For the first time in three years, I started playing with agility with Caffeine.

I say playing because we are never going to compete. Caffeine’s hip wouldn’t be able to take the stress and chances are I will never compete, not even with another dog. But we do enjoy it and playing around in the yard with low jumps on soft grass is just fine for both of us.

I felt a little rusty today and watching the video I am really rusty. Clicks are late, cues are beyond late, and I need to teach myself what “out” really means again. Caffeine is still incredibly fast.

It sure is great to have some nice weather again.

What every blogger fears:

I’m proud to introduce another guest poster today: Julee Russo. Julee has some great information on pet poisoning or rather, how to avoid it.

Most cats and dogs are naturally curious, which makes them prone to both indoor and outdoor dangers. Playing with houseplants, rolling in the grass, sniffing the flowers, and investigate anything that moves. While their antics never fail to bring a smile to your face, it’s important to recognize the common pet poisoning hazards that may be lurking around every adventure.

Insects, Spiders, and Toads

Both cats and dogs love to pounce on anything that moves while they’re romping outdoors. Sometimes, they’ll play with it for awhile and let it go. Other times, they’ll go so far as to eat it. Bee stings, although painful, are usually harmless unless your pet is allergic. Some spiders, including the black widow, are venomous and can poison your pet if bitten. If your cat or dog loves to chase the frogs and toads that come out after the rain, a few of those amphibians are poisonous, too. The United States is home to two species of toxic toads: the Colorado River Toad, native to the Southwestern area of the country; and the Giant Toad, also known as the Marine or Cane Toad, which can be found in Florida and South Texas.

Fruits and Vegetables

You probably think it’s harmless for them to play with fruits and vegetables that are familiar to us. Especially if you would consider eating them yourself, but a word of caution, while those bright red tomatoes are juicy and nutritious, the leaves and stems are poisonous. The homely potato plant also has poisonous leaves, and any green parts of the actual potato are toxic. Even grapes are a danger because the fruit can easily kill your dog even though it is full of health benefits for people. Pull any mushrooms as soon as they appear in your yard and watch out for them on your outdoor adventures; dogs love to root them out. When it comes to mushrooms it is very hard to tell which ones are poisonous.

Plants

Some common plants to avoid outdoors are azaleas, begonias, daffodils, and tulips. The list of plants that can poison your pet is too large to list here, so please search the list online to become knowledgeable of their appearance. Plants are also a danger indoors, many ornamental plants used to decorate produce toxic chemicals. While our pets still retain some of their natural instincts, some won’t think twice before chewing on plants that catch their eye.

What to Do

If you notice some signs of pet poisoning, call a vet office or animal emergency center immediately. Tell them what symptoms your pet is experiencing and what they may have came into contact with. Don’t try to get your pet to drink water or to vomit unless you’re instructed to do so by a vet.

By being cautious, you and your pet can have a great time outdoors without pet poisoning worries!

Over the holiday weekend I was presented with a very special award from my good friend at Dog Jaunt.

This award is pretty cool. I have to do three things to pass it on:

Thank Mary-Alice at Dog Jaunt for the award. Thanks!!

Share seven things about myself:

1. Many, many, years ago I wanted to be a writer.
2. I recently became a vegetarian. (But I cheated a few days ago and feel bad about it.)
3. I started writing for Daily Comics Review this week. Check me out on Tuesdays.
4. I hate watermelon.
5. I love old time radio almost as much as I love comics, especially mysteries and thrillers.
6. Most of my blog posts are written as I wake up in the morning, and if I don’t get to the MacBook Pro fast, they are gone.
7. Some day my 1965 Beetle will be in one piece again.

Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who I have recently discovered and I think are great. These are not all bloggers I have found recently, but I think you should start reading all of them regularly!
Dancing Dog Blog
Pawcurious
Chris Brogan
Pet News and Views
Nico and the Bandit
Dot Physics
Daily Comics Review (shameless plug #2)
Champion of My Heart
KC DOG BLOG
Doggy Bytes
Go Pet Friendly
in over your head
Lowering the Bar
Scouting NY
The Thoughtful Animal

Have a good weekend!