Do you actually understand the side effects some of these medications can have on your dog? I am posting this article so that you can make an informed decision on whether you want to use these or go a more natural route. 

Thank you to Dr. Jean Dodd and Hemopet for all the work they do/have done for the Animal World globally. 

​​On September 20, 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that the following flea and tick medications have caused adverse events in dogs and cats such as muscle tremors, ataxia and seizures:

• Bravecto (fluralaner) tablets for dogs;
• Bravecto (fluralaner) topical solution for cats and dogs;
• Nexgard (afoxalaner) tablets for dogs; and,
• Simparica (sarolaner) and Simparica Trio (sarolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel) tablets for dogs.

All of these medications are in the isoxazoline class of compounds. Isoxazoline is a parasiticide.
The FDA worked with manufacturers of isoxazoline products to include new label information to highlight neurologic events because these events were seen consistently across the isoxazoline class of products.
Two additional drugs that are also in the isoxazoline class had recently received FDA approval and carry the warning on their labels:

• Credelio (lotilaner) tablets for dogs; and,
• Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution) for dogs and cats.

Isoxazoline class flea and tick medications should not be confused with spinosads – a natural substance made by a soil bacterium that can be toxic to insects – that is also for treatment or prevention of fleas. Two of the most well-known spinosad products are Trifexis® and Comfortis®. Dogs that are epileptic or prone to seizures should not be given spinosad.
Comparatively, researchers and veterinarians thus far cannot point to breed characteristics, age group, drug interactions or genetic mutations as contributing factors to the findings that prompted the FDA warning about the isoxazoline class.
Coinciding with the warning, Project Jake had just wrapped up its online questionnaire about flea and tick medications to 2,751 respondents on August 21, 2018, and released its findings on June 2, 2020.
So why release the results if the FDA already issued the warning?
The Project Jake Survey was more broadly based and included:

• companion pet caregivers who did not give their pets any flea or tick medications;
• pet caregivers who did not see any adverse reactions as well as those that did report them, providing a more inclusive review of isoxazoline use;
• observations by pet caregivers pre‐ (3 months) and post‐drug use;
• questions when adverse event occurred after use of the drug;
• questioned about number of doses of drug(s) given before an adverse event;
• other concurrent health issues and treatments given were requested;
• multiple adverse events were listed for each report; and,
• recovery information and/or follow‐ups were included.

Remember, this survey also concluded before the FDA warning was released, so it represented an objective review as there was ongoing discussion and research being conducted prior to the release.
Additionally, the FDA reporting system depends on the voluntary reporting of adverse clinical events by veterinarians and animal caregiver/owners, as well as the mandatory reporting of adverse events by manufacturers. This FDA information is valuable, even if some of the FDA reports could be duplicates.
Out of the 2,751 respondents:

• Gave their dog any flea treatment: 1,594 (57.9%)
• Gave their dog an isoxazoline treatment: 1,325 (48.2%)
• Did the dog experience a reaction to any treatment?
  • Yes 1,062 (66.6%)
  • No 576 (36.1%)
  • Unsure 130 (8.2%)

To find out the rest of the results and comparative data with the FDA’s database, you can read Project Jake’s peer-reviewed and open-access paper, “Survey of canine use and safety of isoxazoline parasiticides”.
About Project Jake: The survey group included Valerie Palmieri, W. Jean Dodds, Judy Morgan, Elizabeth Carney, Herbert A. Fritsche, Jaclyn Jeffrey, Rowan Bullock, and Jon P. Kimball.

CJ Puotinen  January 25, 2023 This is taken from Whole Dog Journal .....Visit them for some awesome articles or an online subscription. Well worth it!

Don’t wait until your dog needs a bath to create a comfortable, relaxing routine for this important ritual. Plan ahead by organizing the products and equipment you’ll need, and if you’re new to dog bathing, rehearse the steps, which are:

1. Dry brush your dog
2. Wet with water
3. Shampoo
4. Rinse
5. Apply conditioner
6. Rinse
7. Dry your dog
8. Brush while drying

What bath products do I need?The best dog shampoos and conditioners are made with gentle ingredients that remove dirt without irritating your dog’s skin. Depending on your dog’s coat, you may need a detangling spray, a rubber bathing brush for working shampoo through the coat, fast-drying towels, a hair dryer that dries dog hair quickly without feeling hot, and the right brush for your dog’s coat. Consult a groomer if you need help getting started.

It’s important for the health of the dog’s skin that he’s dried thoroughly after a bath (especially for long or thick-coated dogs). To dry a dog thoroughly after a bath, groomers use special dryers that provide a cooler and more powerful jet of air than human hair dryers. The strong air flow forces the moisture away from the dog’s skin and out of his coat; the cooler air ensures that he doesn’t get overheated. If you use a human hair dryer on your dog, use it on the coolest setting possible. Photo by Siro Rodenas Cortes / Getty Images.

​Where to bathe your dogThe best place for your dog’s bath might be your sink, bathtub, walk-in shower, outdoor wading pool, or back yard. Your water supply should be lukewarm, not hot or cold. If you’re using a bathtub, be sure your dog can climb in and out, and place a rubber bathtub mat (or at the very least, a towel) in the tub to keep your dog’s feet from slipping.

You’re probably going to get wet, so wear appropriate casual clothing. Use treats and encouragement to position your dog.

Start with a dry brush on your dog’s coatBegin by brushing your dog’s coat to remove loose hair, burrs, sand, dried dirt, and other debris. If there are mats in your dog’s coat, save the brushing for later as a bath may loosen the matted hair. In that case, spray or apply a detangling product to the hair mats following label directions and then shampoo.

Dilute your dog shampoo. We, humans, are fond of frothy bubbles, so we tend to over-soap our dogs. While that may look efficient, it’s better to use fewer bubbles and more water. Grooming experts recommend diluting equal parts water and shampoo to blends as dilute as 1 or 2 tablespoons shampoo in 2 cups water. The dilute solutions reach all parts of the coat quickly and rinse out faster and more thoroughly than full-strength shampoo. Dilute your conditioner, too.

Step-by-step dog washingUse a gentle stream of water to thoroughly wet your dog’s coat. Keep shampoo out of your dog’s eyes and ears as you apply it from neck to tail, then gently massage the shampoo into every part of your dog’s coat.
After that, rinse and rinse and rinse some more. Apply a diluted coat conditioner, if you’re using one, and rinse again. Use a finishing spray or other products as needed, then blot your dog’s coat with towels. If you have one, dry your dog with a dog blow dryer. Finish by brushing your dog’s hair while it’s still slightly damp.

For more detailed instructions, see “Waterworks: Tips and Techniques forBathing Your Dog,” WDJ November 2014, and “When Can Puppies Take a Bath?”

Butternut Squash as an Alternative to Pumpkin for Dog Anal Gland Expression
October 21, 2022 / Nutrition / By Hemopet


Anal gland (actually anal sac) expression is often demonstrated by dogs sitting and pulling (scooting) themselves across flooring or grass. The scooting is marveled at by children while adults are usually disgusted, but it is actually an act of distress for companion dogs. 

Canned pumpkin is frequently the “go to” healthy food topper for companion dog parents to help give dogs that may have trouble expressing their anal glands (anal sacs). The soluble fiber in pumpkin helps put pressure on the anal sacs to alleviate an impaction, and reduce or eliminate the scooting across the floor. It is a simple and easy solution. 

What might be even healthier? Now that it is harvest season for pumpkin, pumpkins from your local farmers market! 

Now, you are thinking to yourself about all of the seeds and mess of carving up a pumpkin might bring. We understand. 
So…we have another alternative! Butternut squash! In fact, it may be a good idea to switch up the source of soluble fiber sometimes to achieve the desired effects. 
With the growing popularity and now abundance of butternut squash, we noticed that one butternut squash was the same price as a can of pumpkin at a local farmers market. 

Just like pumpkin, butternut squash is also jam-packed with soluble fiber. However, a butternut squash is much easier and faster to work with because the seeds are minimal and concentrated in the bottom instead of the entire core like a pumpkin. 

Indeed, pre-cut butternut squash is usually readily available at grocery stores and cooperatives than pre-cut pumpkin, and is a good alternative. However, you are paying for someone else to cut it.

So, how do you choose, cut up, and serve butternut squash to your companion dogs? It literally takes a few minutes.

Choosing a Butternut Squash

#1. You want it a darker shade of matte beige, not shiny beige. 

#2. If it has a few green patches, it is not ready yet for carving. However, you can let it ripen on your kitchen countertop or indoor window sill. 

#3. Tap it. If it sounds hollow, you are good to go.

Carving a Butternut Squash

#1. Lay the squash on its side and cut off the bottom and the top. Are you finding this particularly difficult or fear you might slice and dice your finger? Poke the squash with a fork and place it in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes to soften the rind. 

#2. Now grab your vegetable peeler. You can certainly use a vegetable peeler that is traditionally used for carrots, but a y-peeler is a better option as it covers more surface area with each swipe. 

#3. You can leave the squash on its side to peel, but we find it easier to stand it upright and peel with long downward strokes, and then getting the excess rind bits off laying on its side.  

#4. Cut it lengthwise. If you are finding this difficult as well, you can cheat and cut above the bulbous portion of the squash. Then, cut both halves lengthwise. 

#5. Scoop out the seeds.

#6. Now slice the squash into bite-size pieces or so that it is easily freezable. 
Preparing Butternut Squash

#1. Grab a steamer pot or a steamer and a pot. 
#2. Pour 1-2 inches of water into the pot. 
#3. Bring to a boil. 
#4. Place the cut pieces of squash into the steamer basket. 
#5. Gently boil 1-3 days worth of squash for approximately 12-15 minutes. If frozen, boil for 20-25 minutes.

#6. Mash it with a fork while still warm. 

#7. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
​
You probably have a lot of fresh squash leftover on your countertop. So, what to do with it? Freeze it!

Freezing Butternut Squash

Cookbooks or cooking websites will tell you to flash freeze, blanch and then freeze, or puree and then freeze. 
Flash freezing is the simplest. You simply lay out the individual pieces – making sure none are touching – on a cookie sheet and place it in the freezer overnight. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer-bag. 
However, flash freezing may be too involved because that would create another project: rearranging the entire freezer. 
The purpose of flash freezing is so the individual pieces do not stick together when you go to use them. It’s about creating convenience on the frontend instead of the backend. 
If you do not have the space or the time to rearrange your freezer to accommodate a cookie sheet for a few hours, we understand. 
You can simply toss the individual pieces into a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for later use. When you go to prepare them, simply break apart the serrated pieces with your hands or gently with a fork and pop them in the steamer basket. 

Serving Size for Companion Dogs

Start off with a small amount for small dogs and work your way up to a tablespoon per day. For bigger dogs, work up to two tablespoons per day. Once the butternut squash pieces are soft and malleable after boiling, you can easily smoosh them into the measuring spoon. 
And with that…Bon Appetit! 

Thank you to Hemopet for this informative article!

What to do when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk.

Eileen Fatcheric, DVM

​When your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, there’s more to worry about than how to remove skunk smell from the dog. Although rare, compounds in skunk spray can cause chemical reactions in the body that damage red blood cells and hemoglobin. This can be deadly.
​
While this reaction is least likely to happen if your dog is sprayed in open air, small dogs who get sprayed while trying to dig skunks out of burrows can collapse and lose consciousness so quickly that they must be dug out of the burrow themselves to be rescued. Hemoglobin damage occurs within minutes to hours. Signs include chocolate-colored gums, chocolate-colored urine, trouble breathing, weakness, collapse, seizure, and coma. Red blood cell damage may take three days to show up. Signs include weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, and trouble breathing.

So, the first thing to do when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk is to be aware of this rare but deadly consequence and carefully monitor your dog’s mucous membranes, urine, and breathing for several days after a skunk encounter. If you have any concerns, call your veterinarian immediately.

On to how to remove skunk smell from your dog. Skunk smell can last on your dog and anything else it touches for up to three weeks! The sooner you begin to remove the smell, the better.

The homemade recipe is the absolute best remedy for removing skunk odor from your dog. Nothing else comes close. Don’t waste time heading out to purchase commercial products while your dog stinks up your home. Keep these ingredients on hand at home, and you can be done with this smelly nightmare as fast as you can say “pee-yoooo.”
Ingredients:

• 1 quart FRESH  3% hydrogen peroxide (“fresh” means a previously unopened bottle)
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 1 tbsp liquid dish soap (preferably Dawn)

First, bathe your dog with Dawn dishwashing liquid to remove as much of the oily film as you can. Next, mix the ingredients in a bowl and use the entire contents, rubbing it into your dog’s coat, focusing heavily on the areas directly sprayed, for 5 minutes. Then rinse. As long as you have treated every area hit by spray, your dog should be fresh as a daisy and good to go.  

Remember that:

1. You cannot mix this anti-skunk smell recipe ahead of time.
2. If the dog got sprayed in the face, you must treat the face. Be careful to keep the solution out of the eyes, and hold the eyelids closed while rinsing the face.
3. Do not leave this remedy on the dog longer than 5 minutes as it may bleach the coat.
4. It is OK to repeat as needed if necessary, rinsing between.

​** Please note this is taken from Whole Dog Journal, One of my very favourite online dog magazines. To visit them and subscribe: Whole Dog Journal. Visit!

Excerpt from prouddogmom.com article:
I get recipes from Proud Dog's Website, and I love a lot of the articles. This one caught my eye because of the ingredients and fillers in the store bought treats that can have a huge impact on a dogs health. Long but worth the read.

10 Store-Bought Treats I Will Never Feed My Dogs: Proud Dog Mom Dangerous preservatives, questionable by-products, and cheap fillers … oh my! Have you ever read through the ingredient label of your store-bought dog treats? 
Many popular treats contain questionable – and downright dangerous – ingredients. This was something my family and I had no clue about until we had a couple of health scares and started digging into dog nutrition. I stopped feeding commercial dog treats about seven years ago and now exclusively bake homemade snacks for my furbabies. 

Red-Flag Ingredients to Avoid In Store-Bought TreatsBefore we dig into the list of store-bought treats I avoid, let’s take a look at some red-flag ingredients commonly found in dog food products.  
Artificial Preservitives 

• Butylated-Hydroxyanisole (BHA) – A synthetic preservative used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling, extending shelf life. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program have both linked BHA to cancer. The preservative consistently produces tumors in laboratory animals. 
• Butylated-Hydroxytoluene (BHT) – The World Health Organization has named both BHA and BHT as suspicious cancer-causing compounds.
• Propylene Glycol – Synthetic liquid substance used to reduce moisture and prevent bacterial growth. The FDA has banned Propylene Glycol in cat treats because it can cause Heinz body anemia in felines, a serious blood disease that harms the red blood cells. The FDA says Propylene Glycol is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAD) for canines. While labeled okay for dogs, propylene glycol is still considered toxic to dogs at certain levels. 
• Ethoxyquin – Used as a preservative and a pesticide. It’s also used as a hardening agent for making synthetic rubber. It’s been banned from use in human foods because it’s believed to cause cancer, however, it’s still seen in dog food products. 
• Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) – Studies have found that prolonged exposure can lead to cancer.

Cheap Fillers

• Meat By-Product – Includes what’s left over from an animal carcass once the meat is removed, such as eyes, hooves, feet, beaks, feathers, and hair. One of the main concerns: Nutritional inconsistency and you never know what your pup is getting.
• Meat Meal – Vague and unidentified meat means unknown source and unknown quality. 
• Cheap Fat Sources Listed in a Non-Discrete Manner – Low quality and questionable sourcing.
• Corn syrup and sugar – Can lead to weight gain, diabetes, tooth decay, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems. 
• Corn & Corn Gluten Meal– A cheap filler and known allergen.
• Soy – Poor quality filler often used to boost protein content. Soy is estrogenic and known to harm a dog’s endocrine system.
• Artificial Colors/Flavors – Linked to some serious health conditions, such as cancer, hyperactivity, etc.

10 Store-Bought Treats I Will Never Feed My Dogs1. Milk Bones (Traditional Biscuits)For many people, traditional Milk Bones are the epitome of dog treats. They’re a well-known crunchy brown biscuit marketed as being “part of a healthy diet.” Yup, it says that right on the box. But, one look at the ingredient label and you’ll quickly realize there’s not one healthy thing about them. The first few ingredients: “Wheat flour, ground whole wheat flour, meat and bone meal, milk, beef fat (preserved with BHA/BHT and mixed tocopherols), …” Aside from the high wheat content (which I prefer to avoid), this list contains several of the red-flag ingredients I listed above. 
LATEST VIDEOSDIY Snuffle Mat Dog Toy Tutorial

2. Milk Bones Marrow SnacksThe Milk Bones brand is at it again with their marketing, saying these treats are, “Baked with love with colors from natural ingredients only.” Unfortunately, the ingredient label tells a different story. Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are two artificial dyes many pet nutrition experts warn against, are listed right on the ingredient label. That, along with wheat flour, meat and bone meal, sugar, poultry digest, BHA/BHT, salt, corn starch, malted barley flour, etc.
3. SnausagesHave you ever eaten pigs-in-a-blanket? You know, those mini hotdogs wrapped in dough? Well, Snausages dog treats look just like that. While they may look adorable, the ingredients are horrible. Soy flour, corn syrup, animal fat preserved with BHA, chicken by-product meal, artificial colors (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, and Red 40) and flavors … these are all ingredients listed on the Snausages label. Thank you, next!
4. Purina® Beggin’ Strips Dog TreatsYou’ve probably seen a bag of these treats before. They’re designed to look like bacon. And what dog doesn’t beg for a piece of bacon? Well, if you ask me, the only thing these treats should have you begging for is stricter guidelines in the dog food industry. Glycerin, sugar, corn gluten meal, and beef fat are just a few of the ingredients packed into these processed bites.
5. Pup-PeroniThese are beef-flavored pepperoni strips for dogs. And, just like the other treats featured on this list, they’re filled with ingredients such as meat by-products, sugar, onion extract, propylene glycol, and BHA.
6. Canine Carry Outs Beef Flavor Dog TreatsFrom their beef-flavored Steak Bites to their Beef and Bacon flavored treats, these snacks are glorified junk food for dogs. Corn syrup, soy flour, wheat flour, corn starch, and propylene glycol are some of the items found pretty high up on this long ingredient list. That’s not to mention BHA, which is used as a preservative, and artificial colors, such as Red 40.
7. Milo’s Kitchen Chicken MeatballsThe packaging for Milo’s Kitchen dog treats will fool you into thinking they’re a healthy bite. I actually used to buy these … before I started researching red-flag ingredients. The bag showcases a happy woman in the kitchen cooking for her dog – and a freshly cooked chicken breast sitting on the counter right next to her. But, one look at the ingredient label and you’ll realize these seemingly healthy treats are far from it. Along with cheap fillers and sugar, these chicken meatballs contain propylene glycol and onion extract. That’s a no for me.
8. Pup Corn® Dog TreatsA play on popcorn, the very first ingredient in these treats is corn flour. Not only is corn a cheap filler product with practically no nutritional value, but it’s also a known allergen. Canola oil and artificial colors also make an appearance on the ingredient list.
9. GreeniesThe first few ingredients in these teeth-cleaning treats are carbohydrates and glycerin. Guess what carbs do in the body? That’s right, they convert to sugar. And guess what glycerin is? That’s right, it’s a replacement for sugar. Last time I checked, sugar is not good for dental health! Sure, the unique texture may scrape against the teeth, but the ingredients are not ideal for dental health (or health, in general). If you’re in search of great dental cleaning aids, opt for a bully stick, let your pup play with toothbrush toys (designed to scrape against the teeth similar to a toothbrush), and work brushing into your dog’s daily routine.
10. RawhidesGive that good dog a bone! But wait … what kind? Sure, the image of a dog happily gnawing on a bright white rawhide bone may pop into your mind. But, think twice before tossing your dog a rawhide bone. First things first: These bones are loaded with chemicals, dyes, and glues. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, “Once rawhide chews have been made, they’re preserved with various chemicals, which may include formaldehyde or chromium salts. When rawhide chews have been tested, they’ve shown things like lead, arsenic, mercury and other toxic metals as well.” 
Along with the chemicals, raw hides are linked to choking, airway obstruction, esophageal blockages, and intestinal blockages. 
Reilly's NOTE: For information on HOW rawhide is made, watch the video on our website. It is deadly!  

Think of the Long Term ImpactSome pet parents may argue these products are just treats. And, sure, treats aren’t supposed to be fed in large amounts. But, ask yourself: How many treats does your dog eat each day? Are they in the training phase where you’re doling out treat after treat for good behavior? Do they get one every time they come in from a potty break? Do they get one just for being cute? 
Long-term exposure to these red-flag preservatives and questionable/artificial ingredients can have an impact on our pups. And, when there are so many other options out there, I look at it this way: I would rather take the time to make my own treats or pay slightly more for a high-quality, single-ingredient dog treat than potentially pay more in vet bills down the road.

Reillys Reg'd July/August '22 Project

In Addition to the houses, the Lord provided 2 parcels of land to the project and homes that can house two widow/orphan families as well as a small chapel for fellowship meetings, is now in the process of being built.
​(Update Oct 21, 2022) 

UPDATE: September 2, 2022. Thank you to an Anonymous Donor who has funded TWO homes! Work will start on Aug 1st!
Jul 27- Today the Lord blessed us with another donation that will complete the 3rd and part of the final 4th home!
July 31st - We have a pledge for another home!
God continues to bless us to help where it is needed. 
Being faithful in just the small matters allows the Lord to bless us with more endeavours to His glory!
August 5th - I have been notified that someone in Kenya has donated a piece of land to build the homes on. Such a blessing for the ladies as they can now help each other instead of being spread out and trying to survive. We serve an awesome God!
August 16, 2022 - 3rd house is almost completed!
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August 1, 2022 - We have 8 children in need of the school fees so they can return to school. Unlike our public school system, they must pay to attend in advance. These children truly value an education. The total for all 8 children is $300 US. I believe this will be covered very shortly. The Lord is our source and provider. August 2: This need has been met!!

From this (watch above video) to THIS! Widow Jane's home is almost complete (July 14, 2022).... the floor is not done yet, and help for food, bedding and simple furniture is still needed. ​

Good dental health means caring for your dog’s teeth and gums, and that includes brushing. Here’s how to make a safe and effective doggy toothpaste using common natural ingredients.Maintaining your dog’s oral health is a priority, since dental disease can have a profoundly negative effect on his overall well-being. Implementing a dental care regimen for your dog should include regular brushing. This article teaches you how to make your own safe, simple, and effective doggy toothpaste.
GETTING STARTED- The goal of making your own dog toothpaste is to create a mixture that has a pleasant texture and ingredients your canine buddy enjoys. For example, mint is popular, but you want to make sure your dog enjoys this flavor before using it.
INGREDIENTS TO USEThe advantage of making your dog’s toothpaste from scratch is that you can use simple natural ingredients that may already be in your kitchen or are easy to acquire. These ingredients are commonly used to reduce bacteria and fight bad breath:

• Mint (fresh)
• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• Coconut oil
• Parsley (fresh or dried)
• Honey

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID Along with xylitol, steer clear of the following ingredients, even if you think your dog might enjoy the taste:

• Sugary foods
• Salty foods
• Fruits with pits or seeds
• Onions and chives

3 DIY VET-APPROVED TOOTHPASTE RECIPESFor each recipe, combine the ingredients and mix well to form a smooth consistency. These toothpastes can be stored in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

Homemade Toothpaste
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 drop of peppermint essential oil (optional)*
—From The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer, by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker with Kristin Loberg (Collins, 2021).
*Use only the highest quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils — they’ll cost more, but cheap brands aren’t pure, and often contain harmful additives that can be toxic to your dog.
The goal…is to create a mixture that has a pleasant texture and ingredients your canine buddy enjoys.

Minty Dog Toothpaste
• 1⁄4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons baking soda • 6 or 7 mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon homemade or sodium-free broth

Fantastic Fangs with Turmeric

• 1 cup room temperature or softened coconut oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
• Pinch of dried or fresh parsley
• 1⁄2 teaspoon organic kelp flakes

— From Veterinarians.org.
By making your own doggy toothpaste, you have the peace of mind of knowing exactly what goes into it. It’s economical and natural, and helps freshen your dog’s breath. Best of all, it helps keep his teeth and gums healthy, reducing the risk of dental disease.

​**Please note** These recipes are from Animal Wellness Magazine. There are several online magazines I absolutely love and I read their mage every time a new one comes out. Whole Dog Journal is another one with great great articles! 

My entire life was a love affair with animals. As a child I was the child that would drag animals home, claiming to Mom that I had "found" them. I came by that love naturally as Mom was always rescuing something. Her favourites were her orange tabbies. I don't think I remember anytime in my childhood that we were ever without an orange cat. Typically one of them was always named George! I remember patting baby skunks, holding injured birds and rescuing chipmunks. Catching garter snakes in bottles to show Mom, and then there is the proverbial family story of how "Rhona baptized the kittens in the ditch".

As a child my Dad was a Pastor. And of course at 5 yrs old, hearing how you needed to be baptized to go to heaven, my young mind translated that to mean my beloved animals as well. One morning as the sun peeped over the hills, and the spring melt filled the ditch with cold melting snow water, I climbed in with a wee litter of kittens and baptized them! Poor Mom, she had to unthaw them and attempt to keep them alive in the warming oven in the old wood stove. God must have intervened even then because they all survived!

As I grew older and my children were young, I rescued a tiny Miniature Pinscher. This began a 17 year love affair with rescue. Through my Mom I met a phenomenal Labrador Retriever breeder in New Brunswick. She was very instrumental in teaching me about dog behaviour, and later she would be the pivotal point in beginning to breed. 

When I moved back from NB, she asked me to help her build a website, do research on subjects and answer her mail. I continued to rescue. As my research led me down paths of knowledge with dogs, my interest grew. With a background in rescue, I certainly knew what I did NOT want to do. My friend encouraged me to begin and I did, with the miniature pinschers . My beloved Mom passed away shortly after and never got to participate in my dream....
----------------------------------------

My Testimony

At the time my Mom graduated to heaven, I was still working in top management positions in the corporate world. I had barely began to breed part time, and when I lost her, my world was rocked. I had to retire and didn't know what I was going to do. I had a husband who did not believe in the Lord, and blocked everything I wanted to do at every turn. Especially in the area of tithes and offerings. I needed my own career or employment to be able to support the Kingdom in my own way. Without touching his income. 

This is where the Lord brought in the breeding. I was happy to do something I loved, I believed in and He blessed. The first years were rocky in the sense that other breeders are often not that helpful or supportive. It could be daunting, but I continued to forge ahead, even despite the obstacles. I have long since forgiven those breeders for the things they did, and most are actually long out of the breeding world now. Some have actually become friends, but that is all a story in the past and best forgotten.

When I decided to breed Yorkies, I found homes for all my little minpins, and joined the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). And I began a website for the Yorkies. I was delighted with it, I created all these colourful graphics (and being Irish) with leprechauns and Yorkies popping out of pots of gold etc. You get the idea! A week or two after I published it, the Lord spoke to my heart in a still small voice, "This does not honour Me." That website was a lot of work and I have to admit I was not a happy camper! I rebelled a bit, and I told the Lord, "You will have to show me what you want and give me the creative ideas if I am to change all this work."  That night the ideas began to come in dreams, and these are the graphics you see on this current website. You see the graphics within the graphics, the rainbow for God's promise, His hand holding my future, the dove representing the Holy Spirit, and of course the Shih Tzu pup. Originally it held  the Yorkies and the Shih Tzu.

It wasn't very long before a breeder friend gave me a little Shih Tzu to grow out, and hence began my love affair with this breed. There are so many supernatural things that happened over those years that I can't even begin to go into it here. God brought some wonderful people and breeders into my life, He sent me the right clients, and when many naysayers said I would never make it, or didn't agree with the way I do business, they never knew that God was behind the scenes directing everything. My motto is "Quality puppies touched by the hand of God". Even the motto was criticized and I was told that if I put it on my business cards and website, that I would be a failure for sure, that people wouldn't buy from someone who was so out there about their beliefs. I have never looked back, and  God continues to bless me to this day.

So WHY did I become a breeder? For the glory of God and to bless His kingdom! From the beginning I stood on the scriptures of Malachi 3:10-11. 
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there  will not be  room enough to  receive  it.
11“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
Says the Lord of hosts;

Since the Lord started this wonderful career for me, it is through Him that I have been able to support ministries, charities, people needing help. I can honestly say YOU CANNOT OUT GIVE GOD! Every time I listen to what He put on my heart and where to place the offerings, within 24 hours He answers for me and replaces the funds I put out and blesses me even more. I have had miracles of all sorts come my way. Healings in my body, financial blessings, and I always have my needs met. And my clients are FANTASTIC! 

Currently, Reillys supports a Ministry for widows and orphans, prison ministry, and hospitals. This is not a registered place where they pay most of a donation out in salaries to administration. This is hands on ministry with every cent going to help the people. Even the way I met this Missionary was full of supernatural occurrences. Right down to the Lord speaking a number to me, I sit down and as I press "send" for the funds to leave, a message comes from across the world and says, "Mum we have no food, can you send "X" amount so we can buy food for the orphans, or stove fuel, or fix the mission van, and it will be the exact amount that God spoke to me.  Based in Eldoret, Kenya. There are no coincidences in God. 

I am including the information here if you should feel led in your heart to help in any way. We cannot issue receipts as this is from our hearts to help the people. 
Missionary Moses Nyandaga. His Ministry is "Only Jesus Christ Saves".   
Paypal - [email protected]

This Missionary is out in the city streets and villages every day, helping, preaching, feeding the widows and orphans, visiting the sick in hospitals. He started a basketball team for the young men to get them off the streets. He does not ask for things that are not needed. What may seem little to us and we take for granted, is much needed and appreciated.

The 2nd place Reillys supports is a small village not far from Kitale, Kenya. The Pastor and elder here is Mark Sitati. This little village came to my attention through another young man that the Lord brought my way, again through supernatural intervention. Felix Makoka is from this village and had left home after the death of his grandmother, in an attempt to find work to support his two sisters and try to put them through school. He is a wonderful young man and a great prayer warrior as well. 

When the Lord first connected me to Pastor Sitati, what drew me the most was the village children. I saw the photos of their ulcerated feet, and honestly, I first thought leprosy. It was not, but the photos in the slideshow below are quite graphic, so please view at your own discretion.  Reillys first project was to purchase the medication needed and shoes. For more information on the female sand flea "jiggers" and the damage it can do, please visit the following website. While it is not an issue much in the westernized world, it is a horrible thing to deal with for the poorest villages and remote areas in Africa. Click here.

Later in 2020, the Lord opened a way to obtain a much needed Industrial Hand well pump for their well, It took quite awhile to get all the work done, as the 50m well was partially broken and had to be rebricked by hand, and then the pump installed. It was a 6 month job but now the village has a working well.

If you feel a leading to open your heart to the people of this small village you can donate at PayPal: [email protected] .

I wanted to simply share what God has been doing throughout the years with us. And what YOU, our clients take part  in when you join our little family. I believe that a special blessing is coming your way in partnering with us to own a Reillys pup. In the years previous our babies have helped in other causes as well. To name just a few: (there are many more). Thank you for helping and thank you for being a part of our family! None of this would have been possible without your patience, support and love. 

• True North Aid
• Alyn Children's Pediatric Hospital 
• Voice of the Martyers
• Disabled Veterans of Israel
• ICFJ