Gen Y Dogma: My Dog-Inspired Resolutions For 2015

by Christina Peden

Published: January 11th, 2015

gen y dogma my dog inspired resolutions for 2015

Should old resolutions be forgot… Christina Peden has made some new ones. What’s different this year – they all have something to do with her dog, Matilda.

Ah, another year come and gone. How does the time fly so fast? And why does it seem to speed up the older we get?! Now there’s a question that will likely never be answered.

Like most people, the transition from the old year to the new one brings about a time of refection. What went well, what didn’t, what we’d like to do better or differently next year… you know the drill.

I’m not usually too keen on making New Year’s Resolutions for myself because, quite frankly, I suck at keeping them. In turn, I then feel even crappier about not keeping the resolutions! It’s a vicious, unproductive circle.

That said, it’s easier for me to stick with things when I know they have a positive impact on people I care about (or in this case, pooches I care about). That’s why I decided to come up with a list of things I’d like to accomplish as a pet parent in 2015. They’re simple and not overly lofty, but they’re things that will make a positive difference in my life and Matilda’s (and Ryan’s!), so I’m actually kind of excited to get started.

Read on to see what I hope to accomplish this year!

Obedience Training

Ryan and I have been saying for months that we’d get Matilda into some obedience classes, but this is the year we’re finally going to do it.

Don’t get me wrong – Matilda isn’t a “bad dog”; she’s just a high-energy breed and technically still a puppy (with pet parents who aren’t also super-great about being consistent with training). She gets excited easily (especially when we run into another dog on the sidewalk), jumps, pulls on the leash and can be a bit “mouthy” when she plays (which is okay with other dogs, but not so much with humans.) She is also incredibly sweet, loving, submissive and so good-natured that she really wouldn’t hurt a fly (though she might chase a squirrel or two).

So for us, it’s just working on the finer points of good canine manners, which we know she will learn in a snap, because she’s insanely smart. I swear to Dog, the obedience classes are more for Ryan and me! We need to be trained on how to train our dog. Once we know what we’re doing and we start being consistent, things will be easy-peasy.

Become a (Foster) Pet Parent

As much as I would like a second dog, right now I’m probably more in love with the idea of it then truly cognizant of what the actual reality would be like, so I’m kind of tabling the adopting-another-dog notion for now.

That said I would really love to foster on behalf of one the many amazing rescue organizations we have in and around Toronto. Collectively, we have a lot of friends who foster, and I’ve also talked to a bunch of people at the dog park who have done it, and they all speak to what a wonderful and rewarding experience it is. And in a way, we’d be helping more dogs than if we adopted just one. Giving a homeless pooch a happy, loving temporary home while they wait for their forever one is an amazing thing and it means one less dog languishing in a kennel at the shelter.

Overall, I’d love to be a part of showing a dog who may have gotten a rough start in life what it’s like to live in a home where they are loved, and fostering is a great way to do that.

Start Running with Matilda

I guess it wouldn’t be New Year’s without making some sort of fitness resolution, right?

I keep saying that I want to start running again (and I do, but I’m also great at coming up with excuses not to!). Ryan pointed out that Matilda would make a great running buddy – after all, she has absolutely no shortage of energy.

Fittingly enough, we just ran an article PetGuide this week about how to start running with your dog, so I can no longer use the excuse that I “just don’t know how” to run with Matilda. Excuse #1 = destroyed!

Excuse #2 I need to destroy is that I “don’t have the right equipment”, which is only partially true. I have the right running equipment for myself, even for running in the winter. I just need a few things for Matilda. For example, I’d really like to get a bungee leash that attaches to the human at the waist. I’ve heard these make running with your pooch a lot easier and of course, they leave both your hands free. I’ve heard that Iron Doggy and RuffWear are pretty good bets, but if you have any personal suggestions, share them below – I’m all ears!

Start Making Homemade Things for my Pooch

Inspired by Amy, our lovely editor here at PetGuide (and possibly a little Martha Stewart), I would like to start making homemade treats for Matilda this year and maybe even knit her a doggie sweater or two!

Matilda has been lucky enough to be a recipient of many of Amy’s amazing creations throughout the last year, and she’s loved every single one of them. And really, there is NO shortage of amazing recipes on PetGuide, so I have no excuse for not trying my hand at some of them.

And I really must be getting old, because I’ve recently decided to take up knitting again. I actually used to knit as a child, a skill I’ve lost over time. In a few weeks, I’ll be taking an intro knitting class to learn how to make a scarf; of course, I hope to expand my repertoire to include sweaters as soon as I possibly can! And not just sweaters for me or for Ryan, but for Matilda as well – I can just picture her frolicking around in a little red sweater (so CUTE!).

Okay, over to you guys. Have you made any pet-related resolutions for 2015 and if so, what are they? Share them below in the comments!

Christina Peden

Christina Peden is a lifelong animal lover and avid wordsmith. She lives in Toronto with her boyfriend Ryan where they are proud pet parents to puppy, Matilda and cat, Oscar. In her spare time, she can be found enjoying Toronto, Canada's all-too-short patio season, taking advantage of the city's numerous parks or curled up with a good book.

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Gen Y Dogma: 5 Reasons My Dog Is A Dick!

As cute as they are, puppies also have a dark side – and Christina has discovered that the force runs strong in her puppy, Matilda Okay, so you might be balking a bit at the title of my column this week, but bear with me. My inspiration comes from a post that appeared earlier this week here on PetGuide.com about a Kickstarter fund to raise money for a book titled “Puppies are Dicks” (if you’ve ever had a puppy, you know it’s kind of true… c’mon). However, there is a positive purpose behind the book: author Eric Sims, inspired by his senior dog Penny, is writing it to educate people about the benefits of adopting an older or senior dog at the shelter, as opposed to a puppy from a pet store or breeder. Pet store pooches often come from puppy mills, so when buy them, we’re supporting this vicious cycle and a cruel, inhumane practice. Related: Why Do We Think Puppies Are Cute? It’s a hilarious book for a great cause, and it got me thinking about my own pooch, Matilda. At 10.5 months, she’s still a puppy and let’s be real: she’s kind of a dick sometimes. I love her, but it’s true. In fact, she’s dick-ish in a variety of ways — so many that I was actually able to come up with a list. So, without further ado, here it is: the five reasons my dog is a dick. She destroys the things I love

Gen Y Dogma: I’m Afraid My Dog Will Ruin Christmas

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Matilda will deee-stroy thee! A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about how we were planning to celebrate Matilda’s first Christmas as a family. I really want a Christmas tree, even though I’m not sure it would be such a great idea with a crazy puppy in the house. The Christmas tree is my most favorite part of my most favorite holiday — there’s just something about turning the lights down low and basking in the glow of the tree that gives me the warm fuzzies (am I alone in this?). So the prospect of not having one didn’t exactly fill me with glee. Thankfully, we (sort of) found a solution — at the grocery store, of all places. Last weekend, while doing our weekly grocery shop, I came across a bin full of Christmas tree tops. They`re exactly what they sound like: the top two feet of the tree, sawed off and nailed into a tree stand. It`s not perfect, but at least I get to have to have some semblance of a tree this year (at least that`s what I`m telling myself). Related: How To Do Your Dog’s First Christmas Up In Style Right now, the tree is nicely lit and decorated, and sitting in the middle of our dining room table, because it`s the only place Matilda can`t get to it. Still, because I’m paranoid and more than a little neurotic, I have some visions dancing in my head; not of sugar plums, but of doggie destruction. Specifically, the destruction of our little tree and all the Christmas presents that go with it. Keep reading to see what my worst Christmas fears would look like if they came to life. Break Out The Decorations, Mom! Our Christmas tree is full of balls (of varying sizes). Which I know sounds rude, hey — but it’s true. I am, of course, talking about our Christmas tree decorations (minds out of the gutter, folks!), which Matilda and our cat, Oscar seem to be working together to destroy. Related: Top 10 Holiday Gift Guide For Dogs 2014 It’s funny because Oscar pretends to hate Matilda, but every so often we catch them snuggling or giving each other kisses. I’m convinced it’s all part of their master plan — to make us think they’re just silly, sparring adversaries while they secretly plot to take over the world (or at least our apartment). The “destroy-the-tree” conspiracy is just another instance of their not-so-secret teamwork. Oscar does the typical cat thing. He bats at the Christmas tree ornaments and yes, eventually, they fall off, but not just onto the table. He makes sure they get all the way to floor, where Matilda takes over — or at least tries to. So far, they haven’t been successful. The second Ryan or I hear an ornament hit the wood floor it’s a race to snatch the ornament away before Matilda can start mowing down on it. We’re winning — for now. We’ll see how long that lasts. Mmmm… Garlands!

Gen Y Dogma: A Eulogy For All The Things My Dog Has Eaten

Oh, precious items… how I long for thee, and what a horrible end you came to. Christina Peden longingly remembers a few of the items that fell victim to her dog, Matilda’s, gnawing habits – RIP. If you’ve ever owned a dog, you know that some of your personal belongings will eventually be relegated to chew toy status — often against your will. You accidentally leave something within your dog’s reach that they deem chew-worthy (which in my dog’s case is almost anything). When you come back, your beloved shoes, book, glasses or hat look like they’ve been through a meat grinder. It ain’t a pretty sight. Related: Puppy Vs. Baby We dog owners have long since accepted the inevitable destruction that accompanies puppy parenthood, but that doesn’t mean the losses don’t sometimes sting (mostly in the pocketbook). And though I wouldn’t give up my Matilda for the world, I’d also like to take this moment to acknowledge the things I’ve lost along the way since emBARKing (hehe) on my pet parenthood journey just seven months ago. Related: Calculating A Budget For Your Dog My Glasses (2013-2014)

Lost Service Dog Survived 2 Months Alone in the Colorado Mountains

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A New Four-Legged Robot May Soon Replace Guide Dogs

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What Is Pyoderma In Dogs?

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Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

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What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

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Study Finds Link Between Having a Dog and Girls' Physical Activity

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Your cat is a member of your family, so why not include them in the gift giving tradition of the holidays by getting them something special? With a wide range of pet products on the market, you can find an item that your kitty is sure to love, and you can make sweet memories in the process. Whether you have a stocking for your furbaby or you plan on wrapping a little gift for them, here are some holiday gift ideas for cats to help you get started.

Golden Retriever Survives 65 Days Alone in the Alaskan Wilderness

It’s always tragic when a beloved pet dog goes missing, but this was particularly hard for the Mahoskey family, whose senior golden retriever vanished in the Alaskan wilderness. The family was unsure that they would ever see Stella again. Luckily for them, Stella is one tough cookie. Stella’s adventure began in early July when she was enjoying a quiet evening with her family on the back deck of their Sitka home. According to local news outlet KCAW, an unexpected burst of fireworks startled a 13-year-old Stella and sent her dashing into the wilderness. Sarah and Jerrom Mahoskey and their two kids, Kai and Quinn, searched until nightfall but had yet to locate Stella. The next morning, the family grew even more concerned when they realized that their pooch hadn’t returned. Their worries increased even further when the neighbor told them about the bear attack that happened the previous night. “They said, ‘Did you hear there was a bear that attacked a dog last night? We had the windows open in the back of the house, and my wife heard this altercation that sent chills up her spine. And basically, I don’t think your dog could be alive,’” Sarah recalled to KCAW. However, Stella’s family still had hope that she was alive, somewhere, in the woods. The Mahoskeys spent the summer checking out trails near where Stella went missing and followed up on any lead or potential Stella sightings reported by their friends and neighbors. After two months and many investigated reports, Sarah told a friend, “I feel like there’s a 1% chance that she’s out there, and so I cannot let go.”Then, in early September, more than two months after Stella disappeared, the family received a phone call from Tim Eddy, a friend of Jerrom, who was working at the quarry that day.“He said ‘Do you have a golden retriever?’ And Jerrome said, ‘Well, we did have a golden retriever.’ And he says, ‘Well, I think this is your golden retriever,’” Sara shared. Jerome hopped in his four-wheeler and drove to the quarry, where he spotted Stella.“She was on the cliffside, and it was basically this ash and rock that was the same exact color as her,” said Sarah. “She totally blended in. The fact that Tim saw her -  I just kept saying to him, ‘How did you see her?’”Considering the lack of food and water at the quarry, the Mahoskeys don’t believe Stella was there long. The family suspects the quarry looked like a familiar ground to Stella, who grew up around Jerrome’s excavation business. After more than two months in the wilderness, Stella weighed only 30 pounds - that’s nearly half of her regular body weight. Sarah believes that Stella likely foraged to survive. “She has always picked her own berries when we are out hiking,” Sarah explained. “And she loves dandelion roots.”In addition to being underfed, the golden retriever also had a large gash on her left side, possibly from the encounter with the bear. “We think she probably hunkered down for quite a while, and just probably wasn’t able to move a lot and knew that it needed to heal,” said Sarah. “She obviously found a safe space, because the fact that she was bleeding and wasn’t found by that bear or another bear again is quite a miracle.”Upon her safe return home, Stella was examined by her vet, who placed her on a strict diet for the first 10 days. Now, she’s eating well and has already gained 11 pounds.Although Stella can’t share everything that happened during the time she was lost in the wilderness, she hasn’t changed much. According to Sarah, the only difference is that Stella is now definitely hungrier than before. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

New Study Reveals Dogs Can Sniff Out Neurodegenerative Diseases

We all know that doggos have incredible noses and a superb sense of smell. It is tens of thousands of times stronger than our own. This makes us wonder – what secrets can such a sense of smell unveil? Many scientists consider the canine sense of smell a great potential to enhance human lives thanks to its accuracy. And that is exactly what was unveiled in a recent study published in “bioRxiv”, by researchers Samuel V. Johnston and Lisa Holt from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Thanks to their efforts, and the incredible abilities of doggos, it was revealed that our four-legged friends have the potential to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is a terrible condition, affecting primarily seniors. What is even worse is that this disease has many difficulties in diagnosis, which prevents doctors from accurately identifying the disease in the early stages. But the breakthrough study could change all that! Thanks to doggos and their powerful noses, we could be on the brink of completely changing the way Parkinson’s is diagnosed. “Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory capability, which far exceeds that of humans. Dogs’ sense of smell seems to be the main sense, allowing them to not only gather both current and historical information about their surrounding environment, but also to find the source of the smell, which is crucial for locating food, danger, or partners for reproduction.”  writes Agata Kusiak, from the Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University. “Dogs can be trained by humans to use their olfactory abilities in a variety of fields, with a detection limit often much lower than that of sophisticated laboratory instruments.”Utilizing this remarkable sense of smell, scientists trained 23 dogs of different breeds and backgrounds, to successfully differentiate between samples of both Parkinson’s-positive individuals and Parkinson’s-negative individuals. The results were more than successful, with the dogs showcasing 86% sensitivity and 89% specificity in distinguishing the samples. In many ways, this is a revolutionary study and opens new doors and new possibilities in medical diagnostics. What is even better, it offers new hope for the timely detection of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to note that the study is still in relative infancy, and is still awaiting peer review. But the potential here is incredible. If validated, the study could help improve patient outcomes, and help with early diagnosis of this troubling disease.

FDA Approves New Treatment for Anxiety and Fear in Cats

It’s no secret that most cats get really stressed out when they have to leave the house, especially for a trip to the veterinarian. And the anxiety and fear that your pet experiences can certainly affect you as a pet parent as well, making you feel awful about having to put your cat through such a scary experience.The good news is there are things you can try to help reduce the stress your kitty feels, and one of the latest solutions is a new treatment recently approved by the FDA.Bonqat for CatsIn November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin, also known as Bonqat, for cats.The oral solution is not a sedative; instead, it affects the neurotransmitters that are involved in acute anxiety and fear. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the stress experienced by cats who are being transported for any reason, and it can be helpful for those who get frightened when they go to the vet.To determine if this medicine would be effective, cats were given either a placebo or Bonqat before being transported by car and examined by a veterinarian (the cats had a history of being fearful and/or anxious under those circumstances). The results? While roughly one-third of the kitties who got the placebo had a positive response, just over half of those given the medicine did better while being transported and examined. Also, over the course of two examinations, 77% of the kitties who took Bonqat had less fear and anxiety, while 46% of those given the placebo exhibited an improvement in their fear and anxiety levels.Discuss Bonqat with Your VeterinarianYou can only get Bonqat with a prescription from your veterinarian, so discuss its pros and cons to determine if this medicine would be right for your cat based on factors like age and medical conditions. And bear in mind that side effects, such as ataxia, vomiting, and lethargy, might occur with Bonqat.To reap the benefits of Bonqat, you simply give it to your cat about 1.5 hours prior to transporting them or taking them to the vet. This medicine is a liquid, and it can be given to your pet with a bit of food.Also, there are some precautions that need to be taken while administering this medicine to your cat. For example, it shouldn’t make contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. So, in addition to talking to your vet about how to use it correctly to ensure your cat gets the best results, you also want to be well-informed about how to handle this medicine safely.For more information about Bonqat and how it works, click here.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Is Scent Enrichment for Cats?

Your cat has a powerful sense of smell that she uses to navigate her surroundings and make decisions, so it’s important to consider your kitty when using scented products around the house and maintaining a litter box that doesn’t have offensive odors.In addition to considering the fragrances that can be off-putting to your kitty, you can also enrich your cat’s environment and make her daily life more fun with scent. Below are some tips on how to use scent enrichment to keep your furbaby happy.

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