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Dash came to The Pet Cottage in July of 2017. A young military couple rescued her from an abusive situation. They loved her and helped her gain confidence. Dash came to The Pet Cottage in July of 2017. A young military couple rescued her from an abusive situation. They loved her and helped her gain confidence. We had intended to re-home Dash as soon as we found the appropriate foster, but as we have lived with her we have realized she is quite special and needs a consistent environment. She is extremely athletic and we love to witness her incredible abilities. She has become an amazing pack resident! Your support means everything to us and means we can continue serving pets for parents who serve our country. If you are interested in virtually adopting Dash, please visit our website to find out how!

Many people feel like crate training their dog is cruel. Or they go through a couple of sleepless nights from their dog whining in its cage and give up. Let’s address why crate training is beneficial to both you and your dog, and worth sticking through those (for some) first heart-wrenching weeks. The obvious first reason is potty training. It helps to control their bowels and get a sense of timing. The less obvious reason is, puppies can be fearless and some anxieties don’t develop until later on in their adult lives. They feel comfortable in a den, so getting them used to a crate as puppies can help their adult anxieties with thunderstorms, fireworks or even just being home alone. Dogs are social creatures that depend on us, they are loyal to their families and want to spend time with them. We all have lives and sometimes the dog can be overexcited or in the way if you have guests over. Utilizing the kennel allows them to be a part of the action without having to shut them off into a different room or outside where they might have the tendency to bark or dig because they are bored and frustrated. At some point, your dog will be in a kennel setting. Whether transporting to the vet, groomers or if you live in Florida, hurricane season. So getting them used to the crate will lessen the stress on both you and the dog when you are required to use one later. Crate Training Tips: #1 ALWAYS use positivity and rewards. Use treats, toys, meals and positive tones when coaxing your dog into the crate. #2 Time spent in the crate should be increased incrementally. Your dog will negatively associate the crate if too much time is spent in it during the day and at night. #3 If your puppy is whining while you’re practicing on lengths of stay in the crate while you’re at home, do not let them out! They are creatures of habit and routine, which is why the crate training works so well. They will quickly figure out that the way to get out of the crate is to whine each time they are put into it. #4 It can be hard to tell if your dog is whining to go out to the bathroom in the middle of the night or just wants to be out of the crate. If after a couple of minutes the dog is still whining, take them outside to do their business but do not allow for any playtime. Put them straight back to bed! #5 Most puppies can get the fundamentals of crate training down in the first couple of weeks. But if they don’t, don’t give up or get frustrated! Ultimately, you chose to bring home a pet companion and you owe it to them and to yourself to raise it to be a well-mannered, well-loved dog; and functional discipline is at the core!

I came across this poem while doing my morning meditation. It Felt Love How Did the rose Ever open its heart And give to this world All its Beauty? It felt the encouragement of light Against its Being, Otherwise, We all remain Too Frightened -Hafiz I have felt frightened so often on my journey. It has only been when connecting with the encouragement of light that I have been able to pass through my fear. Often that light expresses itself through the pets that share my life. When I meet a pet in distress because they have lost their companion, the person who has kept them safe and created an environment that allowed them to trust I see their light and freely expose my light to them. Somehow it is easy to open that part of myself to a creature who is suffering. I want to communicate to them that they will be okay. By becoming vulnerable to them and only seeing their light despite what their behavior reflects, a bridge is built. Pets so freely participate in this exchange. They do not lie or hide what they feel. If I touch them in a way or a place that they do not like I can get a growl, a scratch, or may be a yelp. It is my honor to interpret what they are telling me. It takes attention, and a desire to understand from their perspective. The relationship that develops is magical and it changes and evolves with every interaction. They are often a reflection of exactly where I am at the moment and they become the one showing me it is safe. For everything they give to us with no reason to I am their champion and The Pet Cottage is built with that intention. As the founder and the leader of this modest organization that intention permeates every decision we make. I hope today you will look at your pet as a conduit of the encouragement of light and feel lighter and braver because they are in your life.

In case you become physically unable to care for your pet? Or worse, pass away? Life can be a series of unexpected surprises, some of them are hard and uncomfortable to swallow. But you chose your hairy companion, you love your hairy companion, and it would break your heart to know they went to an animal shelter because you failed to make a plan. So now let's talk about the steps you can take: A Friend or Relative Are you going to leave them to a friend? Having an open conversation with your friends and family about your wishes is a good first step. But a verbal agreement doesn't guarantee they won't put them on Craigslist as soon as they have ownership. Unexpected Accidents Pet(s) can be overlooked in cases of their human companions passing, so designate a couple of friends or relatives as emergency caregivers. Give them keys to the house, instructions for the animals care, veterinarian names and numbers, and your wishes for permanent care. Consult an Attorney The best way to ensure permanent care of your pet is to consult a lawyer and decide which legal documents are best suited for your situation. Making formal arrangements in a will or trust is more concrete than a verbal agreement from your friend. Your designated emergency caregivers circumstances could have changed since you originally came to an agreement and they may no longer be able to care for your pet. A Sanctuary There are organizations that provide a "retirement home" for your pets to live out the rest of their days, for a fee or donation. This can be the best option for you and your pet if none of the above options suit you. Make sure to visit the sanctuary and get familiar with the organization. Here at The Pet Cottage they will live out the rest of their days with us unless there is an interested adopter. Even if someone is interested in adopting, we require a 6 month minimum foster program. We want to make sure that it's a good fit for both the pet and human companion. If we have a bad feeling about a foster interview or home tour, we have no problem denying the interested foster. Our promise is to the animals for the rest of their lives. Learn more about our mission and re-homing.

Each morning when I wake up I throw my walking clothes on and after all the dogs have been fed I begin my morning ritual of walking. There is an underlying structure to how I do things. Depending on who is living with us and who is boarding with us at the time I create a symphony of walks. I take into consideration who needs what and who can walk peacefully together. This time grounds us all for the day. Being outside experiencing nature, breathing the smells, sights and sounds of the world waking up is magical. The dogs are quick to discover what new smells have arrived since there last walk the day before. They notice their surroundings quite effectively. I have learned to pay attention and observe what is around me by being present with them. So many times, in a day I feel rushed, like I have so many things to do and so many places to be. The dogs are a shining example of slowing down and literally stopping to smell whatever delight comes before you. Walking is when I bond most strongly with them. It is the way we build our relationship. I am quiet and patient and reward them for checking in with me. I am building a trusting experience and always have their back. When a dog first comes to The Pet Cottage they are often scared, anxious, and just plain wary. It is my intention to learn who they are and what they need. It takes time and a lot of walking. I learn what frightens them, what manners they may need, and slowly we begin to understand each other. I am always fascinated by the way the relationship grows and changes all the time. As they gain confidence I see a different side of them and it is delicious when they are relaxed and trust me whole heartily. Like any relationship it takes showing up, being present, and time spent. Walking with your dog is some of the best time you will ever spend. The relationship you build with them is a relationship you will always be able to count on. Dogs are loyal and honest and adore being your companion. A mindful walk with your dog can be a moving meditation where both you and your canine breathe deeper and appreciate more this amazing earth we share.