing better than kicking it with Mom in front of the Boob Tube, watching Animal Planet. She likes the one of the Cat playing the piano.

Vivian

           Meet Vivian, she says eating peppermint patties is like have a cool sidewalk under your belly, and getting really wet for the swim suite competition, if there is one.

  

Bear

                                                  Then there is Bear,  the King of Hearts. 

                                         He bears the Royal mark on his forehead to prove it.

                                    It was an embarrassing situation when Pupperrotty caught him

                                                               taking his royal bath.

Ruby


Meet Rubie!
                Ruby greeted all the tricks and treaties with lots of Candy, but she couldn't understand your not supposed taste it before you give it to the children.

Oakley

Oakley believes in fashion statements, as he struts his stuff for the cameras, in his Christmas sweater. Green with red stripes for that seasonal pooch look.

You can vote right here on this blog by leaving a comment at the end of the blog. Please leave your first name only, and the pet you are voting for. Only one vote per person will be allowed. All comments on this blog are monitored prior to posting. Please keep all comments Pet friendly and by all means have some fun with it! 

Dracula's be ware!

                                        "Look out you little beastly Dracula's!"

Okay! I think I have a good solution for fleas and tic's. It is pure and simple and has helped Angelina, Myles, and Ozzie, I have found death to the beastly little Dracula's! It's been around for a thousand years, but never tried it. "Garlic Juice," That's right garlic juice, I it is pure juice extracted from garlic, dogs under 40 lbs, 4 spays on a piece of bread two on each side and the dogs go nuts over the treat.
 I have to admit, I gave it no credibility for working and thought, ya right! But it's been a week now and my dogs don't have fleas!. We tried everything and this is the only thing that worked. I was bathing my dogs every other day! I'm not kidding! But it's been a whole week now on the garlic juice and no more fleas!

Their breath doesn't smell, nor does their body, and they don't have fleas, I am so amazed! I had to buy the juice by the case so I have some for sale in the shop if anyone is interested in giving it a try. I hate chemicals and hate putting it on my babies, not to mention the expense. This is a great holistic, non chemical, remedy that is working for them.

 I have read some dogs can have allergies to garlic, so you should consult your vet if your unsure. But if you tried everything like I did, this may be something for your pet. I even have instructions on how much to give per body weight.
  Now this may sound a little crazier but I read if you put garlic Power on your cat, it will ward off the fleas, and won't hurt the cat. Fleas and tic's are repelled by garlic and won't go near the animal let alone bite him.  I have yet to try that so I can't recommend if it really works. Let me know if you have, so I can pass it on. Garlic Juice of all things, It's Amazing!
That's the Buzz on Doggie talk!

{{Huggies to my Doggies}}
           Colette

~HELP MY DOG HAS FLEAS~

~HELP MY DOG HAS FLEAS~

Understanding the cycle is the first steps in controling fleas, so I thought I would pass this along.

What is the life and life cycle of the flea, & why is flea control so difficult?

By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, About.com Guide

Question: What is the life and life cycle of the flea, & why is flea control so difficult?

Fleas. They make pets' lives miserable, and humans begin to itch just at the thought of them. Vets are often asked what pill, drop, dip, collar, or shampoo works the best to get rid of these persistent parasites. The answer is that there is no single method or insecticide that will completely eradicate (or at least control) a flea problem. The flea life cycle is fairly complex, and understanding the various stages will make it easier to get rid of them.

Answer: Collectively, all of the species of fleas are categorized under the order name of Siphonaptera. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felix, is the most commonly found flea in the US and infests cats, dogs, humans, and other mammalian and avian hosts.Fleas thrive in warm, moist environments and climates. The main flea food is blood from the host animal. Host animals are many species - cats, dogs, humans, etc. Fleas primarily utilize mammalian hosts (about 95%). Fleas can also infest avian species (about 5%). Flea saliva, like other biting skin parasites, contains an ingredient that softens, or "digests" the host's skin for easier penetration and feeding. The saliva of fleas is irritating and allergenic -- the cause of all the itching, scratching, and other signs seen with Flea Allergy Dermatitis, or FAD.
Fleas have four main stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The total flea life cycle can range from a couple weeks to several months, depending on environmental conditions.
ADULT: The adult flea is very flat side to side. There are hair-like bristles on the flea body and legs to aid in their navigation through pet hair. Fleas have 3 pairs of legs, the hindmost pair designed for jumping. Fleas are well known for their jumping abilities.
Adult fleas prefer to live on the animal and their diet consists of blood meals courtesy of the host animal. The female flea lays white, roundish eggs. The adult female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day1, 500-600 eggs2 over several months.
EGG: The eggs are not sticky (like some parasites), and they usually fall off of the animal into the carpet, bedding, floorboards, and soil. When the flea egg hatches varies -- anywhere from two days to a few weeks, depending on environmental conditions. The larva emerges from the egg using a chitin tooth, a hard spine on the top of the head that disappears as the flea matures.
LARVA (plural = larvae): The larval stage actually has three developmental stages within this stage. Larvae are about 1/4" (6.35 mm) long, and semi-transparent white. They have small hairs along their body and actively move. They eat the feces of adult fleas (which is mostly dried blood) and other organic debris found in the carpet, bedding, and soil. Depending on the amount of food present and the environmental conditions, the larval stage lasts about 5 to 18 days (longer in some cases) then the larva spins a silken cocoon and pupates.
PUPA (plural = pupae): The pupa is the last stage before adult. The adult flea can emerge from the cocoon as early as 3 to 5 days, or it can stay in the cocoon for a year or more, waiting for the right time to emerge. When is the right time? (Never, say pet lovers everywhere!) Stimuli such as warm ambient temperatures, high humidity, even the vibrations and carbon dioxide emitted from a passing animal will cause the flea to emerge from the cocoon faster. This brings us back to the adult flea.
The entire life cycle is quite variable, as evidenced by the variability in each life stage progression. As mentioned above, the cycle can be as short as two weeks or as long as two years. That is why it is so important to remain vigilant, even when a flea problem is thought to be under control!
Related Reading:
What are the best methods to control fleas on my pet and in my house?

Suggested Reading

• All About Fleas

Suggested Reading

• Flea and Tick Control - Quick Facts
• How To How to Give Your Dog or Cat a Flea Bath
• Fleas and Ticks - Tips and Facts

Related Articles

• Flea Control – How to Get Rid of Fleas
• Don't Flee the Flea - Learn how to control and prevent fleas in cats
• Veterinary Diseases and Conditions - Parasites: Fleas
• Flea Control - Selecting Effective Flea And Tick Control
• Fleas — Tough Enemies - Dog Health

Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM
Veterinary Medicine Guide

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Hope this helps a little
And thats the Buzz on Doggie Talk
{{Huggies to my Doggies}}
         Colette