Hello Friends!!!!!
Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week? I also turn 51 next week, too!!! Time is sure flying by lately.
When I was sitting down thinking about this I realized that means that if you are like the majority of people (Americans anyhow) you are focusing right now on meal plans for next week, and then moving in to thinking about shopping for Christmas. For many of us the next 5 or so weeks will blow any financial strategy or gains we had, and if you purchase gifts on credit, then you'll be blowing the first few months of next year too. Or if you only make the minimum payment then maybe the next several years of your finances. How depressing.
When I was sitting down thinking about this I realized that means that if you are like the majority of people (Americans anyhow) you are focusing right now on meal plans for next week, and then moving in to thinking about shopping for Christmas. For many of us the next 5 or so weeks will blow any financial strategy or gains we had, and if you purchase gifts on credit, then you'll be blowing the first few months of next year too. Or if you only make the minimum payment then maybe the next several years of your finances. How depressing.
And that doesn't leave room for any emergencies. Like this guy....
This is Eggroll. He's a 13ish year old cat who needs surgery next week. And not cheap surgery, either. Like $1,000+ surgery. Right before Christmas and my upcoming vacation!!!! Aaaaccckkkk!!!!
This is Eggroll. He's a 13ish year old cat who needs surgery next week. And not cheap surgery, either. Like $1,000+ surgery. Right before Christmas and my upcoming vacation!!!! Aaaaccckkkk!!!!Here's the thing. Six months ago I wouldn't have been able to afford this surgery and would have had to either leave him in pain, pay it on Care credit or on a credit card (which I don't even have). Or worse, be forced to maybe even make the most difficult decision. The one you never want to make due to money when the pet still has so much living left to do.
But I'm lucky. In the past 6 months I've been able to build up an emergency fund to cover this cost, still be able to buy all the Christmas gifts I want, save for my two upcoming trips (one to Australia next year that will be expensive), invest in my future, and still have fun along the way. And pay for it all with cash. And I didn't get a job making more money, either. I'm doing this with my current income.
So what changed? I found a plan that takes the emotion out of money and helped me finally get my finances in order. Yep, it took me 50 years to finally figure it out. Yes - I am embarrassed about that, but better late than never right?
And it is not rocket science, and it doesn't matter what your income level is. This system can help you, I promise.
So, how are you going to finish out these next 6 weeks of the year? Worrying about money, dreading the thought of the end of January when the credit card bills come due, or worried about what you'll do if the car breaks down or the cat needs surgery?
And it is not rocket science, and it doesn't matter what your income level is. This system can help you, I promise.
So, how are you going to finish out these next 6 weeks of the year? Worrying about money, dreading the thought of the end of January when the credit card bills come due, or worried about what you'll do if the car breaks down or the cat needs surgery?
There really is hope. You can grab the full program here
Green Gap
GREEN GAP
and it even includes monthly coaching with the creator, where you can ask questions and dive even deeper in to how the system works. You too can become a money machine.
I'm sure you are thinking? Great. But I'm broke and a system like this probably costs a fortune, especially with those included monthly coaching/Q&A sessions. But guess what? It doesn't. It's a one-time fee of $197 or $147 if you are already an Oola Member or Ambassador. So....are you ready to invest in yourself and your financial future?
Green Gap
GREEN GAP
and it even includes monthly coaching with the creator, where you can ask questions and dive even deeper in to how the system works. You too can become a money machine.
I'm sure you are thinking? Great. But I'm broke and a system like this probably costs a fortune, especially with those included monthly coaching/Q&A sessions. But guess what? It doesn't. It's a one-time fee of $197 or $147 if you are already an Oola Member or Ambassador. So....are you ready to invest in yourself and your financial future?
If you want to see more of Eggroll check out this Facebook Live I did with him today: https://www.facebook.com/1641691034/videos/861985131117602/
Reach out if you have questions. I'd love to help you find the freedom I've finally found after all these years.
A Well Trained Dog
Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring .... It was peace. - Milan Kundera
It is certainly a lot more fun for you to have an obedient and trained dog. Not only that, but trained dogs, are happier dogs. They are less likely to get into fights with other dogs and will tend to socialize better with dogs that they meet in public.
It is particularly important to have a well-trained dog if you have young members of the family or children in the neighborhood. Just like having well-behaved children, a well-trained dog makes for a happier household.
It is particularly important to have a well-trained dog if you have young members of the family or children in the neighborhood. Just like having well-behaved children, a well-trained dog makes for a happier household.
Here is what happened today. I took my dog (who let's be honest, could be better trained herself) on a walk at lunchtime. Come down the street and see two young boys - maybe about 9 years old calling their dog and two other adults (not related to the boys) standing around this tree. Come to find out, the boys were walking the dog and it saw a nutria (aka - a rodent of unusual size) and the dog gave chase, pulling the leash out of the boys hands. The dog got the nutria cornered under a tree and that is when I showed up.
Picture a big overgrown tree with branches all the way to the ground, nutria up in the branches at the base of the and the dog just waiting and barking between the fence and the tree, all surrounded by bushes. All on the side of a road that can have quite a few cars going by, even during the pandemic.
Yep, a recipe for potential disaster.
One concern is that the nutria would finally swipe at the dog as they can be quite mean and injure a dog quite badly. Or that the nutria would run out to the street and the dog would give chase and get hit by a car.
None of us could get close enough to grab the leash, and of course we adults who did not know the dog or the kids didn't want to risk an agitated dog biting us, either. Or getting bit by a nutria for that matter.
Eventually I convinced the boys to call their mother to come help. They were quite concerned they would be in trouble. Mom came finally and after another 10 minutes finally convinced the dog to leave the nutria alone and come to her. Of course, the dog was just as afraid as the kids that it was going to be in trouble so it basically crawled out on it's belly to the mom.
So, what is the moral of this story? The more control you get of your dog when they are young, the better for all. Maybe if the dog was better trained it would not have pulled from the kids, or it would have come when called. In all honesty, my dog Twinkle would have reacted exactly like this and she would not have come when called either. Why? Because I did not do a good job training her when she was a pup. She is 7 years old now and is better, but I have taken a much more firm hand with her since moving to a place where she has to be walked more often near nutria, ducks, crows, and other dogs.
The time that you spend training your puppy initially will impact on the pleasure you can get from your dog for the many years of its life.
Taking the time to train your dog will strengthen the bond you have together and this will ensure a long and happy friendship where both you and your dog benefit. Considering the amount of time that you will be with your dog the time involved in training is minimal and well worthwhile.
There are a few basic commands that need to be mastered and they are all relatively simple. These commands are...
Down: this is where you teach your dog to lay down on command, and is one of the main aspects of any successful training program.
Heel: this is where you teach your dog walk beside you at the same pace without pulling on the lead. Twinkle is a puller by nature. I have found that with her I have to still use a pronged collar to keep her from pulling. Not to mention, a dog that pulls too much can damage their trachea.
Learning the 'No' word: this is a particularly important word for your dog to know and can save you a lot of trouble. In fact it is probably one of the most important aspects of training, if you can get your dog to understand and respond to the word no. Personally I use the term 'Leave It' and have found that to be more successful for me.
It can certainly save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Sit: sit is one of the most basic of all dog training commands and is one that you'll want to teach from the outset to maintain control of your dog's behavior.
Stay: and finally 'stay' - this is important to ensure that no matter where you are, you'll know that your dog will stay precisely where you want it. Gotta be honest, Twinkle does not follow this command at all.
If there is nothing else that you train your dog to do beyond these basic commands, it will certainly improve the relationship you have with your dog and the enjoyment and happiness that you and your dog will have together.
It is well worth the time while still a puppy, as it will improve the quality of life for many years to come. Take it from me, I will be much more firm and consistent with my next dog. At least that is the story I tell myself.
Training will also let your dog know that you're the boss and in doing so eliminate many behavior problems.
Dogs that are untrained can often get depressed, despondent, and unhappy and display symptoms of anxiety and confusion.
You are actually giving your dog a purpose in life, where they will get pleasure out of the fact that they are pleasing you.
What are your favorite tips for having a well trained dog? Share them above in the comments.
Want more pet and human wellness tips? Check out my community where I share more great content.
Eventually I convinced the boys to call their mother to come help. They were quite concerned they would be in trouble. Mom came finally and after another 10 minutes finally convinced the dog to leave the nutria alone and come to her. Of course, the dog was just as afraid as the kids that it was going to be in trouble so it basically crawled out on it's belly to the mom.
So, what is the moral of this story? The more control you get of your dog when they are young, the better for all. Maybe if the dog was better trained it would not have pulled from the kids, or it would have come when called. In all honesty, my dog Twinkle would have reacted exactly like this and she would not have come when called either. Why? Because I did not do a good job training her when she was a pup. She is 7 years old now and is better, but I have taken a much more firm hand with her since moving to a place where she has to be walked more often near nutria, ducks, crows, and other dogs.
The time that you spend training your puppy initially will impact on the pleasure you can get from your dog for the many years of its life.
Taking the time to train your dog will strengthen the bond you have together and this will ensure a long and happy friendship where both you and your dog benefit. Considering the amount of time that you will be with your dog the time involved in training is minimal and well worthwhile.
There are a few basic commands that need to be mastered and they are all relatively simple. These commands are...
Down: this is where you teach your dog to lay down on command, and is one of the main aspects of any successful training program.
Heel: this is where you teach your dog walk beside you at the same pace without pulling on the lead. Twinkle is a puller by nature. I have found that with her I have to still use a pronged collar to keep her from pulling. Not to mention, a dog that pulls too much can damage their trachea.
Learning the 'No' word: this is a particularly important word for your dog to know and can save you a lot of trouble. In fact it is probably one of the most important aspects of training, if you can get your dog to understand and respond to the word no. Personally I use the term 'Leave It' and have found that to be more successful for me.
It can certainly save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Sit: sit is one of the most basic of all dog training commands and is one that you'll want to teach from the outset to maintain control of your dog's behavior.
Stay: and finally 'stay' - this is important to ensure that no matter where you are, you'll know that your dog will stay precisely where you want it. Gotta be honest, Twinkle does not follow this command at all.
If there is nothing else that you train your dog to do beyond these basic commands, it will certainly improve the relationship you have with your dog and the enjoyment and happiness that you and your dog will have together.
It is well worth the time while still a puppy, as it will improve the quality of life for many years to come. Take it from me, I will be much more firm and consistent with my next dog. At least that is the story I tell myself.
Training will also let your dog know that you're the boss and in doing so eliminate many behavior problems.
Dogs that are untrained can often get depressed, despondent, and unhappy and display symptoms of anxiety and confusion.
You are actually giving your dog a purpose in life, where they will get pleasure out of the fact that they are pleasing you.
What are your favorite tips for having a well trained dog? Share them above in the comments.
Want more pet and human wellness tips? Check out my community where I share more great content.
UH OH! Your Pupper has a Grumbly Tumbly!
It’s bound to happen. Your pup gets an upset stomach. It might be from something they ate or even just stress. Seriously, some dogs will eat anything, including things better left not discussed in polite company. Or some pups just have sensitive stomachs. That’s my pup, Twinkle. She also happens to be allergic to chicken, which we can pretty much always avoid, but sometimes she is sneaky and will beg the wrong food from someone who doesn’t know. Then we are dealing with itchy skin and tummy troubles. Yay!
Obviously, the best way to avoid most tummy troubles in dogs is to have a good handle on what they are eating. But, situations happen. Like Twinkle deciding this new state of Oregon and the slugs and other bugs in the ground might be worth a taste. Yuck!!
Thankfully, I learned a thing or two when she was younger that has been a lifesaver for us. One, is canned pumpkin. Honestly, they should just hand every new pet owner a can with adoption. This stuff is a LIFESAVER! The best part, it works for both diarrhea and constipation! WIN, WIN! Usually it only takes 2-4 TBSPs to get good results. And there is a lot more than that in a can. So, I take the extra, freeze it in ice cube trays, and then pop the cubes out to a freezer bag or Tupperware and toss in the freezer. Then next time we have tummy troubles, I just grab a cube or two. You can soften if needed, but Twinkle likes a pumpkin pupsicle, so she’ll just munch on it frozen.
Another great thing I’ve started using is a good supplement like NutraThrive. It’s a bit pricey, but I wait until it is on sale and then stock up. Another good option is just a probiotic like this one. Both of these products help the gut flora in your dogs stomach and intestines to do the work to digest food properly. Bonuses, less upset tummies, and less gas!!!
Finally, I always use my powerhouse DiGize on both me or the pups when we have upset stomachs. It’s combination of Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Lemongrass, Anise, Fennel, and Patchouli oils are a must for tummy troubles. Just a drop or two rubbed on your or your pup’s abdomen and you’ll be feeling better in no time.
Don’t forget, good products are worth it. I wouldn’t just buy any dog food, probiotic, or essential oil for my pups, and neither should you. Make sure you have vetted the company and know you are getting a high-quality product.
Wanna learn more content like this? Join my community of normal people who want to learn about healthy ways to live better for them and their animals. You won’t find any Instagram models here. We are real people who love a good pizza just like the dog in the picture! Come check us out HERE.
Catch you next time. I'm off to keep on Keepin' It Real -----Cathy
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to a few select products I use, enjoy, or recommend. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, and your purchase supports companies and products I believe in.
Healthy Dogs – Happy Dog Owner
Read along to learn about simple ways to keep your dogs at the peak of health and avoid some serious dangers that are probably lurking in your home right now. At the end I share my recipe for a safe, non-toxic carpet and cat box deodorizer.
Pause and Pay Attention to the Paws
Did you know that dogs absorb everything, and I mean everything through their paws? And have you ever known a dog that didn’t lick their paws? Think about it. They walk outside, in the grass, on the sidewalk, everywhere and absorb all the toxins. I think we all probably understand that. But did you know, the common cleaners you use in your home are also toxic to your dogs? So…anyone have a dog always chewing on their paws? If so, your floor cleaner could be to blame.
Ingredients such as Methylchloroisothiazolinone, often found in floor cleaners and even many personal care products, is a known toxin and cause of allergies and immunotoxicity. What is immunotoxicity? It is defined as adverse effects on the functioning of the local and systemic immune systems. In layman’s terms, it means it prevents your body’s immune system from working properly. And the same goes for your dogs. And since dogs are smaller, toxins can build up in their bodies so much quicker. I recommend doing a deep dive on the ingredients in your home care products so you don’t have to worry about what your babies – animals and humans alike, are absorbing while just walking around the house. So what do you use? I personally use a completely safe cleaner that does everything. It is my countertop cleaner, my floor cleaner, my window cleaner, my toilet and tub cleaner. It really is #onecleanertorulethemall! And the best part: It smells great and it is so concetrated I get up 20 bottles of spray cleaner depending on how I choose to dilute. Check it out: HERE
And what about those pet fresh carpet and cat box deodorizers? Most, if not all, of them use a smorgasbord of synthetic chemicals and fragrances to basically mask the odor. Unfortunately, due to US lobbying efforts of chemical companies back in 1976, most chemicals don’t need to be tested for toxicity, and the word fragrance can include many chemicals that never need to be listed because fragrance is covered by trade secret. And yep. Those chemicals are toxic to you and your pets. Best bet, if the ingredient label says 'fragrance' then stay FAR away. Click HERE to learn more about how the regulations don't protect the consumer.
But I have a solution for you. There is one company I trust that does keep my family and my pets health in mind. Connect with me HERE to find out more.
Now for that promised recipe.
Dog and Cat Safe Carpet and Litterbox Deodorizer
Supplies: My favorites are linked for simple shopping
Mason Jar sifter lid or fine mesh screen cut to size
Take 1 cup of baking soda and add 2 TBSP Diatomaceous Earth. Mix well. I usually do this in a larger jar and close up and shake well. Add 5-10 drops of your favorite pet safe essential oils (I only trust one company for this). My favorites are Purification and/or Citrus Fresh. Shake well to combine and let sit. Then either change out the top of the Mason Jar with the sifter lid or transfer the deodorizer to your smaller jar with sifter lid or mesh screen. I prefer the mesh screen cut to fit in the top of the ring so you can just put the lid on when not in use and easily remove for shaking.
Shake on carpets, let sit for ten minutes, then vacuum as usual. Diatomaceous Earth is very fine so I do find I need to empty my vacuum container a bit more often. But that's ok by me.
For cat boxes, I keep a jar ready to go right next to the cat box and give a small sprinkle at each cleaning.
Bonus: Diatomaceous Earth also helps control fleas. So not only will your house smell great, safely, but you will have a built-in flea control measure as well.
Want to learn more great tips like this? Then you'll love my community of people who are living #reallife and learning along with us. Check it out HERE.
Until next time I'll keep on keepin' it real. I hope you do the same.----Cathy
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to a few select products I use, enjoy, or recommend. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, and your purchase supports companies and products I believe in.
