I'm the alpha female in the house, I go by the name, Barb. I'm the leader and do what is best for the pack. I have owned one or more dogs for my whole adult life and several cats, parrots, fish and a rabbit. Dogs have been a big part of my life. I have owned many breeds like Miniature Schnauzer, Husky, Malamute, Labrador Retriever, Mixed/Wire-Hair Terrier, Dalmatian, Mixed/Whippet and a Mix/Jack Russell. Some of my dogs had unknown health problems. One was epileptic and two were stone formers, we had two that had cancer, then two others were deaf. The two deaf were born that way, one more became deaf in her old age.
I was a director of a dog rescue for 10 years, one of my duties was fostering. Over 10 years I fostered over 50 different dogs. Some were healthy, most had been neglected and sick. First off, was a trip to the vet, then they needed good nutrition, training, then most needed to be spayed or neutered. Some were underweight others were very overweight. This is when my learning, studying and reading began. I'm still learning, but I'm willing to share what I have found in my own honest opinion. All foster dogs where placed in adoptive homes, several returned to our home in their old age and died with us. We adopted one older dog and one other older foster never left, we adopted him.
In the many years of working with dog rescues I have volunteered many hours and we have opened our heart and home to save many dogs life's. If you ever consider getting a new pet please check out shelters and rescues you can save a pet life, hundreds are euthanized each day in over crowded shelters across the US. I also beg you to consider spaying and neutering your pets.
I have been asked by many people about feeding my dogs, ( I feed my pack, food I make/ raw since 2003). I will reveal what I do to care for my pack and what I stumbled onto that helped me to become the pack leader. My dogs are my kids and our family, I want to keep them healthy and happy. I'm not an expert, but I have done some research and have many hours of hands-on experience. I will tell you all that has worked for me. From feeding, to clothing, bedding and playtime.
Please keep in mind that this is work in progress. You may not agree with me, that's okay. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. You can send me a private e-mail by using the contact form at the top of my blog.
A Note:
All of my dogs and one cat are spayed or neutered. They are up to date on vaccines and see their vet regularly or when they are ill, which is not too often. None of my dogs or cat live outside, all live with us in our home.