learning the ropes Archives - A Cowdogs Advice

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Well I’ve been here at my new ranch home in the northern Rockies for 2 weeks now, and I am learning the ropes.

I am pleased to report that I am praised for making excellent progress in my behavior toward the cats, and in controlling the urge to chase the excessive wildlife around here – mostly. What am I supposed to do when a buck walks right up to me?

Or when a flock of turkeys take off right over my head??

I have learned to leave the cats alone, and that it is not my job to clean up their dish. Their food is tempting and I sneak it when I can, but I get even better meals myself.

Sometimes my own choices would not be as good as what I am served – I have found old treats in the yard, and sometimes roll in whatever rotting stuff is melting out from under the snow.

So Ladysmith loaned me her list of healthy highlights, I am supposed to memorize and use in place of catfood and aromatic field treasures.

I know that connoisseurs and caring owners out there think a raw diet is best. I’m pretty discerning myself, most of the time, but I won’t pass up a good pile of aged horse poop either.

There is nothing raw and fresh about a seasoned flat filet of road-kill, simmered for days on hot pavement and even fermented to bring out those healthy elements and aroma. I’m from Arizona, and I tell you those things could cook up quick in the hot sun there.

We don’t have pavement here in the foothills, and it hasn’t warmed up enough to find a meal like that anyway.

But speaking of raw – chicken liver makes me gag – leave that for the cats!

Lady warned me about that – I won’t try those again.

I did, however, enjoy a chicken nugget at our fastfood drive-through – a special treat I got for a good trip to town this week.

So here is a list of items on my menu now, meant to keep me cowdog strong:

Longevity –

This is new to me, and I’m learning to love it. This is a great product from Springtime, Inc.

I can’t say it slows down time, but it feels a little like that.

Springtime Skin and Coat Oil –

I also get a tasty oil from them, that helps my beautiful red, white and blue coat and other systems.

It keeps my famous Heeler shedding under control I’m told.

Read about it here:https://www.springtimeinc.com/product/Skin-and-Coat/Natural-Dog-Supplements

My dinner consists of some fresh meat and

Nutra Complete freeze-dried raw mix made by Ultimate Pet Nutrition. It has meat, berries, sweet potatoes, seeds, veggies and herbs. It is great when there isn’t any fresh meat or an assortment of vegetables ready, as a topping or a whole meal.

Get some here and give it a try: https://amzn.to/3usUuvv

I get a little dry food for crunch and sometimes fresh fruit and vegetables. I am not as finicky as Ladysmith, but am becoming more discerning and opinionated about my dining. I am pretty good at begging too!

Growing older and a lifetime of chasing cows, falling off four-wheelers, leaping, dancing, jumping and running, brings on aches and pains for old dogs.

Here are some recommendations, although I’m still young and spry and don’t need all of these yet:

CBD Oil – Mom was skeptical it would do anything, but it really did help old Lady!

Order yours from Cannanine, since they donate to shelters with every order, or try this one: https://amzn.to/3Kpn9qO

Boswellia – mom and dad take it, too, when age and wear and tear catches up. Lady likes it during a cold winter or after long leaps out of the truck.

Pupgrade – I still have those rock-hard chasing and leaping muscles, but it doesn’t take too many years before a good joint supplement can be helpful! Lady can dance and run around a lot better now days. Pupgrade comes in little chewable treats. Lady told me, however, that she does not find them all that tasty and mostly leave them lay, so Mom breaks them up in her dinner. She is not fooling anyone of course; we know every single thing that is in the dish! But this stuff is great! https://amzn.to/3KoX3ny

Wuffes – this is alternated with the other joint supplement, Pupgrade. Both have the usual Glucosamine and Chondroitan, but also have Green Perna Mussel. Sounds weird and not so edible, I know, but it definitely brings back aerial dances and fast Heeler moves. https://amzn.to/3xdHwTY

There is a liquid form also.

In the morning I enjoy a dental stick and a few breakfast cookies. I’m limited on treats because of Dad is a soft touch when I bark at him for treats. Also, there is cleaning up the catfood!

If warmer weather ever comes, I will get out and explore more. We will play ball,too.

Lady has a nice long ramp, too, that will make it easier to get up the steps when it’s chilly out, or I am older. Sometimes I like running up and down it now.