First day of puppy training

We haven't had to personally train a puppy in over 18 years!  Luckily, Charlie is eager to please.  She whined a little, got up when she wasn't supposed to, & doesn't know how to sit on command.  But despite that, she was paying attention.  She did well when learning how to "wait" and walk beside me. 

We took her on a family walk later in the day.  I could see she was struggling with wanting to be next to her brother Bentley and listening to me.  But she's smart enough to know that I come with treats!  I am looking forward to continuing to train Charlie (and myself)...

Grace Martinez
2 Dogs & A Cat

Running for local charity

Help sponsor us to run the Flight for Sight Fun Run & Walk on 6/7! We love that this event includes everything we are passionate about: dogs, local event, & running. We will run ONE MILE per $$DOLLAR donated (i.e. $30 donated, WE will run 30 miles in between both of us). Think BIG! Thanks in advance.

Guide Dogs of America helps provide guide dogs free of charge to blind individuals. With the gift of a guide dog, men and women are better able to pursue and achieve their goals, fulfill their dreams, and participate in their communities. Guide dogs not only provide the gift of increased independence, confidence, and mobility, but they also act as a trusted companion providing increased opportunities and social interaction. Help us make a difference in someone's life in the form of a loving, four legged partner. http://www.flightforsight.com/

Old Dog Haven Charity Event

2 Dogs & A Cat and Run 2 Be Fit hosted a fundraising event for Old Dog Haven on 3/29/14 in Everett, WA. 

There were 118 registered donors.  We raised over $1865! 
Thanks to everyone who came out despite the cold & rain to support this wonderful charity!

Arnie & Grace Martinez
2 Dogs & A Cat

Meet Charlie

Charlie (Charlotte) finally arrived!  After months of deciding we were ready for another dog, she finally arrived.  It took over 3 weeks of travel time due to the snow & road conditions.  Poor puppy.  She is calm, healthy 5 month old Lab/Shar Pei mix that is full of energy.  Just what our other dog Bentley needed.  He is smaller than her, but that doesn't stop him from bossing her around.  Charlie is so good-natured that she doesn't seem to mind.  Our daughters are still adjusting to a jumping dog.  Next step training!

Grace Martinez
2 Dogs & A Cat
www.2dogsandacat.net

The Missing Piece

It’s been 17 years since I had a puppy.  Bella was my first dog.  My husband & I got her from a man giving away free puppies.  She was our “entry” child after being newly-married.  She reminded me of “Little Ann” from Where the Red Fern Grows.  We did everything wrong.  We let her sleep with us, get on the couch, and eat our leftovers.  We didn’t socialize her enough – that was our biggest mistake.  A year later we got Reno from a shelter, he was about 4 months old. He was awkward, and didn’t know how to control his moving limbs.  He was the newfound energy Bella needed.  She quickly showed him the ropes and we continued with our bad habits.  It became apparent that we needed to change our ways when we moved to another state and they showed signs of aggression.  We found a great boarding facility that taught us how to be better parents.  Soon after, moving and “fixing” our parental issues, we decided it was time to start a human family.  But we felt bad about commuting and leaving our dogs home alone.  That’s when I decided to start a pet care business.  It was the perfect scenario, one of us would be home with our dogs and child & the other would pet sit.  Since then we have had two other human children.  Bella & Reno lived long, happy, meaningful lives and sadly passed away about 3 years ago.  It took us over a year to decide whether our hearts would be open to having another dog.  We visited the shelters for some time, never finding a good match – until one day, my friend called me & told me MY DOG was at the shelter.  We quickly rushed over to find a shaggy, disheveled mini-Schnauzer who had been abandoned most of his life.  Bentley was 4 at the time and made the perfect addition to our family – he was full of spunk and our middle daughter immediately claimed him as hers.  Bentley is now 6 and we have been looking for some time for another dog.  Our family has not felt complete.   I randomly saw a Facebook post about some puppies needing a home and knew THAT puppy was mine.  We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of “Charlotte” aka Charley, a mixed Lab/Sharpei.  She is in Texas at a rescue and should be transported to us by February.  I know in my heart that she is the missing piece.  Bella & Reno can never be replaced, but Charley can fill the missing piece in my family.

Grace Martinez
2 Dogs & A Cat, est. 2001
www.2dogsandacat.net
425-379-6136

Christmas Tree Tips

It's that time of the year when you start putting up the Christmas Tree.  .

Christmas Tree Tips:

1. Place your Christmas tree in a corner, preferably blocked from your pet. Try putting something at the bottom of the tree that will create noise if they jump on the tree.

2. Make sure to hang tinsel out of your pet's reach.  Ingesting tinsel can potentially block their intestines.  .

3. Do not put lights on the tree's lower branches to avoid having your pet get tangled in the lights or get shocked by biting through the wire.

4. Ornaments should also be kept out of reach to avoid possible chocking or injury from broken ornaments. 

5. Clean up after pine needles that have fallen, they could puncture your pet's intestines if ingested. 

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