Ah, Love Is In The Air

Hi Friends!

Ah, love is in the air.  After all, Valentine's Day is fast approaching and Spring, a perfect time for romance will be here soon.  At the risk of being graphic and a bit too much T.M.I., last night, an absolutely wonderful client and friend happened to spring open the door to find me on my back with my legs up in the air being "kissed to death" by her adorable, loving dogs.  My first thought upon seeing her in the doorway was a question should I be embarrassed or not.  Superseding this notion was simply bursting out in laughter as ironically what entered my mind moments before I considered the "what if my amazing friend and client opens the door to witness a grown middle-age man on the ground having dog slobber and kisses all over his face.  Setting aside all negative thoughts, I focused on accentuating the positive that what would be perceived by my friend would be something more along the lines of being thankful for me and her dogs having built such a great friendship.

I am a firm believer in there being a reason for everything that happens in our lives.  God has a purpose for every situation.  So, I saw this as the impetus for researching the "chemistry" between humans and pets.  There is real chemistry between dogs and their owners, new research over the last few years and supporting data.  From a simple kiss to a long, loving gaze, everyday interactions with dogs are responsible for changing people's biochemistry for the better.

Oxytocin is a peculiar little molecule.  It is known as the "hug hormone" because it is what makes you feel good when you are touched by a loved one, get a massage or enjoy a good meal. Oxytocin also has pain-relieving properties and can decrease stress and blood pressure.

People experience oxytocin in many social relationships, including bonding with children or partners. What is surprising is that people would also experience a change in this hormone when bonding with a completely different species.

Friends with benefits

Miho Nagasawa of Azabu University in Japan and colleagues conducted a study with 55 dogs and their owners. People whose dogs gazed at them for two minutes or longer (23 percent of dogs) showed a higher increase in oxytocin than people whose dogs gazed at them for less time. People with dogs with a long gaze also reported being happier with their dogs than those people whose dog's gaze was only around a minute long.

These results were echoed in the database of Dognition, a Web-based service that helps owners find the genius in their dog.  In a sample of 276 dogs, 32 percent of dogs had a long gaze (a continuous 90 seconds or more) in one or more trials.

In another study by Linda Handlin and colleagues from the University of Skövde in Sweden, owners who kissed their dogs the most frequently had higher levels of oxytocin than other owners.  Handlin found that along with kissing, there were two other factors that predicted the higher levels of oxytocin — the first was that the owners were more likely to perceive their relationship with their dog as pleasurable (i.e., they did not think that looking after their dog was difficult or a chore). The second was a lower frequency in giving treats, showing that the path to true love is not necessarily through a dog's stomach.

In a separate study by Johannes Odendaal and colleagues from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, owners were brought into a room that was empty except for two tables and chairs. The owners sat on a rug on the floor with their dogs and a nurse drew their blood. For the next 30 minutes, each owner's attention was completely focused on his or her dog. They talked softly to their dogs, stroked them gently and scratched their bodies and behind their ears. The participants' blood was drawn again after 30 minutes.

The researchers found that participants' blood pressure decreased, and they experienced an increase in not only oxytocin, but also a whole other range of hormones, including beta-endorphins, which are associated with euphoria and pain relief; prolactin, which promotes bonding associated with parenting behavior; phenylethylamine, which tends to increase when people find a romantic partner; and dopamine, which increases pleasurable sensations.

When each dog owner came in and read a book for 30 minutes, oxytocin and the other hormones did not increase as much as they did during interactions with their dog. What is even more incredible is that not only did humans experience a rise in these hormones — the dogs did, too. It seems the feelings of bonding and affiliation are entirely mutual.

Humanity's relationship with dogs is so extraordinary that it affects humans' very biochemistry. Science is only beginning to understand the mechanisms of this relationship, and the implications will keep cognitive psychologists busy for many years to come. But for those who just need a little something to lift their spirits, try a meaningful gaze, or even a kiss, with your best friend.

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron

Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC

"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"

www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com

314-200-8561

Cell:  314-775-7107

Creature Comforts & Paul Flotron In Need of Your Help -- Testimonials

Dear Friends!

When someone takes the time to recount a positive experience, it speaks volumes.   And so I would like to request a small favor – a testimonial that will give others a sense of the experience and service I offer.  Whether you are a client employing my pet care services business Creature Comforts, a fellow supporter of animal rescue, a community advocate partnering with me to serve in my animal community outreach programs, or a listener/special guest of my radio program Animal Adventures, I would appreciate you sharing some positive words.

I have always felt that the testimonial is a powerful indicator of excellence.  I strive to provide such excellence with each and every transaction, and I sincerely hope that describes your experience with me.  This testimonial can be as short or as long as you like.  It is valuable to my future business and, just as importantly, allows me to continuously improve upon the level of service I provide.

Recently, a client submitted a glowing testimonial to Angie's List.  I would be eternally grateful if you would also submit your testimonials about me and Creature Comforts Great & Small to Angie's List.  Please feel free to e-mail me your testimonial at PaulFFlotron@yahoo.com to share your thoughts on your experience with me and Creature Comforts.

Examples of some of my past client testimonials are below.  I sincerely appreciate your help and look forward to serving your needs for years to come.

With kindest regards,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron

Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC

"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"

www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com

314-200-8561

Cell:  314-775-7107

E-Mail:  PaulFFlotron@yahoo.com

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us:

"I have known Paul Flotron for many years and use him exclusively as a pet sitter for our family dog.  Paul is trustworthy and extremely conscientious in providing the best possible dog sitting services.  Paul goes above and beyond what we expect and our dog looks forward to his visits.  I cannot imagine anyone providing the level of service and care as Paul does with Creature Comforts, and I strongly recommend his services to those considering a pet sitter."

-Kevin Marquitz

"I so appreciated your rapid response to a stranger in my hour of need.  You did, indeed, go the extra mile.  Your thoroughness and professionalism was very much appreciated."

-Connie Rose

"After meeting Paul for the first time, I felt more than 100% comfortable entrusting my girls' care to him. I knew without a doubt that he was a trustworthy, caring person.  I could tell how much he loved animals.  He exceeded my every expectation, with frequent phone calls, texts, and email summaries of how the girls were doing while I was gone.  Paul knew that I was nervous about leaving them, and made sure I knew that they were being well taken care of.  Paul changed his schedule to accommodate my own, drove farther than usual, and did everything he could to help me since my departure was last minute and unexpected.  I would recommend anyone needing a petsitter to contact Paul Flotron, as he is great with animals, trustworthy, honest, responsible, and will take excellent care of your pets.  Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC went above and beyond."

-Cheryl
*Mommy to Prissy and Pebbles, and Foster Mommy to Ellie and Belle

We moved from Chicago one year ago not knowing anyone and we were blessed to find Paul to look after our dog Milo.  Paul is very conscientious and trustworthy.  We recently lost Milo to cancer and Paul has been wonderful and instrumental in helping us find another Boxer to adopt.  We look forward to having Paul walk our new dogs in the near future.

 

Richard and Mary

We highly recommend Paul to take care of your pet.  He was outstanding with our little dog (she really gave him a fit, but he handled everything beautifully).  He was also highly responsible about the care of our home while staying with our dog.

Marlene I.

A Community Outreach Testimonial:

"I was able to witness not only the spirit Paul brings to the situation, but also the organization and teamwork.  Paul has recruited an army of volunteers to help him in this endeavor to make a difference in people’s lives.  These individuals have touched patients in our own hospice settings.  When words are too complex to reach across limitations occurring in the minds of our patients, Paul, his army of volunteers and pets cross that barrier with their energy and spirit of love!"

-Brenda McGarvey
Regional Volunteer Program Coordinator
Unity Hospice
Client Testimonial For Creature Comforts Great & Small
Submitted to Angie's List

"I care for my animals very much and only want the best for them. I was referred to Paul Flotron to take care of my beloved pets.  Paul is amazing with the animals!  He’s just so good. While I was gone he maintains the cleanliness of the house.  Paul brought my mail and newspaper in while were we gone, and while he's away he maintains the lived in effect.  He also gave us a diary of what he did with the dogs while we were gone everyday. The dogs were healthy, taken care of, and walked.  Paul works 7 days a week.  He’s very well spoken.  He's very much dedicated to the animals, his clients and his business.  In closing, it took me 5 years and many interviews to find someone with such high standards while valuing my pets as much as I do.  To me, that's an irreplaceable feeling."

Hannah & Ron

Unconditional Love Our Pets Give Us

Hi Friends!

Since Valentine's Day is right around the corner, I thought I would talk about love, true love.  Many of us enjoy amazing relationships with our companion animals also appreciate them for the incredible teachers they are.  To explain life with my animals, I need to go back a few years.  I was born into a family made up of animal lovers.  As a boy in San Antonio, I helped my family raise miniature schnauzers.  I was there for the dogs’ births, and we showed the dogs at competitions all over Texas. When I was 10, we moved to St. Louis, where I accumulated “the Flotron Miniature Zoo,” including “dwarf crocodiles, African pancake tortoises, birds, boa constrictors, hermit crabs, fish, and always dogs.”

Today, I have my pet-care business Creature Comforts Great & Small, established and led a pet ministry at a large nondenominational church.  My pet ministry held pet-food drives, supports no-kill rescues, we would bring our pets to visit the sick and infirm, and organized a grief group for those who have lost a pet.  The decision to pursue such endeavors was as a result of knowing of the unconditional love animals freely offer.


According to a Chinese proverb, dogs have so many friends because they wag their tails, not their tongues. Unconditional love is what we seek as human beings. Our pets give us that, and nearly always it comes right from the start. Unless an animal is in recovery, in a rescued situation or have been caught in the wild, they stand ready and waiting with open hearts to love us.  Through the unconditional love of our pets, we learn what true loyalty is, what true acceptance is and what true companionship is. This unconditional love is a true gift: one we may not always deserve but one that is always there.

Since I am a visual person, I like to paint a picture of what I'm describing.  I may be a romantic and so, I have the tendency to allow my heart to lead.  Yet, I am also a visual person.  I need to be able to see with my own two eyes.  What does love look like?  Being quite intangible, our concept of love is often unique from one person to the next. Perhaps love to me looks like a good meal, or something I receive when I have done something well. For another person, love looks like a gift or a compliment.  For the next, it looks like someone paying attention to them in a positive or negative way. So is there one truth?  One clear vision of love that surpasses all the rest?  I have been so lucky as to have felt this truth for myself.  It seems to be quite rare unfortunately, but perhaps by bringing it up here, we can increase the number of people who see love this way.

 So, where is this great lead-up going?  I’m sure a few of you have already guessed!  It’s unconditional love.  Love that is within every particle, inside and outside of us, just waiting to be seen and expressed.  It is a love that has no boundaries, no limits and no conditions.  You might even refer to it as “animal” love, as our pets are about as unconditional as it gets. They stick it out with us through the good times and the bad, forgiving and accepting us just as we are.

As humans, we tend to pass the habit of conditional love down through the generations. A mother who loves her child only when they are “good” stands a good chance of passing this pattern down to her children, and then their children.  I’m sure you have all experienced the moment when someone closes their heart to you due to something you have done or not done. Was it pleasant?  Have you done this to others?  My bet is that you do it everyday, as I do.  So often I meet animals who are struggling with their own patterns only to be met by the harshness of conditional love.  The moment they engage in their negative behavior pattern, the love of their people comes to an abrupt halt, with the insecurity of the animal rising and the behavior pattern worsening. They hear thoughts and words discussing their potential departure if they continue the behavior, rather than receiving the space they need to feel secure enough to change their behavior from the inside out.

When I first rescued my parrot into my home, Dudley seemed broken, distraught and wide-swinging emotions resulting from being tossed around from one family to another.  I am uncertain what Dudley may have observed or experienced from his life before I took him under my wing.  But, I am certain of one thing.  Dudley was happy with his new lifestyle with me doting on him, pampering and spoiling him beyond his wildest imagination.  From the very first moment I laid eyes on Dudley and to now, over 21 years later, I hold the same commitment and devotion.  I vow to always provide Dudley with unconditional love, acceptance and respect.  By doing so, I have observed through the years how Dudley has become more loving and affectionate.  Any negative behavior I have ever seen in Dudley was a result of insecurity and fear.  In all likelihood, a fear brought on through the mistreatment by humans.

Dare I say, I may have saved Dudley's life, but in the process I believe by rescuing Dudley my life was saved.  Who Rescued Whom?  According to The Humane Society of the United States, somewhere between 6 to 8 million cats and dogs are taken in by animal shelters each year in the U.S., and 3 to 4 million of those cats and dogs are eventually euthanized.  By adopting a pet today, you could be single-handedly saving a life.  That’s a pretty big deal.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”  Anatole France

Here's To Always Believing In Love -- Here's To The Unconditional Love Our Pets Give Us!

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com
314-200-8561
Cell:  314-775-7107

Does Your Dog Like To Run Away, Roam, Explore? How To Prevent...

Hi Friends!

In addition to being able to talk, my feathered friends' Dudley and Sing-Sing have been gifted with the most amazing ability, the gift of flight.  The gift of flight can be a blessing and a curse.  If a precious pet happens to fly away, it's bad for everyone -- the domesticated birds of mine, Dudley and Sing-Sing for example are unable to survive in the wild, and the owners, such as myself will be emotionally devastated.

While fly-aways are every bird owner's worst nightmare, the harsh truth is that they do occur, and more often than we'd probably like to think. The best way to prevent your pet from flying away is to be diligent in your wing trimming  practices.  I love to take Dudley and Sing-Sing everywhere so that they may always be properly socialized.  So, it is especially important I make sure that Dudley and Sing-Sing's wings are trimmed.  Though some of my clients have parrots for pets, a majority of my clients have dogs.  I always appreciate the opportunity when a client and I team-up to make sure all issues involving the family pet are resolved.  This introduction is to segue into today's topic involving a serious concerning a dog's natural behavior.

A friend recently asked me how she can make sure her dog knows what home is and how she can keep her there. Her dog, like numerous others likes to engage in a self-rewarding behavior of running away. To dogs this is a completely normal, natural, instinctive, and acceptable behavior. They are not aware of all the possible dangers of roaming that their humans worry about. In a dog's mind they are being rewarded when they run away because of all the interesting things they get to see, smell, and experience. If it's rewarding for them they assume their human is supporting this behavior if it is left unchanged...and the cycle continues.

There are many reasons as to why a dog will run away and wander about and they almost always boil down to trying to get to something or trying to get away from something. A very understimulated dog will look for adventure of their own to occupy them both mentally and physically. Dogs with seperation anxiety are also more likely to run away, especially when there are loud sounds indoors or outdoors, such as thunder or firecrackers. Other dogs will pick up on a scent and follow it. This is very typical for hounds, some terriers, beagles or any other scent dog. Dogs used for hunting or that have characteristics bred into them making them desirable hunting dogs may be running off to follow their predatory instincts. Other reasons for dogs to persistantly run away are mistreatment, psychological problems, and a need for socialization and or a lack of obedience training. If a dog is not spayed or nuetered they may be running off to search for a mate. It is extremely important to spay or nueter your dog!

A huge step in keeping your dog in doors and also in your yard is figuring out what triggers them to run away. If your dog does not get a lot of alone time with you they may feel bored and isolated and possibly resentful. It is always a good idea to have many different kinds of toys both inside and outdoors. Many companies also sell dog toys that will occupy your canine companion for a long time such as puzzles or puzzle type treats or stuffed Kong brand toys. Experiment with different types of toys to find out what your dog is most intrigued by. It is also a good idea to always have something for your dog to chew on such as a rawhide, antler, pig ear, hoof, etc. Take time out of your day to play fetch or frisbee with your dog and be sure to give them a set amount of time every day to be with you and get lavished with attention. In our busy lives even ten minutes a night may seem like a lot but your dog will view this as a wonderful bonding experience. Another thing that can work towards preventing your dog from leaving your yard is to take them on long leash walks so they can safely explore their surroundings but realize you are the one in charge. Make sure to praise and reward them so they associated listening to your commands and responding to you as pack leader as a good idea. Try mixing things up and taking different walking routes to prevent boredom from routine. You may find that a dog park is a wonderful place for your dog to socialize and look forward to visiting. If you are extremely busy you may wish to hire someone to come and walk your dog for exercise and to help socialize your dog in a secure and safe environment.

 Also remember that it is never too late to take a dog to obedience classes or to a refresher course if they have been through them already. This is a wonderful idea both for training purposes and for human/dog bonding.
If you have tried all of these things and still cannot prevent your dog from running away, you may need to invest in fencing off an outdoor area for your dog. Make sure your dog will not be able to jump over it or dig under it, and that the gate is always secured or locked. Some people have had success in using an invisible fence.
With a lot of time, consistency and patience your dog will start to realize all the wonderful things she has in her home (which includes her human/s) and in her front yard and should start wandering less. This is not an overnight process but eventually you will be able to keep your dog safe and in sight.

Should your dogs have a taste for adventure and like to roam, and you are in need of help, please contact me at anytime.

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com
314-200-8561
Cell:  314-775-7107

Is Your Dog Itching or Scratching? Dog Allergies - Food

Hello Friends!

Since a number of my clients have noticed their dogs scratching or biting because of an itchiness, I decided to conduct more research concerning food allergies.

In general, I have hearing about an increase in the number of dogs with health problems that are caused by a food allergy, or, in any case, that’s what the health problems are being blamed on.  With a food allergy, the immune system reacts too strongly to certain proteins (“allergens”) that occur in food. Anti-bodies are produced to deal with the allergens, anti-bodies that non-allergic dogs do not produce. It is the reaction of the anti-bodies that eventually causes the symptoms.

There is evidence, backed by experience, that the intestinal bacteria may also be out of balance in the case of a food allergy. Some even wonder if it is not the out-of-balance intestinal bacteria that is chief cause of most allergies, leading to the diagnosis of “false allergies” that actually have nothing to do with a real hereditary specific allergy.

How can “false allergies” come about?

Imagine that your dog suffered from certain real, hereditary food allergies.

Because our dogs descend from wolves, it would be fair to assume that certain wolves also suffered from food allergies. Otherwise, the food allergries could never have been passed on in the genes of our dogs.

Assuming that this is the case, we then have to answer the question how were wolves able to survive? All members of the wolf pack depended on the seasons and their environment and were strongly dependent on the prey animals at hand (from large ruminants to mice) and other seasonally available foods (nuts, roots, excrement, etc.). Consequently, all wolves in the pack had access to a wide variety of proteins. Through vomiting, the same proteins were passed on to the cubs.

In the world of the wolf pack it is – and always has been – “you eat what’s going as that’s all you’re gonna get”.  Imagine that a part of the pack was allergic to proteins derived from cattle or reindeer. Those wolves would have had a serious problem in the “grass season”. Another group would have had problems in the same period if they were allergic to, for example, mouflon, etc. Imagine that another part of the pack was allergic to lemming and mouse-derived proteins. This group would then have had a serious problem in the winter.

If the above had actually been reality, wolves would have died out long ago or evolved into a species whose genes no longer had these hereditary and life-threatening defects. Since our dogs are descended from wolves and carry the same genes, it would seem highly probably that most allergies should be placed in the category “false”. Since allergies are usually caused by proteins that have not been digested fully, it is essential that we find out why digestion is incomplete.

A major cause of food allergies is when a dog develops an oversensitivity (intolerance) for certain chemical additives in the feed, such as antioxidants, preservatives, colorants, etc. This type of “feed intolerance” often concerns products that the dog had no problems with initially. By accumulating in mostly body fat, liver and/or skin, “regular” quantities of these feeds can result in adverse reactions over time. Reactions in the intestines, for example, means that proteins, too, are not broken down properly, resulting in "allergic" reactions (mostly skin and intestinal problems).

Another cause of allergies can be found in modern dog food production methods involving so-called extruding and expanding which overheat the ingredients to such an extent that undesirable changes take place in the ingredients themselves. Fats, especially, are affected (modified) by overheating. For example, these modified fats disrupt the digestion in the small intestine to such an extent that the proteins are not broken down properly, resulting in allergies.

A number of studies have shown that where allergies appear, the intestinal bacteria are often out of balance. This imbalance usually manifests itself in the form of gas in the stomach, flatulence, diarrhoea or runny stools. If the intestinal bacteria are not only too few but also contain too few different groups of bacteria, proteins cannot be digested properly and “food allergies” are practically inevitable.

What to do if a food allergy appears?

Obviously, we first need to establish whether we are dealing with a real allergy or a "false" allergy. As is the case with humans, this can be determined by a skin prick test. If it is a true hereditary allergy, the test will reveal the nutrient that is responsible for the allergic reaction and you can make the necessary changes to your dog's diet.

However, the skin prick test is often inconclusive regarding the nutrient responsible, in which case there’s a good chance that your dog has a so-called “false allergy”. If this is the case, follow the steps below.

1. Since an allergy often involves an imbalance in the intestinal bacteria, it is essential to start by returning your dog’s intestinal bacteria to a stable state of balance.

You can promote stable balanced intestinal bacteria by feeding your dog at least 3 times a day (dogs younger than 2 years 4 times a day) only Complete Fresh Meat Feed (frozen) over a period of several days. It is important that this fresh meat feed mainly contains (at least 60%) raw (i.e. unprocessed) tripe. (We also advise this type of fresh meat feed in cases of a suspected allergy to beef as this allergy appears to be very rare). This fresh meat feed must be given to the dog raw and at room temperature. It goes without saying that the feed must not be defrosted/warmed up in a microwave as this kitchen appliance will zap all the bacteria your dog really needs to restore balance to his intestinal bacteria.

In the case of serious diarrhea, give your dog fresh meat that has “been plunged in boiling water” the first 2-3 days, after which you can give it to him raw. Give your dog this tripe-rich feed for at least 7 days or, in any case, at least until his stools are again dark in color and have a firm consistency. Once his bowel movements have returned to normal, change to a natural holistic alternative dog food recommended by your veterinarian and animal nutritionist.

As a food allergy affects the entire metabolism, which can take a long time to fully recover, it is important that in the first few months you give your dog, in addition to Farm Food HE, complete fresh meat feed (with raw tripe) at least once a week. When the allergic symptoms have passed, you can change to at least twice a month. Alternatively, you can mix some raw tripe every day through your dog's natural holistic alternative dog food.

If your dog already has healthy, balanced intestinal bacteria, natural holistic alternative dog food will ensure that these bacteria remain varied. For dogs that are sensitive to allergies, it is important that the intestinal bacteria are given a "tune up" every so often by regularly mixing some raw tripe through his natural holistic alternative dog food.

2. To ensure that your dog is not eating any modified or transformed ingredients, it is best avoid extruded/expanded feed and fried products. You can identify these products as they tend to float in water.

3. In any case, do not give your dog any snacks such as pizzle or pig's ears until the problem has been resolved. Try giving him instead a tripe stick to chew on.

Important!

It is often the case that the problems temporarily get worse during the course of the “therapy” outlined above. This so-called “homoeopathic reaction” is due to the fact that the metabolism begins by “detoxifying” the entire organism. This reaction is mostly visible on the skin (loss of hair, itching, boils on soft issue, etc.).

Should you have any questions or need clarification in the area of dog food allergies, I encourage you to consult your veterinarian and animal nutritionist.  I am always available to you as a resource as I care about you and the health, well-being of your pets.

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron

Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC

"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"

www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com

314-200-8561

Cell:  314-775-7107