Posted on

NEWS! Dog sniffing for coronavirus?


I came across an video article about dogs sniffing for coronavirus among the patrons at all home games. I had to watch it about 5 times until I could put all the words and procedures, I was seeing in my eyes, together. The video raised questions and thoughts as to if this option was a real thing. I had to slice this bit by bit and figure this out. I mean this is going way beyond what I was even thinking. Let’s start slicing..

The first layer is that the Miami Heat representatives have considered extra precautions to ensure the safety of their patrons at all their home games at the American Airlines Arena. I have to commend their efforts in being proactive during this pandemic. The video shows people formed in groups all faces are masked. The first checkpoint you are lined up 6 feet between each other and you must go through a metal detector. Layer 1 is complete.

The second step is a visual check and the scent sniffing corona virus dogs come out. If you are ok you and your group is lead to your seating area. If anyone in your group has been alerted by the dogs, you and your entire group are denied entry. As I watched the whole procedure play itself out I was in awe. Guys this is really happening. Ok so I digested that video and was, yet again, perturbed about something I still can’t put my mind at ease about.

Here are my questions: How does a dog know what corona virus smells like? How does one train a dog to detect the virus? If dogs can smell it, is there a way we can smell ourselves and know we are virus free? What if you’re sneaking treats into the stadium and the dog smells that and alerts to you but it’s too late because your group can’t get in because beef jerky was your fave snack? Will they blast you online and you try to explain about the jerky but everyone is pissy? These are the questions we should really be asking.  Or maybe I just need some answers.

Original ESPN Video reference 🎥

Posted on

Dog Nail Maintenance for Beginners

While the world is on pause I decided to share some tips on doing some 101 minimum puppy care for your new furbaby.

I have been grooming, training and showing dogs for over 25 years. Of course, I am a sucker for those little fluffy puppies but they are definitely a lot of work. Dog sales have sky rocketed over the last year, so fast that I have seen some frustration and confusion on basic puppy care.

Whatever the reason you have about bringing a puppy into your home; he/she is now staring right back at you while you’re trying to figure out your next move. There are some basic equipment that I’m sure you already have in place. Namely you will have: a food and water bowl; crate/kennel; bones & toys; blanket; leash & collar; brush and/or comb. Along with those listed, you will need a Veterinarian, a Groomer and contact information of your breeder. I know, it may seem like a lot but these are the secrets of owning a new puppy.

Once upon a time, there wasn’t a pandemic and we could easily book grooming and veterinarian appointments. Now, we are encouraged to independently take care of the beings within our home. For me, that includes haircuts for humans and dogs. Regardless of breed, our pups of all ages need their nails clipped. The clip clop of the nails on the hard surface floors is a sign that your dog needs a nail trim.

I use a scissor type pet nail clipper to take off extra length. I take off at least 3-5mm off of each nail. I found a clipper and nail file combination on Amazon. I especially like the guard it has that can limit the amount of nail to trim. When trimming puppy nails it can be a challenge. They squirm and sometimes cry. Stay calm and even if you get one nail done, call it a win for the day and try again the next day. I recommend tapping the clipper on each nail to desensitize your pup.

The product that most prompted me to do this post is a nail grinder I found also on Amazon. A nail grinder is an electric corded or cordless rotary tool. This grinder is cordless and rechargeable which makes it easier to get around each foot. It is very quiet and dogs of all ages in my household don’t argue with me at all. I felt it was important to share these tools because those long nails can cause hip and spine problems with your dog in the long term. I have been using this grinder for over a year without any problems. Using a combo of both the clippers and the grinder should make your nail trimming day a lot easier. I would also recommend grinding your dogs nails on a regular basis of once or more a week.

If anything doing the bare minimum of keeping your dog’s nails trimmed can lead to a stronger bond with them. A trust like that can also lead to having the courage to giving them a haircut…. but that will be another post. ☺️

Posted on

Another Weekend but I just wanna Chill

I just wanna chill kind of weekend. With my recent dog napping event… Oh wait, I haven’t explain that one..

Yes.. This happened a few days ago. A very bold person tried to take my dog out of my yard. It’s incredible how the lockdown hasn’t deterred people to do horrible things. Instead of boxing myself in I decided to own my space. I have to admit to being more complacent lately.

My best friend posted this picture on Facebook to help find her

A new year means I am doing meaningful work. My energy has been improving more and more each day. Preserving my energy and using it in small doses of energy doesn’t really sit well with me and I’ve been learning how to cope. The anxiety that my home was violated makes me feel angry. Like who does this in one of the scariest time of our lives?

I guess this is my wakeup call and also a reason that I’m up late, shopping on Amazon. My hope is that I get a glimpse of this person. I want to catch them. That should be a really fun time!

Stay safe!

Stilletto

Posted on

Sometimes I mix music on Sunday afternoons

Mixing music produced by lonemeraki on Soundcloud

It’s another Sunday and I’m recovering from my brain scramble at yesterday’s MRI appointment. I feel like I have a concussion. Other than that things are great here on Bed Island.

I have missed mixing music. I haven’t touched my wheels of steel in almost 2 years. Today was the day! I’m all hooked up into Soundcloud and Spotify ( stilettosupermom ) where I have some playlists I created years ago while messing around on Meerkat. Lol what a great time!

Stay safe out there and cheers to another brand new week!

Posted on

A Beautiful Day

I woke up feeling fresh. It’s a new day with new opportunities. The weather has been strange but I can’t help but feel like it’s Spring. The birds are chirping and squirrels are all around taunting my dogs. Everything has changed in my world for the greatest. Making hearty meals from scratch and now I find myself making patterns for baby clothing. I am totally filled with nostalgia remembering all the dresses, outfits and costumes I made for the children. There was is a lot of math and fabric knowledge so I have to get going.

Everything seems to be coming together, once again, in full circle. I am so grateful for the wisdom I have gained in order to grow. Becoming the person you are meant to be isn’t the easiest to see nor accept sometimes. Very similar to creating a dress you have to observe how each piece fits with each other. The measurements are definite and integral to the structure of the garment, but what it can’t control is the flair of colour and texture of the fabric. That is me. I am fabric.

Posted on

Having fun with Resin!

My son and I recently got into creating some resin dominoes. Board games and games like dominoes are all the rage in my house. I’m learning more and more about this sticky substance and I plan to make more art pieces. These are his first set of dominoes and we have another set waiting to cure.

This is such a fun product. I’m still doing some testing on different brands of resin so I will post more info once my trial runs are ready. If you are interested in trying some resin projects, please do your research on different brands and follow all health and safety precautions as resins can be very toxic.

Enjoy the satisfying demolding!

Demolding Dominoes IG video

⬆️ ⬆️ 🎥 ⬆️ ⬆️

Posted on

I’ve been taking care of Holiday festivities and now my Vinny isn’t feeling well

I am so excited and uber impressed with this new feature! Now I can bring everyone with me on my journey away from other social media platforms. I feel like this stories feature will also bring a more intimate feel cor those who have been subbed to me for years. No need to find me I will be right here. Yesss! To more interaction

Posted on

It’s Monday!

I’m trying to get to know my current relationship with Monday. I feel like over the many many Mondays of the past I have been conditioned to expect a different outcome with the same attitude and belief that said Monday would end up in any way other than shitty. I have found so many ways to distract myself from facing a Monday. Let us look at what and where Monday is located; who it represents: and how effective it is.

Here is the definition of ‘Monday’ :

mondandaeg – Despite being the dreaded start of the work and school week, Monday is actually the second day of the week. Monday gets its name from the Anglo-Saxon word “mondandaeg” which translates to “the moon’s day.” The second day of the week in Nordic cultures was devoted to worshipping the goddess of the moon.

I was today years old when I realized that I have hated the second day of the week by thinking it was the first day of the week but it was named after the Moon and I have always believed that Mondays smelled like ass and now this is all making sense. I digress.

Well, no wonder why I have been through some tumultuous times! I have been inadvertently disrespecting a whole day that was dedicated to the moon. Smh 🤦🏻‍♀️ Anyway, I also noticed that my disdain for Monday is shared by many. Like hordes and hordes of us really don’t like Monday. Now that there is no physical hustle and bustle of the world, does Monday still have that odour that I dislike so much?

Monday is the one that moved the door a half an inch closer to you and you bump into it, or the time when you stub your toe on your stairs that you’ve been up and down a billion times. That is who Monday is, it reminds you that you forgot to do that thing that was super important.

Monday has successfully managed to hold my ass accountable, dammit! It’s that one day that I have no choice but to follow the rules. It has highlighted my shortcomings and disorganization, ok fine, I admit it. Monday has proved the downfalls of my procrastination. So yes, kids, Monday is my To-Do checklist that I have completed 90% of. I’ve learned through self reflection that I am a master of self sabotage. Monday has taught me that.

I’ve decided to take this time to accept the inevitable. Monday represents the negative reactions of my inaction. I’m imperfect, I make mistakes, I misunderstand, I forget.. but I will no longer subject Monday as the target of my good ol’ simple humanity. I officially apologize to Monday and I thank you for keeping my proverbial ducks in a row.

In moving forward, I will no longer hate on the Moon day, I will no longer blame Monday for my shortcomings. I will praise myself for the 90% done and the 10% just needs more time to complete. Simple. That’s it, that’s all.

Happy Monday! 🌝 😊 🗓