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Welcome To PET HIDEAWAY Blog
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
As I reflect on my many years with Odie, my Beagle, I realize how he is my constant. In my ever changing life, Odie has listened to my problems, laughed and celebrated life's good times with me, and nursed me back to health. He has healed a broken heart and never judged me when I said, "I will start my diet next week." As his 12th birthday approaches, I realize, more than ever, what a strong bond we have.

It breaks my heart to hear people say, "My dog is bad, so I'm getting a different one." No dog is bad, it simply means we didn't take enough time to train him. I know that Odie's barking and begging during meal times is my fault. I always would give him a treat to quiet him. In his mind, he got a reward for barking. Point being, he is only as bad as I made him.

Now comes, "Spoiling." I don't like when people say a dog is spoiled because he has a doggie bed, toys, good healthy food, and sweaters. Isn't that done for our kids? OK. So, why not for the furkids? They give us so much. In turn, shouldn't we give them our all? Not just "things," but walks in the parks, going out to the beach, joining us for coffee, and just hanging out and cuddling.

Think about that excited face that greets you at the door. Shouldn't we give the same amount back? Let's realize that our furkids feel, they can sense our energy, whether it is positive or negative. They are part of our family.

Lastly, please make sure your pets are taken care of in case of an emergency or loss. You can put a card in your wallet with your wishes. It could read something like, "In case of hospitalization, please take Odie to Fido's Kennel and Boarding. My account is set up with them." You go to the boarder of your choice, give them your credit card info, and they know to accept the dog. Leave your pets to someone you trust in your will. Talk it over with the person first. You can even leave a trust for their care.

As the saying goes, "Life is short. Play with your dog." (Or cat, bird, hamster, bunny, dragons, etc.)

Remember, they live to please you. Return the favor.

Thank you for reading,
Nancy
Pet Hideaway


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Monday, January 30, 2012

For 2012, we decided we would use our blog more. I had a blog written out and ready to go, and also had one from Nancy. Then, something happened and the topic completely changed. Tonight, just a short time after the abrupt topic change, something else happened that confirmed what our topic needs to be. I'd like to apologize (or warn you) in advance, that this may be a long one...

First, I'd like to introduce you to Heidi. Heidi is a Dwarf Hamster. Heidi was a Christmas present from some parents to their teenage kid, back in 2010. Heidi came into my life on New Years Eve of that same year. Yes, only 6 days after the family picked her up from a pet store and took her to what should have been a loving home, she came into my life instead. Instead of providing a lifetime of love and care for this beautiful little creature, Heidi was instead given up in 6 days because she, like ALL dwarf hamsters, liked to run on her wheel. At night. Constantly.

You see, Heidi was brought home by a family who thought she was cute, but didn't do any research to see if she was a good pet for their lifestyle. Dwarf Hamsters are nocturnal creatures. And, they LOVE to run on their exercise wheels. A little (readily available) research would tell you that this isn't a pet for someone who might like silence at night. This family brought her home, and after one night, moved her to the kitchen. When they could still hear her wheel, they moved her as far as possible from their bedroom, but could still hear her running on her little wheel every night. In only 6 days, they had had enough and wanted her gone. So, on Dec 31st, 2010, when people were out celebrating the ending of one year, and the start of another, I went out and rescued this little Dwarf Hamster so she could bring in the new year with the most amazing home life any animal could ever wish for.

Fast forward to last week. Heidi had stopped running on her wheel and seemed to look a little bigger in her hind quarters. It seemed to have happened virtually overnight. After keeping an eye on her for a day, she became noticeably bloated and
had to be taken to a vet. Her diagnosis: "probably has a tumor and isn't going to live very long." I asked the basic questions anyone would want to know; "Is she in pain?" "How long is she going to live pain free?" "What are my options?"

I was told, "Well, I wouldn't be buying a big bag of food at this point," (compassion wasn't the vet's strong point). She had some fluid drained and the prognosis wasn't good. The vet said she wasn't in pain, but her organs would stop working at some point, and that point would be very soon. My options were:
1)Do nothing and let her die naturally
2)Euthanize her right then and there
3)Take some medication home to try and flush out the fluids from her body and see where it leads us
4)Do surgery and try to remove the tumor.

The vet said surgery usually never happens because it is about $400-$600 and you can go out and just get another hamster for a few bucks. (Yeah, not too compassionate)

If she wasn't in pain, of course I wasn't going to euthanize her (although I was told it would be about the same cost as the medicine).

I wasn't going to ignore it and let her die naturally, if there was a way to possibly help her and keep her alive, again, providing she isn't in any pain.

So, I was going to opt for medicine and see if we can give her a wonderful life for as long as she can enjoy it. For me, it isn't about what it would cost to care for an animal, it is about giving each and every animal the best life we can. After all, that is part of being a parent, right?

Heidi has actually shown some improvement in the last few days. Her body isn't retaining as much fluid, making it easier for her to move around. She seems more alert in the last few days, as well, compared to before I started giving her the medicine. Although I have to prepare for a day when she can no longer bring a smile to my face, I'm not ready (nor will I ever REALLY be ready) to say goodbye. For me, it is worth it to spend more money on the medicine than on the cost of simply getting another hamster, as the vet suggested.

Last year, I spent $1400 on surgery for a rabbit, even after I was told the surgery might have no impact. Surgery was an option for prolonging the life of this animal. It might have helped, it might not have. I'm certainly not rich, by any means. In fact, I didn't have $1400 laying around at the time. But, there was no second thought about getting the surgery and trying to save my bunny's life. She ended up dying during the surgery. Not one second of my life goes by where I regret spending the money to give her a fighting chance. Even the slightest possibility was worth trying.

Tonight, on my way home from work, I drove passed a cat laying in the middle of the road. Of course, I feared the worst. I parked my truck and went back to see if the cat was still alive. As I'm running over to where the cat was laying, I'm going over, in my head, the nearest emergency hospital, and where I would get the funds for life saving surgery, if that was what was needed.

This isn't my cat. In fact, I've never even seen this cat before. But the thought of someone hitting him with their car and then just leaving him to die was infuriating. My concern was for saving this animal, even though it wasn't mine, and not once, about what it would cost to treat him, and bring him back to health. Sadly, the cat had died from his injuries before I got to him and had a chance to save him. I feel horrible for the family that let their cat out for the night and won't get a chance to see him again. I'm also sickened by the fact that someone would hit an animal with their car, and just keep driving, leaving the animal in the middle of the road.

I know I probably think in the extreme. I understand that not everyone is going to sell off personal belongings to save an animal, if needed. I do, however, feel it is owed to an animal that brings so many smiles to our faces, and TONS of laughter and companionship, to provide the absolute best care, regardless of cost.

For this reason, we are going to try to start a Pet Hideaway emergency fund this year. we would LOVE to be in a position where we can help someone with needed pet care, but not the funds to provide it. The feeling of saving an animal is like no other. You might find people richer than us. You might find people better looking than us. You might find people smarter than us. What I guarantee you WON'T find, is anyone who cares more for the animals in our lives, and even those we may not know on a personal basis.

Bringing an animal into our lives is a HUGE, life long responsibility. If I'm ever faced with the option of saving money or saving an animal, I choose saving the animal every time.

Thank you all for reading.
Mike and Nancy
Pet Hideaway


by: PET HIDEAWAY 2 Comments

Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Here is a subject that is very close to my heart. Obesity in dogs has so many complications, some more serious than others. While having the "chubby" dog may look cute, it is anything but cute. It will shorten the life of your furkid, and who wants to go through that? Who would want to lose precious time?

These are some of the complications from a dog being obese, and then we will discuss some solutions.

Joint or locomotion difficulties, extra pounds put added stress on joints, bones, ligaments and muscles.

Now the heart and lungs are also affected. They have to work harder to provide adequate oxygen and circulation. Extra fat in the chest cavity can decrease the efficiency of the heart and lungs.

Diabetes and liver disease are very common in obese dogs. Is it worth putting your dog through all of this because you want to throw the table scraps into his bowl? Think of his health before giving in to the temptation of throwing "people food" into his bowl.

Obese dogs also have heat intolerance. They cannot go out and enjoy a nice summer's day like the healthy weight dog. They also develop skin disorders that cause him to have trouble grooming himself. They can get bacteria trapped in the fat rolls that have developed due to the extra weight.

Pancreatitis is very common in overweight dogs. This disease is very painful and can be life threatening to your best buddy.

Now, what can we do to help our overweight dog? Here are a few suggestions to get your furkid started on the healthy road to weight loss.

Dogs need to run for at least 20 minutes a day. Don't let your dog become a couch potato, get him out there and exercising.

Watch what you are feeding your dog. Read the ingredients and don't sacrifice his health to save a few dollars. Trust me, it will cost you much more in the long run if you don't get your dog's weight under control.

In San Diego we are lucky enough to have Leash Your Fitness. This is an exercise program for you and your dog. You work out together. It is great, because you are getting your dog the exercise he needs to maintain a healthy weight and you are benefitting too. Check your area for similar programs, or just make sure you get out there with your best friend. There are dog parks, dog beaches and great foods that will give your dog extra years on this earth with you. Good luck and happy feeding and exercising.


by: PET HIDEAWAY 0 Comments

Sunday, January 9, 2011
Animals are not ornaments or decorations for the house. They're not accessory pieces for when you go out with your friends. If you are going to bring one into your home, PLEASE do your research first.

Pet Hideaway's latest rescue is a Dwarf Hamster. She is tiny, fast, and ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE! She was given up because she likes to run on her wheel at 4AM and it made too much noise for the family. She came with a "big" cage (not even close to what she needs) and a bag of food and bedding. They just wanted to get rid of her.

If these guys did their research before bringing an animal into their home, they would know that these guys are nocturnal creatures. It is widely known (and easily found out if you did some research) that they are up at night and LOVE to run on their wheel. Maybe that isn't a good pet for someone who likes quiet at night.

She is now a part of our family. We will be building a custom cage for her shortly, and she will be spoiled beyond belief. It makes me sad thinking of all the animals out there that are bought as "something cool to have." Was this little hamster going to be put on a shelf and ignored? Was it something cool to have for Christmas but quickly unwanted? (yes, she was given up 5 days later). Was the rest of her life going to be lived out in a cage that barely allows her to run around (which was sold from a major pet store as the "perfect" home for these guys) and ignored completely except for feeding time?

The animals didn't ask to be taken to your home. If you bring one home, yes, you DO have a responsibility to treat it correctly and give it proper living conditions. How would YOU like to be locked in your bedroom and let out only 2-4 hours a day?

Do your research before bringing an animal into your home. They're not cute accessory pieces.


by: PET HIDEAWAY 0 Comments

Thursday, September 2, 2010
Pet Hideaway would like to say THANK YOU for making us the 3rd Best Pet Store in San Diego, AS WELL AS, the 3rd Best Place to Pamper your Pet in San Diego!!! We have only been open at out Seaport Village location for 14 months, so to be voted as one of San Diego's Best in such a short time means the world to us!

Without the support of our friends, family, and most of all YOU GUYS, we wouldn't be where we are today. We have a long road to go, to reach our goals of becoming a LEADER in the Pet Industry, but we feel we are on the right path. Being nominated and even making it to THIRD PLACE in, not one, but two, categories, shows us that our fans and customers feel we are on the right path as well.

So a BIG THANKS to everyone who has supported us over the last 14 months.


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Friday, June 11, 2010
It is so hard to believe that we have been open for almost 1 full year. It seems like just yesterday that we were applying for a lease at Seaport Village. It has truly been the best year of our lives, and most of that is because of all of the wonderful people we have met. We have gotten to know so many of you and your furkids and you truly have become family to us.

We find ourselves looking forward to nightly visits from our friends who make Pet Hideaway a regular stop on their walks, and our friends who make time in their busy schedules to see us on their days off, and those of you who just pop in and make us smile. Each and every one of you hold a special place in our hearts.

You have all made it a pleasure to come to our 2nd home, Pet Hideaway, and we look forward to Year number 2. We have a lot of things planned for our second year. Our Halloween Costume Contest is coming up soon. We will have a cutest Pet Contest again. And, of course, we will do our HUGE Black Friday specials this year, as well. Other events are being planned as we speak, so check back here often for details. You can also become a fan of ours on Facebook.

We hope that we bring a smile to your face like you do for us. Continue to send pictures and sharing stories about the furkids with us. We never get tired of seeing them or hearing about them. We hold up our glass and toast each and every one of you.

Thank you!


by: PET HIDEAWAY 1 Comments

Saturday, June 5, 2010
San Diego's Best!!!

Thank you everyone for voting us into the finals of San Diego's Best contest! We are in the final voting for San Diego's Best with 9 other Pet Stores. You can help us win by voting here...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/bestof/2010/vote/shopping-services/pet-store/

We appreciate all the support and believe that our attitudes towards pets are what sets us apart from other pet stores. Pets are a part of the family, not "just a dog."

Our motto is "Pets Before Profits," and if you come into our store, you'll see why. We're about making it fun to have pets in the house, not a financial burden. C'mon by Pet Hideaway @ Seaport Village and help us to be San Diego's Best Pet Store!

Thanks,
Mike and Nancy
Pet Hideaway


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