Choosing Toys For Your Cockapoo

Dog toys, like Cockapoos, come in all different shapes and sizes. Before spending excessive amounts of money on a great many toys, consider what toys will best suit your dog’s size and his personality. Some dogs love to fetch and play along with their owners, whereas other dogs are content to spend time on their own with interactive toys or chew toys.

Size

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing toys for you dog.  Safety must be paramount, but you should also think about size. Different Cockapoos are different sizes...what works for a 30 pound Cockapoo is not likely to work for one half that size. Toys which are made specifically with larger breeds in mind will be difficult for smaller dogs to enjoy. Some toys may be quite small and could accidentally be swallowed, especially by a larger dog.

Also, give a thought to the durability and design of the toys, choosing well made items which will be easy to clean and which will not come apart on the first afternoon in the garden. Consider whether the toy is likely to be brought along when the family visits the beach or goes camping. If it is likely to be played with near the sea or a river, you will probably want to choose a toy which floats so that it may be more easily recovered. If it is likely to be used in the grass, it should be a bright (not green!) color.

Even More Diamond Pet Food Recalled

May 20th, 2012: The Diamond Pet Food Recall fiasco seems to be never-ending. According to this very enlightening article by the Christian Science Monitor, the recall has been expanded at least eight times and has grown to involve cat food.

The recalls, which began April 6th, began with possible Salmonella contamination in dog kibble. Both people and pets have been reported ill from eating or otherwise contacting these contaminated food products, and several animals have died.

On April 12th, the FDA began investigating the situation and found multiple violations in the Gaston, SC plant where Diamond manufactures some of their pet products. There are several allegations in the above article, and from other sources, that the company has been negligent not only in the manufacturing process, but in the slow release of information to owners and regulatory agencies.

At this point, we at CockapooCrazy.com can only make one recommendation: stay away from Diamond Pet Foods. We don't give such advice lightly or easily, but given the nature of the complaints, the handling of the situation, and the ever-growing list of involved foods, it simply isn't worth the risk to feed your pet these products.

Be vigilant. Check the list HERE frequently to make sure your dog or cat's food is NOT included.

Walter the Cockapoo RIP

Walter the cockapoo was a beautiful dog.
Courtesy of Snooty Giggles.

May 11th, 2012, Noon EST: I am crying a bit as I type this, so please forgive any errors or bits that don't make sense.

It seems that today Walter the Cockapoo, the abused and malnourished dog that was tossed from a moving car, only to find himself in the loving care of a rescue center, brought into the world spotlight by Ashley Judd, and cheered on and adored by countless dog lovers, has given up the fight and passed on. It is nice to think his soul is now at the Rainbow Bridge, somewhere safe and warm, where he will be loved.

According to Snooty Giggles, "Love, Hope, and Faith granted Walter one more sunrise, but only one. It rose so high and shone so bright on his sweet face that it filled him whole with warmth and peace as his journey here with us was complete."

Ashley Judd posted the following on her Twitter account, which she has used to keep the public informed and aware of Walter's condition: "Friends, cry, grieve, & yes, rejoice with us. #Walter went to heaven this morning, held by 4 women sitting under a tree in a glorious patch of sunlight. I am so honored this precious spirit chose me to be a part of loving him so hard, so perfectly for the days God gave us."

It is hard to say why we are all so affected by one dog, out of thousands, when we know that this kind of thing happens every day, all over the world. It is hard to say why one particular story grabs our hearts and begins tugging it's strings.

Perhaps, at least in my case, it is because I could see Albion, my own beloved cockapoo, in Walter's eyes. And imagine the hurt and suffering there transposed onto my own dog. The thought is unbearable, and I will continue to pray every day for an end to animal cruelty. I thank the heavens for places like Snooty Giggles, the public who cared enough to volunteer and donate, and people like Ashley Judd, all of whom are willing to work hard to save one little animal.

But praying isn't enough. We, as a community of dog enthusiasts, can do more. We are an army of thousands, and our voices must be heard, our actions felt. Thoughts must be turned into action if anything is to be done. We must use incidents like this to steel our resolve to make the world a better place for our pets and ourselves.

What can you do? Perhaps there is a local Humane Society or ASPCA you can donate money or food to, volunteer at, or even give your old dog toys and blankets to. Share news stories like these with your friends, so that they are aware of the situation and may choose to help. Visit sites like care2 daily, and sign the petitions that matter to you.

We here at Cockapoo Crazy come have away from this with tears in our eyes and heaviness in our hearts, but we are also determined to do more for these wonderful animals. We hope you will join us.

RIP Walter, we hope that you now run free in soft green grass, and that your spirit will forever be warm and loved.

Ashley Judd Shines A Light On Walter The Cockapoo

Walter the Cockapoo.
Photo courtesy of Snooty Giggles.

UPDATED May 10th, 2012: Actress, author, and activist Ashley Judd is no stranger to cockapoos. She owns two, Buttermilk and Shug, and loves them both dearly. Now another cockapoo has entered her life, and his name is Walter. The circumstances could be better, but Ms. Judd is working hard to help a rescue center in Tennessee see Walter through his difficulties.

Walter, a light-colored male cockapoo was still wearing a collar and stake when he was abruptly tossed from the window of a moving car. Luckily, he was found, and he ended up in the capable care of Snooty Giggles, an animal rescue center. He was badly malnourished from prior abuse, and it is possible that he will not recover from his ordeal.

You can follow Ms. Judd's updates on Twitter here: Ashley Judd. More photos of Walter can also be seen there. You can find more information on Snooty Giggles at their main website and their Facebook page. They are keeping their Facebook page updated with news of Walter and his condition. You can help their efforts with donation and/or volunteerism.

Meanwhile, "Team Walter" has sprung to action, with people around the world donating, sending their encouragement and prayers, and even showing their support with t-shirts and videos. Clearly this dog has caused a stir, and that stir is bound to help raise awareness of the cruelty and neglect many pets experience.

I wish that Walter's situation was unique, but the truth is that animal abuse is very common. There are animal shelters all over the world chock full of dogs that also need your love and support, so even if you can't help Walter, please try to help other unfortunate dogs in your community.

It is the least we can do for man's best friend.