Bike To Save Puppies

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Moving forward!

Heyhey everyone! Our new website is up and running! Check it out! Www.biketosavepuppies.org If you have a rescue pet, shoot us an email! You could be the featured animal of the week!

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BTSP Montauk Century - September 21, 2013

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Household Items That Can Help Your Pet

***Use discretion with this post. Always consult your veterinarian for serious issues regarding your animal. These are only tips. These are not to substitute the expert advice your vet can give you.***

Everyone is always telling us that having a pet is much like having a child. You have to protect them from getting into dangerous household chemicals around the house.  Don’t let them eat this, be careful they don’t get into that. However, in the event they due, there are some common household items that can help.

3% Hydrogen Peroxide Solution- If you see that your pet has gotten into chocolate or something else that they should not have eaten, 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can help.  This will induce vomiting. The correct dosage is important: One TEASPOON for every five pounds, up to 5 tablespoons.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Fleas are a nightmare to deal with. If your pet picks up fleas, grab your ACV. Bathe them in a 50-50 solution (50% water, 50% ACV), let them air dry to kill off fleas, ticks, etc. For more preventative matters, you can spray your animal with the same solution for a natural insect repellant and to help with skin conditions (hot spots, thinning hair, pimples) or put one teaspoon ACV per 50 pounds into their water dish (adjust the amount according to your pet). Adding ACV to their water can also help your pet maintain a healthy digestive system and keep their allergies under control.

Benadryl – Use ONLY if your vet says its okay. But Benadryl can help out in the event of an allergy attack. Every six (6) hours you can give 25mg for pets up to 30 pounds, 50mg up to 80 pounds and 75mg for pets over 80 pounds.

Saline solution – You can use this to flush out cuts or wounds

Corn Starch/All Purpose Flour – To clot minor bleeding (i.e. their nails)

Baking Soda – This one is a great tip for you humans too. If you, or your pet, get stung by a bee and the stinger is left behind, you can consult your local cabinet. Mix baking soda with some water to make a paste. Let it dry then use credit card, or something similar to gently scrape away the singer. There is a venom sack attached to the stinger so remember to be careful.

Remember, these are just helpful hints to help you with you pet. These are not an excuse to not contact your veterinarian. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your local vet or shoot us a message.

Photo courtesy of Debug The Myths

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Meet Oscar!

Meet Oscar! Adopted by BTSP Supporter Amber!

Oscar was rescued from a local shelter the summer of 2012.  We had one other cat at the time that I had raised since he had been 3-4 weeks old.  Lilly was a rescue from a North Carolina farm along with his brother Max.  The two cats had been with me for years and were almost like children.  Max and Lilly were brothers, although by the names you would never tell.  Lilly was mistaken for a girl when they were very little due to personality traits and the name stuck.  Unfortunately, Max was no longer with us so Lilly was left to take on the world along.  Until one day, when I came home from a business trip to find this tiny little 12 week old kitty sitting on my boyfriend’s lap.  My boyfriend, who comes from a family of very allergic background and was not very fond of cats, might I add.  “What is this?”  I remember saying, shocked, surprised and undecided at the same time.  My boyfriend didn’t know much about cats, and if he did he’d know that when you introduce a small kitten into a home, the older male cat can rebel, become increasingly hostile (Lilly was already a bit on the moody side) and worse, mark his territory inside.  This was the last bit of action my boyfriend would need to see if he were to increase his love of cats. 

Bobby said if he was eve going to love a cat, he said it would have be his own.  So he visited many shelters and rescues until he found one he was comfortable with and he found the perfect little kitty Oscar.  Or, Tom as I would later learn – I do like Oscar better.

To my surprise Lilly seemed to really like Oscar.  They would play a bit, he was a little standoffish at first, but after a few days the two would lay together on Lilly’s favorite fleece blankets and occasionally Lilly would even clean Oscar’s face.  Somehow it worked, and perhaps Oscar was the replacement companion that Lilly needed.   Sadly, Lilly passed away after we couldn’t find him for a few days.  He was in outdoor cat at heart and always would be.  He grew up running the back yard and meadows of North Carolina and we couldn’t stop him in his new home in Rhode Island. He had a very happy life and I loved him. 

Oscar is now just about a year old and over the last year we’ve watched him discover so many new things first inside and now out.  You forget how new something is in the world until you have a kitten, maybe for most cases, a baby.  Oscar was fascinated at during the holidays with our Christmas tree.  He has a favorite mouse, not just any mouse, but a nice big plush mouse that he can squeeze just enough to carry around in his mouth.  Believe it or not, the cat plays fetch and we got into the habit of throwing the mouse into the lower branches of the Christmas tree.  We had hours of enjoyment watching Oscar problem solve and retrieve his mouse each and every time. 

We have an enclosed back yard where we have a good bit of lawn, some gardening space, trees and lots of birds and squirrels.  Oscar would sit in the window for hours watching these creatures in the backyard.  He can’t meow all that well so he would sort of chatter at them as he got excited.  We started taking him out on a leash and after half an hour he had managed to shimmy his way out of that.  A few months later, Oscar enjoys the hours of monitored outdoor time he gets.  We were nervous at first, but he never wanders off and he just loves running back and fourth in the yard and stalking his birds.  Bobby would be just heart broken if anything ever happened to Oscar, but we figure we can’t keep the kitty trapped inside.  We want him to enjoy a full enriched life both indoors and out.  

He has become increasingly lovey over the past few months and that brings me so much joy.  Max and Lilly were always cuddlers and it wasn’t until recently that Oscar has started to enjoy curling up with us as well.  He also has a friend Stanley that comes to visit for sleepovers every once in a while.  Oscar likes to play with Stanley.  Stanley is still trying to figure out what Oscar is. 

We love little Oskie Roo and hope to adopt him a friend someday soon when we have more space. Perhaps a nice little puppy friend.

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Meet Chuck!

Meet Chuck! Adopted by BTSP Supporter Rob!

Chuck's tale begins under a truck in a rural part of South Carolina. He was born on or around October 1st, 2010 and was rescued from OurCritters.net. My wife and I were thinking of adopting a small dog for our first apartment in NYC. Our roommates were all for it, so we started our hunt for the perfect pup. We were looking for a Boston Terrier when we first saw a picture of "Carl" (as the rescuers named him) coming out of a Christmas box. We knew then that we had to have him. We were so excited to find out that OurCritters did weekly runs up to the northern states.  One cold November day, we picked up Carl/Chuck in what felt like a sketchy back door drug deal from a McDonald's parking log in upstate New York-that day Carl became Chuck Norris. The woman from OurCritters warned us that his littermate had a "small cold" and that we therefore weren't obligated to take Chuck home. My wife and I looked at this poor small puppy, scared and in desperate need of a bath, and scooped him right up for the trip back to Manhattan. Things weren't all smooth sailing the first few months. That "small cold" turned into full-blown kennel cough, and a nearly $400 vet bill. On top of that, what we thought was a cute little round tummy wound up being a belly full of worms. We also misread the food instructions the first week, and fed him double what my in-laws feed their 80-pound Labrador. Our poor chubby pup had a hacking cough and was in a perpetual food coma.  He didn’t learn to do his business outside until March when he was finally free of the worms and kennel cough and we could get him vaccinated.  Today, chuck is the opposite of the 20-pound Boston Terrier we thought we adopted. He is approximately 40 pounds and is lanky, with an unending supply of energy. We always get stopped on the streets by people wondering what breed he is, who then love to wager a guess when we say, “we don't know.”  He is the friendliest dog you'll ever meet (sometimes too friendly) but loves snuggling with my wife and I on the couch just as much as his epic walks through Central Park.  We wholeheartedly recommend adopting rescued dogs, but always be prepared for the unexpected. Chuck caught us off guard in many ways, but adopting him was the best decision we ever made.

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Keep Your Pets Cool In The Summer Months!

Summer is creeping on us quicker than winter left us. How do you keep your pets cool during these hot and humid months?

As humans, we are built to be able to cool ourselves down much better than our four-legged friends. They can suffer from the same summer problems as us (overheating, dehydration, heatstroke and even getting sunburn). Since they only have sweat glands on their noses and paw pads, their only way to chill themselves out is to drink water and/or pant. Here are some tips:

·      Make sure you always have fresh water out for them. If you are going to be away for long hours, you could put a separate tip-free bowl in the freezer over night so it stay colder throughout the day.

·      Ice cubes are a great treat.

·      Keep them in the air conditioning.

·      If you pets spends most of the day outside, bring them in during the hottest hours of the day (usually between 12pm and 3pm) and have a shaded area for them while they’re outside, maybe even a doghouse.

·      Cooling pad, vests and bandanas are available at most animal shops and can help you and your pets too. They can lay on the cool mat or have it wrapped around them.

If they are dehydrated and running around, overexerting themselves, they could give themselves heatstroke. If you notice them panting extra hard, increased heart rate, dark red to purple gums/tongue, restlessness or even vomiting, immediately bring them into the shade or in an air conditioned room, give them cold water or ice cubes and give them a nice cool bath. If symptoms worsen, get them to an emergency clinic or your local vet as soon as possible.

NEVER, EVER leave your pets alone in the car without you!

Once the car is off, the temperature of the car can increase up to 40 degrees! Most of the increase in temperature happens within the first half hour too. Keep your dog safe; don’t leave them in the car.

If for whatever reason you need to, only do so if you have two sets of keys with you. Keep the car with AC running and dogs locked while you have the other set ready to open the door again when you return.

Remember dogs can get sunburn. There are sun screens available and are specially labeled for animal use. They are most prone on the bridge of the nose, tips of their ears and on their underside. However, if you put the sunscreen on their underside, they can lick it off.

Lastly, their paws are just as sensitive as our palms. If you feel the ground is too hot for your hands, its too hot for their paws.

Pets are a part of our families. Keep them save just as you would you and your family!

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Meet Rusty!

Meet Rusty! Adopted by BTSP Supporters Steve and Shannon!

Rusty was found in the Bronx and was taken to a city "high-kill" shelter.  Luckily he was adopted by a foster mom who then adopted him out to us.  Rusty, unfortunately, was not in good shape when he was found.  Between his foster mom and new parents, he is now a healthy and happy dog!

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Biking WITH Puppies!

Silly us! We're Bike To Save Puppies and we haven’t even touched upon biking WITH your pup yet! If your dog shares your energetic spirit and loves to jog and run, why not exercise together?

If you want to start taking your pooch out with you on your bike rides, some equipment is necessary: harness and a lead that won’t tangle and, for added safety, a detachable one.

Using a harness will be much safer for you and your pet. Using a collar can be extremely dangerous because the most pressure is applied to the animal’s neck and trachea.

Having a detachable leach will help prevent accidents in which you and your dog end up going in opposite directions.

Using an attachment that hooks on to your bicycle is a great idea when used properly. You want to keep your dog pulling low on the bike’s center of gravity. Holding the leash can cause your dog to turn you abruptly, knock you over sideways or even lead to you losing grip on the leash.

Another good tip is to teach your dog commands for directions. Common ones are “Gee,” “Haw” and “Whoa” although “right,” left” and “slow down” and ”stop” can work as well. This will help the dog anticipate where you plan to go next and avoid possible accidents.

Practice with your dog in short intervals to start. They may not be up for the full ride right away. Use a lot of praise when they are doing what you want correctly. Also, check on their footpads often. They are tender and soft and may need a chance to toughen if they are not use to running on concrete. Start out slow and gradually increase your distance.

Hope this helps you enjoy more quality time with your pooch. Keep riding, keep saving!

photo courtesy of flickr.com user Bobi-home

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Meet Sampson!

Meet Sampson! Adopted by BTSP Supporter Stephanie!

Samson NAFTA was 4 years old when I met him at a rescue fair in Pennsylvania. It was love at first sight. He was giving me a toothless smile with those big eyes and that's all it took. We immediately clicked and within a week I took him it. He was just dropped off at the rescue and fostered into the great little pup he is. Sampson was abused prior to his drop off. To what extent, we don't know but he has a large scar on his back. His favorite toy is his octopus and he loves to cuddle up on the couch or bed.

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How to approach a dog on the street

Let’s be honest - not all dogs are friendly on their daily walks. There are people who forget to ask dog owners if it is okay to pet their leashed animal.  Here are some good tips when you encounter a new pup for the first time.

Definitely ask the owner if it is safe to pet their dog. Respect their wishes if it is a negative answer. They are doing this to protect you.

Approach a dog on a curve, not head on. Pups are less likely to take your advancements as aggressive. Take note when other dogs meet each other for the first time. They aren’t instantly nose-to-nose - they curve around feeling each other out.  Dogs have boundaries just like humans do. Please remember to respect them.

Allow dogs to approach you first. If you continue walking up to an animal that is showing signs of aggression or acting timid, back away. Continuing your movement can lead them to act defensively. Allowing the dog to come to you will prove the dog’s confidence and willingness to meet you out of curiosity or desire for your attention. Don’t forget, there is always a chance the dog will pounce or attack. Keep on eye on their body language.

Let the dog sniff you. Put your hand out in a non-aggressive manner, palm face down in front of them, not over. This will allow them to analyze you. They have 220 million olfactory receptors, while we only have 5 million, which gives them a chance to learn about you. It is true they can smell your fear.

Ignore them. If you walking into someone’s house for the first time that has a dog, ignore the pup and do not make eye contact. After a few minutes, when everyone is settled, let the dog come to you for a sniff.

Remember to pet the dog correctly. Many dogs do not like being pet on the head, especially if they have a history of being abused. Reaching from over their head can be taken as a threat in which they will react to. Instead, come in from the side, or underneath, petting their side or chest.

This are just guidelines for you to remember for meeting new friends. All dogs are different. Be smart.

Photo courtesy of Life With Lulu

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Meet Winston

Meet Winston! Adopted by BTSP Supporter Robin!

When I first saw Winston, he was chained up outside of a dog-grooming store. The family was still recovering from the loss of our Doberman Pinscher, who had to be put down a few months before. However, there was something missing in the household. Winston was wearing a tie-die T-shirt with a sign around his neck saying, “Adopt me”. It broke my heart, so of course I did! He was such a fur ball, a Wheaton Terrier mix we believe. He definitely has signs of abuse. He was afraid of so many things from plastic bags to certain men. His front leg looked as if it had been broken and not healed properly. While he was never fully healed, he did calm down and was able to love again as much as he could. He filled the missing void in my family’s heart and lived happily with us for next 13 years of his life.

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Avoid having your bike stolen!

To some, your bike is more important to you than your train pass, bus pass and maybe even your car! I am definitely one of those people. With the rising price of gas and mass transit, investing in a bicycle can be a wise decision. What could beat infinity miles to the gallon? To keep your gas money safe in your pocket, make sure when you lock up your bike outside, it’s locked up properly (again, money safe in pocket). Here are some helpful tips for locking up properly.

There are many different styles of bike locks, all with pros and cons.

Chains: This is probably the best way to lock up your bike in a big city. Thieves have the hardest time getting through these since they are bomb proof and with padlocks and 15mm chains, they are difficult to cut. Downside - they are heavy and cumbersome to carry with you. 

U-Lock (my personal favorite): These are more lightweight than the chains and are easy to carry. For convenience, these locks come in various sizes and you can purchase clips to attach them to your bike. Downside - it can only lock up either one wheel or just the frame. I tend to keep two on me so everything is locked up nicely.

Cables: Cables are the most lightweight lock you can get. Some come with a combination lock pre-attached. Others are meant to work with U-locks to ensure your wheels can be strapped too. Downside - they can be cut through very easily.

Now that you have your locks, where do you lock up to?

Bike racks are always your best bet, that’s what they are there for! In the event they are not available, street lamps, signposts (with a sign attached) and sturdy iron or steel fences are all solid options. NEVER lock your bike to a tree, as it is illegal and not nice for the tree. If you are in New York City, any MTA subway railings are also illegal and the MTA has clearance to let your bike free. Other places to avoid are scaffolding, easily cut objects and objects not securely in the ground.

Good things to be aware of:

You bike has many removable parts. Your seat and wheels can easily come off. You can take them with you after locking up, or purchase wheel and seat locks.

Don’t be a rack hog. Be courteous of other bikers out there. Lock up with the rack, not across it so others can use it as well.

NEVER lock you bike to another bike. Could you imagine coming back to your to find out its stuck to someone else’s? Not cool.

Try to lock up your frame and at least one wheel. If you are able to lock up the second one, it will only further your bike’s protection.

Hope this helps you keep your bike safe. Keep on riding and don't forget May is National Bike Month!

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Meet Wok!

Meet Wok! Adopted by BTSP Support Dan! I was a volunteer at my local shelter, and one day I had a dog playing in one of the enclosures when I saw Wok across the yard in the New Arrivals section. He was sitting, leaning against the wall and staring up at the sky. I thought he was beautiful. Over the next couple of weeks, I took him out to play and spent hours hanging out with him. He has skin allergies that he needs meds for, and his coat was all messed up. Everyone said he was ugly and unadoptable.  He had been found by an animal control officer in Point Pleasant, malnourished and alone in the woods. We don't know how long he was out there alone, but when the officer called him, he came right over to say hello. He loves to say "hello" to people, especially children. He was due to be euthanized, and I brought him home so he could have a weekend of love and peace.  Over that weekend, my whole family fell in love with him. I was living with my parents at the time and asked if I could adopt him, and they said, "yes!" I brought him home for good that weekend and promised him he would never be alone again. Now, he lives with my fiancé and I. She is a loving and loyal dog-mom and Wok is our big baby.  He loves to dance, eat everything he can find, and hog the bed in his free time. The day I was allowed to bring him home was the best day in my life and subsequently in my fiancé's as well; he's our very best friend, and we are his forever home.

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So you're adopting!

First off, congratulations! Secondly, make sure you know what you are getting into. Having a pet is a big responsibility. They’re not just toys you can play with when you want to. They are living, breathing creatures that depend on and love you whole-heartedly when you do the same. Here are some things to think about while you are on your search.

Are you renting? Check you lease to make sure pets are acceptable. Do you have access to a yard? Are you close to a park or dog park? Own a home? Some towns, cities and villages may have rules and regulations about the amount and type of animal allowed in your home (or town) (i.e. BSL from earlier). Do you have a yard? Is this yard fenced in? Dogs require exercise, some more than others, but exercise all the same. In both cases, you’ll want to make sure you house is baby proof. Coming home to find that your dog or cat got into the garbage or medicine cabinet could result in an emergency trip to the vet.

Who will be the primary caretaker? Many people these days run very busy lives. Between work, school, gym, parties, concerts, movies, brunches, making sure you pet is well fed, has enough water, can relieve themselves, has a clean tank or cage, etc. should still be a high priority for you. If you plan to adopt to teach a child responsibility, make sure it’s your responsibility as well. If anyone slacks off, the animal is the one that suffers.

Do you have necessary supplies for your new pet?

Water and food dish?  Food? Bedding? Collar and/or harness? Leash? ID tag?  Toys? Crate (if you decide to crate train)?

 Find your neighborhood veterinarian. There may be more than one in your area. Ask friends and acquaintances who they use and their thoughts, consult review sites to find one you are comfortable with since they will be medically responsible for your pet.

Do you have the budget for an animal? Pets aren’t cheap. When you total up all the food, the annual vet visits, the toys, emergency vet visits, it’s never free.

What type of person are you? Many animals, especially dogs, have various personalities ranging from couch potato to goof ball to free spirit and everything in between. If you plan to get a dog, research their different characteristics, if you’re a runner and want to go jogging with your pup, breeds known to be lazy may not be the best bet for you, even if they have the cutest face you’ve ever seen.

Lastly, be patient. Your new best friend will need some adjustment time to get use to their new environment. If severe anxiety last longer than a few days, consult your veterinarian. Be consistent with the rules you instill. If you are not sure how to train them, obedience classes are never far away and as well as books on the subject. Positive reinforcement is a simple and easy way to train in no time.

Now that you have your head straight and no what you’re looking for in your new pet, whether it’s a dog, cat, hamster, ferret, horse or kangaroo, enjoy their companionship and love. Don’t forget to send us your rescue story once you save a life!

Photo courtesy of ASPCA and Petfinder about average yearly costs for owning a pet.

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Meet Jack, Sophie AND Pearl!

Meet Jack, Sophie and Pearl! Adopted by super rescuer and BTSP supporter Allison!

Jack

I have grown up in a family that always rescues animals, so whenever we feel the house is a little too quiet, we end up rescuing another. Jack is a terrier mix, who we have had for about twelve years now. He was abused before we got him, and due to that, he was afraid of many many things, such as shovels, rakes, the vacuum, some shoes, and oddly enough, shuffling playing cards. After a while, he has started to mellow out, but his grumpiness has become part of the family and we love him for it. He loves to play with his new sister Sophie, his favorite treats are carrots, and if you let him, he will lick your face for hours!

Sophie

Sophie is a Swedish Lapphund (we think) who has been with us a little over a year. When she came to us, she had heartworm and mange. We were just supposed to be fostering her, but we needed to wait until her condition improved before we could let anyone take her. By that time, she was with us for eight months already and when people started to become interested, we realized that we couldn't give her up. Apparently the term for us is foster failures. Sophie was basically in a cage for the first two years of her life, until we got her. She is just learning how to play, but she hasn't figured out running freely just yet.

Pearl

Pearl was a pit bull who was severely abused before we got her, and when her owner was finished with her, they just tied her to a door of a rescue shelter. Thankfully, someone there recognized her from a vet and was able to figure out who her owner was and hold him accountable. We did not have her for too long before she passed, but we were able to give her a good end to her life and show her that not all humans are bad.

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Dogs: The Ultimate Friends With Benefits

We think owning a dog is super swell, but did you know your body will too?  Owning a dog has multiple health benefits that can improve your mind, body and soul.

Walking your dog not just improves fitness levels for you but for your pet as well.  Walking at least 30 minutes each day promotes better circulation, an increased metabolism and lowers stress levels. When you finish your walk or run and take a breather, cuddle up with your pup! While cuddling is wonderfully known for lowering stress, studies have also shown that it can lower blood pressure and raise your oxytocin levels (the chemical in your brain that reduces stress and gives you that “feel good” feeling).

Nothing says icebreaker like “Awww! What a cute dog!” Instant friends! Meeting people and their pups on walks or pet-friendly facilities will continue to help socialize your puppy and allow you to make new friends the easy way!

Dogs, when treated well, will love you unconditionally.  No matter how bad a day you are having, your furry friend can make it better.  In my personal experience, my puppies have a “sixth sense.” When they sense something isn't right, they try extra hard to give me extra attention.  Having that friend that wiggles when they are excited to see you is my favorite ego boost.  Children that have pets in their household are also known to have better self-esteem for this very reason.

These are only a few of the reasons for dog ownership.  We encourage you to check out your local shelters, and see if you can find your own “friend with benefits!”

Photo of Petey courtesy of Emory University

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Finding A Bike That Fits Like A Glove

Finding a bike that is comfortable for you to use is highly important. Bad riding habits can cause for a painful, unenjoyable experience. If you’re uncomfortable riding, it could end up deterring you from getting on your bike and enjoying this wonderful simple pleasure.

When you’re looking for your first real bike, that is, outside of a mass merchant store, bikes are no longer measured in wheel size. The frame is what you need to look at. Since biking is such an international sport, these measurements use the metric system.

A good rule of thumb when looking for your potential new bike, stand over it and keep your feet flat on the ground. You should have about an inch or two clearance between the top tube and your crotch for a road bike and about a four-finger width if you’re looking for a mountain bike.

Take the bike for a test ride. While you’re riding, check out how your legs move. They should also be bent, even slightly when the pedal is at its lowest point (This will also give you the most power and the least amount a exhaustion while riding).

It is a common misconception that, when you are stopped, your feet should be able to fully touch the ground. Not true. Your seat should be high enough so when you stop, you straddle the frame. Being on your tippy toes is fine as well as having your bike on an angle (just be mindful on your surroundings) Your seat should also be level, not tilted forward or backward, so you are seated firmly and you do not have to keep tabs on where you are.

Again, if you can, make sure to go for a test spin before you buying. Once you are comfortable in the saddle, you should enjoy miles and miles of fun on your new bike.

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com and Pure Fix Cycles