Memorial for Two Cherished Dogs

                               Guy Richardson with Sparky and Kona

It is so hard to lose a beloved pet but especially difficult during the holidays.  Guy and Jimmy said goodbye to their precious Sparky on Wed. November 27, 2013 which was the day before Thanksgiving.  Here is Guy Richardson's wonderful recollections of his two cherished dogs which are pictured with him.  

Kona – Born on Halloween 1994, we discovered Kona at age 7 weeks in a pet store on December 26 – the only puppy that did not get sold for Christmas. So he became our best Christmas present ever. Kona  truly enjoyed his role as Chief of Security. Kona was 100% effective; never a break in or burglary. And that bark! There was a front security door that Kona loved to sit near when the front door was open for ventilation. Those coming up the drive couldn’t see Kona behind the security door, but nobody could ignore his bark once he became aware of them. Kona was the most fun Frisbee partner one could ever have. Total enthusiasm retrieving the disc with every throw without ever tiring. Everybody loved watching Kona play Frisbee with his Daddy at the park. And of course the countless hikes. When his Daddy found out from his doctor that hiking was the best workout for him, he began a 3-hike a week regimen that not only got Daddy in shape but allowed for the best bonding ever with his beloved Kona. Kona’s extreme hip dysplasia diagnosed at age 10 slowed him down, but never diminished his love of hiking with Daddy. Even though there may have been some pain involved, he wanted to be on every single hike which kept him in shape up age 15. Kona hiked with his Daddy until about six weeks before his passing in January of 2010.

Sparky –We met Sparky when he was age 7 when the renters across the street got him from the pound. It was love at first sight! We loved Sparky and he loved us – we just knew. Sparky began jumping their fence and coming over to our house. We wound up having cell numbers for everyone that lived over there to notify them when we found Sparky at our house. If we were gone and the front door was open, our dog Kona would be on the other side of the security door and they would commune with each other. That’s when they became buddies; Sparky and Kona really loved each other. Then on February 6, 2007, those neighbors came to our door with Sparky asking if we wanted him because they had to move to an apartment that did not allow pets. We joyously accepted and Sparky’s loving sweetness was ours to enjoy every day. Sparky loved every human he encountered and his sweetness is irreplaceable. Sparky was insistent on sleeping on our bed every night – all 55 pounds of him. He was having it no other way and we could not resist. Sparky and Kona became wonderful hiking buddies when Daddy took them along for hikes three times every week. After we said goodbye to Kona in January 2010, Sparky was diagnosed with Spinal Arthritis in February 2011. Soon after, Sparky needed help getting in the back seat. He’d put his front paws up on the floor board and Daddy would lift him by the rear hips; Sparky then put his front paws up the seat and Daddy moved his rear paws into position on the seat. The last couple of years of his life, Daddy had to have Sparky’s seat belt harness on him so he could lift him in.

10 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

Here are 10 tips to help you and your pet to have a safe and happy holiday season.

1. Securely anchor your tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury, if a pet is playing.
2. Make sure  you do not let pets drink tree water out of the stand, as it can be dangerous if ingested.
3. Try to either elevate the tree or hang ornaments only on the upper most branches, to avoid  broken ornaments that can cause injury. 
4. Avoid tinsel...pretty, sparkling tinsel is very enticing to pets, but it can cause an obstruction if ingested.
5. Place candles in a place where they cannot easily be knocked over by an excited pet.
6. Conceal electrical cords with heavy duty plastic to keep a chewing pet away from danger.
7. Be sure to keep chocolate away from pets, but be aware that dark chocolate, especially baker’s chocolate, is especially toxic.
8. Keep the sweet treats like: gum, candy, and breath mints with xylitol (an artificial sweetener) away from pets.  It is extremely toxic. 
9. Be careful when choosing a gift for your pet.  Dogs have been known to chew up toys, which then cause a blockage and require veterinarian assistance. Instead offer health treats or indestructible toys.
10. With all the excitement of the season it is important that you give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle.  Pets often become anxious during this time of year. 

Best Fish Oil For Pets--Amazing Omegas Heals Dog's Skin Rash

 Mackenzie

"I love your products, VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital staff recommended I try the Amazing Omega oils after several rounds of skin rashes that got infected.  Since giving my dog, Mackenzie, your supplement she’s never had a relapse - keep up the great work!  You’ve won a customer for life!"   J. Ellis, Orange County, CA

Amazing Omega for Pets

Simply the best fish oil available--purity and potency guaranteed! Excellent for joint support, skin and coat and overall good health. Amazing Omegas reduces inflammation throughout the body helping pets with mobility issues and inflammatory conditions.  Unlike most fish oils, Amazing Omegas are packed in glass bottles to prevent potential seepage from toxins in plastic.  The oil is processed in a natural way to ensure it is bioavailable to your pet, thus you don't need to use nearly as much as you might use of other brands. Amazing Omegas contains the highest quality, purest fish oil available on the market.

Great Holiday Gifts For Pet Owners

Great Holiday Gifts for Pet Owners. Need a gift for someone who has everything? Want to buy a gift for a coworker or neighbor who has a cat or dog? Spoil their pet with premium pet supplements that will help their pet feel and look great.  Holistic pet supplements make a special and meaningful gift showing your friend, coworker or family member that you care.

Ask Ariel Holiday Shopping Guide:  Two pet supplements that are great for all pets and you really can't go wrong with Amazing Omegas and Power Probiotic .  These two products make a great gift for all pets and are affordable too.

Amazing Omegas reduces inflammation, makes coats shiny and soft, fights allergies, and helps the fur glisten.  Give the gift of a shimmering holiday coat!

Power Probiotics provides powerful immune and digestion support for overall health and easy to administer!  Lightweight and small--Power Probiotics makes a purrfect stocking stuffer for XMAS!

Do you like to take your best friend with you when you shop? Holiday shopping season is fast approaching and some places welcome pets, which can be really great fun for all.  However, if you have to leave your pet in the car, remember that even in fall and winter, it is a lot hotter in the car than outside.  Pets can get overheated and need water even if it is cold outside.

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Stanley

Indie

Did you know that,  according to the Animal Cancer Foundation, one out of every  four dogs and one out of every five cats will develop cancer at some point in their life?  It is a shocking statistic, but a diagnosis we hear all too often  at AskAriel.com. There are many contributing factors that lead to a pet developing cancer including, genetic predisposition, environmental factors and age ( yes, risk factors go up as your pet gets older).  However, as in humans, the treatment options have expanded over time and may include traditional and holistic protocols, or a combination of  both. Diet and supplements for cat and dog cancer treatment can make a tremendous difference in the quality and longevity of your pet's life.  The Pet Cancer Package  has helped  many cats and dogs to tolerate chemotherapy without interfering with the medications.  Pets have more energy on the Pet Cancer Package which contains many nutrients researched to be helpful for cancer such as green tea, IP-6, carnitine, ginseng, astragalus and more-- all in one convenient package.  Amazing Omegas is essential for all pets with cancer.

Know the Warning Signs of Cancer

Common Signs of Cancer In Pets 
• Difficulty eating or swallowing 
• Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow 
• Sores that do not heal 
• Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
• Pet just not acting like himself, behavior changes
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening 
• Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating 
• Persistent lameness or stiffness 
• Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina

Remember, early detection is key and the best way to protect your pet is to watch for the signs above and bring your pet in to the veterinarian for an exam and laboratory testing.

IBD Success Story: 8 Year Old Dog Chloe Finally Gets Better!

 Chloe

8 year old Mini-Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle)

Has IBD and Had Been on Prednisone

Thursday, November 14, 2013 
"Susan, I feel so fortunate to have found you - if you only knew - I’m at a loss for the words every time expressing all the emotions, feelings, relief, peace and happiness as I watch her sit at my feet waiting for her food and if I take too long, hearing her whimper a little “hurry up mom” -- like music to my ears.  Seeing and reading success stories from other people was a draw for me in the pursuit of trying to find REAL help for Chloe.   It is so important to spread the word about how a good diet plays such a vital role in a pet’s well-being and noting how much your supplements help add to enhance that as well. She is currently taking Power Probiotic, Soothing Digestive Relief, Lypozyme, Notatum and the Liver/Gallbladder supplements and has been completely off the steroids.  Sometimes, people are just very skeptical about it all -- but boy what a difference it makes!"    Mary and Chloe, Reside In Virginia

A look back:
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 
Q.    I have an 8 yr old minischnoodle who has IBD.  She has had several bouts over the last 2 years and they are getting progressively worse with each incident.   Can you help???
A.    Yes, absolutely we can help.  There is a lot you can do to solve these problems.  Our nutritionist looked at the diet and thought there are much better options.  Also, you definitely need to get your dog started on our IBD Kit.   Just trying to tackle IBD alone without supplements is nearly impossible.  

Update- Monday, September 23, 2013
"I thought you would be happy to hear how well Chloe is doing.  She is now completely transitioned to the diet you recommended.  She is doing unbelievably/remarkably well!  I couldn't be happier with how she looks, how she's acting/jumping/running around, the look of her stool - normal (first time in her little LIFE!).

I cannot thank you enough - there are no words that could justify/express my gratitude - you've changed Chloe's life and mine.  I know you know how my heart would just break to see her struggle or hurt.  You made such a difference in our lives with your plans, ideas, suggestions and supplements and gave us something we can work with that actually makes a difference and improves the quality of life! "   Mary and Chloe

Update-Thursday, October 10, 2013 
"Hi Susan!  Still doing REALLY good here  - THANKS TO YOU!!  I've just introduced the Liver/Gallbladder supplement to Chloe's diet and we are doing pretty good on the steroid decrease process as well.  Thanks to you, she's her cute little self again - both my husband and I could not be happier with the results we are seeing.  She is now fully transitioned on the diet and she loves it!  We've split her meals a little (as you suggested) - she's very food driven normally - and being on the steroids I guess contributes to that even more so - splitting the meals seems to help.  At 2 to 3 walks a day, she's getting lots of fresh air and exercise too - it is our time and lots of fun.  My God when I think about the situation we were in before contacting you, -- it overwhelms me and brings me to tears because if things had not gotten better I fear I would have been facing the unthinkable!  I'm so amazed by her progress and so very thankful to you for how you changed all that and turned our lives around!"

Does your cat or dog have IBD?  We would love to help.  Learn more about how a natural diet and supplements can help dogs and cats get well from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

How Long To Use Pet Supplements For a Dog's Urinary Tract Infection and Struvite Crystals

  
Dear Ask Ariel:   My dog Chelsea was having chronic urinary tract infections--3 infections in 6 months!  She also had struvite crystals.  You recommended that I use a few supplements and make some diet changes.  I have been using the Renelix, Pet UTI Prevention Formula and Power Probiotic for several months now with my dog.  I also made the diet changes you recommended.  My veterinarian just repeated the urine tests. The test results from the last urinalysis shows no crystals. Does this mean she is cured and I can reduce the supplements I currently give her?

Ask Ariel:
So glad Chelsea is feeling so much better! This is a very good question.  Supplements are very different than medications.  Medications treat a problem and when the symptom goes away, you stop the medication.  So for example, you used antibiotics to treat Chelsea's initial infection and once the bacterial overgrowth subsided, you stopped the medication.  However, since there was a high likelihood the bacterial overgrowth could occur again,  we introduced the supplements to try to prevent another infection.  Pet supplements are needed more from a preventative standpoint than medications which work from a treatment perspective.  Pet supplements help the body to heal and when you stop the supplement, the problem can usually return because the body is no longer getting the support it needs.  So for example, if you stop the Renelix, given Chelsea's propensity to get bladder struvite crystals, there is a good chance she will get them again.  Thus, it is best to stay on the supplements to prevent these type of health issues from recurring.