Test Results: An eye opener about food

I got the results back on the Alternative Sensitivity Assessment for Vida and it has been very helpful. While it also covers environmental sensitivities (and there were some), the food category has given me the information I need to avoid instigating problems via diet. Here are the most common foods that came up "Yay" or "Nay" for her:

Water, Part 2: Providing Love

I bought this beautiful bowl made by Tamara Mann at an arts event in the small town in New Hampshire where I spend my summers. 

I'd been thinking of getting Vida a new water bowl for some time as part of my goal of having her use only products I know are made ethically and without toxins.

I also wanted a bowl that reflected the beauty of the water that would go in it.

Does that seem odd? I mean, water is clear, almost invisible, you can barely discern it in the photo above. And it's not like the dog cares, right? Well, let's explore that.

Water, Part 1: consider the source

Water is often taken for granted in the States. 

There are many topics that could be spun off from that simple sentence, but I'm just going to share a little bit about my own experience and give you something to think about for your pets.

Summer Means Swimming for this Senior Dog

Vida may be 14 now, but she still gets her swims in during the summer. She's not the most enthusiastic swimmer, but the benefits are so great that I get her in there nonetheless. And with a beautiful setting like this.... much better than a chlorinated pool with a person controlling her every move and no walk-in option. 

She's not willing to swim as long each day, and I'm skipping days for her to have extra recovery time, but it really improves her carpal/tarsal arthritis and builds her hind-leg muscles nicely with the increased range of action swimming entails. 

As she ages she needs more accommodations, but that's my job, to watch and learn, and accept her limitations. 

Her favorite part of  swimming? Jumping into the backseat of our '89 toyota afterward to scrubrollscrub herself on the upholstery. Seriously, she gets so excited, it's her big reward.

Summer Dog Treats

Provide your dog with nourishing snacks that can provide probiotics, enzymes, protein, and hydration. 

Cool them down with more than just water this summer.

Seasonal Cycles

The benefit is feeding the whole plant. 

Don't look at this and think "I'll get dandelion greens next time I shop" because you'd be missing the root which is the prime part of the plant for rejuvenating the liver, the organ system that springs to life at this time of year. 

The root is complemented by the leaves and flowers when fed as food, all the parts contributing to wellness when used in this manner, not by overwhelming the system, but by gently shifting foods with the seasons.

Many dogs are searching out just the right grass to eat to stimulate their liver and gall bladder at this time of year. They instinctually do this, reminding us to do so as well.