Dock Diving Diva, Mandy and Sherry

Sherry and Mandy

Hi everyone. I am sure most of you know more about my dog Mandy “best dressed dog at CLBP” then you know me.

I have lived in the Springboro area all my life. I enjoy snowmobiling, quilting, and silk screening. I went to Vo-Tech for commercial arts and graphs during my high school days. My biggest project while there was creating a new logo for the Crawford County Humane Society, which included a new sign for in front of their shelter and their down town Thrift Store.

 I have always had animals in my life. I grew up with a mutt named Sebastian, a yellow lab named Bud, a pup we rescued in a blizzard named Stormy, and my current dog Mandy a boxer/lab mix. We’ve always had horses and at one time we had up to three horses at once, and too many barn cats to name.

Mandy, the best dressed dog at
the Conneaut Lake Bark Park

I showed horses in the local 4-H club. It wasn’t till I got Mandy that my eyes really opened to the world of dog sports. In 2010 my eyes opened up to the Therapy Dog Program. During a carting accident my horse fell on my mom and crushed her pelvis. She spent 2 months at Wesbury where Mandy went with me every time to see her. After what I saw with Mandy and my mom I decided to join Paws Hand Delivered and bring that joy to others as it did for my mom.


Then in the fall of 2010 they started doing dock diving demos at the Bark Park with hopes to have a full season of events in 2011. In the spring I signed Mandy up for a class and that was it, we were both hooked. In 2012, I took over the dock diving with what I was told “just for a while to help out.” Well, three years later and guess what, I am still running it. I love the sport and could not imagine my life without it. I even get to use my artsy side in making all the ribbons and trophy’s given away at each and every event. We are slowly making updates and improvements with the help of my mom Jan, “Mrs. Home Depot”. This year the dock has officially been named, "Mandy's Dock".

Mandy's Dock at the Conneaut Lake Bark Park

Cute Saint Bernard Puppy Chasing A GoPro!

Oh the cuteness ... and the slobber!



What's sure to make your workday better? An adorable St. Bernard pup chasing a GoPro.  This 10 week old baby made our hearts melt.  How about yours?

Snow Days at the Conneuat Lake Bark Park

Callie loves the snow!  Even though it has been a long cold winter, our furry loves act like new snow is the best thing EVER.  Below is a video of one of our Dog House Kennel guests, Callie.


Post by Conneaut Lake Bark Park.


Winter photos from the Conneaut Lake Bark Park

Post by Conneaut Lake Bark Park.

Post by Conneaut Lake Bark Park.

Health Benefits of Clean Teeth for Dogs

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, but good dental health for your pets should be a daily ritual for owners all year long.

The Facts About Gum Disease and Tooth Decay for Dogs

According to the AVMA , "more than 85% of dogs and cats that are at least 4 years old have a condition in which bacteria attack the soft gum tissue”. This condition is called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the final stage in a process that begins with plaque, or a bacterial film on the surface of the teeth. In early stages, plaque can be easily dislodged when you brush your dog’s teeth or when he chews on hard toys or food. If the plaque is not removed the bacteria will attach to the teeth and become calcified through the calcium in your dog’s saliva. The hard surface becomes tartar and more plaque will accumulate. Once this stage of plaque has occurred, it will take a professional cleaning to get the tartar off the teeth and heal the gums. If the plaque is not removed, infection by the root of the tooth can occur. Progression could include the deterioration of the tissue surrounding the tooth, the erosion of the tooth socket, and a loose tooth.

Warning Signs

 The warning signs of gum disease include:

•  bad breath, red and swollen gums
•  yellow-brown crusts of tartar along the gum lines
•  bleeding or pain when the gums or mouth are touched

 Pets with developing gingivitis and periodontal diseases often:

•  paw at their face or mouth frequently
•  have excessive drool
•  may exhibit an unwillingness to eat harder foods.

See your Veterinarian

Because dental problems can affect other areas of your dog’s body, including the lungs, kidneys, and heart, it is essential that you care for your pet’s teeth right from the start of his life. Your veterinarian may recommend a professional teeth-cleaning for your dog or cat once a year or as needed. Performing a thorough oral exam requires the use of general anesthesia, so your vet will first give Fido or Fluffy a pre-anesthetic exam. Once the anesthesia is administered your pet’s vitals, including respiration, temperature and heart rate, will be monitored while the veterinarian takes dental radiographs and uses instruments to scale and polish your pet’s teeth, removing tartar and plaque build up that could otherwise lead to dental issues. In cases of serious oral disease, your veterinarian may recommend a tooth extraction.

The Positives of Good Canine Dental Health

Keeping on top of your pet’s dental health has lasting positive effects — some studies suggest that maintaining oral health can add up to five years to your pet’s life. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so now is the perfect time to call your veterinarian and schedule a dental check up for your furry family member. While nothing can take the place of regular visits to the veterinarian for checkups and cleaning, ongoing follow-up oral care at home can include brushing your dog’s teeth. Be sure to check with your veterinarian for more information on what you can do to control the buildup of plague on your dog’s teeth.

Some good articles we found on:

• Dog Dental Treats  http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-dental-treats
• How to brush you dog's teeth  

7 Ways to Protect Your Dog in Cold Weather

Protecting Pets in Cold Weather

You step outside into freshly fallen snow and your dog starts going bananas.  Running in circles and having the time of her life.  Most dogs love snow and do very well in cold weather.  There are some things to keep in mind if you want to enjoy the winter wonderland with your furry love.  

Here are 7 tips for keeping your dog happy and healthy this winter.

 1. In extreme cold, short haired dogs and elderly dogs should wear a coat or sweater.

Most double coated dogs do not need any additional protection from the cold. If your dog appears to be cold or the temperatures are very low, limit outside time.

Here are a few DIY dog coat ideas we found on Pinterest

• http://www.pinterest.com/pin/47569339787466366/
• http://www.pinterest.com/pin/332422016219760022/
• http://www.pinterest.com/pin/240590805067346697/

2. Remove snowballs in the pads of the feet.

The snowballs attach themselves between the toes and can cause cracking, bleeding and hair pulling. This is very uncomfortable for your pet and he will start licking the paws, which makes more snow and ice form. If you notice that your dog has developed the snowballs it's best to end your outdoor activity and head inside to remedy the problem.  Our Bark Park crew recommends using warm water to melt the snow.  

Here are a few other ideas:

• http://morita.hubpages.com/hub/Preventing-Snowballs-and-Ice-Balls-in-Dogs-Foot-Pads

3. Never leave your dog in a car during cold weather.

Your car will act like a refrigerator and your dog can die from hypothermia. 

Find out how to recognize hypothermia in dogs here: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1677&aid=301

4. Check ears, tail and feet for frostbite.

The clinical signs associated with frostbite include:

• Discoloration of the affected area of skin - this discoloration is often pale, gray or bluish
• Coldness and/or brittleness of the area when touched
• Pain when you touch the body part(s)
• Swelling of the affected area(s)
• Blisters or skin ulcers
• Areas of blackened or dead skin

As frostbitten tissues thaw, they may become red and very painful due to inflammation.

For more detailed information about frostbite and how to treat it visit: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/frostbite-in-dogs/1013

5. Avoid contact with anti-freeze, which may be found on driveways, garage floors, etc.  

Anti-freeze is highly poisonous. 1-2 teaspoons can be lethal to a small animal. If the paws come in contact with anti-freeze, licking of paws with anti-freeze on them can cause kidney damage.

6. Rock salt can irritate footpads

Buy pet safe rock salt if it is used near dog areas. Some owners place boots on the dogs to avoid contact with rock salt used when walking outside. Be sure to rinse off the dog’s paws when coming inside to avoid problems with rock salt.

7. If your dog must stay outdoors 

• Provide a good dog house, not too large, (stand, turn, lie down) preferably straw for bedding, 
• Elevate the house off the ground.
• Secure a flap across the opening
• Provide water.  Electric water dishes are best so the contents do not freeze.

Please check your outside dog when the temperatures become extremely low.  A night or two in the basement or garage can't be that bad if it means saving your dog's life.

 

3 Winter Seminars to help make 2015 the "Year of the Dog"

Conneaut Lake Bark Park will again offer educational seminars for dog owners.  Seminars are open to the public and are held at the Dog House at the Bark Park.  Seminars give the pet owner an opportunity to better understand the commitment and responsibility of owning a dog.  Information about the seminars in January, February and March is listed below.  Because of limited space, pre-registration is required. Seminars are held on the Bark Park property at the new Dog House. To register call the Dog House at 814-382-2267, or Sue at 814-382-2478 or email petcem23@windstream.net. All Bark Park seminars are open to the public

Popular Doggie Massage Seminar Returns January 17th

The first Bark Park seminar for 2015 will be held on Saturday, January 17th , and is entitled Doggie Massage. This seminar is appropriate for pets of all ages. Pet massage promotes socialization, trust and bonding between the owner and the dog. Pup-pies learn owners can touch all parts of the body in a gentle way. Older pets often benefit from the relaxation and muscle warming. Athletic pets can enjoy a sports massage before and after exercise. The sessions will be given by Carol Redlawski from Erie. There will be two identical sessions, each 1 ½ hour long, one beginning at 9:00 am and the other at 10:30 am. Each session is limited to 10 participants with their dog. The cost for the seminar is $9.00 and includes coffee and donuts with lots of fun and laughter. Dogs are definitely invited to attend this seminar.

Dogs 101, Bark Park Seminar February 28^th

The seminar offers a great opportunity for the dog owner to find out answers to those puzzling problems on dog ownership.  Topics will include curbing bad doggie behavior, crate issues, behavior warning signs, proper play, leash aggression, socializing your dog, and most any other questions presented by those in attendance.  This is a two hour seminar, 9:00 am – 11:00 am. and will be held at the Dog House at the Bark Park on Foust Road.   The cost is $9.00 and includes plenty of coffee and donuts.  

First Aid for Dogs, a Practical Approach, March 21st

First Aid for Dogs, a basic first aid class for dog owners, will be held at the Bark Park on Saturday, March 21^st, from 9:00 am  – 12:00.  Coffee and donuts will be provided.  This class will give the dog owner some basic information on dealing with various medical emergencies including CPR, bleeding, poisoning, respiration, pulse, temperature, etc.  Class participants will receive the Dog First Aid Book which includes a reference guide and CD.  Cost of the class which includes the book is $28.00  and will be taught by an American Red Cross instructor but will not include certification for participants. 

One Year Anniversary at the Dog House

Celebrating our first Year!  

It seems impossible that a whole year has passed.  Looking through all the photos from our page on Facebook reminded us of how much fun we've had.  What a wonderful thing to meet so many great dogs and their humans.  It is our honor to have a small part in your lives.