Pup Organizing Notebook

People often are shocked when they hear that we have seven dogs. Besides the looks from some that clearly show that they think I am crazy, there is usually a barrage of questions as to how I keep so many dogs healthy, happy and organized. I have decided to start a series on this topic, not because I feel that I am an expert in every aspect of dog ownership, but rather to show what is working for me and hopefully give my readers some ideas for themselves.

I am starting with my Dog Notebook. It is a simple planner binder that you can find at any office supply store, or even at thrift stores.

I started  using planners for organization many years ago while raising six children. It was before the days of smart phones and digital calendars. While I use those now also, I still like a physical book that I can keep information in.

So, let's take a look inside!

I have this adorable first page that is really just for my enjoyment. I purchased the stickers at a local scrapbook supply store. The little dog stickers are available here.

Because I like cute things, I also have this little felt Chihuahua bookmark. You can find it here.

Next I have a page with our veterinarian's contact information and our local emergency veterinary hospital.

And I keep a page with information on our original three girls that have passed away.

From there I have individual dividers for each of our dogs. I made the dividers using dog themed scrapbook paper cut to size and laminated. When you turn to each tab, there is an updated photo of the dog, held in with Chihuahua washi tape so that they can be easily removed and replaced with a new photo as my dogs age and change in looks.

Aren't they such cutie pies??

Let's take a look at what is in each section. The first page has all the important information that I need about the dog.

I have all the actual documents in files, along with veterinary visit reports, etc., but this system keeps them at my fingertips at all times. The next few pages have quick notes on vet visits, as well as weight charts. 

I weigh the dogs with a baby scale when I give them their monthly baths. This helps me keep track of any gains or losses that would be concerning. Chihuahuas have a tendency to gain weight easily and this system helps me to monitor it before it gets too far. Keeping them at a healthy weight will prolong their lives and certainly makes my veterinarian happy!

The rest of each section has blank note paper that I can keep notes of training, milestones and special memories that I want recorded.

After each individual dog's sections is one dedicated to health, which is where I keep quick charts on what foods are safe for dogs, medication uses, a CPR chart, etc. All of which you can find with a quick Pinterest search.

Next are sections on all autoships I am subscribed to (Chewy.com, Barkbox, etc.), recipes for homemade dog treats, and a section for contact information of breeders, veterinary specialists and others.

This book resides in a corner of our kitchen, alongside a similar book that I have for family and household, as well as my daily calendar planner. It is easy to grab and take with me to  a veterinary appointment so I can reference any information the doctor may want. 

I feel comfortable that if I ever needed to leave the house in an emergency with my dogs that I could grab this book and have critical information that I would need.

I have a lot of information about each dog stored in my head, but the technical details are impossible for me to remember for all seven dogs. Does anyone actually have their dog's AKC registration number memorized? This book brings me a sense of peace in knowing that I have the information organized and at my fingertips.

What other topics would you like to learn about on how we organize a household with so many dogs? 

Fun Frozen Treats

Summer time has hot days. There is just no way around that. As human beings, we have all kinds yummy frozen treats that help us to endure. I am personally a huge fan of Magnum chocolate and caramel bars. Sigh...heaven. We also enjoy going to Dairy Queen for an M&M Blizzard. 

Okay, I really need to quit talking about MY favorite cool treats and start talking about the DOGS' favorite treats!

I ordered these fun silicone molds from Amazon, then searched Pinterest for some easy, yummy frozen treats suitable for pups. There are LOTS.

The recipe that I chose was this one here for Strawberry-Banana Frozen Yogurt Treats.

After blending the mixture in our blender, I poured it into the molds.

                  

I put the molds onto a large cookie sheet for easy transport to our big 

freezer in the garage. I like to leave them in for a full 24 hours. I then

pop them out of the silicone mold and put them all into a Ziploc 

gallon size bag or storage container.

Easy peasy, right?

You will want to order the mini size molds if you are making these for 

small dogs, but they also come in larger sizes.

The bone shaped ones are available here.

The paw print ones are available here.

I thought I would share some other frozen recipes that our dogs 

have enjoyed.

These watermelon ones are a favorite.

Or these minty ones for fresh breath.

I hope that you enjoy making these for your sweet pups!

Friday Favorite - Harnesses

Harnesses are definitely becoming more popular with dog owners, particularly ones who have the smaller breeds. When a dog is wearing a harness, the risk of damaging the windpipe or throat is eliminated. I also like the safety feature of being able to 'reel' my dog up into my arms quickly if there is a threat from another dog. I would never want to jerk my dog up quickly if the leash was attached to a collar around their neck for fear of damaging their throat.

So, for today's Friday Favorite, I would like to share my two favorite brands of harnesses.

Chihuahuas in particular are very tiny when they are puppies. It is always a challenge to find a harness that fits their little bodies, yet you want to start leash training them early. I have found the Li'l Pals brand to be the perfect fit. Yes, this is the same brand as the grooming tools that I love. They just make great items for these tiny pups!

Here is Tallie, who still fits into her original Li'l Pals harness, although it is a tight fit now.

I have been able to find these harnesses (and they have very narrow, lightweight leashes also!) at a few local pet shops, but Amazon is always a great source. Their price is very reasonable, which is nice as it is often a temporary harness if your dog outgrows it. 

The color options of the Li'l Pals harnesses are limited, but you can usually find one that you like. These harnesses are constructed of lightweight mesh, which I like for it's breatheability factor, which is nice for not overheating your dog. They fit nicely underneath a shirt or jacket also. They wash nicely and maintain their shape and do not fade. They come in only one size, which isn't always convenient, but has worked ok for my needs with puppies.

My very favorite harness, hands down, is the Puppia brand. All my adult dogs have Puppia brand harnesses, with spoiled Miss Tallie having quite the vast collection. Her very first one was the pink polka dot design. She wore it at her first public appearance last year and received so many compliments, although it was still just a little big on her.

The Puppia harnesses come in soooo many varieties and colors and fabrics. They are extremely well made and very easy to slip on and off your dog, yet when buckled on, are pretty near impossible for your dog to wiggle out of. They are adjustable, which makes it easier to get a snug fit for your pup.

The Vivien design of the Puppia harness is our current favorite for Tallie.

Aren't these just adorable????

I have found it difficult to find this brand at any pet shops in our area, so once again, I turn to Amazon. Puppia does have a fabulous website, which you can find here. However, they only sell wholesale to businesses. But, I love to peruse the site to see what new items they have and then seek them out on Amazon, if I cannot find them in any of my local stores. 

Depending on the style, they come in sizes XS through XL. 

While I personally prefer the narrower harnesses, they also offer a style that is more vest like, such as this:

Lest you think that all of their harnesses are for girls only, rest assured that there are plenty of options for the boys too.

I currently have my eye on their line of holiday harnesses. Sooo cute!! Complete with a warm, snuggly lining!

The Puppia brand of harnesses are more spendy than the Li'l Pals, but I definitely feel that they are worth the expense. Many of their designs have matching leashes also. They wash nicely, retaining their shape and quality.

So, there you have it, my harness picks for this Friday Favorites post.

***Please note that I receive no compensation for my Friday Favorite posts. I am simply sharing my personal favorite items and do not receive any free items, nor monetary compensation. I will always make it very clear in any review if that is the case.***