BAD DOG MOM!

Great title for my very first ever blog right? It instils a lot of confidence in you doesn't it! Someone who owns a dog supplies company is calling herself a bad dog mom!!!?

Hmmm... allow me to explain...

When I had the brainwave that was to start a blog, I figured that:

1) It would be a great addition to the website

2) I could earn some serious 'Cool Mom' points by entering the Blogosphere and

3) I could share with you everything I have learnt whilst going through life usually with a German Shepherd by my side.

So, the most important thing for me is that this blog is honest and completely transparent. I will never profess to be a 'know it all' when it comes to the canine world because I'm not and quite frankly, I think that's just boring and no one likes a Smart Alec! If there's one thing we have here at TDDC HQ it's a sense of humour and therefore, I want this blog to be fun, light hearted and sincere. I'll try to get the balance just right for you folks.

So here we go... launch day for The Don Dog Company and Mamma Don's first ever blog!

If there is one thing I have learned in life it's that we all make mistakes, it's how we learn and grow! And, as a lover of a good quote, (Eleanor Roosevelt came up with a few crackers) the one that springs to mind is;

"Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself."

As a dog mom, I've made quite a few booboo's over the years. At the time, I honestly felt like the worst dog mom ever and figured that my dog deserved so much better than me!

Have you ever experienced that moment when you realise you've made a really big mistake and panic sets in? A few expletives possibly leave your mouth, a quick dash around the room, pacing whilst trying to figure out where you're actually going and what you need to do and who you need to call? (Cue Ghostbusters joke!)

For instance, there was the time when I thought it would be a good idea to give our Cocker Spaniel a haircut...

'No big deal!' I hear some of you say... That's what I thought... surely a DIY grooming session can't be that hard! I had already used clippers on my son's hair, so getting the clippers on a cocker spaniel couldn't be that much more difficult could it!?

WRONG!

Poor Sadie! By the time I had finished, she had patches where I had nearly scalped her and long tufts of curly black fur sticking out from all sorts of interesting places, because understandably she didn't want me going anywhere near them with the clippers!

Clever Dog!

Ever the optimist though, the fringe had gone and you could see her eyes now; however, I think that just made me feel even worse as she looked at me with those big sad spaniel eyes that just screamed...

'WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?'

Then there was the time when I left Nala pup in the garden and got distracted in the house with the children..... big mistake! Huge! She decided to feast on the Honeysuckle, which unbeknownst to me at the time was poisonous! This came to light when I walked outside and saw a destroyed honeysuckle plant and Nala frothing at the mouth and staggering over to me looking like she had been on the Gin!

OH my days! I'm such a bad dog mom!!!!

(I must point out that both dogs made a full recovery from their ordeals, thanks to our Vet in Nala's case and I never touched the clippers again, nor did I leave Honeysuckle on the menu!)

Believe me, it's not all bad though! Dog owners actually ask me for advice!!!!! (yeah I know!)

So, take it from me.... firstly, don't get the clippers on your dog unless you know what you are doing! It is highly unlikely they are going to look like they have just stepped out of the dog groomers.

Secondly, do your research on poisonous plants, look around your garden and see if there is anything that could potentially be harmful or toxic to your dog. If you don't know your Laburnum from your Larkspur, then why not try down-loading a plant recognition app such as PlantNet.

We've compiled a list of just some poisonous plants, which is intended as a guide only.

• Aconitum (often called Monkshood)

• Amaryllis bulbs

• Apple seeds

• Asparagus fern

• Azalea

• Bluebells

• Caladium

• Calla Lily

• Clematis

• Crocus

• Cyclamen

• Daffodil bulbs

• Daylily

• Delphiniums

• Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis Perennis)

• Ferns (only some varieties of fern are toxic to dogs)

• Foxgloves

• Heliotrope

• Hemlock

• Holly berries

• Hyacinth

• Hydrangea

• Ivy

• Laburnum

• Larkspur

• Laurel

• Lily of the valley

• Lupin

• Mistletoe berries

• Morning glory

• Narcissus

• Nightshade

• Oak trees (leaves and acorns)

• Oleander

• Poppy

• Ragwort

• Rhododendron

• Rhubarb leaves

• Sweet pea

• Tulip bulbs

• Wisteria

• Yew

Remember.. It is so important that if you suspect your dog has eaten or chewed on part of a toxic plant, you seek veterinary advice immediately.

Finally, on the assumption that it's not just me that makes mistakes, I'd love to hear some of your stories... if only to make me feel better. Signing out for now....