Tracking Multiple Dog Medical Records

Computers are great (at least when they work!)  I especially love utilizing the spreadsheet capabilities they contain....there's a spreadsheet for everything, or maybe there should be for just about everything! It is truly a great way to track and keep records.

Keeping written records is very important when you have a multi-dog (pet) household.  Don't expect to be able to keep all this accurately in your head! Clear up those brain cells for other important information, sit down at your computer, get your dog's medical records together, and put them in an organized format on a spreadsheet that you can easily reference.

I just completed this task.  It takes a little bit to set everything up, but once you have it in place, it is just a matter of keeping it updated...and it is so handy. 

I titled my spreadsheet 'Doggie Records'.  I have a column of course, for their name, then their birthdate.  Some I know for certain, others I do not, but we have a specific date set aside that we celebrate each year.  I even included what age they will be for 2013, added an 'Anniversary' column and another column for 2013 as to what number of anniversary we will be celebrating next year.

I have a column for when their rabies expires, as I have been getting the 3-year rabies for my furkids.  I have a column for heartworm/exam (one column), and separate columns for dental, bloodwork, bordatella and microchip (track company and microchip number information).  If there is an exam, heartworm, or rabies coming up, I 'bold' the date in black.  If it is due (time to get it done), I 'bold' the date in red.  What is so nice about this is, you can customize it to your needs, and use special markings that you will understand.  What I do works for me, but may not for you, but at least this blog gives you an idea how to set it up and what to include.

I am currently tracking eight of my own dogs.  I will be adding a tab for 'fosters', (as I currently have one) and have added a tab for when I start taking dogs in Small Paws Senior Canine Sanctuary.  By doing this, it frees up my mind to focus on other things, and I have this nice spreadsheet that I can quickly reference to make sure everything is up-to-date.

I believe you will find it to be extremely useful.  Having organization in your life is great....having a routine for your dogs is necessary....and a calm environment is a blessing.  The new year is fast approaching....start considering areas where you can improve your environment that you share with these precious creatures....wishing you the best for your furkids in 2013! <3

Small Paws Senior Canine Sanctuary

I have added a PayPal giving widget to my blog for Small Paws Senior Canine Sanctuary.  I am preparing to start up a 'retirement home' so to speak in my home for small senior dogs.  I am especially fond of these aging creatures, and I want to help.  I am in the process of re-doing a room in my home to house them.  I have seen so many posts on FaceBook to my page of 15 year old plus dogs being dropped off at shelters.  This is awful and it breaks my heart!  I won't be able to house too many at one time, so I can allow each one time and attention, and provide all they need.  I am going to tear up the carpet and put a dog friendly floor in and repaint the walls and decorate in doggie decor.  I will do this myself (saves money and I know how to do it)

I do not make big money, and this will be a financial strain without help.  I am planning to find out all about registering the Sanctuary as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3).  I hope you will consider donating, as I feel this is a worthy cause, and I cannot do it without your help.  I will keep everybody updated, and I have also created a Face Book page you can visit....please 'like' it and share it with family and friends.
 http://www.facebook.com/SmallPawsSeniorCanineSanctuaryIndy

I won't be able to save hundreds of dogs at one time for obvious reasons....but the few I can save each year will mean a lot for those few.  Aging dogs typically require more medical attention, so there will be those expenses.  I need wire crates, beds, extra food and other things that will be necessary to give them all they need.  I appreciate any amount...it adds up.  Thanks for reading my blog and for supporting the Senior Sanctuary <3

No Kill Rapid Emergency Response Fundraiser

Update: 11/10/12

No Kill Rapid Emergency Response is on the roll (literally).  They still need your help to raise funds to help the four-legged victims of Hurricane Sandy to get food, blankets, crates, etc.   Check out this link and their Face Book page too! www.facebook.com/events/159896987485363/

Be Sure To Check Out My 'Websites and Dog Resources'

I am very thankful for all my blog readers.  I want everybody to get the most out of this blog as possible.  It's here to assist, guide and direct you through all the nutritional and health issues that can be confusing...granted, this will take me some time to accomplish, but I continue to move forward adding information to make this one of the, if not the most complete blog on dog nutrition and health coming from a natural approach.  Soon I will be posting blogs on Animal Law (specifically, canine) as this is an extremely passionate area of interest to me.  I want every person who is a pet parent to be an active advocate for the care and responsibility of all creatures great and small.

I hope you have searched around on this blog some.  There is an area I want to hi-light in this blog, my 'Websites and Dog Resources' area.  It can be found more to the left of the page, right around the most current posting.  It contains very useful websites....everything from first aid to herbal helps, to dog rescues across the U.S.  Many of these are my personal favorites! Free Kibble is a wonderful site that you can check out....it has a daily trivia question that is dog related...no matter if you answer it right or wrong, you 'win' free kibble for hungry dogs!

There are many dog FaceBook pages that are very special doggies with a wonderful story to share.  I will be adding more and more of these for you to explore.  They all tie in to becoming aware and educated in every area of canine interests.  Please check it out.  If you are a rescue, shelter, sanctuary or somebody dog related, anything natural/herbal for dogs, please email me (ChiLadyInIndy@att.net) your direct link along with where you are located, and I will gladly add your organization...this costs you nothing and helps you get extra exposure!

I love dogs....all dogs...and I want to do everything I possibly can to help others love all dogs too! Thanks for reading! <3