The Story of Pug Hollow

Pug Hollow is a hospice sanctuary dedicated to providing a safe, happy, loving end of life home to dogs with terminal health conditions, and dogs who are simply just old.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

 Aaaannnd here's Vinnie!  This little man is a cup of sugar with a tablespoon of spice. A package of sweet cuddly lap warmer wrapped up in playful, spunky Chihuahua attitude.

And the best part?  After consulting with our vet, we've determined that Vinnie is adoptable!

He's had a spinal cord injury that has impacted the use of one of his right front leg, but it doesn't slow him down, and it isn't getting any worse.  He may need a sock or boot to help keep him from rubbing his foot raw, as he does occasionally knuckle under on his bad foot.

Because of the injury and his size we'd prefer he go to a home without children or larger dogs. However a home with another friendly Chi or Chi-sized dog would be possible.

Vin is neutered, heartworm negative and up to date on shots.  He picked up a little bit of a cough from the vet's office, so it will be a week before he's ready to place out, but after that he's ready to go. His adoption fee is $45

If you're interested in adopting Vinnie, email us at pughollow@gmail.com!


Friday, July 3, 2015

Random science lesson of the day... One of the things that you learn when you're involved in plant science is the "disease triangle".



After a while you also realize it applies to pets and humans as well. Whether it's West Nile, Parvo, fleas, ticks, heartworms.... There are three factors that contribute to an outbreak of disease or pests/parasites. You have to have the pathogen or pest, the host (and a vector if the disease is transmitted by something other than the host) and a favorable environment. They all have to be present in the right amount or you don't have the problem. Outside of that magical combination you never reach critical mass, and you don't have the disease or the pest never becomes an issue. So the key to controlling an outbreak or infestation is to alter the contributing factors to break the triangle.
This year our magical combo has been perfect for fleas. We can't get rid of the hosts and our control over the environment is limited so we have to focus our integrated pest management strategies on the pest itself, and what little environmental control we do have via lots of lawn mowing, flea treatments for the house and dogs, frequent bedding washes, and diatomaceous earth where we can use it. It requires a holistic plan of attack with coordinated application of the various control methods to get ahead and stay ahead of the problem.
Something to think about the next time you have a disease or pest problem in your home or garden....