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Warmer Weather and Wagging Tails

Warmer weather has officially arrived, and Stanley is very happy about it. If there is a patch of sunlight anywhere in the house or yard, he plans to be lying directly in it. Honestly, I get it.

We’ve also been taking LOTS of walks around the neighborhood lately, which has been really good for both of us. Stanley loves exploring, sniffing absolutely everything, and soaking up the sunshine. I love getting outside more and enjoying the longer days.

We are still taking agility classes and really enjoying them. Last week, I helped the agility club put together the outdoor agility course for the season. Stanley got to come along and wait in his crate while we built everything, and then he became the very first dog to practice on the course for the year.

Running outside on a full-size course is so different from indoor practice. The obstacles feel huge out there! I was honestly a little intimidated by the full-height dog walk, but Stanley didn’t hesitate for even a second. He marched right up like he owned the place. He also absolutely loves the full-size A-frame and seems very proud of the view from the top.

We went back earlier this week to practice again, and… well… it was not Stanley’s best night.

He was very distracted by all the smells in the ring, and keeping his attention was definitely a challenge. We did successfully do the dog walk a few times, and he even went up the teeter! Unfortunately, I think he thought the teeter was the dog walk and just ran straight up it. Thankfully I was close enough to grab it before it slammed down. The last thing I want is for him to get scared of it.
Eventually, I got tired of him ignoring me, clipped the leash back on, walked him over a few simple obstacles, and called it a day. It was hot, and honestly, that was enough for both of us.

The good news is that class last night went really well. Stanley was focused, listening, and working nicely. I was actually the slower half of the team this time with my handling! He’s really starting to understand things.

I think for the summer, I may pause formal classes for a bit and focus more on obedience work and a few small agility exercises at home. We still have access to the outdoor course for practice, and I’d also like to make some trips to the dog park to work around distractions.

As for the rest of the pets…

The dragon worried me a little recently. She was acting quiet, wasn’t eating much, and just seemed “off” for a few days. Then she disappeared into her little cave hide for basically an all-day nap, came back out, and suddenly seemed completely normal again. At this point, I honestly don’t know how old she is, but she definitely isn’t young anymore.

The foster birds are all still here too. They’re cute and everything, but I’m definitely ready for them to move on to their next homes. They’ve completely taken over my downstairs craft desk area, and I would really love my space back.
The little Senegal parrot is adorable, but having him out loose is complicated because Stanley gets jealous and wants to chase him around. Between dogs, birds, reptiles, agility equipment, and crates everywhere, the house really does feel like a zoo sometimes.

We’re planning to visit family over the 4th of July and bring Stanley along for the adventure. Hopefully he behaves himself and enjoys the outing.

What are your summer plans with your pets? Any trips, adventures, classes, or favorite warm-weather activities?

Spring Update

Old School Black and White photos this time as I just finished off an old, lost and found roll of film

Lots going on around here lately, so I figured it was time for a little update from the zoo.

Stanley is back in another round of agility classes, which just makes me so happy. Will he come when I call him in our own yard? Absolutely not. But get him in a training space and he suddenly remembers that I exist and that we’re a team. He’s really starting to get the agility thing, and he’ll stay with me and run a whole course, which feels pretty amazing. I’m really curious to see how he does when we can practice in an outdoor arena this summer instead of just in a small, closed room.

In other fun news, I found an old roll of black and white film in a camera I was thinking about selling. Of course I had to finish the roll, and I ended up getting some really cute pictures of Stanley doing jumps on our porch. His ears in mid-air are just the best — they flop in every possible direction. I kind of love the old-school film look on action shots; it makes him look like a tiny, dramatic movie star.

The big news around here, though, is that our local animal shelter had a fire last week. Thankfully, all the humans and all the animals got out safely, but the building needed some serious cleanup and repairs, which meant no animals could stay there for a bit. Since I’ve fostered for them before, my phone rang pretty quickly asking if I could help out and foster a bird. There was no way I could say no. Fast forward a few hours and somehow we ended up with two lovebirds and a Senegal parrot in the house.

I had forgotten what “real” birds are like at night. Hector doesn’t like to be covered, so I’ve gotten used to just leaving her be. The first morning with the foster birds, I was up at sunrise sprinting around and covering cages because they were up and ready to greet the day at full volume. We’ve settled into a routine now, and everyone seems a lot happier with a defined bedtime.

The lovebirds came from a recent hoarding situation. They are cute little things, but not at all tame, so they are staying safely tucked in their cage for now. They watch everything, and I feel like they’re quietly judging all of us, but at least they seem comfortable. The Senegal parrot is a totally different story. He wants to be out of his cage all the time, and when he’s out, he only wants one place to be: on my shoulder.

The first day, Stanley was not impressed. There was a lot of barking at the little parrot, and a lot of me trying to reassure Stan that he is still my number one little guy. Thankfully, everyone is adjusting. I don’t expect the foster crew to be here too long — hopefully they can go back to the shelter sometime next week once things are cleaned up — but the little parrot has been a very entertaining visitor.

If I put him on his cage and walk away, he immediately flies right back to my shoulder like, “Excuse me, we were hanging out.” He also tries to steal food directly from my plate, and yes, he will go for food in my mouth if I’m not careful. I’ve had to be very aware of what I’m eating when he’s out, because he is absolutely not shy about helping himself.

Not the best photo, but had to play with the black and white film

Hector, meanwhile, seems to be enjoying the guest. The little parrot flew over to the fence by her cage and she very clearly said, “Hi bird,” which kind of blew my mind. I’m guessing she understands that he’s the same species, or at least that “bird” means something specific to her. Another time she just kept saying, “Hi, hi, hi, hi…” on repeat, which was ridiculously cute. She also asked him, “What doing?” Apparently the birds are speaking English to each other now. I guess that’s the common language for birds and many humans in this house.

The Dragon is good and just finished a nice shed, so she’s looking extra shiny and pleased with herself. The cats are good. Stanley has been enjoying some trips to the dog park now that the weather is nicer. I love bringing him and watching him run and play with the other dogs, but I’m always a little petrified that a big dog is going to hurt him. I stay very close when we go, and I try to quietly feel out the vibe of the other dogs before I really relax.

The other day there was one big dog playing a little too rough for my comfort level. Stanley gave a couple of warning nips to say “back off,” but it didn’t seem to make much difference. I scooped him up and we left. It’s just not worth the risk of him getting hurt, no matter how much he likes to play. Today there were two big dogs at the park again, but they were very gentle with Stan and it all went fine. When it works, it’s so fun to watch him zoom around with friends. I’m still hopeful that we run into the little Doxy he had so much fun with a couple of weeks ago again.

That’s the current state of the Pet Momma house: agility, surprise film photoshoots, temporary birds, talkative parrots, a freshly shed Dragon, happy cats, and one small dog living his best dog park life with a very cautious chaperone.

How are you enjoying the nicer weather where you are — are you and your pets getting outside a bit more these days? Let me know!

Little Things Count

Stanley has been keeping me busy lately with agility classes, tricks, manners, and plenty of walks. Last week was the final class of this agility session, and we celebrated with agility games. The basic rules were simple and a little chaotic: race around the obstacles any way you want within a set time, but hit certain required obstacles along the way for points.

Some weeks, I can’t even take Stan off leash because the smells on the course and the other dogs around the room are just too much for his little brain. Other times, he locks in with me and we have a great run. Last week was one of those great nights. I was a little overwhelmed trying to plan a path that would both rack up points and play to his strengths, but Stanley absolutely rose to the occasion. He stayed with me, followed my cues, and even ran the weave poles. Tunnel, A‑frame, jumps, tire jump – he did it all, off leash and focused. I was so proud of him, and I really feel like all the focus training we’ve been doing is finally starting to pay off.

As thrilled as I am about his big “game night” success, I’m realizing how much the tiny, everyday moments matter just as much. The other day I came home, let him out of his crate, did the usual potty break, and then hit a wall. I just didn’t feel great and really needed a nap. Of course, as soon as I lay down, Stanley decided it was playtime. He bounced on the bed, nipped at my hands, and dug at the blankets while I silently begged the universe for twenty minutes of quiet.

I gave him a gentle pat and told him I needed to rest. A minute later, he hopped off the bed. I figured he’d found something else to get into, but instead he came back carrying a chew toy. He settled in next to me, happily chewed for a few minutes, and then curled up against me and fell asleep. Self‑soothing, respecting my need for a break, and still taking care of his own.

That tiny moment felt just as big as his perfect off‑leash agility run. It’s easy to celebrate the flashy stuff – the tunnels, the weave poles, the game nights – but the little choices he’s starting to make on his own are what really show me how far he’s come. I love this little dog so much, and I’m trying to remember that in training and in life, the little things really do count!

Bean also had a big day recently with a dental cleaning, and I’m so relieved that all went well. The vet did end up removing one tooth; the root was pretty badly damaged, so they think he must have injured it at some point and that it was probably causing him pain. He got injections of antibiotics and pain medication while he was there, which meant no meds for me to juggle at home – such a gift. He came home a little sleepy but comfortable, and I’m grateful we caught the problem and that he should be feeling so much better now. Hoping for a break from large vet bills for a bit!

Bean’s tooth for the curious:

Cat Teeth and Dog Agility

Some weeks around here feel like a very on‑brand mix of “cat teeth drama” and “tiny dog running full speed at an A‑frame.” This has definitely been one of those weeks.

Puck’s Teeth: From Drool to Dental
A few weeks ago, we noticed that Puck was drooling a little bit and being extra pesty, and at first I couldn’t figure out what he was trying to tell us. Puck is very good at letting us know when something is wrong, so the “clingy, rub‑his-face-on-us” behavior got my attention pretty quickly. Years ago, when he had urinary tract issues, he literally led us to the litter box, sat in it, and howled until we realized he needed help, so when he starts acting off, I pay attention.

This time, the clue was his breath. Once we noticed how bad it smelled, it was off to the vet. The verdict: some bad teeth that needed to go. Puck went in for a dental cleaning, had four teeth removed, and came home groggy but quickly went back to being his opinionated, snuggly self.

The not‑so‑fun part? Cat dentals are expensive these days, especially once extractions are involved. The good part is that almost immediately after he recovered from anesthesia, he seemed more comfortable. I suspect his mouth had been bothering him longer than he let on.

Bean’s Turn (Because of Course)
Just when I thought we were through the worst of the cat dental adventures, Bean had his checkup. Overall, both cats looked good, but Bean has one bad tooth and some tartar, and our vet recommended a dental for him as well.

Part of me wishes there were a magical way to do cat teeth without anesthesia, because that’s where so much of the cost comes from, but for now, that’s just part of responsible cat care. Two cat dentals in one season is not my favorite budgeting challenge, but I keep reminding myself that mouth pain is miserable and cats are very good at hiding it.

Between Puck’s extractions and Bean’s upcoming dental, I’m more motivated than ever to stay on top of brushing and home care to stretch out the time between future professional cleanings.

Why Cat Teeth Matter (Even When They Pretend They’re Fine)
If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how all‑consuming it can be. Cats, of course, don’t tell us they hurt; they keep eating, keep grooming, and maybe just get a little quieter or clingier. With both Puck and Bean, the signs were subtle: drooling, bad breath, and small changes in behavior rather than dramatic symptoms.

Now that I’ve watched Puck bounce back from his dental, I’m convinced that cat teeth are one of those “pay now or pay more (and in pain) later” situations. I’d rather spend the money proactively than find out years from now that they’ve been living with sore mouths.

So that’s the cat side of things: one kitty with fewer teeth but a better quality of life, and another waiting his turn.

Meanwhile, in Dog Agility Land…
While the cats handle their dental journeys, Stanley and I are busy in a very different department: agility.

I went to my first agility club meeting last week. I assumed it was just for humans, so I left Stan at home… and then watched several people walk in with their dogs like it was the most normal thing in the world. Even without him there, it was a great experience. Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I left feeling like I joined at exactly the right time.

Our club’s big trial is coming up in May, and I’ll be volunteering so I can see what everything looks like from the inside. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to get a feel for how a full trial day runs, what the energy is like, and how dogs handle being around all those sights, sounds, and smells.

In June, the club will have a booth at a fundraising event for the SPCA where I take classes. There’s going to be a small agility course and demos. I don’t think I’ll be ready for an official demo yet, but I’ve already been told I can volunteer at the booth and run the course at an unofficial time so Stan can try it out with people and distractions around. That feels like the perfect low‑pressure way to dip our toes (and paws) into the “real world” of agility.

Getting Ready: Travel Crate and Focus Work
If we ever do compete, Stanley will need to be comfortable hanging out in a travel crate while we wait for our runs. That means I need to stop just thinking about a crate and actually get one, and then do the slow, patient work of making it a happy place. Stanley loves his crate at home, so it is just a matter of getting him used to a travel crate.

I found a used portable travel crate, on Facebook Marketplace. I wasn’t going to buy one right now, but it was less than half the price of new, and it had only been used for a couple of weeks. I just got it, so now I’ll start introducing it at home with all the good stuff: comfy bedding, chews, and short, positive sessions so it becomes his little safe den instead of “the boring place I sit when mom disappears.”

Class-wise, Stan is still doing weekly agility and having a blast. Two weeks ago we had a rough night—he was super distracted and not listening at all. I’ve been working hard on “with me,” “watch me,” and “touch” (hand targeting) to help him stay engaged when the world gets interesting. He’s brave about obstacles; the real work right now is focus and teamwork.

Last class, we worked on the teeter, which he’s only done once before. He ran right up like it was no big deal. He’s solid on the tunnel, the A‑frame, and the other equipment. It’s the in‑between pieces—staying with me, reading my cues, and remembering that zoomies are not always on the lesson plan—that we’re working through.

Now that the weather is nicer, I’ve been setting up jumps and weave poles on the back porch and practicing outside. It’s not as distracting as class, but it’s a big step up from our quiet living room. Birds, neighborhood noises, and random smells make great “practice distractions.”

Playdates, Practice, and a House Full of Projects
Because Stan has a lot of energy (and feelings), I’ve also started trying to line up playdates with other small dogs. We had one playdate last week with a dog from his rescue network. It went pretty well, though I suspect Stan may be a little on the “too enthusiastic” side for her. We’re going to try again next week and see how they do with a second meeting.

We also met an adorable little dog at the dog park that he absolutely loved playing with. I was supposed to meet her again last week, but the weather didn’t cooperate. I’m planning to try the same time again this week and see if we run into them. Note to self: next time, just exchange numbers instead of trusting my luck!

So that’s life here at the moment: one cat recovering from dental extractions, another waiting for his own date with the toothbrush and scaler, a tiny dog learning that teeters are fun and focus is hard, and me trying to keep everyone’s teeth, brains, and bodies busy and healthy.

Soon, Hector has her six month check up, so I’ll be sure to update after that.

If you’ve dealt with cat dentals or have tips for improving Stanley’s focus, I’d love to hear them in the comments.

Stanley’s Rabies Shot, Kennel Stay, and Agility News

Travel always makes me a little nervous when it comes to pet care, but I’m happy to report that everything went really smoothly this time around.

Stan had his rabies shot before my trip, and he did absolutely fine with it. No reaction at all, and he bounced right back to his usual goofy self.

He also had a long kennel stay – eight days while I was away. I’m so thankful we made it back in time to pick him up before the kennel closed that last night, so he didn’t have to spend an extra night there. He came home happy and relaxed, which is always such a relief. I don’t love leaving him for that long, but I really do like this kennel. The dogs are in playgroups with other dogs all day long, which I’m sure Stanley loves.

Loved seeing this little one hanging in the yard yesterday!

Now that we’re back, I’m excited to start a new round of agility classes with him on Thursday night. We also just got approved to join the New England Agility Club! I’m looking forward to getting to know this new group and expanding my agility knowledge – who knows, maybe Stan and I will even compete someday.

The rest of the crew did great while I was gone, too. I found a wonderful new pet sitter to check on the house and the pets, and she and her team were fantastic. Everything looked great, and all the pets were happy when we got home. She sent daily updates and remembered all the little details I asked about – replacing the dragon’s bulb when it burned out, refilling the dry cat food, emptying the bottoms of the automatic litter boxes, and more. Very professional and detail-oriented, and I’m so glad to have her in our pet-care toolbox now.

Traveling always reminds me how important it is to have a pet-care setup you really trust, whether that’s a kennel, a sitter, or a mix of both.

How about you?

What do you do with your pets when you travel – kennel, in-home sitter, trusted friend or family, something else?

How do you decide when a kennel stay is “too long” for your pet?

Do you have any tips for making travel less stressful for nervous pet parents (like me)?

I’d love to hear what works for you and your furry (or scaly!) family members.

Rabies Day, a Settled Diet, and Travel Jitters: A Stanley Update

Rabies vaccines, picky tummies, and travel jitters — Stanley managed to hit all three this week.

Today was rabies day for my sensitive little guy. Because he’s had vaccine reactions in the past, I asked the vet to do only rabies at this visit, nothing combined and nothing extra. We did his Bordetella/kennel cough last week as a stand-alone, and that one went totally smoothly, which makes me feel a tiny bit braver about the whole vaccine thing. I’m hoping that once we make it through a full year of vaccines with him, I’ll have a better sense of what his body can handle and I’ll feel a little safer each time we walk into the clinic.

Next month, we’ll go back for his distemper combo, again as its own visit. Then June is the big mental hurdle: leptospirosis and Lyme, which is when he had a reaction before. I’m already thinking about how to handle that. A lot of vets consider lepto and Lyme “lifestyle” vaccines and will space them way out or even skip one if the dog’s reaction risk seems higher than their disease risk, especially in small dogs or dogs with a history of vaccine sensitivity. Some clinics will pre-medicate with an antihistamine, keep the dog for a longer observation period, and never give more than one higher-risk shot in a day — all things I’ll be talking through with my vet before we get anywhere near June. For now, I’m keeping my expectations simple: one vaccine at a time, lots of notes about how he does, and no heroics.

Other than the boring vaccine update, the check-up itself went really well. Stanley’s weight looks good, and his current diet got a thumbs-up. That feels like a minor miracle after how much I’ve tinkered with his food over the past few months. I’ve tried so many different foods with him that I finally hit my limit: I’m done with the experiments. His main food is going to stay Hill’s Science Diet dry for small dogs with sensitive stomachs, with a tablespoon of Happy Howl mixed in for flavor. That’s it. No more “maybe this new thing will be perfect” impulse buys, at least not for a good long while.

Because he’s a small dog with a touchy tummy, I really have to watch quantities so he doesn’t end up gassy or with loose poop again. I’m also trying to be more honest with myself about treats. He still gets no table food — other than the very rare bits of American cheese when I absolutely have to get a pill into him — and the rest of his “extras” are pretty boring on purpose. Treats right now are either his regular kibble, some dry chicken bites that I buy, or occasional chicken jerky. It doesn’t sound exciting, but for him, consistent and predictable works better than a constant parade of novelty.

On top of the health stuff, I’m in trip-prep mode and starting to feel that familiar little knot in my stomach about leaving all the pets. I’m very happy with my new house pet sitter and really like her energy; I think (and hope) she’s going to be great with the whole crew. Still, leaving Stanley is the part that makes me pause. I love his kennel and the people there, but eight days is a lot for a little dog who’s so attached to his routine and his people.

To make it easier on him (and me), I’ll be sending him with all the comforts of home: his own food, his blankets, his bed, and a favorite toy. It’s my way of saying, “This is different, but you’re still safe, and you’re still you.” Between the careful vaccine schedule, the now-boring but steady diet, and a sitter and kennel I trust, I feel like I’m slowly building a safety net around this sensitive, silly little dog — one vet visit and one small decision at a time.

Quick Vaccine Tips for Sensitive Dogs

Ask for one vaccine per visit. Spacing vaccines out makes it easier to spot which one caused a problem and is often easier on sensitive dogs.
Talk to your vet about pre-medication. For dogs with a history of reactions, some vets use an antihistamine (and sometimes a short-acting steroid) before the shot and monitor the dog longer afterward.
Schedule vaccines when you can watch them. Book appointments for times when you can keep an eye on your dog for the rest of the day, and know where your nearest emergency vet is just in case.
Keep clear records. Write down which vaccine was given, the brand, and any reaction you see (even mild ones like extra sleepiness), so you and your vet can make better decisions over time.
Remember that some vaccines are lifestyle-based. Core vaccines (like rabies and distemper) are generally recommended for all dogs, but others (like leptospirosis and Lyme) depend on your dog’s lifestyle and local risk, and may be spaced out or skipped in some sensitive dogs.

Have you ever had to deal with vaccine or other sensitivities with your Pup? Let me know, leave me a comment.

Stanley’s Agility Joy (And a Few Training Bumps)

Stanley and I have been trying a little bit of everything lately: manners and obedience, some scent work, and now agility. Agility is, by far, the clear favorite. He lights up as soon as we pull into the parking lot, and even though he’s still distracted and wiggly, we can now get through a small course off leash.

We technically finished this round of classes last night. There is one more class on the schedule, but we’ll have to miss it because I’ll be traveling. I’m already counting the days until we can start again at the end of April.

What Stanley Loves (And Doesn’t) On Course
Stanley has strong opinions about obstacles. Tunnels are pure joy — he charges through them with his tail up like he’s on a mission. The balance board? Not his favorite, but he’ll tolerate it if there are good cookies involved.

Last night, for the first time, he decided he really did not like the A‑frame. He slipped a couple of times on the way down, and I’m pretty sure his slightly-long claws aren’t helping with traction. He has a vet appointment on Monday, so I’ll make sure we get those nails trimmed and then reintroduce the A‑frame slowly, with lots of encouragement.

The Zoomies Heard ’Round the Ring
The best moment from class last night might be one I wish I had on video. We were practicing having the dogs stay while handlers moved ahead to start the course. Stanley’s version of this was… creative.

He tried so hard to stay with me, and after a few attempts, he just couldn’t contain himself. He got the zoomies, took off, and started sprinting the perimeter of the room. He greeted every dog, did a few jumps, dove into the tunnel, and then did more jumps on his own. He was absolutely thrilled with himself.

Everyone in class was laughing, and of course he soaked up the attention. It was one of those moments where training and pure joy collide, and even though it wasn’t what we were supposed to be doing, it reminded me why I love this sport with him.

In the meantime, we’ll be focusing on some basic manners before the next session starts: staying, waiting, and learning that sometimes we watch quietly instead of doing all the things all at once!

Big Plans: A Local Agility Club
To keep the momentum going, I’ve applied to join a local agility club, and I’m super excited about it. My current instructor is on the board and says it’s a great group of people. They get together at different locations to practice and even go to competitions together.

I love the idea of being around more like‑minded dog people and having a community that understands why we get so excited about tunnels and weave poles. I’m really looking forward to meeting new friends — for both me and Stanley.

Real Life At Home: Crates, Poops, and Other Pets
Outside of class, Stanley is still very much a work in progress. The good news is that he almost never has accidents in the house anymore. The not‑so‑good news is that he still sometimes poops in his crate. It’s become one of those habits I’m not sure I’ll ever completely break, but we’re not giving up yet. Maybe once the weather gets less frigid?

I’m also really looking forward to some warm weather and being able to work with him outside. A little sunshine, more space, and fewer winter distractions will be good for both of us.

The rest of the crew is doing well. Hector is her cranky old self, happily destroying new toys and methodically deconstructing any cardboard box that dares to enter the house. Lizard had a lovely soak in the sink today, and the cats were very entertained watching the whole process.

So that’s where we are right now: a small dog who thinks tunnels are the best thing ever, a human trying to remember that progress is never a straight line, and a house full of pets keeping life interesting while we wait for spring.

How I Accidentally Made My Dog a Picky Eater (And Upset His Tummy)

Last night I was up way too late thinking about my little Stanley and his tummy. I kept coming back to the same picture: a gassy, slightly picky small dog who strains a bit at the end of his poop and often leaves a little smear of diarrhea. It’s never seemed like a full-blown medical crisis, so I didn’t worry too much. But now that I’m deep in “fix the diet” mode, all the pieces are starting to come together.

And unfortunately, the common denominator is me.

The Perfect Storm: Great Intentions, Sensitive Tummy

From the day I brought Stanley home, I’ve been on a mission to find the “best” food for him. That meant trying different kibbles, different “fresh” foods, different formulas, and searching for the magic combination that would check every box. On top of that, Stanley isn’t just a couch potato. We train. A lot.

We’re in classes almost every week, and at home we do:
– Obedience
– Agility
– Nose work

It’s wonderful for his brain and our relationship, but there’s a side effect: training equals treats. Lots of them.

With a small dog, those treats add up very quickly, and I think that’s where things really started to go sideways. Too much variety, too many extras, and too many changes have probably been overwhelming his tiny tummy.

How I (Accidentally) Created a Picky Eater

Here’s what I’ve realized about our routine:

– I’ve changed his food several times trying to find “the one.”
– I’ve been very generous with treats during training, often not accounting for how small he really is.
– I’ve given him lots of options and variety with the best intentions.

What happens when you constantly rotate foods and also hand out a steady stream of treats? The main meals start to look a lot less exciting. For a little 11 lb dog, a handful of training treats can be like a second meal in disguise.

I’m starting to believe that I’ve actually taught Stanley to be picky. Why eat your boring, balanced kibble when mom is always handing out something different and often tastier?

On top of that, all the variety and extra calories may have been irritating his gut. The pattern—gas, straining a bit at the end, and a soft smear of stool—is exactly what you might see with a mildly upset colon or early, diet-related colitis.

The New Plan: Simple, Consistent, and Kind to His Gut

So, here’s the new game plan for Stanley:

– No more free-choice food.
– Two structured meals a day of Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach formula, and that’s it for his main diet.
– Careful attention to quantities; for an 11 lb dog, about 3/4 cup of food per day is plenty, adjusted as needed for his body condition.
– Treats only for training, and every treat gets cut into much smaller pieces.

Stanley doesn’t really get table food, so at least I don’t have to undo that habit. But I do have to face the reality that feeding handfuls of even “healthy” treats throughout the day just isn’t fair to his digestive system.

Right now, I suspect he has a mild case of colitis—nothing dramatic, but enough to cause gas and that inconsistent poop—from too much food, too much variety, too many treats, and inconsistent feeding patterns. The good news is that I think I’ve caught it early enough that with better structure and consistency, we can get him back on track without medical intervention.

How I’m Managing Training Treats Going Forward

Cutting back on treats doesn’t mean cutting back on training. It just means getting smarter about how I use them.

Here’s what I’m changing:
– Tiny treat sizes: Every treat is now chopped into very small pieces. One “normal” treat can easily become five or more rewards.
– Treats count toward his daily food: No more pretending they don’t exist. If he gets more treats in a day, his meal portions go down a bit to keep his total intake reasonable.
– More focus on consistency: I’m limiting the number of different treat types and sticking mostly to a couple of simple options rather than a constant rotation.

The goal is to keep his training fun and motivating without overwhelming his digestive system or teaching him that “real” food is optional.

Moving Forward (And a Little Apology to Stanley)

For now, the plan is simple: smaller quantities, a fixed schedule, and consistent food. Once his stomach has had time to settle and his poop and gas normalize, I’ll reassess. At that point, I might keep him on the Hill’s or very slowly and carefully try introducing another food, but only if there’s a good reason to make a change.

Most importantly, I’m done with chasing the “perfect” food at the expense of his gut. Sometimes “good, consistent, and appropriate for your dog” beats “perfect” on paper.

So, here it is in writing: I’m sorry, Stanley. I truly thought I was doing the right thing, trying to give you the best of everything. Instead, I think I unintentionally turned you into a picky eater and upset your tiny tummy in the process. The good news is that you’ve got a mom who’s always learning—and from here on out, we’re going for calm, consistent, and gentle on your stomach.

The Cat Burrito That Changed Everything 🌯😸 (Or: How I Trimmed Puck’s Nails Solo!)

Happy Valentine’s Day! Stan celebrated the day with a Starbucks Pup Cup! On the way home, with the windows open, I remembered why it has been a long time since he’s had one!

Remember how I mentioned Puck has extra claws on each front foot? Well, let me tell you about the battle that nail trimming has been in this house.

For years — and I mean years — it’s been a two-person job. One person restrains Puck, the other attempts to trim. And somehow, no matter how careful we are, we end up needing bandaids. For us, not him. Those extra claws are his secret weapons, and he is NOT a fan of having them touched.

So when I saw this Cat Grooming Wrap on Amazon, I added it to Puck’s Christmas list. Best. Decision. Ever.

The Solo Nail Trim Victory 🏆

This morning I trimmed Puck’s nails. All by myself.

Do you understand what a HUGE win this is? Let me say it again: I trimmed all of Puck’s nails — including those evil extra claws he hates having messed with — completely alone.

He purred through most of it.

I know. I’m as shocked as you are.

How It Works (AKA: The Magic Burrito)

The wrap is super soft, but here’s the magic: it sticks to itself using some kind of gentle grip material. No velcro, no buckles, nothing harsh. You literally wrap your cat up like a little burrito, and they feel secure.

Here’s what I did:

Wrapped Puck up snugly (think baby swaddle, but cat-sized)
Pulled out one paw at a time as I needed it
Trimmed the nails on that paw
Tucked the paw back in and moved to the next one

Did Puck love every second? No. He hissed a couple of times when I got to those extra claws — he’s made it clear throughout his life that those are off-limits in his opinion. But he stayed calm, he purred for most of the process, and most importantly: nobody bled.

That’s a win in my book.

Why I Wish I’d Bought This Years Ago

I’ve spent literal years thinking nail trims just HAD to be a wrestling match. I thought that’s just how it was with difficult cats. Turns out, sometimes the answer is simpler than you think.

The wrap makes Puck feel secure rather than restrained. There’s a difference. It’s soft enough that he’s comfortable, but snug enough that he can’t flail around or scratch me to pieces while I’m trying to work.

For anyone else dealing with a cat who acts like nail trimming is the end of the world — or in Puck’s case, a cat with bonus murder mittens — I cannot recommend this enough. It’s under $10. It’s washable. It takes up almost no space.

I now consider this a cat essential. Right up there with food bowls and litter boxes.

The Bottom Line

If you have a cat that’s difficult to handle for grooming — whether it’s nails, brushing, or even giving medication — this wrap is worth every penny. It’s gentle but effective, and it might just save you from needing a second person (and a first aid kit).

You can find it here on Amazon. They have different sizes, so check which one fits your cat’s weight.

Opinion: Sometimes the best pet products are the simple ones. Not every solution needs to be high-tech or expensive. Sometimes you just need a well-designed burrito wrap and a little patience.

Martin Finally Discovered the Catlink Open-X (And the Couch is Safe!) 🎉

Remember when I mentioned my son set up that new Catlink Open-X litter box a few weeks ago? The one I won from Catlink? Well, let me tell you about the stubbornness of cats and the sweet victory of patience.

For the first couple of weeks, Martin completely ignored it. I mean, totally pretended it didn’t exist. This beautiful open-top automatic litter box just sat there, looking all fancy and unused, while Martin continued his… let’s call them “questionable” bathroom choices.

But here’s the interesting part: after weeks of ignoring his new option, Martin finally decided to give it a try. And now? He’s claimed it as his box. The open-top design is apparently more his style.

Meanwhile, his sister Martha is perfectly happy with the old closed automatic box. So now my son has two automatic boxes and two cats who’ve worked out their own little territory arrangement. Honestly? I’m not mad about it.

The best news? Since Martin started using the Catlink Open-X, he’s stopped peeing on the couch. Do you hear that? That’s the sound of one very relieved household. No more enzyme cleaner. No more surprise laundry days. Just a cat using an actual litter box like he’s supposed to.

Now, it’s not perfect. The Open-X doesn’t always clean as thoroughly as we’d like — sometimes it leaves a little behind. But my son discovered you can adjust it to the “soft stool” setting, and that seems to be helping quite a bit. A little tweaking here and there is totally worth it for a pee-free couch.

In Other Pet News…

Puck is doing really well after his dental! He’s adjusting to having his teeth brushed a couple of times a week — which is definitely a learning curve for both of us. I’m working on a full dental care routine for all the pets, and I’ll post more details about that soon.

Stanley just started a new agility class and is learning weave poles! Watching him figure them out has been so fun. More on his progress coming soon.

Also, I’ve been using AI to help me with Stanley’s VERY picky eating, and the new system is working! More about that soon as well.

Opinion: Sometimes you just have to let cats be cats. And sometimes that means having two litter boxes even if you thought one fancy automatic one would do the job. Martin taught us patience, and in return, the couch is safe. I’ll call that a win.