10 Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween is coming, and I'm so excited to spend it with my friends, like I did the other day with friends Rocky and Cash!  Here are some safety tips provided by PetMd.com that should be helpful to keep us safe!

Halloween can be a festive and fun time for children and families. But for pets? Let's face it, it can be a downright nightmare. Forgo the stress and dangers this year by following these 10 easy tips.

1. Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets.
All forms of chocolate -- especially baking or dark chocolate -- can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures. And while xylitol toxicity in cats has yet to be established, it's better to be safe than sorry.

2. Don't leave pets out in the yard on Halloween.
Surprisingly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexcusable? Yes! But preventable nonetheless.

Person-sitting

I've been person-sitting one of Mama's friends, Marisa for a few days.  She needed extra puppy cuddles and snuggles, so I volunteered to help!  

I went to her house on Saturday after a hot day at Fog Fest.  I was so hot that Marisa gave me a nice cool soapy bath!  After my bath I felt so good I ran around the house for a long time!!  Finally I stopped and she gave me a yummy dinner.  We then stayed up and watched movies and snuggled in bed.  

It was really late when a man came right in to the house so I had to bark at him and protect Marisa. But Marisa seemed to know him since she said he was her "husband." Then she kissed him hello.  I gave him some room on the bed, and he finished the movie with us.  

On Sunday, Marisa's husband took me out to do my business the next morning and called me a "Good Boy" so I started to like him.  Marisa made me a yummy breakfast.  Then we all sat and watched a little television.  Marisa's husband left for what he called "work" so I stayed with Marisa and watched her clean the house.  She brought out a vacuum and I was a good boy and stayed on the couch out of her way.  She was spraying stuff and then wiping it off, moving clothes around, and brushing things. I just made sure to stay out of her way, but I kept an eye on her to make sure she did a good job. 

Pet of the Week

The other day I made a new friend!  His name is Dude, and he is a 10-week old purebred bloodhound.  He had lots of skin!

And he also had humongous feet!  He was a little shy at first, but then started playing.

Pet of the Week

This week's pet of the week is my buddy Fizzgig!  He stops by my office often to see if I'm available to play.  Mama took a video of us sniffing each other.

Fizzgig lives across the street from my office and come over to say hi all the time.

If you want to come say hi, I'll give you a snack and play with you.  Come by at 450 Dondee Way, Suite #7 in Pacifica, right by Rockaway Beach!

Making Friends at the Vet

So the vet is not the ideal place to make friends, but Mama took me there yesterday because I wasn't feeling well.  The doctor thinks it could be an enlarged colon and they'll have to do some tests.  Not one to turn down the opportunity to meet other fellow canines in the community, I took the time in between tests to make friends with the other dogs there.  We instantly all became pals!  

This is Zeus, an American Bulldog that looks like a boxer!  

He is a rescue dog and has been with his new owners for only 3 days.  His new family may rename him Spaghetti, because his first visit to the beach his legs were like spaghetti in the water!  I hope Zeus works out well with his new family.

Goodbye, Jake

Photo by Bijou Blue Photography

It is with deep sadness that I share the devastating news of the loss of my fellow blogger, Jake.  My dear friend passed away November 20.

Jake's owner, Marisa Ryan, heard about Jake when he was 6 years old.  He was living with his second owner in Oregon, having been rescued from an abusive home.  As a puppy Jake was raised to be a hunting and breeding dog, but instead he just loved to play fetch and swim, rather than hunt.  Frustrated, his first owner would severely punish Jake, making him unable to socialize or do any of the duties expected of him.

At his second home, he became part of a loving family.  However, they could not exercise him and give him the amount of attention he needed.  That is when Marisa heard about him, and drove all the way to Salem, Oregon to meet him.

Thanksgiving Weekend Recap

While Mama visited family in Texas, I spent my Thanksgiving vacation napping with my friends MaMa Too Too and Mango Too Too at Villa Escalona in El Granada. 

I also got lots of walks with Bryan and plenty of couch time with Jeannene!

I hope you had a restful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

We Match!

One of Mama's and my friends, Marisa Ryan -- who has been essential in putting this blog together -- was wearing a sweater that I really liked!  

We had to take a picture together, and I made sure to make the same expression as the pup on her sweater.  

Marisa is a graphic designer and social media guru, and has her own company called M. Ryan Media Design.  Thanks, Marisa for all you do for the blog!

Weekend Recap

Mama and I spent the weekend in Sonoma!  We decided to go to Pet Food Express to start the trip so I could get a new collar.  

We saw a sign outside that says the Bay Area Pet Fair is coming October 10 and 11!  Can't wait!  Go to bayareapetfair.org for more info.

Weekend Recap

I had a great relaxing weekend with Mama!  We spent Saturday at the beach people-watching, and Mama finished a book.

Sunday was spent at my extended family's home at Villa Escalona in El Granada.   But I'm not the only furry friend there...there are two of the "TOO TOO" kitties: Mango Too Too and Mama Too Too.  They're fun to hang out with, but I mostly love to just chill under a blanket on the couch with Jeannine.

A cozy, lazy weekend for sure!

Pup of the Week

Meet Rocky Cruz.  He is owned by Vicki Cruz of Full Moon Healing Center in Pacifica.  Rocky is a 9-lb., full-bred maltese, turning 7 years old in October.  Just like his mom, he's also a healer and feels energy! 

Rocky loves playing chase, tug of war, and roaming free at the north end of Montara Beach!

Rocky Cruz and I are setting a doggie date for the end of this month.  I'm so excited to experience a new dog-friendly trail with Rocky, and I will tell you all about our good times and dog day out!

Sleepover!

Jake invited me over for a sleepover this past weekend!  It was so fun, especially because Jake's mom gave me a bath, which I loved.

My favorite part was when she dried me off in a nice big, warm towel.  It felt so good and made me happy that I rolled around on the floor and then let her chase me around the house!

My Happy Place

One of my favorite places to relax is in this comfy chair at my second home at Villa Escalona in El Granada.  The home is owned by Bryan and Jeannene's, and sometimes they take care of me when Mama has to go on trips.  I love curling up and letting Bryan and Jeannene pamper me! 

...And by the way, they purchased their home through Pete and Christine from our office at RE/MAX Star Properties!

New Friends in New Homes

I love being part of the Re/Max Team as their Official Mascot! Yes, work can keep me really busy, but I love it because I get to meet all sorts of wonderful people, and get to help them find their new homes.  For instance, this is my new friend Wanda.  Wanda's family is buying a home through Pete and my Mama Christine at Re/Max.  

This past week I also watched over the signing of the closing papers for the Yoe family.  Cheryl, Pete and their son Spence were in my office.  Spence is buying his first home and I made sure he signed all the right paperwork.

Congratulations to the new homeowners!

Pup of the Week

Mama and I love to go to Surf Spot here in Pacifica because they let me sit with her outside by the firepits while she eats!  I also love it because I can meet all kinds of friends out on the patio, like this little guy, who is the Pet of the Week.  I didn't get his name, but he sure was friendly! 

We smelled each other for a long time, and then I went back to hang out with Mama.  We enjoyed gluten free pizza and salads while listening to live music.  Life is good! 

Surf Spot is located at 4627 Coast Highway in Pacifica, near the bowling alley.  They have live music every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Garden Guard Dog

Mama went on the Pacifica Garden Tour Saturday with her friends.  She didn't take me, but she said she met this great part Australian cattle dog and Corgi mix named Celia Cruz!

Celia Cruz is named after The Queen of Latin Jazz.  Celia lives is part of the team at the Dig It Organic and Landscaping business, and has a beautiful garden to "cruise" (couldn’t resist that one) in the backyard while her owner Dave Martinez grooms his organic and sustainable garden.  

Saying Hello

This is Quinn and Ty. Their mommy and daddy are buying a home through Pete and Mama Christine of RE/MAX Star Properties.

I love making new friends and greeting people when they come in to my work!  Come by my office and say hello anytime -- we're located at 450 Dondee Way, Suite #7, in beautiful Pacifica, California.

Pup of the Week

The pet of the week is my new friend named Fizzgig!

Pup of the Week

This week's Pet of the Week is Lita, who is a rescue dog.  She is a hairless chihuahua.  She has something called blue dog disease but has a very good attitude!  Lita and her master just bought a home through us here at RE/MAX Star Properties.  Congratulations on your new home!

Pup of the Week

This week's Pet of the Week is Cooper!  He is a 7-year-old Havanese dog.  We met on one of my walks.  And guess what?  His owner's name is Rick -- just like me!!