From the New Canaan Nature Center website:
Beginning Tuesday, February 7 the New Canaan Nature Center will host a winter farmer's market on Tuesdays from Noon to 3:00pm. The market is open to the public and will feature winter produce, dairy, meat, baked goods and other sundries from a number of Connecticut based vendors. Expected vendors include Riverbank Farm, Gazy Bros Farm, Goatboy Soaps, Butterfield Farm, Smyth's Trinity Farm, Mamacat's Tea, Raus Coffee, Whistle Stop Bakery and Connecticutly Grown Hot Sauce. Come for lunch - homemade soup and sandwiches from Walter Stewart's Market!
The Winter Farmer's Market, a joint partnership between the Nature Center and New Canaan Farmer's Market, will be held as a pilot program for the month of February and will possibly be extended throughout the spring and to Saturday mornings.
30 Eylül 2012 Pazar
New Canaan Nature Center Winter Farmer's Market
Last Dog Days at Tod's Point
I was marveling at the 20-30 dogs that stretched as far as the eye could see down the 300 yards of beach at Greenwich (also called Tod's) Point today. Then I remembered that after March 31 no dogs (or non-beach pass holders) are allowed. I have to say, all of the dogs, most of whom were off-leash, were incredibly well-behaved. It was enough to make even a dog-neutral person like me feel fondness toward them, sort of like how the Grinch's heart grows bigger at the end of the movie. One dog did bump my leg and get it a little wet, but that's nothing compared to that dog who put muddy paw prints on my butt at Mianus River Park. Or that other one who jumped all over me and got me dirty at Mianus later that same day. Anyway, what an incredible beach/park Tod's is. I'm sure it's going to be packed tomorrow, Saturday March 31!
Advocate Photo Blog Making News! Darien Girls' Lacrosse Coach Suspended
I am constantly talking about how awesome the Advocate's photoblog In Sight is. I don't mean to be repetitive, but there's an interesting discussion happening right now about the photos that Bob Luckey posted of the Darien girls' lacrosse coach grabbing her goalie's helmet and appearing to shove her backwards. The discussion at In Sight gets into pressures of high school sports, parents' expectations... it's something anyone who's been through school, or who has kids, can relate to. Go take a look!
I don't know anything about the coach or her team, but I do think:- It's great to open a dialogue about how we expect our kids to be treated. I think that's what Bob Luckey meant to do, and I commend him. - I would not want any adult to put their hands on my kid like that, even if they were on a high-pressure, high-performing team. - Adults who work with children have a responsibility to hold themselves, each day and each minute, to the highest behavior standards they can manage.- Everyone makes mistakes, and mistakes vary in degrees of seriousness. - A pattern of mistakes is a problem.
I just saw in the paper (how ironic that I'm calling it a "paper" and I read it online) that the coach is suspended for the rest of the season but can return in 2013. Wow.
I don't know if that would have happened if the photos hadn't been published. That might upset some people, but I think it was definitely right to publish the photos. The school system investigated, and this is what they decided. I think they were lucky to have gotten the chance to make sure their students are treated in an appropriate way. I think it's great they are giving the coach a second chance, too. That seems very fair.
What's interesting is that the incident took place on Friday May 25 and the photos weren't posted until Wednesday May 30. I wonder if there was hesitation over the publication, or if, like me, the photobloggers are usually too busy to sit down and blog!
American Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR Training
Camp Bow Wow Carmel is sponsoring an American Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR community training session and we want you to be a part of it! The training is going to take place on Wednesday, June 16th from 6:30 - 9:00 pm. All of our counselors are certified to take great care of your dog. We want you to get certified so your dogs are safe at home as well! The training session will be taking place at 14300 Clay Terrace Blvd, Suite 204, Carmel, IN 46032. Please call Lisa Beals @ 317-408-1870 or email us at carmel@campbowwow.com for more information.
For only $40.00 you could learn how to save your pet's life!
Keep Summer Fun!
With summer in our mist, you and your dog will be taking advantage of the great weather to walk the Monon, play frisbee in the back yard, or romp with canine friends. However, hot temperatures and exercise can lead to dehydration in your pet with fluid losses of as little as 4 – 5 %. Dehydration also leads to the loss of important electrolytes including potassium, chloride and sodium which are important for muscle contractions and nerve impulse transmission.
Humans have 2.6 million sweat glands to cool our body as sweat evaporates off the skin. In contrast, our canine friends only have sweat glands on their nose and foot pads. Therefore, a dog’s primary means of heat dissipation is from panting; rapid, shallow respirations with open-mouthed breathing. Panting allows for evaporative cooling via increased air flow over moist surfaces in the upper respiratory tract. If excessive fluids are lost from panting and the movement of fluids from the cells to the body, dehydration may result.
Signs of dehydration include:
Lethargy
Tremors
Increased body temperature
Sunken, dry eyes
Loss of appetite
Elevated heart rate
Dry mouth tissues
Prolonged capillary refill
Tests you can perform on your dog to check for dehydration include:
Skin elasticity: Pinch the skin on your dog’s back between your thumb and index finger. Once released, the skin should quickly pop back into place. Under conditions of dehydration, the skin will lose its elasticity. Thinner and older dogs’ skin will be less elastic than younger and fatter dogs. Therefore, it is important for you to know what is normal for your dog.
Prolonged Capillary Refill: Push your finger firmly on your dog’s gums until the gums turn white. Remove your finger and count how long it takes the gums to return to their normal pink color. In a normal dog, the capillaries should immediately refill. Under conditions of dehydration, the time to refill with blood will be prolonged to 2-3 seconds. Again, you should test your dog under “normal” conditions in order to establish a baseline to compare to.
As a general rule of thumb, dogs need approximately once ounce of water per pound of body weight per day but this amount can be significantly increased with environmental factors, stress, or with certain health conditions. Working dogs and performance dogs should be hydrated prior to competition as exercise can increase water loss 10 -20 times over the resting rate. Elderly dogs with compromised kidneys or dogs on medications that are metabolized by the kidneys especially need to maintain adequate hydration. Always keep fresh water available for your dog at home and carry a portable source of water for him when traveling.
If your dog is dehydrated, introduce water to him slowly. Gulping water can lead to vomiting and further dehydration. Don’t give you dog dry food. Keep him in a cool place while you slowly re-hydrate him with water. Don’t use cold packs to cool him down was this can constrict blood flow. Contact your veterinarian as medical care may be needed to introduce IV fluids in cases of severe dehydration to prevent heat stroke.
29 Eylül 2012 Cumartesi
New Canaan Nature Center Winter Farmer's Market
From the New Canaan Nature Center website:
Beginning Tuesday, February 7 the New Canaan Nature Center will host a winter farmer's market on Tuesdays from Noon to 3:00pm. The market is open to the public and will feature winter produce, dairy, meat, baked goods and other sundries from a number of Connecticut based vendors. Expected vendors include Riverbank Farm, Gazy Bros Farm, Goatboy Soaps, Butterfield Farm, Smyth's Trinity Farm, Mamacat's Tea, Raus Coffee, Whistle Stop Bakery and Connecticutly Grown Hot Sauce. Come for lunch - homemade soup and sandwiches from Walter Stewart's Market!
The Winter Farmer's Market, a joint partnership between the Nature Center and New Canaan Farmer's Market, will be held as a pilot program for the month of February and will possibly be extended throughout the spring and to Saturday mornings.
The Office Fridge: When Coworkers Lose It
One of my favorite new hobbies is photographing mean signs coworkers make for each other. You know, those signs about messy fridges and bathrooms? I cannot reveal where these signs are from, but I'll just tell you they are from the refrigerator in a local workplace. I especially love the literary touch that this anonymous sign-maker uses by including full newspaper columns to communicate just how disgusted they are by their coworkers' slovenliness. 
Two more signs after the jump.
Coming up: signs I've found in bathrooms.
Last Dog Days at Tod's Point
I was marveling at the 20-30 dogs that stretched as far as the eye could see down the 300 yards of beach at Greenwich (also called Tod's) Point today. Then I remembered that after March 31 no dogs (or non-beach pass holders) are allowed. I have to say, all of the dogs, most of whom were off-leash, were incredibly well-behaved. It was enough to make even a dog-neutral person like me feel fondness toward them, sort of like how the Grinch's heart grows bigger at the end of the movie. One dog did bump my leg and get it a little wet, but that's nothing compared to that dog who put muddy paw prints on my butt at Mianus River Park. Or that other one who jumped all over me and got me dirty at Mianus later that same day. Anyway, what an incredible beach/park Tod's is. I'm sure it's going to be packed tomorrow, Saturday March 31!
Advocate Photo Blog Making News! Darien Girls' Lacrosse Coach Suspended
I am constantly talking about how awesome the Advocate's photoblog In Sight is. I don't mean to be repetitive, but there's an interesting discussion happening right now about the photos that Bob Luckey posted of the Darien girls' lacrosse coach grabbing her goalie's helmet and appearing to shove her backwards. The discussion at In Sight gets into pressures of high school sports, parents' expectations... it's something anyone who's been through school, or who has kids, can relate to. Go take a look!
I don't know anything about the coach or her team, but I do think:- It's great to open a dialogue about how we expect our kids to be treated. I think that's what Bob Luckey meant to do, and I commend him. - I would not want any adult to put their hands on my kid like that, even if they were on a high-pressure, high-performing team. - Adults who work with children have a responsibility to hold themselves, each day and each minute, to the highest behavior standards they can manage.- Everyone makes mistakes, and mistakes vary in degrees of seriousness. - A pattern of mistakes is a problem.
I just saw in the paper (how ironic that I'm calling it a "paper" and I read it online) that the coach is suspended for the rest of the season but can return in 2013. Wow.
I don't know if that would have happened if the photos hadn't been published. That might upset some people, but I think it was definitely right to publish the photos. The school system investigated, and this is what they decided. I think they were lucky to have gotten the chance to make sure their students are treated in an appropriate way. I think it's great they are giving the coach a second chance, too. That seems very fair.
What's interesting is that the incident took place on Friday May 25 and the photos weren't posted until Wednesday May 30. I wonder if there was hesitation over the publication, or if, like me, the photobloggers are usually too busy to sit down and blog!
Stamford Downtown Horse Tour 2012
My friends and I spent two hours walking around the concrete and asphalt streets of Stamford yesterday... why? To see the horse statues, of course! A friend planned out a four-part tour for us, and yesterday we completed leg three. I blogged about it more extensively at my more parenting-focused (but still locally-slanted) blog, FC Mom, if you want to take a peek!
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| The moms and babes of Horse Tour 2012, Leg Three |
28 Eylül 2012 Cuma
Choosing a Boarding Facility that is Right for you!
You’ve got your bags packed and ready to head out to Florida for a week in the sun. You’ve got your suntan lotion, a new bathing suit that actually fits you, a new SLR camera……..and oh,……who are you going to trust with caring for Fido while you are gone?
Finding the right place to board your dog can take a little homework on your part to ensure that Fido’s vacation is as fun as yours.
All reputable dog boarding facilities will require that your dog’s vaccinations are updated so have a copy available for their records.
Required vaccinations include distemper and rabies. Most facilities also require bordetella, to prevent canine cough, if your dog will be interacting with other dogs. This vaccination is typically given via an injection initially and then an intranasal booster is given every 6 months.
Traditional boarding facilities offer a safe environment for your dog. However, your dog will spend most of his day in a cage and have little to no interaction with other boarders. Caring staff will feed, water and let your dog out to do his business, but they may charge extra for walks, one-on-one playtime, or administering medications. These costs can add significantly to the base rate of the boarding stay. These boarding facilities are ideal for older dogs, dogs that don’t require much activity and younger pups that are not yet spayed or neutered.
Open play environments are ideal for more active, social dogs. Dogs often have to pass an ‘interview’ process to make sure they play well with other dogs. Questions to ask of staff include:
1) Are the play yards indoor /outdoor or just indoor?
2) Do all dogs play together or are they divided by size and temperament?
3) What is the required staff to dog ratio?
4) How does the staff manage the dogs’ behaviors in an open play environment?
Often just calling out the dog’s name or administering a compassionate squirt of water can redirect a dog who is getting too rambunctious or grumpy with his dog buddies. Open play environments are a great social experience for your dog and your dog is likely to have as much fun on his vacation as you are having on yours. And just to make sure, some facilities have webcams so you can watch your dog play while you are away!
Because doggie daycare and boarding is a service-based industry, the facility should be able to accommodate your dog’s needs within reason. This may include feeding your dog his particular diet two or three times per day, providing extra naps as needed or administering medications. Also, ask about staff training. The staff should have basic training in dog behavior and first aid and all staff should be aware of emergency procedures in case a dog becomes ill or is injured.
Safety features to look for include fire alarms, smoke alarms, ambient temperature controls and emergency evacuation procedures. Check to see what environmental barriers are present to keep your dog safe if he were to escape from his kennel or play yard. Cleanliness is also important to ensure your dog is not exposed to bacteria, viruses, or other bugs that may cause illness. Floors and all contact surfaces should be swept and mopped frequently with chemicals that are dog-safe yet provide optimal cleaning and prevent unwanted smells.
And finally, take your dog in to tour the facility and perhaps let him spend a day before you leave him for an extended stay. This will help Fido get used to the new environment and ease your mind that he’ll have a great time on his vacation too!
CarmelFest 2010
Carmel Fest takes place at Carmel Civic Square. The address for Carmel Civic Square is:
1 Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
We hope to see you all there!
The Ten Commandments for Dog Owners
1) My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any extended separation from you will be very painful.
2) Give me time to understand what you want from me. Do not break my spirit with your temper, though I will always forgive you. Your patience and understanding will teach me more quickly those things you want me to learn.
3) Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. After all, you have your job, your friends, your entertainment. I only have you.
4) Speak to me often. Even if I don't understand all your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest sound I will ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiastic excitement when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
5) Please take me inside when it's cold and wet. I'm a domestic animal and no longer am accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting me
6) Keep my bowl filled with clean water; I cannot tell you when I'm thirsty. Feed me good food so that I may stay well to romp and play, do your bidding, to stand ready by your side, willing to share with you my life, for that is what I live for. However you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7) Don't hit me. Remember, I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8) Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
9) Take care of me when I get old. You will grow old, too.
10) When I am very old, when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. Be with me on that difficult journey when it is time to say "goodbye". Never say, "I can't bear to watch." Everything is easier for me when you are there.. I will leave this earth knowing with my least breath that my fate was always safest in your hands. Remember- I love you.
Summer Time Heat Stroke
Heatstroke is an increase in body temperature above normal levels. It can cause irreversible health issues including brain damage and organ failure.
Signs of heatstroke:
Anxiety
Panting
Drooling
Dogs with thicker coats and shorter faces are at a higher risk of heat stroke than other breeds.
If you leave your dog in the car on a hot day, animal control has the authority to issue a ticket for neglect.
So please be careful and try to bring your dog with you when you shop as often as possible.
Check out this video of some of the dogs at camp cooling down in the pool today!
Carmel Fest Festival 2010
Carmel Fest takes place at Carmel Civic Square. The address for Carmel Civic Square is:
1 Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
We hope to see you all there!
27 Eylül 2012 Perşembe
Weekly Update July 22 2012
I did have some positive news this week. I found out my dad is coming to visit in August!
My sister will be out of jail in August (another long story that I have chosen not to blog about ..yet) I had my "meet the surgeon" this week and am anxious to get everything done so I can have my surgery.I'm a little disappointed that it won't happen as quickly as I thought it would. I am guessing/hoping by October I'll be ready for surgery. I got my first doctor visit in already, and called the doctor for the psych evaluation but she's gone until Tuesday so that will hopefully happen next week. My food/nutrition classes don't start until August so I have to sit back and wait for that. So much of the process is just waiting things out. Drives.Me.Crazy.
We did have a wonderful time out last night with friends. Everytime we do this we come away saying that we must do it more often. I hope we do. Good friends should never be taken for granted! Thank you Lisa, Kim,Del and Karen for always being so easy to be with.
I also got good news from my ex that we got an offer on our house! I hope this ones goes thru and we can be done with that chapter of our lives. I miss that house and loved it very much but have felt for many years now that if I couldn't live in it I didn't really want him to either...that may or may not be a good way to think but it is what it is.
I am going to take a deep breath, talk Vic into going to the beach today and try to recharge for next week.
Before I go I send out prayers to all involved in the terrible movie theater shooting Friday in Colorado. I can't even wrap my brain around how someone does that...:(
Here a few pictures I took this week. Something I saw at my doctors office, a wonderful dish from Tropical Thai Restaurant in Sarasota, and a few pictures we took while junk shopping at Sarasota Salvage...a very cool place!!
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| Seen at my doctors office, remember Y2k? |
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| Tropical Thai in Sarasota |
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| Sarasota Salvage |
Little Sister
I have started this letter in my head about a million times.
I am so angry about so many things that I just don't know where to start. I have said the serenity prayer over and over until it just doesn't make any sense at all. I know I can not change you, I try and have faith that you will decide one day that YOU can change you but I really have lost hope that that will happen.
I'm angry that over half your life has been spent with us worrying about you. I am angry that you have not set a better example for your son. I am angry that you are so wrapped up in yourself that you can't be there for me when I need you.
You are 41 years old. You have spent more than half your life not taking care of yourself. You will most likely end up needing someone to take care of you because of your decisions . I can't just pretend like I don't have a younger sister so I know I have more years of worry.
It's sick that the only time I can feel at peace is when you are in jail. It's the only time i don't flashback when helicopters fly over head. It's the only time that I know you are eating and not drinking. It's the only time I don't worry that I'll get a phone call that you've hurt someone or yourself while being drunk/high.
It makes me sad to look at the pain on mom and dads face when they ask me how you are doing because they have distanced themselves so much they don't even call you themselves. It makes me sad to hear the tone of helplessness when they talk about how they wish things were different.
It makes me furious to see your son spinning out of control and posting such crap on facebook knowing he doesn't have anyone in his life showing him an example of what a good, happy, law abiding life is like. He should be enjoying his teen years ..do you remember EVER having to worry about mom and dad fighting or going to jail when we were growing up? NO you didn't. You had a safe, loving home with a family that loved and supported you no matter what.
I wish I could be more like Steph and just turn off the feelings and pretend like everything is just fine on holidays when we all get together. I've tried, that just doesnt work for me. I love you, I miss the good times, the laughter, the sober girl that played cards with me all day long . I miss our inside jokes. I miss you.
There comes a point in life when you get real with yourself. It's been happening for a while now. After Gin died I was there for you. I was with you every day, helping you with the most basic of things. Then one day you decided you'd had enough and went off to the bars. I was home alone. Vic was in California being by her best friends side while she died of cancer. I needed you. I called and got no answer. My sister radar kicked in and I knew just where I'd find you...I drove to the bar and found your car outside. I called again..when I didn't reach you the next day I came by your house to find you hungover, in bed with Mark. You didn't bother to let me know you were ok. My messages were ignored. I realized right then how one sided our relationship has always been. I took a big step back.
We stopped talking everyday. I would only hear from you when you needed money transferred. You couldn't bother to figure out how to do your own banking and why should you...you had me. The fool that always came to your rescue. The idiot that defended and stuck up for you no matter what.
I didn't want to even listen when Mark called last month about you being in jail again. I wanted to hang up and pretend I never took the call. I didn't want to be the "go to" girl that the family contacted to see if anything was new with you. I didn't want to have to tell Dad as he was already in the fight of his life beating cancer. Everyone had opinions, suggestions, advise. I just wanted to put those rose colored glasses on and say "what sister?"
I didn't want to ever visit you in jail again..but I did. twice. I wasn't going to write to you in jail. But I did..twice. My letter wasn't all that nice this time around. You probably wish I wouldn't have sent it..I know, me too.
Know what makes me the maddest? The guilt. I worry and feel guilty that if I'm not there helping you pick up the pieces and try to make things easier on you , you will just give up.
I know your answer will be "I never told you to love me" or worry about me or whatever...you never did understand
it was never a choice.
I do love you little sister..but today I must love you from over...........here.
Weekly Update Aug. 6
He's been here six days now and we've crunched so much in so far! We went to Mote Marine on a sea life excursion trip Saturday. Here is a quick video of the day..
Backing up a bit. I had my first visit with the doctor for my psych. evaluation last week. I have to go again this week. Hopefully I'll pass..lol I also started the healthy eating class and learned so much in the first class. I've been trying to change some habits but it has not been easy sticking to the diet plan with company and eating out. This weeks class addresses emotional eating and eating out..wish that would have been last weeks class!
My sister got out of jail and called me first thing this morning. Of course hearing her voice and talking to her for a few minutes just reminded me why I love her so much. As aggravated as she makes me she is still my sister and we will get thru this.
A few pictures from the week
Update Aug. 27, 2012
I have not gotten a date for the lap band surgery yet. I did complete my required visits with a psychiatrist (I passed lol) and I have finished my two weeks of eating for life classes. Tomorrow I have an appointment with the dietitian and then another meeting with the surgeon. So many hoops for insurance to cover this. I'm thinking it will happen in October sometime..happy birthday to me!
We've had a little excitement this past weekend with Hurricane Isaac. It was only a tropical storm when it passed our way. We had heavy rain and wind last night but nothing like we thought it might be. Vic and I went out and got some pictures and enjoyed the energy of the storm but it wasn't nearly has bad as Tropical Storm Debby was for us.
I still have not seen my sister. We've talked a few times but that is about it.I'm okay with that too. My dad something to me that made a lot of sense. He said, you get upset and three days later you're still upset and worried about her, she gets over it and goes on doing exactly what she does and three days later she's fine and having another drink...
Politics
When the owner of Chik fil A said he opposed gay marriage and the media made such a big deal out of it and there was a day everyone was suppose to either boycott the establishment or show support and go, my family went ..and said it was in the spirit of freedom of speech. It didn't matter that the speech was against my rights.
In the day and age of facebook you can't get away from all the political conversations going on. I hardly recognize my father and his hateful rants about Obama and then in the next breath he types about wanting GOD and religion back in our schools, sporting events, etc. How about being more like God and working on making the world a better place. How can someone that taught me so much about the beauty of nature be saying drill baby drill, the man that taught me to see both sides is now not looking at the other side ....Who is this person?!
I respect every ones right to vote for who ever they want, Lord knows I would not want anyone telling me who to vote for. I just wish the lines were not so rigid that the chance of working together and making the world a better place didn't seem so out of the question.
I have always avoided talking about politics. I never really thought who was in office truly mattered much to me. I guess as I've gotten older and am in a group of people that have to fight for the same rights that everyone else gets I have changed. I see the benefits that having Obama as president have made in my life. My partner has finally been able to get insurance where she was unable to in the past because of "pre exisiting conditions".
When I compare the two men running for president the main difference I see is one of them supports me and one does not. It's not just a gay marriage thing...it's having the same rights as every one else. I should not be treated less than while I'm paying the exact same taxes as the married couple next door. We have come so far and I hate to think of starting all over again. And don't even get me started on setting women back by having Romney as president...just look at his church.
26 Eylül 2012 Çarşamba
Top Ten Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors With Your Dog This Summer!
2. Go hiking on dog-friendly trails at a state or national park.
3. Eat al fresco at a dog-friendly cafe.
4. Go camping and sleep under the stars together.
5. Set up a picnic play date for your pooch and her favorite four-footed pals.
6. Let Fido have some fun by tossing a Frisbee back and forth.
7. Have a photo shoot of your pet frolicking in the wonderful outdoors.
8. Spend the afternoon at a dog-friendly beach.
9. Have some ice cream and get Fido his own doggie ice cream or frozen treat.
10. Spend some downtime hanging out in a hammock together.
Remember to keep yourself and your pets hydrate while you play outside in the summer heat!
Oh boy, here comes baby
Bringing a new baby into the home can upset the normal pack order for your dog. By planning ahead, you can make the transition as stress free as possible for your “Good boy” and the rest of the family.
Review all basic obedience commands
Your dog should know to “leave it” and respond consistently to a “down stay” command to ensure your baby’s safety. If necessary, repeat an obedience class prior to your delivery. Also, make sure your dog is up-to-date on all his vaccinations and his nails are trimmed.
Familiarize your dog with baby’s scents and sounds
Desensitize your dog to the baby before it arrives by playing a tape of a baby crying, and gradually playing it louder and longer. Present your dog with the smells of baby lotion, powders, and yes, even a dirty diaper smell. Introduce your dog to the baby’s room and train your dog to the areas that are off limits to him, such as the baby’s crib and changing table. After a general introduction to baby’s room, you may want to use a baby gate to restrict entry except when the dog is directly supervised in the room. Begin walking your dog beside a stroller and having the dog sit next to you quietly as you hold a doll in your arms.
Plan a positive introduction
Your dog has probably missed mom while she has been at the hospital. Have another family member hold the baby while mom enters the house and greets the dog in the typical manner. Once the dog settles down, let mom hold the baby while allowing the dog to approach in a controlled manner, such as being leashed. Reward the dog with treats for a calm, controlled behavior. Your dog is going to be less stressed if you can maintain his routine as much as possible. Consider having a neighbor walk your dog on schedule if you are not able to, especially during the first few days baby is home.
Pick up you toys
Realize that your dog will likely resource guard his toys and food. Crawling babies should be kept away from the dog’s toys and food to prevent bites to the baby’s face and arms. The dog should also respond to “leave it” in the presence of the baby’s toys.
Supervise the baby and dog at all times
Never, ever leave a baby unsupervised in the presence of your dog. No matter how loving your dog is, accidents can happen very quickly and unexpectedly. If you are going out and leaving the baby with a sitter, don’t put an undue responsibility on the sitter to watch the baby and the dog. Instead, crate the dog while you are gone.