Sunday, May 27, 2012

Day 516 @ Farm House

Zero G's - Puddle "Jumper"; 
tricolour: black/white/brown; weight: 46.5 pounds. 



Puddle is ordering a round of farm house rabbit stew; he is pictured here calling an order up, while the young one ponders about a dog's life.  

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Day 487- Canadian Duck Trolling








Duck-Dogs
Duck dogs dawdle
As they waddle
Up the walk,
And they talk
About the weather
In the Netherlands
And Spain,
And they drink drips dry
Around the house,
Around the clock,
And they wonder
As they wander,
"Will it rain?
Will it rain?"
By Rick Walton


Sunday, April 22, 2012

Day 480 Jackie Parker Off Leash Dog Park



Brushing your dog’s teeth is a noble act, but one can achieve better results from letting them chew on raw bones. Raw knuckle bones (the joints) in particular are great because they are soft and still have some tendons and muscle meat attached. They look kind of round like the shape of your fist. These bones clean your dog’s teeth in addition to providing them with a nice oral workout – not to mention a healthy dose of natural calcium.Raw knuckle bones are recommend versus cooked or sterilized bones. Cooked bones are more likely to splinter from the effect that high cooking temperatures have on them. And cooked bones, especially the white sterilized bones from the pet stores, will also be deprived of beneficial nutrients which raw knuckle bones are chock full of.  Most people advise never to feed or give your dog COOKED bones. 









Thursday, April 12, 2012

puddle Diet


 RAW CHICKEN
RAW CHICKEN – necks, wings etc. – it is safe and very inexpensive. Raw chicken bones are harmless; it is when you cook them that they become sharp and dangerous. Salmonella and campylobacter jejuni are of no consequence to a healthy dog. You can feed the whole chicken including ribs if you prefer – any part is good which sells for a good price, always raw.
  RAW MEAT
RAW MEATY BONES -  cheap grade hamburger is fine. The best raw meat to feed is lamb/sheep meat. Dogs do not need to get any meat ground up – cut in pieces is better or attached to the bone is best. Ground up internal organs with muscle meat is far better than just muscle meat.
  RAW LIVER
RAW LIVER - give 2-3 pieces 3 times a week, or any other organ meat; heart, kidney or tripe. Dogs must have organ meat weekly – lack of taurine – an amino acid abundant in hearts will cause dogs to seizure.
  RAW EGGS 
RAW EGGs (including the shell) –  Boiled or scrambled eggs are fine too. Offer raw egg yolk to the dogs you are not feeding raw liver or other raw organ meats. Be sure you use egg yolks from chickens fed free range - it will say so on the box. Three times a week for Puddle.
 SARDINES IN SOY OIL
SARDINES (IN OLIVE OIL) – Give one can once or twice weekly, instead of raw meat/liver. Dogs love it  - it’s very, very good for your dog and a nice change now and then.
 RAW VEGETABLES
RAW  or COOKED VEGETABLES (only as a filler) – cooked potatoes (great food for dogs)—carrots, or broccoli stems, or any vegetables you like or are in season like cauliflower, brussel sprouts, avocados, pumpkin, squash, peas, beans, etc.. Fruits are excellent, apples, pears etc, it’s best to steam vegetables. Then crunch and feed to dog. Raw, cooked or steamed vegetables. 


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Any of the above foods are excellent for your dog – vary his diet so not the same every day.

Feed raw meaty bones from chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, rabbit, pork, as well as the muscle meat from these animals. 

Usually Puddle eats a minimum of 80% meat, 10% vegetables and/or fruits (as a filler, boiled potatoes are fine), and 10% offal (ie  organ meats such as heart, liver, kidneys.). 
Based on his weight (feeding amount is based on weight and activity level), Puddle usually eats one pound of raw food per day. For example, a daily meal may consist of raw chicken, a bit of veggies and organ meats. 

RAW KNUCKLEBONES several times weekly – important for the minerals and to clean his teeth. Bone marrow from raw bones is very important for your dog’s hips and bones (big ol' raw soup bones work great)

KEEP IN MIND THAT WHAT YOU WANT TO AVOID IS PROCESSED FOOD. ANYTHING THAT HAS BEEN HEATED EVEN A MINUTE IN THE MICROWAVE HAS LOST ITS ENZYMES.

Dogs need live food, which means raw, fresh, and uncooked. Dogs should eat only meats & vegetables. Avoid all grains – most dogs become allergic to them. Also no rice! Wheat, soy and dairy are the biggest cause of allergies in dogs (seizures are a form of allergy). Dogs are carnivores with a powerful digestive system. They have survived fourteen-thousand+ years on raw meat. 

IDEALLY YOU SHOULD NOT GIVE ANY DRY FOOD....

Sunday, March 18, 2012

So Important to Remind. Raw is Best

The Ultimate Diet (RAW-based) Primary References

By Kymythy R. Schultze, CCN, AHI




What the cupboard should contain:

  • Raw based feed 20% fruits/veggies/organs, 80% muscle meat and bone (beef, chicken, fish, bison, lamb)... veggies must be juiced, 1-2 tablespoons per day of above ground veggies or appropriate fruits. (Note: Since dogs are carnivores, many argue veggies and fruits are an unnecessary part of a canine's diet. Rather, it would be best to feed the canine raw animals that are herbivores rather than raw veggies/fruits.) For example:
  • a daily diet of raw chicken frames, backs, and legs (whole or ground) (meal portion depends on age)  
  • mixed in with raw MEATY BONES (eg. beef marrow bones, beef femur or knuckle bones, etc.) for recreational chewing, psychological development, muscle growth, teeth. (bigger the bone, the better)
  • green unbleached raw tripe
  • beef/chicken liver, heart, or lung
  • veggies/fruits (mushed or juiced) are optional
  • raw or boiled eggs 
  • Over time, introducing small portions, one can introduce other meats. 
The maybes.... [Note: many argue that supplements are NOT NECESSARY with a canine who is fed a raw based RMB (raw MEATY BONES, emphasis on meaty bones) diet based on the above noted essentials] [For example, I provide Puddle with the maybe's from time to time (ie. 1 or 2 times a week for the added boost of essential elements during his puppy years]
  • cod liver oil - vit D, esp during winter months. But should be added in daily depending on weight of the animal. Do NOT Overdose on cod liver oil since there are detrimental side effects. For 20 pound puppy, approx. 1250 IU vitamin A and under is best//100IU vitamin D and under is best; 1/2 teaspoon. You can drop down the dosage and interval if you are feeding the canine raw offal such as beef liver.
  • salmon oil, for omega 3/6, contributes to nice shiny oily coats
  • vitamin c 1000-1500 IUs per day
  • 1/4 teaspoon of kelp powder + 1/4 teaspoon of alfalfa powder for a wide range of essential vitamins (per cup of food) (a wonderful source of multi vitamins)
Optional:
Prozyme (trade mark)- by eating raw the pup is argued to get the necessary enzymes.... however, prozyme/or prozyme pro help to provide necessary digestive enzymes, regardless.... also, the older the animal the more prevalent its use for assisting with the animal's digestion (especially on dry kibble). Also, very good to use while transitioning a dog over to RAW or to be used at all times for a dog fed on kibble.

Treats include such raw items as diced nuts - pecans, almonds, sunflower/pumpkin seeds, diced fruits (no grapes), etc.

The Bone and Biscuit Company 


Disclaimer: I am not a vet or a health care professional. Feeding a raw species appropriate diet can be a controversial topic, and like any feeding regimen can have health risks associated with incorrect feeding and preparation. DO NOT FEED COOKED BONES, ever! Cooking bones changes the molecular structure, they become brittle and may splinter and injure or kill your dog!! NO COOKED BONES.
Do your own research FIRST before diving into a new method of feeding your dog. Read as many books and articles as you can, talk to successful raw feeders and find a mentor, and use your own judgment and gut instinct. If you aren’t comfortable with it, DON’T do it. Remember there are many ways to feed your dogs, with many variations. Just because I don’t cover it here, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
The ideas and opinions in this section of the web site are my own, and come from feeding my dog.
I will be constantly evolving, tweaking and changing my ideas as my knowledge and experience increases. Take any ideas I present here at your own risk and discretion.
I hope you and your dogs enjoy many healthy years together.

Day 446






My Dream Sport
Kennedy Bowering, Grade 8, Broxton Park School, Spruce Grove
I step onto the ice, shaking
Time has stopped
This is it
This is the moment I have trained for
This is my life
When the music starts my anxieties disappear
I hear cheering from the stands
I twirl and jump and soar with glee
This is who I am

Poetry on the Edmonton Transit System

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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Day 432 0.6 degrees Celsius; light snow, overcast

Location Bearspaw, Edmonton/Alberta. Bearspaw, a residential neighbourhood located in south west EdmontonAlbertaCanada, is named after the Stony Indian Chief Masgwaahisd (Bearspaw).  The Big Bear Park, a large hill/cliff, provides access to the woods on the banks of Blackmud Creek Ravine, and is casually called 'the Ravine' by the residents.
http://zerogpuddle.blogspot.com/2012/01/progression.html











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Monday, February 20, 2012

Day 419 - Trekn' through Mill Creek Ravine Park (-2 degrees Celsius)



























Mill Creek Ravine Park provides Puddle an opportunity to meet other dogs in an off leash environment; the park providing 100s of acres of hiking along the creek side, valley floor. Mill Creek is one of many off leash dog parks dotted around the city. Here the city provide park benches, tables, bridge walk ways, poop bins.



View Zero G's - Puddle Jumper in a larger map






The Mill Creek Trestle Bridge is a bridge that Puddle the Edmonton Shepherd uses during his winter jaunts. The bridge is one of the last physical reminders of the existence of the Edmonton, Yukon and Pacific Railway line, which was the first rail connection between the towns of Strathcona and Edmonton. Completed in 1902, the railway followed the Mill Creek Ravine alignment and crossed the North Saskatchewan River over the Low Level Bridge, providing reliable, convenient passenger and freight transportation services between the two towns as an alternative to John Walter’s ferry further west. Passenger service was provided until 1928, but the railway continued to provide a vital link until the 1950’s between the river valley industries and Edmonton’s south side commercial centre, which offered rail connections to the remainder of the province.




Sunday, February 19, 2012

Day 418 - Winter Trek


Walking creek side, covered in newly fallen snow (-4 degrees Celsius, overcast day) - Blackmud Creek, Edmonton Alberta.  
- February 19, 2012


Edmonton provides ample opportunity for extended jaunts and hikes..  For example, Edmonton's North Saskatchewan river valley park linked with its feeder creek extensions make it the largest urban city park system in North America.  


View Puddle G in a larger map

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Friday, February 17, 2012

Puddle the Edmonton Shepherd

Puddle approximately 35 pounds here; pictured here in August 2011.... 




Puddle the Edmonton Shepherd is a medium-sized (as at February 2012, he is approximating 50 pounds), robust, well-balanced, weather resistant, rustic male dog. 


His ears are set high at the side of the head, triangular and slightly rounded at the tip.   When the dog is at full attention the ears break forward and over, or to the side as a rose ear. 


His coat is of medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with an undercoat. The quantity of the undercoat varies with climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head, outside of the ears, front of the forelegs and below the hocks. Backs of his forelegs are moderately feathered; breeches are moderately full.  He has a natural or docked bobtail and is straight. 


His body is slightly longer than his height at the withers. The chest is not broad but is deep with the lowest point reaching the elbow. The front legs are straight, perpendicular to the ground, while his feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. The front dewclaws are not removed, but the back dewclaws have been removed. 


The overall size of the Shepherd's head is in proportion to his body, with the muzzle being equal or slightly shorter than the back skull. The stop is moderate to well-defined. The teeth form scissors and have level bite. His eyes are oval in shape and medium in size, and are mainly brown.


The coat is medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length. There is feathering on the back of the legs, the mane and frill around the neck. 
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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Puddle to the Left!

The one to the left reminds me of the Edmonton Shepherd - Puddle

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

My Mom (Ember) -






The World Championship is the culmination of each year’s Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship Series – the largest disc dog series in the world. The Hyperflite World Championship is the premier event in canine sports and features top competitive teams from around the world. Competitors at the World Championship earn invitations by finishing in the top spots at a Hyperflite Skyhoundz Qualifier. Competing in the Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship is a unique and rewarding experience, the memories of which will last a lifetime. At the World’s, the best canine disc teams on the planet go head-to-head and paw-to-paw in spirited competition as they vie for World Titles in four World Championship Divisions – Sport Division, Micro Dog Division, Pairs Freestyle and the Open Division.

Ember is making her mark on the world. 
Here is just a short list of her most recent appearances and accomplishments.

2009 September
1st place Puppy Rollers Division - Skyhoundz regional tournament

2010 September 1
Dodge World WPCA Chuckwagon Championship - Disc Dog Demo team

2010 September 3
Dodge World WPCA Chuckwagon Championship - Disc Dog Demo team

2010 September 4
5th place Freestyle Division - Skyhoundz regional tournament

2010 September 5
1st place OPEN DIVISION, Expert Class - Skyhoundz World Championship Qualifier
**This gets Ember an invitation to compete against the worlds best disc dogs and their handlers September 25-26 in Chattanooga, TN.**

2010 September 5
1st place Pairs Freestyle Division, Expert Class - Skyhoundz World Championship Qualifier
**This also gets Ember an invitation to compete against the worlds best disc dogs and their handlers September 25-26 in Chattanooga, TN.**


August 25, 2011 update
Ember has qualified for the Skyhoundz World Championships for the second year in a row, taking 1st place in the Open Expert Division! 
Ember has qualified for the USDDN World Championships taking 3rd place in Superpro Freestyle


RAVINE ACRES EMBER
&
Handler (and best buddy), Kristen McKenna



Skyhoundz Western Canada Regional Qualifier 2010










Sunday, February 12, 2012

Day 411 - 4 degrees of sunshine

Day 411 - Standing ready at 50 pounds. (Location: Bearspaw, Edmonton Alberta
- Currently responding to search and rescue hand signals (rather than having to use voice commands). 









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