plottingtheway – PlottingTheWay

Colder Weather

The time has come… the warm weather is gone and fall is officially in full swing. I personally HATE the colder weather, however, Mason is a big fan of it. He loves being outside in the cooler weather and laying out on our patio. Which means he is constantly wanting to go outside.

The hardest part of being a dog mom in the colder weather is you constantly have to layer up to go outside. Extra sweat shirts, sweat pants, socks, warm shoes, jackets, gloves, scarves, hats, etc. It is exhausting honestly, but it is a must because I hate being cold. However, one thing that makes this process a little easier and less time consuming is to have my “dog walking clothes” set out for the week and kept by the door either hanging up with the dog leashes and poop bags or in this cute little basket I have by the door.

This way I am not running up and down stairs and constantly searching for the items I want to wear to walk Mason and I am keeping them organized. Mason is not very patient waiting on me, so anything that streamlines the process of getting out the door, I know, is much appreciated by him.

Dog Mom Tip #24: Remember, your dog gets stress out too. So anything you do to make their lives less stressful/easier is much appreciated by them.

HELP: Calling all pup parents!

Okay… I need some advice. As you all know, Mason HATES the vet. And I am really struggling with how to handle that situation. He is due for his shots that are needed for him to be boarded/go to doggie daycare. Plus his nails are desperately in need of a trim!

The problem with going to the vet is not only that Mason despises it, but that it is very expensive. Mason gets so anxious when we go to the vet he has to be put to sleep (which is very costly, about $400, because he is so big and they have to double dose him). So, as you can imagine we avoid going to the vet at all cost, but the time has come where it is needed.

I have considered using a mobile/ at home vet service, but this makes me nervous as well. I guess just because it is something new and I don’t know how Mason will react. I have heard good things about it from a friend who has used an “at home vet” service before. However, that is the only the account I have really heard of personally of someone using a mobile/at home vet service for their pup who has anxiety regarding the vet.

Have any of you all used a mobile/at home vet service before?!

I would love to hear about your experiences and any tips you may have for dog with anxiety regarding the vet. Please help!!

Dog Mom Tip # 23: Don’t be afraid to ask for help/advice regarding your pup. Sometimes we dog moms don’t have all the answers and need a little guidance from time to time.

Withdraws

As you all know, I HATE being without Mason. He is my comfort. Today is day 4 without him and I am having some serious withdraw issues. They were supposed to be replacing our sliding glass doors at our loft yesterday. So I met my mom Saturday afternoon with Mason so he did not have to be home during the construction.

I was so ready to get Mason back yesterday, however, because of the weather they had to reschedule replacing our doors to today. I had to spend another night without my baby cakes. I know they can’t help the weather and Mason of course enjoys being at my parents with Tessa, but I can’t help to feel selfish and want him back with me now haha

I am really trying hard to be patient, but it hard. Our house doesn’t feel like a home without Mason. I am missing him terribly, but I am going to have to wait till tonight to get him back. It is seriously crazy what a difference it makes not having Mason there… it changes my whole mood (in a not so good way). Luckily, Shawn has been extra snuggly to make up for Mason not being there with us 🙂

Do any of the rest of you all have separation anxiety from your pups? Or am I just a crazy dog mom?

Dog Mom Tip #22: It’s okay to be a crazy dog mom… they are our fur babies ♥

Report Card

I am happy to report this weekend was a success… for both Mason and myself! You all know how nervous I was about Mason getting boarded for the weekend. However, as soon as we arrived at For Paws Unleashed, almost all my fears disappeared.

My mom and I took Mason and Tessa together Friday morning. I thought it would make Mason feel more comfort to have Tessa by his side, and I was definitely right. As soon as we walked in, Mason was, of course, stuck to me like glue. He would not leave my side and I could tell he was suspicious about what was getting ready to happen. However, all the staff immediately came up to him and started loving on him making him feel right at home.

As we started to say our goodbyes and the staff began to take Mason and Tessa back, Mason started to resist. He kept trying to pull away from them and come back to me (this is so hard to see as a mom 🙁 ). I then asked if I could walk back with him to make the transition easier. The staff let me walk part of the way back until we got to the “staff only” area. Mason then walked straight through the door and didn’t even look back. My mom and I finished filling out the paper work and as we were walking out to leave, we could see Mason and Tessa outside already playing with their cousins Hank and Bennie! In that moment, my anxieties completely vanished and we were off to Norris Lake for a great weekend.

If you haven’t been to Norris Lake, you are definitely missing out! This was my first trip there and I can tell you it definitely won’t be my last. The lake was SO beautiful and clear, you could literally see 20 feet down. We spent the weekend hanging out with family, playing on the Lily Pad, fishing, hanging out at the Tiki bar and riding on inner tubes and boats! It was seriously a blast!

When we went to pick the pups up Monday morning, I was a little nervous to hear Masons’ report. The staff said Mason was un-trusting at first, but seeing them with Tessa and using her to lead Mason was a big help. He ended up warming right up, playing great in his play groups and having an awesome time.

I am just so thrilled with how this past weekend went. It could not have went better for both Mason and I. We faced our fears and I am not longer worried about traveling without Mason.

Dog Mom Tip # 20: Your pup reads and reacts off of your emotions, so be brave and don’t be afraid to face your fears.

Weekend Getaway ♥

So this is a big week for us! With summer in full swing we are heading to Norris Lake this weekend with my family. I am so excited to be out on the water and enjoy the sunshine. We are staying at a super cute Airbnb on the water, however, there is one HUGE downfall… No dogs allowed 🙁

As you all know, I love taking Mason everywhere with me. And it honestly gives me anxiety not being with him… He is my comfort. Usually when we travel out of town Mason always stays at my parents, however, this time we are all going out of town. So Mason is getting boarded.

I am super nervous about this. Mason has been boarded before, but not in like two years and he has never been boarded here in Kentucky. Mason is so weird about meeting dogs on the leash and gets anxious in new places. I am hoping since my parents dog (Tessa) and two of my cousins’ dogs (Bennie and Hank) are all going to be boarded there as well, Mason might feel more at home.

I got him an upgraded room with a TV (I thought the noise might be comforting to him) and will also be bringing his favorite blanky and toy squirrel. I am not sure what else to do to make his stay this weekend go seamlessly as well as me not having to stress about him and enjoy our family lake trip.

I would LOVE any tips or tricks you all use for your pups when boarding them to eliminate their separation anxiety and to make them feel more at home.

Dog Mom Tip #19: Separation anxiety is a real thing for not only our furry friends, but also for us dog parents as well. Be sure to take the proper actions to make you both feel comfortable when apart.

I will be sure to update you all on how our weekend getaway goes with both us and Mason ♥

Out with the old, in with the new

Wow, can you believe 2017 is over? I definitely can’t. 2017 was full of lots of love and laughter, but it also came with its share of pain and heartache. Of course I know life can never be perfect, but it doesn’t keep the painful things that happen from still hurting.

This past year I would say the most painful experiences have been losing a few friendships that I thought would be life long. I thought these were people who would stand beside me no matter what happened in life. However, they proved to be the opposite. They abandoned me when I needed them most. Which really really hurt and it still does honestly.

However, through losing these friends, I gained life experiences. I have definitely been guilty of being “too nice” to people. And after this, I found out I don’t have to be nice to everyone. I found out how confident and strong I can be. How I can stand up for what I believe in and how I am not going to let people walk all over me.

Even though losing these close friendships was devastating, in the big scheme of things, I don’t think they were ever truly friends anyways. Here is to a New Year and fresh start❣

Dog Mom Tip # 17: Always cherish those who are your true friends, including your pup.

The most wonderful time of the year

The holiday season always seems to be a crazy time for everyone. There are always places to go and people to see. I don’t know about you all, but I like Mason to be a part of any journey I go on especially during the holiday’s because he a part of our family. However, when you are making your rounds this season, not everyone will always feel the same about dogs that we do. Which can obviously make the holidays challenging with your pup.

No one wants their pup to add stress to the holidays, so what is the solution? All you can do is plan for the occasion. Always make sure to have all the necessities you’re pup could need. Food, bowls, comfort toy/blanket and puppy pads/gate if needed. This way you don’t have to bug relatives for items you should bring for your pup as a responsible dog parent.

Secondly, have a pre-planned place arranged where your pup can stay during dinner, opening presents or just if he/she is being too overwhelming for relatives. Whether this be a bathroom, crate, fenced in yard, garage or another secluded area. This way you are prepared for any situation that may arise during your holiday celebration.

Taking these few precautions may not solve all your problems that could occur during the holidays, however, hopefully these tips will at least relieve a little stress and help you be prepared!

We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Dog mom tip #16: You can never be too prepared.

Better late than never…

Oh how the difference of a year makes…. I think back to this time last year. I was living in Florida away from all of my family and friends and working a job I hated. I was crying almost every day wondering why it was so hard to be happy. I have never been so miserable in my life. Finally, I was able to snap out of my misery long enough to do something about it. I quite the job I hated, got of a negative relationship and moved back home to Kentucky.

Fast forward to now… I have a career I truly enjoy and am passionate about, someone who makes me feel so loved and appreciated and I am closer to all of my family and friends than ever. It is seriously crazy to think back to this time last year and how I felt. I had gotten so down on myself, I had literally lost all of my self-love and confidence.

It wasn’t easy to get out of this rut, however I made it! I made myself me again. I feel better now than I have in years. And, honestly, all I had to do was change my mind set. I had to think positive and reassure myself that I could do it, I could be happy again.

When people use to tell me that all you need to do is think positive, I thought they were crazy. However, I can tell you from this firsthand experience that changing your mindset really does change your whole outlook on life. Everyone deserves happiness, and I am hoping by sharing this experience even if you are in one of your darkest days this lets you know there is a way out.

Dog mom tip #14: Never give up on finding your happiness.

Rainy Days…

Wow has this summer been crazy! Mason and I have been so busy traveling and staying active. We have had so much fun on our adventures, but sometimes life isn’t all a walk in the park… Before getting my baby Mason three years ago, I had another puppy who stole my heart. Our sweet Faith.

I will never forget the day when we went to PetSmart when I was 13-years-old. I had been begging my parents for a dog for a long time, and this was finally the day my wish came true. They had so many cute puppies this day, but we were all immediately drawn to Faith. She came home with us that day and has been part of our family ever since.

Faith has not only been a best friend, sister or child to everyone in my family for the past 14-years, but also to my Mason. Before meeting Mason 3 years ago, Faith NEVER liked any other dogs. But her and Mason were best friends immediately. It’s like she knew he was a part of our family too. We were all a family. This is why losing Faith last week was so hard.

When we found out a few months ago that she had cancer, we knew it was going to be a hard battle. However, the initial surgery went well to remove the cancer so we were thankful it was not her time yet. Even though we knew this time would come eventually, we enjoyed every day we got to spend with Faith in her last few months with us.

Faith meant so much to us all, especially Mason. The last few times we got to visit with her, I knew Mason knew what was going on. He knew she couldn’t play as hard with him or go on as long of walks, but he hated leaving her behind. There were so many times Faith was too weak to go on a walk and Mason literally wouldn’t leave without her. They were best friends.

Everyone in my family is mourning the loss of Faith in different ways, including Mason. Mason went to stay with my parents last weekend after faith had passed. My parents said he literally did not leave from being under the table. This is where one of Faiths’ beds still reside and Mason was just not his normal happy-go-lucky self. After this weekend without her, Mason now knows she is gone, and there is definitely a deep sadness in his eyes.

Dog Mom Tip #13: It’s important that you recognize signs of depression in your pup. Your pup is always there for you when you need them, so make sure you are there for them when they need you too.

********* In Loving Memory of Faith Hill*********

On the road…

If you all haven’t noticed already, I love to take Mason anywhere I can with me. I mean seriously if I could bring him to work or even to the grocery, I totally would. I just love being with him and having his company to brighten my day. I know Mason would love to go everywhere with me to if he could, however, he HATES riding in the car.

I always imagined when I had a dog they would enjoy riding in the car with their head stuck out the window and their ears flapping in the wind. Not my mason. He gets mad anxiety when I even pull out my keys and he thinks we are going somewhere. When he is riding in the car, he always just tenses up and continuously pants. I literally have to put the air conditioning on full blast before he even remotely seems comfortable (so I have to layer on clothes or use a blanket to keep from freezing to death).

Mason has always been anxious and uncomfortable in cars (even when he was a little baby), but I honestly feel that it has gotten worse over the years. I always do everything to make him as comfortable as possible (and yes I am a good driver). I talk to him, reach back to pet him when I can and always have the air blasting. Nothing ever seems to ease his anxiety though.

I want to be able take Mason everywhere with me I can, but it’s hard when I know he is so uncomfortable in the car. If anyone has any natural remedies or tips to help with Mason’s travel troubles, please feel free to share them with us.

Dog Mom Tip #12: Sometimes you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone to get where you want to be.