Brown Dog. The Book.

A lot can happen in ten years. Between the ages of 20 and 30, I moved out on my own, enjoyed drinking legally and launched my career. Between the ages of 30 and 40, I loved and lost my 'soulmate with 4 legs'. And, in the past 10 years, I've resumed my career while being instrumental in helping more than 850 families save their pet's life. 

And, I've helped write a book. A memoir of sorts... about my soulmate with 4 legs and our life together. He inspired me to do something I never thought possible. I hope you'll read it. I hope you'll buy it. I hope you'll share it with everyone you know! 

More importantly, I hope it inspires you to get involved - whether to volunteer, to share our posts on social media, to attend events, to serve on the board, or to donate - however you support us, it's appreciated and needed to keep us moving forward. I can't do it by myself. It takes a village.

Here's the book's teaser...

This is the story of Chocolate Chip's journey from the Johnson City Animal Control facility through East Tennessee Labrador Retriever Rescue and into Carol's arms. For nearly 5 years she gave him everything she could, until cancer returned and took him from her far too soon. But, his passing inspired Brown Dog Foundation  and since she let him go on that drizzly Mother's Day in 2006, the Foundation has assisted more than 850 family pets .

In the book, you'll come to know Chocolate Chip, Carol and her family, and the early supporters who brought Brown Dog Foundation to life. You will also meet several of the pets we've saved and the doctors and celebrities who help us keep the organization alive today.  

When Carol adopted Chip, she lamented to the rescue group, "it's a shame there isn't an organization who could have helped his family pay for the care he needed so they could keep him." Never did she expect to experience the same scenario herself. Faced with a diagnosis of cancer and a treatment protocol of bi-weekly Chemotherapy and combined with her recent job loss, now she couldn't afford the very treatment that might save his life. 

Through his journey, Carol came to learn that hundreds of thousands of pet owners across the nation are faced with the decision to end their pet's life and suffering when the cost of life-saving treatment is outside their financial means. For these families that final decision is brutal.  Carol, fresh with the pain of facing this same decision, created Brown Dog Foundation. And, just like that, families have an alternative. 

Brown Dog has inspired many to do good work. He will inspire you to do the same.  

For the past 5 years, we have consistently received 4,000 requests for assistance annually.  Brown Dog consistently helps 100-165 families each year. Books begin shipping in November, 2016.

We'd love to hear your thoughts about the book, as well as the work we do!

Who is the Expert?

Toffee & Beignet, Yin and Yang

written by Carol A. Smock, Founder

Something happened in my family recently that had me asking, "so who is the expert anyway?"  I was diagnosed with Valley Fever and worried that if I had contracted it, my dogs may also have been exposed and could be dealing with this horrible disease.  So, off to the Veterinarian we go...

I love my Clinic.  Dr. Tenney SAVED my Toffee Nut's life last year by amputating one of his toes that had a spindle cell carcinoma attached.  They suggested radiation afterward to be sure we got it all, but after careful consideration, I opted *not* to put him through it.  I met a new doctor on Saturday who would draw their blood - she's lovely too.  Well educated. Well spoken.  Kind and compassionate.

We talked at great length about the fact that I refuse to give Heartguard, Frontline or Vaccinations.  I explained that I've lost two already to cancer and I want to try this Holistic approach to see if it makes a difference.  I explained that while I don't pump their bodies full of poisons and toxins anymore, I still have them tested for Heartworms and other diseases on a regular basis, often performing a full panel of bloodwork annually.  I give essential oil supplements and feed the highest quality food I can buy.  I also explained how I've read extensively about this chosen lifestyle and I've consulted many who could be deemed experts in arriving at my decision.

She was respectful, although I could see she was cautious.  And, I DO respect that.  My dogs' bloodwork came back...  the 10 1/2 year old who just had a battle with cancer last  year - PERFECT!  And, while he showed exposure to Valley Fever, he does not have active infection.  The 4 year old was negative for Valley Fever.

So, this begs the question, just who is the expert when it comes to our pets?  While I would never suggest that Veterinarians are not the most educated and knowledgeable, sometimes, there are experts out there who didn't go to school for their degree.  Sometimes, an expert can be someone whose lifetime has been spent learning by doing (as John Lloyd Wright suggested is the best method of learning), taking chances and risks and studying the results.

I trust my doctors.  I really do.  But, they believe in Western Medicine and I'm learning that I believe in an Integrated Approach.  I'm thankful that they respect me enough as a pet owner to "learn by doing".  They are there to warn me of possible impending doom and to make sure we are testing my pets along the way to insure their safety.

I want to call your attention to a Special Newsprint Section that published in the Washington Post yesterday. It was titled Pet Wellness and the website is http://www.petcarenews.com/.  I encourage you to take a look at what this special section has to offer - good information about nutrition, behavior and general health & wellness.  There are also some great articles on Rescue and Adoption.  A word of warning, it's not all written by veterinarians...  but there is great information in it for you to digest and discuss with your doctor.

Brown Dog Foundation LOVES pets.  We respect the doctors who study for years to save them.  But we also know that often times, "experts" walk among us.  And sometimes, the expert may be us.  After all, who knows your pets' behavior and patterns better than you?

Human Food for Pets

Is it Safe?

First, we wish to acknowledge that many people feed their pets human-grade food.  This post is not intended to be a conversation between feeding "raw" and feeding table-treats.  It's a light-hearted observation of human foods that can be harmful to your pet's life.

We all have had those moments where our pet wants to share in meal time. There is nothing wrong with giving our animal a treat as long as certain rules are followed. Similar to humans, there are foods that are healthy and unhealthy. Animals must be fed human food sparingly and certain foods are hazardous. See below for more info.

HAZARDOUS Foods for Pets

-         Chocolate

-         Alcohol

-         Avocado

-         Macadamia Nuts

-         Grapes/Raisins

-         Yeast Dough

-         Undercooked Meat

-         Onions/Garlic/Chives

-         Xylitol (Sweetener found in candy, gum, and toothpaste)

-         Milk

-         Salt

Many of these foods result in seizures and vomiting in pets. The risk of eating these items includes death. Pets have immune systems different than humans and are not able to properly digest these foods.

Foods Pets Can Eat

-         Peanut Butter (all natural, no salt)

-         Pears

-         Strawberries, Blueberries, and Raspberries

-         Bananas

-         Tuna

-         Plain Pasta (No Sauce)

-         Cheese

-         Eggs

-         Baby Carrots

-         Yogurt (No artificial sweetener)

Remember

Occasional Treats- Do not over feed your pet human food. These items should be treats and given very sparingly. The more human food a pet is fed, the higher a risk for serious complications including obesity.

Prepare Food Appropriately - Remove all seeds, wrappers, and other hazardous pieces before giving food to a pet. Also, properly cook all meat and items requiring proper heating (we acknowledge that many feed their pets Raw Diets...  when overseen by a professional, raw diet can be *very* effective.  Raw Diet is not to be confused with "table scraps").

Natural- Only give your pet food without salt, butter, or other seasonings. Plain items reduce the risk for allergic reactions or other health issues.

Your pet can participate in meal time with you on special occasions. However, it is crucial to remember that your pet is not capable of realizing the damage unhealthy food can cause. We are responsible for protecting their well being. While your furry-friend may tempt you into giving treats often, remember that you are protecting them by saying no.