Dog Tales: Owen

Doggie Tales is meant to share the impactful ways in which humans and dogs co-exist and share love, beginning with the ones that have impacted my life the most. I hope you enjoy these and I would love to hear your comments down below.

Our first dog tale stars our very own Doggie Dreamz mascot, Owen. Owen is the reason I starting Doggie Dreamz back in 2014 and I hope you can paws for a moment to hear his story.

Owen came into my life through my sister, Tara, in March of 2013. Tara was working at a corporate office in Torrance and had a co-worker whose neighbor just had puppies. At the time, my sister was looking for a dog to adopt but hadn't found the right one just yet. She invited me with her to meet the pup in Long Beach and see if there was a connection. Owen, the name he was already given, took one look at Tara, reared back on his hind legs, and galloped toward her like it was destiny. His tiny 5 pound frame leaped into her arms and then shortly afterwards he feel asleep in her hands. That was all we needed to know that he would be coming home with her.

As with any puppy, the first few weeks were tough. With potty training, teething, and getting into a new routine that both my sister and Owen were getting familiar with, I helped out when I could. At the time I was still working at my own corporate job and could only help on the weekends. Despite the challenges of our new "baby" we immediately loved him like family. Owen's spunky, playful, and witty spirit brought a lot of  joy to my sister's life when she was really needing it. In addition to his youthful spirit, Owen came with an old soul.  You could look into his eyes and there was so much depth... like looking into human eyes. We were sure that he was meant to be a part of our family. 

Then, Owen got sick. After only a month of having him, Owen developed a brutal cough with difficulty breathing. The X-rays came back and we learned our precious Owen had pneumonia. He had to be admitted to the hospital right away for treatment, and there was no guarantee he would survive. All we could do was wait and see how he responded. The next two days were excruciating waiting to see if the treatment worked and if he would make it. We finally got the call that he was going to be ok and could come home. When my sister picked him up, he ran right into her arms, just like the day they first met and he began to lick her face. His spunky spirit was back!

After he came home my sister made sure he had the best life! She took him to dog beaches, hiking, doggie-marathons, and road trips. He basically went everywhere with her. Almost losing such a precious soul changed both of us. Tara went on to get her Masters Degree in Education and became a High School English Teacher. Owen helped her study for exams and all her classmates loved seeing him at study groups. He did have a strict, self-imposed 8 o'clock bedtime, though. (Remember he’s an old soul) As for me, Owen’s ordeal and strong spirit lead me see how much animals mean to me and how I wanted to work with them full-time to make a difference in their lives.  I ended my corporate career and started Doggie Dreamz all because I realized life is too short to not be doing something you love. My sister and I both learned that lesson from Owen and now we are both pursuing our passions with our favorite side-kick Owen along for the ride.

Owen: Beagle/Miniature Pinscher Mix

Birthday: 12-15-12

Favorite Accessory: BOW TIE

Funny habits: Talking back when asked to do tricks. "What? No treats?" 

Emergency Preparedness for You and Your Pet

Did you know June is National Pet Preparedness Month! And living in California: where the ground shakes, and the hills burst into flames—it's the perfect time to get serious (but not too serious) about making sure you and your furry friend are ready to skedaddle at a moment's notice. So, here are my top tips to make sure you're not caught off guard.

#1 Pet Safety Stickers: Slap a sticker on your window to let first responders know there are pets inside. If you’re stuck at work while disaster strikes, you’ll want the heroes to save Fluffy and Fido. You can score a free sticker from the ASPCA at https://secure.aspca.org/take-action/order-your-pet-safety-pack. It’s like a “Save the Cheerleader, Save the World” situation, but with pets.

#2 Trusty Neighbor or Pet Sitter: Give a spare key to someone you trust and your pets know. This way, if you’re stuck in traffic or having an existential crisis far from home, your pets can still be rescued. It’s like having a backup plan for your backup plan.

#3 Safety Kit for Your Pet: When you’re putting together your emergency kit, don’t forget the doggo or kitty. Keep everything in a waterproof container because, you know, disasters don’t care about your organizational skills. Here’s what to include:

• Extra pet food (and swap it out every two months unless your pet is on an intermittent fasting kick).

• Portable water and food bowls (because pets aren’t great at drinking from cupped hands).

• Extra leashes, collars, or harnesses (because losing a leash is like losing a sock—it just happens).

• Water bottles (again, swap them out every two months).

• A copy of your pet’s veterinary records (in case they need to prove their age for pet discounts).

• Portable pet carrier for smaller pets (or a miniature chariot, whatever suits your style).

• Blankets (because who doesn’t love a cozy blanket?).

• Disposable garbage bags (for cleaning up after your pet, or for impromptu fashion shows).

• Disposable litter trays (for cats who refuse to go au naturel).

#4 Pet First Aid Kit: Adding a pet first aid kit to your emergency stash is a smart move. Include:

• hydrogen peroxide (for those curious noses that get into trouble),

• gauze,

• non-stick bandages

• cotton balls

• Benadryl gel caps (for allergic reactions)

• antibiotic ointment spray (for minor wounds)

• milk of magnesia (for toxic ingestion)

• tweezers, scissors

• a soft muzzle (because even the sweetest pet can panic)

• a small towel (perfect for wrapping, drying, or making your pet look like a superhero).

#5 Update Microchips and ID Collars: Make sure your pet’s microchip info and ID collar are up to date. If you get separated, you’ll have a better chance of being reunited. Also, keep recent pictures of your pets handy, because, believe it or not, “I’m missing a black-and-white cat” describes about half the cats out there.

So there you have it! These tips should help you and your pet be ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way. Let’s hope you never have to use them, but it’s always better to be prepared. And remember, in the face of disaster, keep calm, stay safe, and don’t forget the treats.

2019: A Year in Review

Last year was such a crazy, fun, exciting year for Doggie Dreamz. We welcomed some new clients, as well as welcoming new dog walkers to our team and several of our clients added a second doggie to the family. Overall 2019 was a good year for us as a business, however the year ended in sadness for me personally. 

In December my mother passed away. This was, as you could imagine, extremely difficult to deal with the death of my mom as well as trying to serve my clients as best I could. I am incredible grateful for all of my wonderful clients who were graciously understanding and sympathetic to my situation. I would not have been able to get through this difficult time without all of them and their kindness. From the bottom of my heart I am eternally grateful for all of you.

Even though 2019 ended on a sad note I am optimistic for what 2020 will bring. Thank you for allowing me to continue to do what I love every day, and allowing me to care for your precious animals. I love each and every one of them and looking forward to caring for them in 2020.

Lovingly,

Mia

12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving Guide 2019

Every year we provide a list of our favorite companies to purchase from this holiday season that provide great gifts for your loved ones and also donate to local and nationwide animal rescues. Below is the list of our picks for this year’s Gift Giving Guide. Hope you enjoy!

Day 1: Grounds and Hounds  

Grounds and Hounds is the perfect gift for any coffee lover on your list. 20% of all profits go to rescue organizations around the country.

https://groundsandhoundscoffee.com/collections/coffee-homepage/products/nice-list-holiday-120z

Day 2: LandFill Dogs

Landfill Dogs is a great addition to any coffee table. $25 from each purchase of this book goes to the Wake County Animal Center.

Book https://www.landfilldogs.com/book/

Day 3: Belly Rubs for Bubbins

This book helps spread the message that adopting and fostering a shelter dog saves lives. Also 51% of profits goes to Animal Rescues.

https://www.bellyrubbinsforbubbins.com

Day 4: My Pet Candle

You can personalize these candles with a picture of your pet and proceeds from every purchase help provide care packages that include vaccines, food, beds and toys for shelter animals through GreaterGood.org’s programs.

https://mypetcandle.com

Day 5: Blue Collar

These leashes and collars are part of Blue Collar’s BOGO program (Buy One, Give One). They will donate the equivalent of whatever you order to a rescue dog.

https://projectbluecollar.com/shop/

Day 6: Hooray for the Underdog

These fun greeting cards and stationery with exceptional images and inspiring profiles of rescue dogs (and cats) who were abandoned and then given a second chance at life.

https://www.hoorayfortheunderdog.com

Day 7: Harlow and Bean

100% of the proceeds from every purchase you make is donated to animal rescues and shelters across the United States.

https://harlowbean.com

Day 8: Urban Barn

Vegan Faux Fur Blanket for every order of this blanket a portion of the profit goes to animals in need. 

https://www.urbanbarn.com/en/blanket-the-country/blanket-the-country-2019-html-module.html

Day 9: Rescued Wine Candles 

They donate 10% of our annual profits to animal rescue organizations nation wide

https://rescuedwinecandles.com

Day 10: Fetching Apparel

40% of our profits go to animal rescue and spay/neuter organizations.

https://www.fetching-apparel.com

Day 11: All Worthy

This is a very cool company, you order something and then you get to pick the charity that you would like them to donate to. They donate 75% of our profits to other nonprofits working to improve the lives of those who are different.  Sidewalk Angels, The Smush Foundation, The Odd Cat Sanctuary.

Day 12: Dog Threads

This company makes matching outfits for you and your dog! With every purchase we donate a portion of the sale to non-profit animal rescues across the US to assist in their life saving efforts. 

https://shopdogthreads.com/collections/all-matching-outfits

Dogs and Coffee: A Perfect Pairing

There are few things in this world that make me happier than dogs and coffee.

Since my dog nephew, Owen, came into our lives, weekend mornings and afternoon catch-ups with my sister often called for both. So, I am always looking for great places to score a good cup of joe that will also accommodate the four-legged. I have compiled a list of my top 5 coffee shops in Pasadena, and the surrounding areas, which offer great coffee as well as an ideal outside seating arrangement to be enjoyed by you and your furry best friend. 

1. Jones Coffee Roasters, Pasadena, South Pasadena: Lucky for us, they have 4 locations in the area. One on Raymond Ave, another in South Pasadena on Mission St, and two other locations in Pasadena on Arryo Blvd and inside Vroman’s Bookstore. Not only is this shop filled with healthy and custom options in their drinks and bakery items, they also have a front patio at their Raymond location that is always dog friendly. I have found that their Raymond location is the best to accommodate the four-legged.

https://www.jonescoffeeroasters.com

2. Lavender and Honey, Pasadena: This unique and local spot is tucked on the corner of East Washington Blvd. and Hill. Their beautiful brick building makes you feel like you are in the middle of the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. They offer the classic espresso drinks, as well as eatery with creative spins. My favorite is their Lavender Latte. As for food, they have a developed menu of breakfast and pastry items. I enjoy the Pasadena toast on my visits. Finally, Lavender and Honey has a cozy outdoor seating area with small tables that you can share with your furry best friend. But, be warned, your furry best friend will definitely want you to share your food!

https://lavenderandhoneyespresso.com

3. Philz Coffee, Pasadena: If you know Philz you already know, their coffee is purely divine! I know I can’t be the only one who’s mouth starts watering at the mere mentioning of their Mint Mojito.  Additionally, their outdoor seating is in the scenic Commons courtyard on Lake Ave. And there are plenty of water bowls for your furry best friend to enjoy a drink while you enjoy yours. 

https://www.philzcoffee.com/locations-la

4. Kaldi Coffee and Tea, South Pasadena: Located on El Centro and if the gorgeous exposed brick outside makes you feel like you are in a movie, you wouldn’t be wrong. Kaldi Coffee and Tea in South Pasadena has been a shooting location for several movies including Lady Bird and Role Models. The movie-magic feel is just one of this coffee shop’s many charms. They have wonderful employees that make your coffee with care. And, of course, they have several tables outside for you and your pooch to soak in the good feelings. Watch out for any pup-arazzi!

5. Bean Town Coffee, Pasadena: is perhaps my favorite coffee house in the

Pasadena area. It is located in Sierra Madre on Baldwin Ave. Not only is the staff amazing and the coffee tasty, but they also offer a full breakfast menu. What really grabs me is the atmosphere of Bean Town. It resembles the popular TV show Friends coffee shop “Central Perk,” which is, for me, a definite win! Outside, they have spacious outdoor dining where you can enjoy a quiet morning close to Mt. Wilson, with your pooch by your side, filling up on a delicious breakfast. Ask for my favorite, the Bean Town Scramble!

https://beantown.cafe

If you’re among the millions who enjoy brews and barks, I hope you find this list helpful. Let me know what coffee shops you and your furry best friend enjoy, or I you find a new hangout spot from the list! Until next time!