REPOST: Adopting the Right Dog

I found this article on Martha Stewart Living. I'm sharing it here because I agree with everything it says.

For one woman, adopting a dog meant keeping an open mind and redefining her perception of a family pet.

by Lisa Rubisch

Martha Stewart Living, October 2012 

I spied him in the window of a New York City shelter, as I walked home from Chinatown with my small son. The dog was furry and black, the size and shape of a meat loaf, with the type of crooked underbite you see only in cartoons -- a creature so homely that he was cute. His name was Lil Sweet, which may as well have been tattooed on my heart. It was love at first sight.

When we went inside, the shelter employee eyeballed my younger son, who was 3 years old at the time. She shook her head. "Not a family dog, this one. You're better off with one of those," she said. She pointed to two sturdy puppies in the other window that were playfully attacking their bed.

Reluctantly, I held one -- a female with a brindle coat, a white stripe on her nose, and a spot of white on her chest. Her name was Jitterbug. She had recently survived several surgeries after someone found her gravely ill in a box on the street. She had been at the shelter just a few days, but she was already everyone's favorite, thanks to her extraordinarily gentle disposition. She nuzzled my neck the way a human baby would.

I asked what breed she was. There was a pause. "A pit mix," the shelter employee said. And that was that. I couldn't imagine a pit bull as our family dog.

We weren't even looking for a dog. Two years before, we had lost the dog I had "married into," a Jack Russell that was two parts crocodile, one part wildebeest -- and who, in his old age, had given my older son a dog phobia.

Yet I found myself returning to the shelter several times that week with my family just to visit Jitterbug. To my great concern, we were falling for her. As my older son shyly pet her, I saw his fear melt away. At dinner that night, we took a family vote, and the next morning, we brought Jitterbug home.

I could not sleep for two weeks. I had impulsively walked into a shelter for one dog and ended up with another; a pit bull, no less. If you search online for "pit bull," you will, of course, find some unpleasant information. What I wasn't expecting, however, was link after link of info to the contrary, as well. Veterinarians, trainers, dog walkers, and other experts -- the majority come to the same conclusion: The breed gets a bad rap.

We introduced Jitterbug to my parents through Skype. I told them she was a mutt. Leaning in toward his screen, my dad sputtered, "Lisa, that's a pit bull!" They both pleaded with me to take the dog back.

Though it may not have been love at first sight, it is a love that has lasted. Two years after the adoption, Jitterbug is a dream dog -- a goofy, affectionate, well-behaved mush. She licks babies. She lets our ancient skin-and-bones Persian cat boss her around. She cuddles with my boys and tolerates her fair share of ear tugging, wrestling, and being dressed in superhero capes and soccer jerseys. She stole the show at show-and-tell, with 20 pairs of first-graders' hands on her all at once.

Now and then, Lil Sweet pops into my mind the way an old boyfriend might. I hope he's happy and that he found his own family after leading Jitterbug to ours.

How to Find a Match

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Before you bring home a canine companion, consider these helpful tips to find the right dog for your family.

Think Shelters

"Shelter animals are not damaged goods; most are given up for reasons that have nothing to do with the pet, such as a family's finances," says Tiffany Lacey, executive director of the Animal Haven shelter in New York City.

Take a Test-Drive

"Most shelters will let potential adopters spend time with a dog or take it on a walk," says Katrina Krings, a dog trainer and animal-behavior specialist. "Don't be afraid to ask the staff questions about the dog. These people know the dog best."

Get an Evaluation

Inquire about the dog's behavior evaluation, something every shelter should do. Although evaluations aren't 100 percent accurate, they help eliminate biases based on breed and instead focus on behavior so a pet can be placed appropriately.

Be Flexible

"People come in thinking they know exactly what they want -- it can only be a Pomeranian, or it must be a specific color or sex," says Lacey. Instead, she suggests you match the energy level of the dog to your lifestyle.

Obama's Thanksgiving message (via CNN)

I just love how the President also mentions "Bo" as part of his greeting. Dogs are truly part of the family ❤

Dogs 101 - Poodle

The poodle is considered a "hypoallergenic" dog because it sheds the least dander of all breeds, but before you get one, note that their ever-growing hair requires constant (and expensive) grooming.

Millions of pet halloween costumes? Why we spend more and more on pets.

As I noted in a previous blog, there is such a thing as a carbon paw print. Reminding you to be wary of how you spend on your dogs, here's an article from Time.com on why pet owners spoil their pets. Are you guilty of any?

American consumers are expected to collectively spend $370 million on pet costumes this Halloween. That’s $70 million more than last year, and a whopping 40% increase compared to 2010. And how’s this for perspective: Americans will spend barely three times more on costumes for children than they will for pets.

The estimated 15% of Americans who will buy pet costumes aren’t likely to just throw a bandana on their dog and be done with it. Not only are more people purchasing Halloween costumes for their dogs—there’s been a 24% increase since 2010—but they’re spending much, much more per costume, with a rise of 40% in overall spending in two years. Expect to see dogs dressed as tacos, skunks, crayons, dinosaurs, chefs, princesses, leprechauns, flowers, and even as Gumby…. if you can imagine it, there’s a costume. Last year’s top-selling costumes were pumpkins, devils, and hot dogs.

Enthusiastic spending on Halloween pet costumes is but one example of a larger year-round trend indulging our pets. Last year, consumers spent $51 billion on pets, a record that’s expected to be broken again this year. As recently as 2002, total pet expenditures in the U.S. came to less than $30 billion.

Part of the surge in pet spending is simply because there are more pets out there. In 1988, 56% of American households had a pet. Today, pets are part of 62% of homes.

But that’s not a large enough increase to account for such a hefty rise in spending. Why, especially during a period of economic turmoil, has pet spending continued to rise? Here are some explanations—and some insights as to what the trend says about our society:

1. Pets are stress-busters — and we need that now more than ever. In 1994, roughly 15% of Americans reported increased anxiety in their lives. By 2009 that number had risen 49%, and it’s predicted to be even higher now.

When we cuddle, play with, and even just look at our pets we get a hefty boost of oxytocin, our body’s naturally occurring feel-good, stress-relieving, emotional-bonding hormone. So do our pets, by the way. Which makes all parties more relaxed and happy, and more deeply bonded.

That bond, and our appreciation of the stress relief we get from our pets, is a partial explanation for why 77% of Americans give birthday presents to their pets, and why we spend $5 billion on holiday gifts for our pets.

2. Pets have more status today. Compared to previous eras, there is currently much less hierarchical distance, and more equality, between parents, kids, and pets. More than 9 in 10 owners consider their pets to be members of the family, and 81% say pets are equal members of the family. Pet lovers themselves recognize that there has been a shift in the status of pets within families: 60% of adults say they don’t remember their childhood pets as having the exalted status the pets in their lives enjoy today.

Still need more proof? There are one million dogs in the U.S. that have been named the primary beneficiary of their owners will.

Higher status translates to pets deserving more — be it vacation care in pet hotels rather than kennels, more toys, or better healthcare.

3. Pets fill connection and friendship vacuums. Americans have about a third fewer close friends today than they did 20 years ago — averaging two rather than the three they had, on average, in 1985. And though online connections alleviate some of that loss, we’re neurologically less satisfied by online friends than we are by personal contact. Pets provide companionship and connection that we need more than ever today. Dogs, in particular, also increase human social circles through gatherings at parks and getting out into neighborhoods more often through walks.

Cat owners also say they get plenty of emotional connection from their pets. In fact, nearly a third say they’d rather chat with their cat after a long day than anyone else, and 39% say their cat is more likely than a romantic partner to pick up on their current mood.

Almost 95% of pet owners say their pet makes them smile at least once a day. It’s no wonder that multiple studies show that pets lower blood pressure, alleviate depression, and boost mental and physical resiliency.

Given the emotional support, connection and happiness pets provide, it’s not surprising that people want to honor and reward them — often with goodies.

4. Pets fulfill our need to nurture. An unprecedented number of people live alone today – 1 in 7 Americans. Plus, our years without children stretch longer on both ends. Empty nesters live longer and people have children later in life. Regardless of a person’s household composition, the need to nurture is universal. Which partly explains why 78% of animal owners think of their animals as their children and themselves as pet parents, not pet owners. In fact, 58% of pet owners call themselves “mommy” or “daddy.”

When you’re a pet parent rather than an owner you’re more likely to want to give your pets a human experience—for example, fancy foods and treats that are fresh, organic, and look like something a human would eat.

5. There are simply more things to buy today. Undoubtedly, many pet owners would have been game to pamper their dogs and cats a decade ago. But the options were more limited. An abundance of choice gives us psychological permission to take a step toward indulgence.

Last year, more than $11 billion dollars was spent on pet supplies. Many are products that weren’t available a decade ago, such designer pet bowls, orthopedic dog beds, fancy puppy carriers, and of course a plethora of toys. We’re not just talking about basic squeaky toy or Frisbee, but things like “Jimmy Chew” plush toys and doggie puzzles that provide your pet with “mental stimulation.”

Even though the sharp rise in pet spending may seem puzzling, when all things are considered, pets are a bargain. The emotional gratification most people receive from their pets is immense – far outweighing whatever money is spent.

Kit Yarrow chairs the psychology department of Golden Gate University and was named as the university’s 2012 Outstanding Scholar for her research in consumer behavior. She is co-author of Gen BuY and is a frequent speaker on topics related to consumer psychology and Generation Y.

Lucky dog: Suzy Azalea and dogs in idioms

Suzy Azalea Image Credit: wilsworldofwords.com

Los Angeles-based Suzy Azalea is an experienced dog breeder and respected expert on canine health, pet compatibility, and obedience training.


Dogs have been around for as long as man. It doesn’t come as a surprise that they have been integrated into the lexicon of expressions. While a dog is a brave and hardworking animal, it is typically used to represent hard times and poverty.


Here are a few idioms that employ the symbolism of a dog:  


As sick as a dog 

This expression describes someone who is very ill, particularly after consuming bad food. It originated from the observation that dogs eat anything they find on the ground, and often become sick as a result.

Suzy Azalea Image Credit: dogstuff.com

Suzy Azalea does not think allergies should deprive a child from the joy of having a pet dog. Read her list of allergy-compatible breeds for children.

Like a dog with a bone

This British expression describes the tenacity of refusing to stop talking or thinking about a certain subject. It is often misunderstood to mean a person who is thrilled about something, as one would expect a dog to feel upon receiving a bone.


Dog eat dog

To understand this expression, one must simply imagine the desperation that would cause one dog to eats its kind. The term is used to describe people who would do anything to be successful, even if they harmed friends in the process.

Suzy Azalea Image Credit: ralphtherobot.com

Every dog has its day

This proverb simply means that, despite the odds, everyone gets a chance at achieving what they dream eventually.


You can't teach an old dog new tricks

This popular expression is used to express the difficulty one undertakes to teach an old, learned person about new, unfamiliar concepts, habits, or technologies.  


To read more about Suzy Azalea, follow her Twitter account.

Suzy Azalea explains the symptoms of Canine Megaesophagus

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Megaesophagus is a condition where the esophagus fails to propel food into the stomach. It is tricky to diagnose and more difficult to treat. Being a dog breeder, Suzy Azalea has had some experience in raising dogs with this condition, and warns other pet owners of its symptoms.


When the esophagus loses its ability to perform peristalsis, any food and liquid the dog ingests remains in the esophagus. This can accumulate for hours and sometimes even days. During this time, a dog will behave and play normally, but will seem to have an increasingly larger appetite.

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The main symptom of Megaesophagus is regurgitation. It is important to differentiate this from vomiting. When vomiting, a dog heaves as its body attempts to remove semi-digested contents from its stomach. Regurgitation, on the other hand, is more passive: food simply falls back out of the dog’s throat and appears tubular or undigested.


Suzy Azalea warns that Megaesophagus is difficult to detect because its main symptom is a sign of many other disorders. Although any dog can contract Megaesophagus, some breeds are known to be at higher risk, including the German Shepherd, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Newfoundland, and Shar Pei. Once the initial symptoms are noticed, it is important that the dog is taken to the veterinarian for a radiograph as soon as possible.

Suzy Azalea Image Credit: vetlive.com

For more information about breeding dogs, visit Suzy Azalea on Myspace.

Suzy Azalea: The five best breeds for small apartments

“Suzy Azalea, what are the best dog breeds for small apartments?” asked one of my friends. I say, match the breed’s traits to your house environment. While all dogs need daily exercise, some breeds require less space for activity than others. The Pug is a popular breed among apartment dwellers because of its ideal size and sleeping habits. A Pug will spend anywhere between 12 to 15 hours sleeping, making it less of a worry to leave them alone at home. Note that a Pug should be walked on a harness instead of a leash because pressure to its neck can cause its eyes to literally pop out!

Suzy Azalea | Image credit: pictures-of-puppies-and-dogs.com

Another good breed is the Japanese Chin, a popular lapdog that comes highly recommended for city living because they very rarely bark and do not require a large space for exercise. In fact, Japanese Chins are happy to simply dance on their hind legs– a trick that is known among owners as the “chin spin.”

Suzy Azalea | Image credit: commons.wikimedia.org

I, Suzy Azalea, do not believe that a small space requires a small dog. The Shiba Inu, a highly-independent, medium-sized breed is a good choice for apartment living because of its catlike behavior. Shiba Inus are so intent on keeping clean that they can even be trained to use a litter box. A very similar breed is the slimmer Basenji, a dog which doesn't bark at all but instead, yodels. Although both breeds have a marked independence that is often misunderstood as being unfriendly, they are two of the most loyal breeds in the world.

Suzy Azlaea | Image credit: cutepuppiesforsale.net

Another roomie-material mutt is the Bichon Frisé. This small and energetic breed is easily one of the smartest breeds overall. Owners will find them easy to train– verbal praise, not toys and treats, are enough reward for them. A descendant of the Poodle, the Bichon Frisé is also a hypoallergenic and odor-free dog– ideal for family members with allergies.

Suzy Azalea | Image credit: dogbreedcatalog.blogspot.com

Any dog can be a good pet if trained well and socialized early. For more information about dog breeds and training, follow Suzy Azalea on Twitter.

Suzy Azalea and reducing the carbon paw print

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I, Suzy Azalea, recently discovered there is such a thing as carbon paw print. If humans trace their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions by carbon footprint, the aforementioned concept places the onus on your pet dogs. Apparently, domesticating our canine friends has the tendency to be a pollutant.

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Granted, this is not as grave an accusation as what vegetarians levy against meat-eaters, although it’s gotten pretty close, since the number of pet owners the world over has been increasing exponentially. And since news organizations bought the story that dog domestication involves more greenhouse gas-chugging than driving an SUV for a year, green movements have been continuously increasing. As a dog breeder, I couldn’t help feeling responsible somehow, although I, Suzy Azalea, have always thought taking care of dogs is a step towards caring for the environment.

Suzy Azalea Image Credit: yorkshire-terrier-pet.com

Like other scientific findings, dog domestication is as contestable as the big bang. Pet food production also lends itself to toxic runoffs. Anything in excess of pampering, like dog clothes, equipment, playthings, and spas, has industrial cogs begging to be fed more coal. If this sounds exaggerated, consider the many pet owners who have built mansions for their dogs.

Perhaps the key here is not to be an overly doting dog lover. If we are to learn lessons from green movements, it’s that materialism kills off the human ability to appreciate nature. Our dogs do not need that much, just some solid parenting.

For more canine matters, consult Suzy Azalea on Facebook.

Suzy Azalea: Beyond training and breeding

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Owning a pet entails more than just finding the pup with the right breed, size, and color that suit your tastes. I am Suzy Azalea, and I have worked with dogs and their owners for many years now. I train dogs and have dedicated much of my time in learning how to care for them. I know that all dogs have common needs, but different breeds also have different needs.

Suzy Azalea Image credit: yorkshire-terrier-pet.com

A pet owner needs to know these needs in order to take proper care of their animal companions. Getting a pet dog is something akin to adopting a child or becoming a guardian. There are responsibilities that, when properly fulfilled, make for healthier and happier pets, while shirking these responsibilities could lead to complicated relationships between pet and master.


While there is no Suzy Azalea handbook for taking care of pets, I know several important steps in keeping a healthy pet. It is important, for instance, to give your pet a bath regularly, especially those kept inside homes. In this regard, dogs should have a spot of their own, where they are not exposed to the merciless heat of direct sunlight or to the elements during the colder seasons.

 

Suzy Azalea Image credit: pets.webmd.com

While they may be trained to do their business in only one place, pet owners still have the responsibility to pick up after their dogs, including cleaning fur off furniture and wiping paw prints off the floor. Taking them to the veterinarian for regular check-ups is also an important part of pet care.  


For more information and tips from Suzy Azalea, visit her Facebook page.

Pets and children: Suzy Azalea on the benefits of having a dog in the family

Hi there! I’m glad you stumbled upon my blog.

I am Suzy Azalea, and I have been breeding, training, and loving dogs for as long as I can remember. When people ask me about the benefits of having a dog in the family, I always tell them that dogs aren’t called “man’s best friend” for nothing.

From Suzy Azalea

For adults like me, dogs make great and very loyal companions. Arguably, dogs are easily trainable, and they seem to have a knack for understanding humans more than any other domestic pets. Our canine friends sit with us, eat with us, play with us, and listen to us as if they really understand every word we say.

From Suzy Azalea

Dogs are even more beneficial for kids. Whenever I say this, I get the usual “…and why is that, Suzy Azalea?” Well, aside from personal experience, numerous studies show that owning a pet dog can help develop children’s capacity for responsibility and their sense of caring and nurturing. Dogs will help kids realize the value of friendship, family communication, and harmony. Of course, some dogs will also offer security, since these animals have stronger senses than humans. Canines can easily detect intruders, and they can also save children in times of emergency.

From Suzy Azalea

If you’re still having doubts on whether having a dog in the house will work out, just remember that dogs are lovable creatures that are loyal and faithful to their masters. Nevertheless, remember also that a dog’s behavior towards you will greatly depend on how you treat it. Treat a dog right, and it will return the favor.

Want more information about dogs and their behavior? Follow Suzy Azalea on Twitter.

That’s one ‘hot’ dog: Suzy Azalea shares amazing facts about dachshunds

Hi there, dog lovers! Suzy Azalea here.

From Suzy Azalea

I’m sure you’ve all heard about Bomber, my handsome and affectionate dachshund. Well guess what? He’s just turned 2 years old! I can’t believe how fast he went from a puppy to a grown-up doxie. As my family and I celebrate Bomber’s birthday, I’d like to share some interesting information about his breed.

“Dachshund” is German for “badger hound.” In fact, dachshunds were first developed by German foresters in the 18th and 19th centuries from several existing breeds of taller hunting hounds (like the bloodhound and the Bibarhund). The Germans’ goal was to produce intrepid, elongated canines that could excavate badger burrows. In other words, dachshunds were originally bred to hunt and fight badgers. Remarkably, dachshunds were also used to hunt foxes and wild boars.

“Suzy Azalea, if dachshunds were originally bred as hunters, when did they become popular as pets?” asked one of my clients. Good question, dear.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: Care2.com

According to the Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society, it was in the 1800s when dachshunds were bred more as pets than as hunters. This was particularly the trend in Great Britain, where the dachshund’s size was slowly reduced by 10 pounds. Consequently, the miniature dachshund (which weighs 11 pounds or less) was bred.

Here are other fun facts about dachshunds you may want to know:

• Dachshunds are also called “Teckels,” “Dachels,” or “Dachsels.” In the United States, they earned the monikers “hot dog,” “sausage dog,” and “wiener dog” due to their long, narrow build.

• Most dog trainers, including Suzy Azalea (ahem, yours truly), find it easier to train male dachshunds than females. This is only because female dachshunds tend to be more independent, whereas male doxies are more eager to please.

• Dachshunds are far-sighted. They can detect movement at a very far distance, but they cannot see as well up close.

• A dachshund named “Otto” was cast in the 1939 film “Wizard of Oz,” but was fired and replaced with “Toto” because of a strong anti-German sentiment during World War II.

• Dachshunds’ sense of smell is their best sensory organ. They can even track a scent that is weeks old.

• Dachshunds aren’t picky eaters. As they have fewer taste buds than people, they will try to eat most anything.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: almosthomerescue.org

Well, there you have it. There’s a lot more to say about dachshunds, but I’ll save it for another day. Right now, it’s time to open Bomber’s birthday presents, so…Suzy Azalea, signing off.

My name is Suzy Azalea, and I am a private dog breeder and trainer from LA, California. To learn more about me, catch up with me on Facebook.

Be in charge: Suzy Azalea on dog emergencies and first-aid remedies

Accidents happen, even to dogs. That’s why I, Suzy Azalea, suggest that dog owners equip themselves with proper knowledge on the various types of dog emergencies and their respective first-aid remedies.


As a dog breeder and trainer, I have experienced attending to different dog emergencies throughout the years. To help other dog owners out there, here’s a list of mishaps that their dogs might experience:

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: Listverse.com

- Consumed the wrong food. Dogs are like babies in such a way that they are fond of putting things into their mouth (for dogs, it’s more of licking or nibbling). This is why experts believe that most emergencies like acute abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, and even kidney failure, according to Readers Digest, are caused by the intake of wrong food.

Suzy Azalea helps dog owners to properly take care of their pets through her blogs.

- Get into accidents. Car accidents may cause broken bones and other internal injuries to dogs. In this case, it is better to rush the dog to the vet clinic. Other dog experts also suggest that owners wrap their dogs in a blanket to make them feel warm and to relieve them from the shock.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: Pets.webmd.com

- Choking. Petplace.com shares that most dog owners confuse choking with coughing or vomiting. Moreover, choking is crucial especially if the airway is obstructed completely. If faced with this problem, owners are advised to check the neck of their pets for any item that may be constricting it. Check the insides of the mouth and remove any foreign object. If the condition persists, rush the dog to a veterinarian.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: blog.idtag.com

For more tips on how to care for your dog, visit Suzy Azalea’s Tumblr page.

Suzy Azalea translates “Arrffff!”: What your canine preference says about you

Don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either—your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. —Baz Luhrmann

Suzy Azalea Petswelcome.com

Did you know that choices reflect your personality? I, Suzy Azalea, your canine specialist, will uncover what your doggie preference reveals about who you are.

From Suzy Azalea

Breeder’s Choice

Prospective pet owners have to consider a lot of things before they decide on which breed to get. With that, pet owners who are attracted to a particular breed have the tendency to be organized, have distinctive set of tastes, and are natural-born planners. On the other hand, people who prefer mixed breeds tend to make spur-of-the-moment decisions based on emotions.

Aside from the breed, most people look at the dog’s size before deciding. Large dogs need more space and exercise, while smaller dogs need lesser space and attention. Owners of large dogs are often seen as sporty and outdoorsy, while pet owners with small dogs are seen as daintier. Thankfully, Suzy Azalea’s Kennel is made up of both big and small dogs, so you couldn’t typecast me of being either.

There is also the coat length to consider. Dogs with long coats need frequent trips to the groomers’, while dogs with short coats shed less and are often associated with individuals who want a well-kept home.

Bad Dog vs. Good Dog

Of course, the pet’s behavior also reflects the personality of its owner. As I say, “There are no bad dogs, only bad trainers.” People who have misbehaving pets are often viewed as unsatisfied and lacking in empathy; a pet who is robust and well-trained reflects a happy and balanced pet owner.

Suzy Azalea Sanjuandirectory.com

While these are general observations I made from people who visit Suzy Azalea’s Kennel, they are not necessarily true for all cases. Additional information about yours truly may be accessed at SuzyAzalea.net.