The next evolution of my dog sweater

In my last post, I crochet my Princess a dog sweater.  Which is the first time I ever did that.  And I learn and updated the pattern a little bit while keeping it simple.   I made her mother, Toot, her very own sweater.

The Changes:

1. I use one collar of yarn to connect the granny squares.
2. I use the same color pink for the neck area.
3. Instead of two rows of dc, I use 3 rows of dc for the neck area, to make the turtle neck a bit longer
4. I also added a shell edging for the neck.

Below is a diagram of the dog sweater.

I hope this helps.  

I am planning on uploading a video tutorial on how this is done.  Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel.  Follow the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/user/alicmiran

click the image above to view a larger size.

Crochet Dog Sweater for my dog hives

I've been crocheting lots of granny square but haven't figured out what to make out of them.  So they have been accumulating in my basket.

Well, my Princess, my blue and white pitbull, got hives yesterday.  I gave her golden seal and two hours later, I noticed they disappeared.  The next day, I let her out on the backyard to do her business and she comes back with hives again.  I again gave her two teaspoon of golden seal tea.  and again they slowly dissipated.  So today, I didn't want to let her out the backyard because I was trying to figure out what it was that was causing the hives.  So I took her in the front yard with leash and as soon as we step-off the stairs and into the yard the hives began appearing on her hind legs.  So I figured it was the cold that was stressing her and causing her to get hives.

So I thought of creating her some kind of cape to go over her back using the crochet granny squares.

here she is, my Princess

The first stage of the cape or crochet sweater.

I noticed that her shoulder and neck is too exposed.  So I decided to crochet around the opening for the head and add a collar.

the other side

Here's the sweater with the added collar.  

and I crocheted a long chain for the string to hold the bottom.

Homemade dog treats

I was making Lumpia, which is a Filipino eggrolls and it gave me an idea of making them specifically for my dogs.  and oh my gosh my dogs love them.

The Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef or Turkey (I precooked the meat)
• 3 medium Shredded carrots
• 3 cups Cook rice
• 1 slightly large Sweet Potatoe

mixed all ingredients and rolled up with eggroll wrapper then deep fried.    I made enough to last crunchy and they love 'em.  and it allows me to add ingredients that are healthy for my pets.

found lost dog in downtown Macon

I was downtown today waiting for a bus and this brindle dog came up to me.  She was walking on 3, it looks like she was injured, probably got hit by a car.  I notice she has a collar and not scared of people. She was very friendly.  I felt for her.  So I remove the strap from my laptop bag and attached it to her collar.  I decided to take her and walk her around and ask local businesses do they recognize her or her owner.  No one did, but we've only gone a block and about to circle more.  I decided to buy her some food, a sandwich at a sandwich shop downtown on Poplar St, I think it's called Ocmulgee Traders.  I ask the woman who was taking my order to glance at her to see if she recognize her but she didn't.  I told her I was only buying food for the dog and a bottle water.  She was so kind, she didn't charge me.  So I went back outside where I had her tied to the pole.  The dog didn't even tried to escape.  that couldn't have been one of my dogs.  they wouldn't have went crazy trying to escape.  She was a good dog.  She didn't drink the cup of water but she ate that food like a lady.  It was getting soooo cold outside.  and I was handling her with one hand but I was carrying my laptop bag with the other and a purse.  I had to find another way of  a lease.  So I unraveled my crochet water bottle holder and make a lease out of it.  and I got my laptop strap bag back.  so it made walking her better.  We walk another block and a police officer yelled out to us and was asking if she was my dog. I said no, I'm looking for the owner.  Someone had mentioned that her owner might be a block away by the lofts.  I didn't know what to do, but I didn't want to let her go,  She was still hopping on 3 legs.  To make a long story short, I talk the police to taking her, apparently he's a dog lover also and have 5 dogs at home already.  He said he will handle the situation.  I just hope she didn't end up in dog shelter and put to sleep.  Macon Georgia is really terrible at humane society.

if you're the owner or interested with this dog, please call the animal shelter and check on her.  She is really sweet, she will make a great addition to your family.  I just can't take any more home.  I have 7.

Best dog treats for pitbulls

Whenever I find one of my pitbull chewing on something, like my computer desk, vinyl flooring, or boots, I know it's time for dog treats.  Since he's just a puppy, I figured boredom couldn't probably be the cause of him chewing on my things.  and because pitbulls are fairly powerful breed, I like to get them something they can nibble for a few minutes.  Something they can enjoy and long lasting.  As you know, I am a big fan of Made in the USA dog treats. But I do give in sometimes, rarely, to others. 

 

All Natural Ham Bone

 

According to the label, It is made in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and or USA.  yeah... what?  right.

Atleast it's not made in China.

 

But these next treat is definitely made in China.  Even though it's only a beefhide retriever rolls.  But it does last and it curves their chewing needs.

 

I would love to know what treats you get your friend.  

oh.... I am planning on visiting a butcher about some bones for dogs.  

Lost Pitbull in Macon Georgia

So we have been seeing this blue and white pitbull roaming the neighborhood lately.  He looks so skinny, you can see all the bones in his body.  So my daughter decided to give him some food but he was so scared to come near us.  She left the food and a bowl of water in the beginning of our drive way, hoping that he pass by again and notice the food.  I decided to open a can of Salmon to add to his food so he can smell it.  and it work.  He finally sneaked up and gobble the food slowly and hesitatingly.   He showed up again today.  and I gave him another bowl of food and water and again I added a can of sardines.  and he ate and drank.  So I tried to pet him and he finally gain the confidence that he can trust me.  But I had no idea he would fall so easily.  Once he allowed me to pet him, he never left the front yard.  Even though my other pitbulls in the backyard have been barking at him non-stop.

 

as you can see his big head don't fit his skinny bony body.  GOD PLEASE HELP HIM FIND A NEW GOOD HOME.

 

PLEASE IF ANYONE WANTS HIM AND PROVIDE HIM A GOOD HOME EMAIL ME 

bloggerfanatic at gmail.com 

UPDATE:

one of the boys that mows my yard, decided to keep him.  and I am glad for that.  and my son in law saw them last week together walking.  and he said dog looks happy.

Diatomaceous Earth for dog fleas and update with the pack.

Fall is here and so are new sets of flea infestation.  Last month remedy works.  Using Capstar in conjunction with Hartz Ultraguard flea application.  But I forgot to use the Capstar first so now, there's an infestation.  So I bought more capstar and waiting for it to arrive in the mail.  and I also bought something new this time.  It's organic and doesn't hurt the dogs.  It can be applied on my carpet and lawn and it is not toxic to humans or my pack of pitbulls.  It is called,

Diatomaceous Earth

To purchase the Diatomaceous Earth, visit
http://www.diatomaceousearth.com/

Be sure to use the discount code GYG2014 for 10% off your order

I got the discount from another Youtube user, so be sure to use it to get a discount.  and from my research, they have the best deal online.  I bought the 10 lbs.  I'm going to give it a try and see how well it does to get rid of fleas.   

Everybody is miserable with fleas and not looking their best.  Here's Rico asleep.  He needs a bath, but I'm waiting for the capstar and diatomaceous earth before giving him a bath.

I use the flea comb on Princess the other and with Chopper and I was surprise the amount of fleas they have.

But Heatlor is the one that's suffering the most.   He's gotten mange and his hair has fallen off, I have him a bath the other day using Head and Shoulder shampoo.  and I've been including a table spoon of olive oil to help his skin condition.  I also been adding meat and spinach as much as I could in his meal to build his immune system.  Hopefully the diatomaceous earth with give him a turn around that he really needs.  

*****UPDATE***** 12.8.2014

I have to say, this remedy is the best so far.  Capstar in conjunction with diatomaceous earth.  I've been applying it on their poop outside also, so their poop don't attracted flies and other poop insects.  and if it does, they will perish from this white powder.   I've been purchasing the generic Capstar and gives them a dose every two weeks.  and keeps the fleas under control.  I am so happy with the outcome.  

here's an update photo of my Rico, my blue and white pibull.

I don't know why they say blue, when he's clearly gray and white.

Flea Treatment for Dogs on a Budget

Summer is haven for fleas and hell for my pitbulls.  With 7 pitbulls and some new arrivals, fleas wrecking havoc in our house.  and I'm pretty sure they are all over the backyard.  Problems is, our pitbulls do come in the house and they bring their fleas along with them.  It's so bad, that some of our pitbulls had major skin allergic reaction from flea bites and ended up with mange.  Luckily, Dr. Grififin is inexpensive and was able to give my dog prescribe medication for the mange treatment.  But to do with all these freaking fleas.  I've tried many.  Here's what I know what works and my wallet can handle.

1.  Capstar -  works amazing.  Its a pill you give your dog or puppy and it kills the adult fleas on them.  and starts working in 30 minutes.  But last only for about 24 hours.  But atleast you know those adult fleas are dead.  Good if you have an infestation and need immediate result.  But Capstar is very expensive.  For 6 pills, you're going to pay about $30-40 at Walmart.  But can get them on ebay for about $20 bucks with free shipping.  and even better, generic brand is only about $11 for 6 pills.

2.    Hartz Ultra Guard Pro -  for dogs over 31-60 lbs.  and all my pitbulls are over 31 and under 60 lbs.  I got this at Kroger, my local grocery store,  and 3 comes in a package.  and cost about $15 bucks.  Suppose to last for a month.  and its my first time using it.  and it seems to work.  Atleast I don't see a major flea infestation anymore.  Meaning, before I use this flea treatment, I use a flea comb on my dogs and they have so many fleas!  I would literally get atleast a spoonful amount of fleas with the flea comb.  I know gross.  So I totally recommend this product.  Your dog will still attract fleas but keep them at bay and in check.  So I use this in conjuction with capstar.  Capstar once per month and hartz once per month

3.  Homemade flea trap.  To determine if you have fleas in your carpet, omg!  this flea traps really works.  So at night, I have a very shallow bowl, I fill it with water and drops of dish detergent.  Place it on the floor in a room where dogs usually hangs out, with a desk lamp on, and pointed to the bowl of water, the fleas are attracted to the light and tries to reach the light by jumping in the water and gets trap.  

Get rid of dog fleas fast with Capstar

I am literally at war with fleas. With seven pitbulls and 4 new pitbull puppies, our home is infested with fleas and I am constantly looking for ways to get rid of them. Unfortunately, it is too expensive and I've tried just about everything and I haven't found anything I can honestly say it works.  But omg! Capstar actually kills the  fleas off your dog.  I have used Frontline, and other flea medication, and I just felt like I was wasting my money down the drain.  And then, I decided to go holistic or use natural remedies, like making my own spray.  But this did little to our infestation.  I had to do something fast and needed result asap.  Somehow, after hours on the  internet, I found Capstar,  decided to give it a try because of all the raving reviews. and Oh boy they are right on the money.  Capstar does work, and it work fast and actually kills the fleas, the adult fleas that is.

What you must know about Capstar.
1.  It  starts working in about 30 minutes.  Fleas would literally start dropping off your dog  and  into the floor dying.
2. Capstar only last 24 hours
3.  You can only give it to  dogs once a day.  No more than Once Per Day.  I give my dog, once every 3 days, in the summer time.  and Once per month in   winter,  and once a week in  fall & spring
4.  For the first 30 minutes, your dog will scratch a lot because the fleas are going crazy dying,  but after that, its instant relief.  and they will thank you for it.
5.  Have water for dog in stand by  after giving them a pill.
6.  and there are two kinds of Capstar, one for dogs under 25 lbs and one for dogs over 25 lbs.

Bought my capstar on ebay.com an it  arrived on the 3rd day.  Amazing!

plus it was 1/2 the price than major retailers.  

Lost puppy

Update photos of the black and white pitbull puppies

I took so many photos of them today and I wanted to separate them by colors. So here are photos of the black and white pit-bull puppies of Toot.

She's a girl and always the last to the plate, until she surprised me today.   She climbed over the chicken wire fencing to get inside the dome, jumped over the swimming pool where their meal was and joined chow time.  

I feed them inside plastic swimming pool, because food gets everywhere and I don't want them to eat of the ground.