Thought Wheel

Ann Chiappetta

Laundry Balls and Guide Dogs

| Filed under blindness blogging Guide dogs pets and people

Visiting my Sister, Laundry Balls and Iowa the New Guide Dog

 

I flew from Pittsburgh to Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, in fact, and spent five days with my sister and her wife in their sweet place. Their house is beautiful and the love and care they both extent to it shows. A plethora of hydrangea, lush grass and friendly neighbors are proof the location is a gem.

 

The day before I returned home Cheryll did my laundry and while folding, I found a ball, what I first thought was a tennis ball, wedged in the sleeve of a shirt.

 

Cheryll told me it was a wool laundry ball, using a bunch of them in a load of wash or drying helps the machines work better and one does not need to dose one’s laundry with so much fabric softener or dryer sheets. This appealed to being better for my allergies and the environment and I could not wait to get home and try them for myself.

 

When I got back home, I ordered a bunch, sold in sets of six, and I must say, I am impressed. It cuts the drying time and keeps sheets, towels and blankets from twisting and not drying.

 

As it happened, my new guide dog, a black lab named Iowa, came into our lives upon my return, a week later. Little did I know if I dropped one, he would run off with it. The balls are a bit bigger than the size of a tennis ball, made of lightweight wool, and make no sound when dropped on the floor. I can only imagine what might be going through Iowa’s mind; the ball isn’t for me? Humans are weird.

 

Guide and service dogs are still dogs, and will have personalities, propensities and behaviors that while are not entirely what we expect, lend to their individuality. My second guide dog, Bailey, would greet me every morning with my slipper in his mouth. It wasn’t a surprise, then, when Iowa just could not help himself and took the ball.

thanks to Iowa’s sneaky ways I am more careful now and I count my balls with each wash and dry.😜

 

😉

 

Black lab Iowa lay in the grass with a dog toy.No

Smile for the Canine Camera 🦮 🪥

| Filed under blindness Guide dogs pets and people writing

This post is for guide dog handlers or pet dog owners. If you don’t like the thick, sticky consistency or the prices of commercial brand dog toothpastes and want a natural alternative, this post is for you and those lovable fur faces in your family. Here is a doggie toothpaste recipe for you. 
If you visit the Cooking Without Looking website, it would be great. It would be even better if you leave a comment on this blog as well as on the Cooking Without Looking site.
Happy brushing!
This is the Cooking Without Looking Recipe of the Day at
www.cookingwithoutlookingtv.wordpress.com .
A huge thanks to Ren’ee Rentmiester for posting these recipes. I am reposting them here for your convenience.   
While you should always consult with your veterinarian before using homemade dog toothpaste, here are some popular recipes using safe and readily available ingredients:

• Basic Coconut Oil & Baking Soda Toothpaste: This recipe involves mixing equal parts melted coconut oil and baking soda to form a paste.
• Minty Fresh Toothpaste: This variation includes melted coconut oil and baking soda, with the addition of dried parsley, dried mint, and ground cinnamon for flavor.
• Simple Baking Soda & Broth Toothpaste: This recipe uses equal parts baking soda and water or broth to create a paste.
Important Notes:
• Ingredients like baking soda are generally safe in small amounts but some vets advise caution as large quantities can be harmful. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties. Adding broth or other dog-safe flavorings can make brushing easier.
• Store homemade toothpaste in an airtight container, and refrigeration may be necessary depending on ingredients.
• Always supervise your dog during brushing to prevent ingestion of large amounts of toothpaste.
• Brush gently with a dog toothbrush, focusing on the outer surfaces and gum line.

Note: some other types of application strategies are using a finger brush or an untreated 3-inch gauze square. Make sure the gauze is not coated with nonstick ingredients. Open the gauze and wrap it around the tip of your finger and rub the teeth and guns as you would with a toothbrush.

 
• Consult your veterinarian before using any homemade toothpaste to ensure it’s suitable for your dog.
Remember, brushing your dog’s teeth is an essential part of their oral hygiene routine.


Ren’ee A. Rentmeester
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