Tilly's Senior Dog Sanctuary

06/03/2026

Morning! Just checking in to see that you’re okay and to say I hope you have a good day!

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With love
Fiona
www.earthmonk.guru

Photo Credit unknown.

06/03/2026

A new peer-reviewed review published by researchers at the University of Illinois examined the health effects of common dog equipment, including collars, harnesses, leashes, and muzzles. One of the most surprising findings was that regular flat collars can increase intraocular pressure (IOP)—the pressure inside the eye—especially in flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. Harnesses did not show the same effect.

Elevated IOP is a major risk factor for glaucoma and other forms of eye damage, and repeated increases over time may place additional stress on delicate ocular structures.

The review also noted that many commonly repeated concerns about collar-related thyroid injury, tracheal damage, spinal problems, and even IOP have limited direct scientific evidence. Rather than disproving these concerns, the authors emphasized how little research has actually been conducted on equipment that millions of dogs wear every day.

This highlights an important reality in veterinary medicine: the absence of published research is not the same as evidence that a problem doesn’t exist. Many functional medicine and integrative veterinarians have spent decades observing patterns in clinical practice long before studies were available to investigate them. Those observations often become the very questions researchers study years later.

Science is essential, but science also has gaps. Some of the most important decisions we make for our animals happen in those gaps, where common sense, clinical experience, pattern recognition, and a commitment to minimizing harm matter deeply. Partnering with a veterinarian who understands both conventional medicine and a broad range of healing modalities can provide a wider lens through which to evaluate risk, support wellness, and potentially avoid problems long before they become scientifically validated. Sometimes the best medicine isn’t waiting for proof—it’s paying attention to what thoughtful clinicians have been seeing all along. Above all, do no harm.

06/03/2026

Tilly’s idea of a perfect day. My girl is slowing down-14 years old. ❤️

06/02/2026

In MA, contact DIRECT!

Do yourself a favor and read about this spectacular 11 year old, very good girl, Cali Girl 🥰🥰.

She is 50 pounds of absolute love- this includes humans, dogs, cats and kids. Cali loves car rides, leisurely strolls and most of all, she adores snuggling up close.

Impeccable manners, a sugar frosted face that melts your heart and a desire to please her people. She is currently being spoiled at PittieLove Rescue, Inc., but she deserves a place to call home sweet home for the rest of her life.

Please, please spread the word, tell your friends and their friends......... Click on the link for more information and how to apply for this gem of a girl.

pittieloverescue.org

06/02/2026

Cats too...

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

Ticks are exploding across the U.S. this year, and they’re much more than a creepy nuisance. These parasites are incredibly efficient at attaching, feeding, and transmitting disease, without you ever noticing. The longer a tick stays attached, the greater the risk of exposure to Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and several other serious infections. But just because your dog has had exposure doesn’t mean they’re infected; discerning the difference is crucial, and smart medicine.
In my latest article, I cover where ticks like to hide, how to perform a thorough full-body tick check, the safest way to remove a tick, and why monitoring your pet afterward is just as important as removing the parasite itself. I also explain the differences between 4DX, Accuplex, and QC6 testing, and why early detection makes all the difference, regardless of what parasite control program you are using.
When you combine proactive screening with consistent parasite checks and a parasite protocol that make sense for your lifestyle and location, you can dramatically reduce the chances that a tick bite turns into a much bigger problem. Link to my article is in the comments. 🐾🕷️

06/01/2026

I can. But I’m not going to.

I don’t want your dog to shrink away while I insist on ruffling their hair up.
They don’t need me to touch them to prove “I’m safe”.

What they actually need is for me to keep my hands in my pocket and wait for some signals of consent.

We have a tactile “obsession” when it comes to dogs.

Maybe it starts when they’re puppies and their squidginess draws our hands in.
100% their fur and wee fat rolls combined are irresistible.
From there though, it can become a habit.

We see a person up the street we haven’t seen for a while, stop for a chat and our hand goes down to pat while we say “Aww whose this wee girl”.
That’s how easy these habits grow.

They’re ingrained.

How about we start to normalise not touching?
And start normalising watching for consent.

06/01/2026

More diners are warming up to pet-friendly restaurant spaces 🐶

A recent survey from Lightspeed Commerce found that 45% of consumers support allowing dogs at restaurants in some capacity. Among Gen Z, support rises to 64%, compared with 35% of Baby Boomers. The survey found that 16% of consumers support dogs both indoors and outdoors, while 29% support outdoor-only access.

The findings suggest younger diners may be helping drive demand for more dog-friendly dining options as restaurants adapt to changing customer preferences.