Are YOU Going to be a Quitter in 2010?

Entering the New Year, I want to share this remarkable article from my speaking coach, Teri Hawkins, National Speakers Club.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and that it inspires you to live a better life, to be more successful, and to receive the support you need and deserve so that you too Never Quit!

The top reason few achieve what they truly want in life is lack of focus, lack of concentrating personal power toward desire. Most of us dabble our way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular because we are too afraid that any one decision may indeed be the wrong decision.  And so we wait. We wait for someone to come along and tell us the right thing, the right way, the right idea, the right decision.  If someone would just make the choice for us then if we fail – well then it isn’t our fault.  The wisest people in this world do not have an answer for why we lack focus – silly people have many answers – but the wise know that when we dabble in life we do so because we fear more than we desire.

One of the most damaging manifestations of the dabbler is quitting. Call it reasons, justifications, something you can’t help, something you wish you’d never started… Call it what you want, but if you make an agreement with yourself or others, if you agree to follow through, if you say you will and then you won’t – it is all quitting, no matter the justification.

My grandfather once got out of his bed with a fever that left him red faced, breathless and slow.  He walked over to the neighboring farm and milked the cows as his neighbors were gone for a few days.  He gave his word and he meant to keep it.  He became sicker because of it. In a moment of frustration one of his children said, “Why did you get out of bed when you were so sick, you could have died with that fever?”  My grandpa simply said, “I did it because I was focused on my word – not on my fever.”

As simplistic as that sounds it is true wisdom from one of the greatest fathers, grandfathers, friends, and human beings I have ever been blessed to love.  My grandfather believed a man was his word.  He believed the key to life was to focus on where his word lay upon the ears of others – not on the fears that will deafen our dreams.

Sun, age, dry skin, eating habits do indeed wrinkle the skin… but it is quitting that wrinkles the soul.

Make a decision, ride it out, stick to it.  Do not quit.  Excuses or not.  If you want to succeed at business, make a decision and stick to it.  Do not quit on your dream, your idea, your purpose, or your Self.

Make the mistakes, get knocked down but don’t look back for too long.

Mistakes are not failures, they are teaching experiences Life is providing for you. Oh, without a doubt you have a great capacity for blunders – but that ability is inseparable from your capacity to reach your goals.  They are two sides to the same coin – both of equal value to success.  If you desire success, freedom, prosperity, happiness, love… well then you cannot win them all.

Your “failures” are part of the growth needed to become the dream you desire.  You will never learn who you are without failures.

The key is to never quit…. Never!  Your time will come!

To Bark or Not to Bark? Debarking a Dog – Is Surgery the Right Remedy?

Debarking is a painful, confusing temporary solution to a much deeper human management, miscommunication and training problem. When the urge to bark is suppressed and not dealt with properly, then even after undergoing the surgery, the bad behavior only redirects and then surfaces in other inappropriate activities.  Ultimately, the animal lives an unhappy life, and may lose their home or more tragically, can even lose their life.

I’m a professional animal communicator and animal behaviorist who works with resolving different problems with dogs, and I can tell you that in all my 40 years experience, debarking is completely unnecessary major surgery.  Barking in dogs is easily corrected when they are listened to and managed properly.  That’s why debarking is so controversial!

I worked with a fellow dog lover, Kim, whose dog pal Jody had recently become horribly aggressive – barking and attacking and biting strangers or other dogs… to the point that she thought she was going to have to find a new home for her… or put her down.

Kim was heartbroken as she and her kids loved Jody very much. She couldn’t take Jody for a walk without fear that there would be a fight – with other dogs and even people! Kim couldn’t figure out why all of a sudden this was an issue.

It was heart wrenching to see and Jody’s behavior had escalated to a critical point. She just wanted to know WHY her dog’s behavior made a turn for the worse, and what she could do to resolve it without having to put her friend to sleep.

Was it something she was doing wrong? Did something happen to Jody or was something else going on that she didn’t know about? She just needed to know that she was doing everything she could before she made the final decision. She needed those answers FAST!

Come to find out it was all a misunderstanding! One that almost cost Jody her life.

Kim and the kids had been watching TV and seen several shows where some really bad things had happened to some people in their community… tragic stories of people attacking and hurting other innocent people… and where dogs had attacked and hurt people too…

It had made them afraid. And Jody got the message. After that, Jody just wanted to protect her family from all those bad things… but since she didn’t know exactly where or who the bad people were, she became indiscriminate in her aggressive defensive actions.

Jody’s behavior changed dramatically after our consultation, and I’m delighted to report that Jody is still happily living with her loved ones and doing her job.

Jody was reacting to something in her environment as are most dogs.  Once you know why your dog is barking, you can take the proper steps to correct their behavior.

What can you do if you have a bad barker?  One of things you can do is so easy!   Train your dog out of this by teaching them to Bark (Speak!) on command.  Once they know the command, then you can teach them Quiet!  Easy!

Dogs who continue to bark are simply not being managed correctly or they have something important they need to communicate with you.  Considering the expense and the risks of surgery, debarking a dog should never be the first option for corrective behavior modification, but rather different management, communication and other training methods should be adopted.

And by all means, learn how to talk to your dog.  Animal communication is vitally important!  You can’t really know what’s going on from their viewpoint until you ask them.  And they can participate in resolving things, once you know what they’re thinking.

Just like humans, animals have their own side of every story to tell! But if we don’t take the time to listen to them, then their life, happiness, health and well-being will suffer…

Top 7 Signs that Your Pet Should be on Supplements

I have to thank Dr. Andrew Jones for coming out with a great deal of highly relevant information lately!  We certainly are getting the benefit of his expertise right now!

7 Signs that your pet should be on supplements:

1. Limping, lameness, stiff movements, especially after rising from getting up. The most common cause of these signs is from Arthritis, seen in middle age and older pets. Supplementing with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Essential Fatty Acids can reduce pain and inflammation.

2. Chronic itching and scratching. When your pet has these signs, they likely have an Allergy. Supplementing with Essential Fatty Acids, and Key Antioxidants can decrease the inflammatory response in the skin- meaning LESS itching and scratching.

3. Recurrent bouts of Diarrhea or Vomiting- in this case your pet may be having difficulty digesting certain ingredients, or suffering from some type of disease in which the intestinal tract gets easily inflamed. Either way beneficial bacteria called Probiotics are often helpful, decreasing the severity and frequency of GI upset.

4. Chronic and ongoing Ear Infections. The most common underlying cause of ear infections is Allergies. A supplement that decreases the allergic signs can lessen the chance of ear infections- Essential Fatty Acids, Antioxidants and Probiotics can help in this case.

5. Withdrawn and Sleeping longer- this can be seen in older pets which may have joint pain and discomfort of arthritis. Old age does NOT mean inactivity and less interaction. An effective Arthritis supplement can make your pet feel better, and be LESS withdrawn.

6. Constant Paw chewing, excessive hair loss, and ‘Foul’ Odor. The smelling pet is a BIG sign that your pet has an underlying health disorder, and can benefit from a Supplement. This could be a food allergy, inhalant allergy, and secondary skin infections with yeast or bacteria. Supplementing with Essential Fatty Acids, Probiotics, and Antioxidants can decrease the smell.

7. TOO many trips to your Vet. If you have a pet that seems to repeatedly be getting ill, then you should look at what you are feeding them, and do what you can to PREVENT diseases from happening in the first place. Supplementing with nutrients that may improve your pets immune response to disease, such as Colustum, Maiitake and selected Vitamins and Minerals.

For more tips on how to care for your dogs at home check out Dr. Jones home study course – Veterinarian’s Secrets Home Study Course.

Watch as Pet Psychic, Val Heart, communicates with Eunomia, the dog

This is cool! Watch while I work with this special rottwieler:

Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2009

Dr. Andrew Jones brings us this report today that I feel every animal lover needs to know about.

Top 10 Poisons of 2009

1. Human Medications

For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, and 2009 was no exception. Last year, the ASPCA managed 45,816 calls involving prescription and

over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it’s essential to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.

2. Insecticides

In our effort to battle home invasions by unwelcome pests, we often unwittingly put our furry friends at risk. In 2009, our toxicologists fielded 29,020 calls related to insecticides. One of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick products–such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus, it’s always important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.

3. People Food

People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can seriously disable our furry friends, and accounted for more than 17,453 cases in 2009. One of the worst offenders–chocolate–contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.

4. Plants

Common houseplants were the subject of 7,858 calls to APCC in 2009. Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.

5. Veterinary Medications

Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents. In 2009, the ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.

6. Rodenticides

Last year, the ASPCA received 6,639 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many baits used to attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive

to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including bleeding, seizures or kidney damage.

7. Household Cleaners

Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants.

Last year, the ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.

8. Heavy Metals

It’s not too much loud music that constitutes our next pet poison offender. Instead, it’s heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury, which accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is

especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.

9. Garden Products

It may keep your grass green, but certain types of fertilizer and garden products can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last year, the ASPCA fielded 2,329 calls related to fertilizer exposure,

which can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.

10. Chemical Hazards

In 2009, the ASPCA handled approximately 2,175 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards—found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and

pool/spa chemicals–form a substantial danger to pets. Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.

Prevention is really key to avoiding accidental exposure, but if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Learn more about treating your animals at home with Dr. Jones’ Veterinarians’ Secrets Revealed Home Study Course.

Einstein Learns a New Trick – How to Shut a Door!

Sounds simple enough doesn’t?  However, not many dogs ever learn to close the door after themselves.  It’s a new level of taking care of themselves in a human world.  I was absolutely thrilled at how easy it was for him to pick this up.

Being able to speak to him directly and show him in my mind exactly what I wanted him to do of course made this task so much easier to teach.

Check out this very cute video of Einstein shutting the door!

Foods Hazardous to Your Pets

I see many dogs with symptoms of illness that are often very difficult to diagnose.  There are times you simply don’t know what you are doing to your animals by feeding them foods you believe to be very healthy for them.  Your dog may have been exhibiting mild symptoms of illness like lethargic behavior or being off their food for a while.  These are indications that SOMETHING is going on with your dog.  One of the first things to consider is what you are feeding them.  (Asking your dog directly what is going on at this point is vital as well, it could also be a sign of depression or other root cause.)

With the help of Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM, I am presenting you with a short list of hazardous foods to avoid with your dog(s).

There are a number of common ‘human’ foods that can be toxic for your pets… The important thing is to know exactly what to avoid. Here is a complete list.

Alcoholic beverages

It is often sweet – attracting dogs and cats, but can cause serious and fatal intoxication. Don’t ever offer this to your pets.

Here are some of the signs and side effects:

- Incoordination/ataxia

- Excitement

- Depression

- Excessive urination

- Breathing rate is slowed

- Cardiac arrest and death

Avocado

Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety is most toxic – but all have toxic potential. They cause vomiting/diarrhea – primarily gastrointestinal distress.

Chocolate (all forms)

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.

Signs:

Initial excitation.

Increased drinking and urinating.

Vomiting and Diarrhea.

Theobromine causes an increased heart rate and arrhythmia -.

Seizures can then be seen.

Death is then possible.

ACTION PLAN: Induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, and go to the Vet if depression and seizures begin. Baker’s chocolate and high cocoa content chocolate is the most toxic; the toxic dose is 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog. Regular chocolate bars have little real chocolate and are seldom toxic.

Coffee (all forms)

Coffee contains dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation

Fatty foods

The primary concern here is severe gastrointestinal upset- and in some cases Pancreatitis. This can be fatal in some pets- and it is ALMOST always triggered by a High Fat Meal, such as gravy or bacon.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs. This has lead to paralysis. A small number of nuts and even the butter can cause this.

Moldy or spoiled foods

Many molds contain a type of toxin called an Aflatoxin. This is thought to be a common cause of “compost toxicity”. Signs include GI (Vomiting/Diarrhea), muscle tremors, in-coordination, elevated temperature, excessive salivation, and liver damage. Avoid feeding ANYTHING moldy to your dog or cat.

Onions, onion powder

Onions contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate.  Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop anemia. 1 Onion can cause this. Fortunately ALL dogs recover once they are stopped from ingesting onions.

Raisins and grapes

As few as 6 grapes and raisins have caused acute kidney failure in some dogs. The toxic ingredient is not yet known. There is no treatement. AVOID feeding ANY grapes or raisins to your dogs.

Yeast dough

The yeast dough/uncooked bread dough will rise in your pet’s stomach causing severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea), bloating, and signs of alcohol toxicity.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a artificial sweeter found in “SUGAR FREE” Products, such as gum, candy etc.  Signs relate to a sudden drop in glucose (blood sugar), in-coordination, collapse and seizures.  Avoid feeding any gum/candy to your pets.

Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums.

Ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds and leaves of these fruits can be toxic. They contain a cyanide type compound and signs of toxicity include apprehension, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation and shock. Note – it’s the seeds and stems that contain the toxic component, not the fruit itself.

Potato peelings and green looking potatoes

Potatoes and other Solanum species, including the tomato, are members of the nightshade family of plants.  These plants contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids which, if eaten in large enough amounts, can produce drooling, severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils and slowed heart rate.

Nutmeg

High levels of nutmeg can be toxic, even fatal. The toxic component is unknown.  Signs of toxicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system abnormalities or death.

Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)

The green parts of the tomato plant are considered toxic because they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects.

Dr. Jones has an amazing home study course – Veterinary Secrets Revealed Home Study Course – check it out now.

CPR for Dogs

Dr. Andrew Jones, as many of you know, is one of my favorite on line vets.  I try to follow his blog postings when I can, because they are truly remarkable in the valuable information he gives away.  I think you’ll appreciate this CPR posting as much as I do.

CPR, by Dr. Andrew Jones

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is the most important first aid technique that every pet owner should be comfortable with. Chances are that you will never have to use it, but it will save your pet’s life if a ball is lodged in his airway.

This section describes the basic technique. This is also covered in my pet first aid manual, Pet First Aid Secrets: Complete Canine And Feline First Aid Manual, but it is included here because of its importance. For a demonstration and more thorough description, refer to my video: Pet CPR.

There are some very basic steps:

1) Assess responsiveness

2) Establish a patent airway

3) Perform rescue breathing

4) Cardiac massage – establishing circulation

STEP 1: RESPONSIVENESS

The first step is making sure that your pet is truly unresponsive.

1) CHECK his breathing by placing your hand in front of his mouth and nose.

2) CHECK for his heartbeat by placing your ear against the left side of his chest – this is the area where his left elbow touches his chest, immediately behind his left armpit.

STEP 2: AIRWAY

The second step in CPR is obtaining a patent airway.

1) PULL the tongue out of your pet’s mouth, but be careful to not get bitten.

2) STRAIGHTEN the neck by moving the head to be in line with the neck.
DO NOT HYPEREXTEND IN CASES OF NECK TRAUMA.

3) PERFORM two rescue breaths, by closing the mouth and performing mouth to nose ventilations. IF they continue, then proceed to STEP 3, BREATHING.

If there are no breaths, then look into the mouth.

4) VISIBLY inspect the mouth and look down the throat for a foreign body. If you see something, reach into the airway and remove it.

5) IF the airway is still not open, attempt HEIMLICH (shown in following steps).

6) TURN your pet upside down, with back against your chest.

7) WITH both arms, give sharp thrusts to the abdomen.

AFTER 5 thrusts, stop and check to see if the object is visible in the airway. If so remove it and give 2 mouth-to-nose rescue breaths. If the breaths do not go in, repeat HEIMLICH.

STEP 3: BREATHING

After achieving a patent airway, perform RESCUE BREATHING.

1) CLOSE your pet’s mouth and breathe directly into his nose until his chest expands. If the chest does not expand then go back to STEP 2 – AIRWAY.

2) VENTILATE at 15 breaths per minute. One BREATH every 4 seconds.

3) PROCEED to STEP 4 – CIRCULATION

STEP 4: CIRCULATION

1) ENSURE there are no major points of bleeding. Control as necessary.

2) GENTLY lay your pet on his right side.

3) LOCATE the heart, which is found on the lower half of the chest on the left side, behind the elbow of the front left leg. Place one hand below the heart to support the chest; place the other hand over the heart.

4) COMPRESS the chest 15 times followed by 2 rescue breaths. 3 compressions every 2 seconds. Compress the chest 1/2 inch for small pets and 1 1/2 inches for large pets.

5)  EVERY 15 times follow up with 2 rescue breaths.
Continue heart massage compressions and the rescue breathing until you hear a heartbeat and feel regular breathing.

Once your pet is breathing and his heart is beating, call your veterinarian immediately.

For more of Dr. Jones’ health tips I encourage you to get his home study course.  It’s a one-of-a-kind program that helps you diagnose issues at home, and when possible treat them yourself.  http://budurl.com/drjonesvetsecrets

Tune in Tomorrow as Darlene From Inspiration Radio Interviews Me!

Tune in to Good Morning Inspiration Radio on the internet to hear me interviewed by Darlene Siddons!  http://tobtr.com/s/816963

Darlene will be interviewing me on the topic, “What is your pet trying to tell you?”  Are you and your pet having “issues”?  I have been called The Real Dr Doolittle, and I specialize in improving the Relationships between Animal Caretakers and their animals.  I know how to connect and listen to animals.  You won’t believe what they are trying to tell you!

I have great stories like:

* The first time I heard an animal speak to me.

* Is your Pet Acting Out?  YOU may be your pet’s biggest problem!

* What most pets really want to say to their owners.

* 3 Easy steps to becoming your own Dr. Doolittle.

As an expert animal communicator and master healer, I have worked with over 6,400 animals and their humans, owners, trainers, and veterinarians.  I specialize in alternative healthcare for people and their animals, training, performance and competition, and in behavior modification.

Don’t miss this power packed hour at Good Morning Inspiration Radio – http://tobtr.com/s/816963

Listener dial-in number: (347) 838-8498 if you have questions you would like to ask me.

I’ll see you at the Show!

P.S.:  If you can’t tune in live, be sure to listen to the archived show.   (http://tobtr.com/s/816963)

Puppies Behind Bars

Puppies Behind Bars is a non-profit in New York state that has inmates training dogs to become guide dogs and assistant dogs to police units. The inmates have the responsibility of the first  stages of the dog training process.  This organization has been around and has been successful since 1997!  To learn more or to donate please visit  http://www.firstgiving.com/gftunovember2009.