Punk’s Paradise

01/07/2022

Today will be the first time Lux hears fireworks!

Fireworks can be extremely scary for dogs and cause tremendous anxiety to the point where some dogs shut down, or hurt themselves.

As Lux is still in a very important developmental period that can effect how she reacts to things for the rest of her life we want to set her up for success today!

Some of the things we are doing:

-making sure to stick to her regular routine (like a toddler she has meals and naps at specific times!)

-providing physical and mental stimulation throughout the day so she is physically and mentally tired by tonight.¹

-keeping in mind not to OVERstimulate and end up with a grumpy puppy.

-previously had played videos of fireworks in increasing volumes as she does normal everyday activities to desensitize the sound.

-we don't celebrate Canada Day, so tonight will be a normal Friday movie night (providing a cover of sound)

-letting her have a Friday night treat (frozen duck foot) to help distract her.²

-making sure her microchip information is up to date and she is wearing a collar with contact information.

There are also a variety of calming chews, calming caps (muffle sounds,) thundershirts and more on the market that may help your dog if they do not like fireworks. If your dog is severely anxious you can talk to your vet about a situational medication to ensure they do not hurt themselves- mentally or physically.

¹ Today Lux will go for a short (distance) sniffari with Punk, eat 2 of her meals in slow feed bowls, and use one meal for a training session. This is a good balance of physical and mental stimulation without doing too much! Some dogs may need more or less, our training sessions are usually a good hour and tire her out!

²Some dogs may be to stressed to eat, you can also provide distractions with new toys, dog television and more.

10/06/2022

Photo TW: deceased pet cat (last photo)

If you love your cat you won't let them roam! Outdoor cats can meet very many terrible fates including but not limited to:
●being attacked by wildlife
●being attacked by dogs, other cats or domestic animals
●hit by vehicles
●fiv², diseases, lice, ticks, worms- vaccines cannot protect your cat from everything.
●being poisoned (this can happen in a variety of ways including ingesting small prey that have been poisoned.)³
●cruel humans, there have been cases of people mutilating cats and worse, yes in Canada. (https://globalnews.ca/news/2338063/edmonton-man-admits-to-killing-cooking-cat/)
●exposure to extreme weather
●pet theft

On top of all these risks domestic and feral cats are an ecological nightmare. They are not a natural part of our ecosystem.

They kill an estimated 100-350 MILLION birds per year in Canada. They are directly contributing to large scale declines in bird populations. Cats make up 95% of all bird mortality in Canada. Cats also kill protected migratory songbirds.
(https://www.ace-eco.org/vol8/iss2/art11/)

Cats will kill whether or not they are hungry, it is natural instinct. Your well fed cat is no different.

Along with the massive amount of damage they do to local wildlife, cats breed like it is a sport and contribute to shelters being over capacity.

Canada has a HUGE cat overpopulation issue. It is estimated that the vast majority of animals in shelters are cats, including strays, loose cats brought in, and lost/outdoor cats.

Cats are less likely to be reunited with their owners than dogs, and take longer to adopt out. Some shelters unfortunately have to euthanise cats to make room for more adoptable animals, as they cannot keep up!

In 2011 it was predicted that more than 600,000 homeless cats were in Canadian shelters and did not find homes¹

Cats have also been known to spread toxoplasmosis to humans in Canada which can cause miscarriages, blindness and possibly be fatal for immune compromised people. (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6244761)

Things you can do to be a responsible Cat Owner:
●keep your cat indoors
●train your cat to go out on a tie out while supervised
●have a catio built⁴
●take your cat for walks on leash
●cat proof your fence⁵
●provide enrichment for your cat indoors⁶

There are no excuses, don't let your cat be a part of the problem.

More info and helpful arcticles about cats in Canada:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.3130437

¹https://humanecanada.ca/our-work/focus-areas/companion-animals/cats-in-canada-2017-a-five-year-review-of-cat-overpopulation/

³https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/rodenticide-warfarin-poisoning-in-cats

²https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv

⁴https://catiospaces.com/catios-cat-enclosures/diy-plans/

⁵https://www.purrfectfence.com/blogs/guides/cat-proof-fence-guide-different-options-effectiveness-ideas

⁶https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/cat-enrichment-for-bored-cats

http://www.concordanimals.com/Responsible_Cat_Ownership.htm

02/06/2022

Soon to be back in the kitchen cooking up some yummy pupcakes!

A certain dog is ready to start taste testing again.. even the old recipes, for quality control, right? 😉

Send us a message to learn more about our home made pupcakes and cookies.🍪🎂

27/05/2022

We made a TikTok account to share fun adventures and cute pictures/vidoes of the dogs. ❤

Go check out our first two videos! (Keeping in mind I don't know what I am doing yet 😜)

29 Followers, 28 Following, 15 Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by PunksParadiset

26/05/2022

Yesterday we made up a batch of Tummy Trouble treats!

Unfortunately I could not get the food the breeder was feeding Lux (not even in Alberta.) So we found the next closest thing until we can get her on a food we can consistently buy while living in the north.

Although this food is as similar as we could get, she is having some tummy rumbles and loose stool.

Not wanting to upset her tummy but also wanting a treat to be able to reward our house training and crate training efforts these are the perfect solution.

These also work great for dogs with sensitive stomachs!

If you are interested in trying some shoot us a message.

23/05/2022

Today we opted for a slow feed bowl.

Punk's dinner consisted of: Go Solutions Pet Food turkey kibble, Zignature catfish kibble, Primal Pet Foods pork bone broth, Big Country Raw quail egg, K9 Choice Foods turkey neck bones, some veg and fruit and Identity turkey canned food all frozen for a mentally stimulating meal.

Now he is taking a post dinner nap with his new sister (who had her food in a kong- never to early to provide training and mental stimulation.)

19/05/2022

Although we are still on 'vacation' we are home.

The load of pet food has been dropped off to Hay River Animal Shelter and Kori will be able to help get pet food to those in need.

We had so many offers of donations from multiple organisations down south and it was incredibly heartwarming.

We stopped in at ALPL Pet Food Bank - Edmonton Area and they filled us up completely! Thank you so much for helping those effected by the flooding up north. This will help not only the animals currently in the shelter but all the displaced people and their animals, and the animals still out and about.

15/05/2022

Punkdate!

While this was meant to be a relaxing vacation we couldn't NOT help Hay River and Katlodeeche First Nation!

With connections to some animal rescues, food banks and welfare programs we are bringing up a full trunk of dog and cat food! This will be brought for the Hay River Animal Shelter to benefit animals in care and those needing food in the coming weeks.

A huge thank you goes to ALPL Pet Food Bank - Edmonton Area for filling us with donations to bring up. Thank you to all the other Alberta Rescues that also offered food- wishing we had a trailer!

12/05/2022

Please volunteer to be an emergency foster for those who are effected by the flooding in Hay River and Katlodeeche First Nation.

People can take shelter in Yellowknife at the Multiplex and call 1-833-699-0188 to check in.

07/05/2022

Exciting news!

Next week Lil' Punk and I are going on a much needed vacation to pick up his new sister!

That being said any special orders for cookies, pupcakes, or snuffle mats are on hold until June.

I have dropped off snuffle mats to both locations of Borealis Kennels & Pet Specialties

While we are south we will be picking up new colours, if you have colour suggestions or ideas for a special mat (after June 1st) let me know!

With the rainy weather today and predicted for the week, it is a perfect time to introduce beyond the bowl feeding.

Pick up a snuffle mat and give your dog (or cat) one of their meals on it to help provide mental stimulation and utilize their natural instincts.

04/05/2022

One mat left at the downtown location and more being restocked by Friday.

Snuffle mats are great for:
-fast eaters
-mental stimulation
-encouraging sniffing and foraging
-outlet for hard-wired natural behaviours

Did you know that a dog sniffing can make them happy?

Beyond the bowl enrichment is one way we can help our furry friends live their best life!

And while you are at the store, make sure to check out their huge selection of treats that you can use with your snuffle mat!

01/05/2022

A fun custom xl mat for someone very special!

28/04/2022

One mat (in Yellowknife) up for grabs through an auction to raise money for U16 Girls volleyball tournament down south.

Click the link and check out all the great items up for grabs!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1643343899356934/?ref=share

26/04/2022

Punk enjoying his gotcha day bone!

We were very lucky that a co-worker kept a good meaty bone aside to spoil Punk with. (Thanks again!)

Raw feeding is not only a great way for dogs to have a healthy mouth, big meaty bones like this are feeding and a workout all in one! Chewing raw meaty bones is great for the neck and shoulder muscles.

That being said, this is absolutely not a balanced meal and a special treat! Raw feeding needs to include organs, and should be rotational.

Punk got to enjoy 20 minutes of chowing and then we put it away for a different day, as too much might upset his stomach.

What do you feed your pets? Share in the comments!

25/04/2022

Today is Punk's gotcha day!

7 years ago today he made the trip from Texas to Canada!

Do you do anything special on your pets' rescue day or birthday?

Punk will be getting spoiled with his favourite cookies, and the best spot on the couch.

(Here is a video of him being displeased a human is sitting in the best spot, (there is room on both couches, but it has to be this spot!)

22/04/2022

Punk is getting ready for a road trip, if you would like snuffle mats or cookies for the month of May, please send a message before May!

17/04/2022

Spring Pupcakes Pre-order!

Check out a new special mini-cake!

2 pupcake flavours, and 2 cookie flavours.

We can accommodate allergies or food sensitivities so please message if your dog is like Punk and allergic to the world!

Swipe -> to see Punk helping with the dishes.

14/04/2022

While everyones favourite dog sleeps, I am busy at work making snuffle mats.

Snuffle mats are back Borealis Kennels & Pet Specialties and I am open again for any special orders! (Larger, smaller)

Check back soon as I will be posting spring pupcakes (plus a special minicake), and cookie flavours.