We took our own advice and played hooky Monday afternoon and took Jack and Rose for a ride south. It was a beautiful, sunny winter day so we headed to the Marginal Way in Ogunquit. If you haven't done this before, you should really add it to your must-do list the next time you are in Maine.
The Marginal Way is a paved footpath running approximately 1 1/4 miles between Perkins Cove and Ogunquit Beach. The path meanders along the rugged cliff line of the Atlantic Ocean with breathtaking views at every turn. It is a little hilly in places but there are plenty of benches for you and your scalawags to rest and enjoy the scenery. Park in Perkins Cove or in town and pick up the path on Shore Road near the Anchorage by the Sea.
Dogs are welcome on the path October 1st - March 31st and must be leashed (for their safety and yours!). The rest of the year dogs are not permitted on the path.
After walking the Marginal Way, if your dog still has some energy left, stop by the Ogunquit Dog Park. Open from 7am until dusk every day, the dog park is fully fenced with a separate area for small dogs. It is just a short drive from Route 1 and downtown Ogunquit.
Winters in Maine can be long but they don't have to be boring! Get out there and have some winter fun with your best pals. Don't forget your camera!
Say NO to sticks and YES to Safestix! The bendy, twisty, fun to throw and fetch stick that will not hurt your dog like sharp, splintery wood sticks will.
The folks who make Safestix love dogs; it was Razzle, one of their Jack Russell Terriers who inspired the creation of this product. They used to enjoy playing fetch with Razzle until a stick punctured his mouth. After this happened they made it their mission to create a safe alternative to sticks.
Working with leading vets who have seen countless similar injuries from sticks during their careers to create Safestix. You can throw them further, they float in water and they're nice and soft on dogs' mouths. So the next time you go to the park, don't grab a dirty, splintery, sharp old stick -- grab a Safestix instead.
We'd like to introduce you to our newest and coolest Pet ID Tag - TUUB! Just like the name suggests, TUUB is shaped like a little tube which unscrews and holds your pet's ID or medical information. Here are a few of the reasons we like TUUB and think you will too:
It's waterproof!
The information stored inside is easily changeable which makes it perfect for travel (think temporary ID tag).
It is made from anodized aluminum alloys, so it is stylish and durable.
PET COMMUNICATOR SARA MOORE is coming to the HOUNDS TOOTH INN June 5th & July 10th, from 10am to 2pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to get some insight of your canines state of mind.
Sara Moore is becoming well known throughout New England as a gifted Animal Communicator and Reiki Practitioner. She has been helping people, shelters and rescue organizations better understand what animals are thinking and giving them a voice of their own. You can bring your pet or a picture of a pet, either living or deceased, along with questions for Sara. This is not a replacement for licensed veterinary care or training, but is a wonderful compliment to both. For more information on services provided by Sara, go to www.saramoorereiki.com.
Reservations should be done in advance by emailing sbeagen@gmail.com or calling (603)986-9421. Payment in advance using PayPal is preferred. Please notify Sara via email if using PayPal. Payment by cash/check is accepted day of event. $25.00 for 15 minutes.
We have stocked up on many of your favorite Tuffy's Pet Toys and have added a few new ones. If your dog is tough on soft toys and you haven't tried Tuffy's yet, you may want to give them a whirl.
Some of the reasons our customers like Tuffy's...
Big selection of fun shapes for dogs of all sizes
Veterinarian recommended and approved
Machine washable (air dry)
They float!
Each toy is ranked for durability on a Tuff-Scale (below)
They are constructed in layers (details below), thus the increased durability
I just finished reading Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught a Family--and a Whole Town--About Hope and Happy Endings by Janet Elder and it got me thinking about what I would do if one of my dogs got lost.
In the book, the author and her family left their puppy with a relative out of state while they went on vacation. The puppy escapes, the family cuts short their vacation, and everyone in the family and community search for the missing dog. I was so impressed by their search methods, I thought it would be helpful to make a list of to-do's "just in case."
Offer a Reward - Decide this up front. Money talks and if you can, offer a reward in all outreach efforts. In the book the family decided to offer $1,000 but $100 may be just as effective.
Make Lost Dog Flyers - You'll want to make these up right away as you will be distributing them everywhere you go. Include a current photo of the pet, pet's name, information about the reward (if applicable) and your contact info. In the case of Huck, the family told people to offer the dog cream cheese, his favorite food. They also included "heartbroken boy" hoping this would make people take notice. If you have access to a color copier, that is preferable and you may also want to purchase plastic sleeves to put the flyers in so they don't get wet if if rains. You'll also need a staple gun and/or some nails and a hammer.
Alert Local Officials - If possible, visit the local police station and explain the situation. Ask them if they can help you spread the word within their department and in neighboring communities. Make sure your local Animal Control Officer is also notified.
Call the Local Newspaper(s) - Place a lost dog ad using the lost dog flyer. Newspapers have printing deadlines so to this as soon as possible.
Alert Local Pet Related Businesses - Visit or call all of the local animal shelters, veterinarian offices and animal hospitals, groomers, training facilities and doggie daycares.
Post Flyers Throughout the Neighborhood - In addition to the key targets above, post flyers in the neighborhood where the dog was last seen.
Post Flyers in Local Businesses - Visit as many local businesses you can to ask if they will post your flyer. Be sure to hit the grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, banks, post office, home improvement centers, anywhere local people frequent.
Visit Local Schools - Ask local school administrators if you can post flyers where families will be sure to see them. Enlist the school's support to reach student groups which may be able to help you search for your dog.
Knock on Doors - If your dog is spotted in a particular neighborhood, start knocking on doors to let folks know about your dog and ask (beg) them to take your contact information.
Stock Up on Bribes - Stressed and traumatized dogs are not always predictable. You may find yourself in a situation where you need to coax your dog with his favorite treat or toy. and don't forget the leash!
Keep Notes - Huck's family had a local map which they used to note Huck sightings and to target their search efforts.
Ask for Help - It's okay to impose on your friends and family in a crisis. Losing a pet is emotionally and physically exhausting, not to mention stressful. Don't be afraid to ask for help. The more people looking for your pet, the better!
I'm sure there are many other things which could be added to this list but it is a good start. The most important things to remember are to mobilize a search quickly and to generate as much publicity as you can.
It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway...stay current with your dog's vaccinations and make sure your dog has up-to-date ID tags (and/or microchip) at all times.
