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PUPPIES!!!!

3/23/2016

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Well, what do you know, today is National Puppy Day!  Perhaps we are biased, but we sort of think every day should be National Puppy Day.  Puppies are adorable.  They are like little sponges, so ready to soak up the world around them.  They represent such promise and such innocence, and they are just so darned cute.  Socialization, positive behavioral training, follow through, consistency, appreciation of a puppy's fear periods, loads of love and loads of patience are all key elements of puppy parenting.  At some point in bringing up a puppy, it is really helpful to have some support for providing all of the above.  With that in mind, we thought we'd share a list put together by a locally based company that specializes in dog literature and more:  Dogwise.  In addition to reading and watching DVDs, we always recommend hooking up with a trainer and joining a puppy class.  We are happy to give you recommendations for training possibilities both here in the Methow Valley and in Wenatchee.  Meanwhile, here's the link to Dogwise - http://www.dogwise.com/SearchResults.cfm?Search=puppies&SubSearch=Books

Some of our favorite books (or books by some of our favorite trainer/authors) are listed below.  

First, though, you'll note that this post has no photos.  Instead, we have a request for each of you - we would love to see your puppy photos!  Could you please share a few with us?

PUPPY CULTURE: THE POWERFUL FIRST 12 WEEKS THAT CAN SHAPE YOUR PUPPY'S FUTURE DVD
Jane Killion 

ATTENTION IS THE MOTHER OF ALL BEHAVIORS EPISODES ONE AND TWO DVD
Jane Killion

PUPPY PRIMER, 2ND EDITION
by Brenda Scidmore & Patricia McConnell

WAY TO GO! - HOW TO HOUSETRAIN A DOG OF ANY AGE
Patricia McConnell and Karen London

CRATE GAMES - FOR SELF CONTROL AND MOTIVATION DVD
Susan Garrett

 

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We woke up to snow!!

3/1/2016

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On occasion, we'll get a dog or two who doesn't like snow, but that is rare!  Really rare!  Today,  all of the dogs are part of the Methow Valley chorus of happy voices crying with delight:  "Yay!  It's snowing!!!!"  This means many more days of romping in the white stuff.  Take a look at some of our happy campers doing just that.  It's hard to say which of the photos best depicts fun - whether its two happy sheep guard dogs from the same household, a great play-couple utilizing their mastiff and shepherd play styles to great advantage, or a corgi mix and a Jack Russell terrier playing tug!  What a great day for play!

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It's Nearly Time for the Annual Doggie Dash!!!

2/3/2016

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Dogs and snow!  That, in itself, is a really fun combination.  Now add people on skis, and costumes for both the dogs and the people, and there you have it - the fabulous Annual Presidents' Day Weekend Methow Valley Doggie Dash!!!!  

What could be sillier and more fun than kids and adults and their dogs, big and small, competing in a combination costume contest and ski race?  

We will of course be there to cheer on all the participants and to help hand out prizes!  And, of course, we hope to see all of our favorite customers and their human counterparts there too!!  Come join in the fun at the Winthrop Town Trailhead on February 14, 2016.

For all the details, please hop on to the Methow Trails website.  Here is a link to their information about the event:  
​http://www.methowtrails.org/events/calendar-events/doggy-dash/

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Photo with permission, by Teri Pieper, Reflected Light Images.
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Photo, with permission, by Teri Pieper, Reflected Light Images. 
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Update on Two Canine Influenza Virus Cases in King County

1/27/2016

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It is confirmed that the two dogs who developed respiratory disease while boarding at a Kent, WA boarding facility in late December/early January were infected with Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) H3N2.  

The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) reports that according to the primary care veterinarian, the two dogs did not have fevers, but did have a cough, treatment was minimal and they are now doing well.

Since news first came out regarding the southern King County CIV H3N2, Patrick and I have been doing our homework to ensure that we are running Rover’s Ranch dog boarding facility here in the Methow Valley (in north central Washington) safely.  

We see this as an opportunity to re-assess our protocols.  Since the Methow Valley hosts many visitors and their canine companions from the other side of the mountains, we believe this is the prudent thing to do, even though at this time the WSVMA is not aware of any other dogs testing positive for canine influenza in Washington State. 

We have had numerous lengthy discussions (consultations) with both local and King County veterinarians, and we have been keeping abreast of the news posted on up-to-date, reputable, non-commercial websites: the WSVMA, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), King County Public Health and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Two vaccines for H3N2 recently became available and are, at present, conditionally licensed.   Canine influenza vaccines are considered “lifestyle” vaccines, meaning the decision to vaccinate is based on a dog’s risk of exposure.  Dog owners should consult with their veterinarians to determine whether vaccination is needed for their dog, especially if the dog is in a higher risk group  (pregnant, puppy, elderly, immune-compromised or on medication that suppresses the immune system, or history of underlying respiratory or heart condition). 

What does all this mean if you are planning on boarding your dog?

We encourage to you talk with your veterinarian, especially if you have a dog with health issues of any kind or if you simply want to get your veterinarian’s opinion. 
Especially if you and your dog go to dog dense areas in King County, you may want to read up on the CIV H3N2.  (We found non-commercial websites, such as the websites for the organizations listed above, to be the most helpful.)

Finally, we can share with you what the veterinarians with whom we have consulted are recommending, namely:  

Because the effectiveness and safety of the two conditionally approved vaccines for CIV H3N2 have not yet been proven and because the H3N2 CIV strain is not prevalent enough (two proven cases in Kent, WA) or considered serious enough clinically, there is no current justification to requiring or recommending the vaccines for healthy dogs with social lifestyles.   The two vaccines have been determined to reduce transmission and severity of symptoms, but do not prevent dogs from getting the virus or reduce the shedding of the virus by an immunized dog that gets infected.  

If, upon talking with your vet, you decide that your dog is a candidate for the vaccine, once you begin the vaccination process, you will not want to take your dog to any dog-dense environment for at least five (5) weeks.  That is because the H3N2 vaccine requires an initial vaccine and a booster vaccine two to four weeks later, with full immunity expected about one week after the booster vaccine.

We value every single one of our customers and prefer to err on the side of caution.   We hope we do not cause you inconvenience or create an atmosphere of fear by being proactive.  At the present time we have set up the protocols below.  We will continue to assess whether these or other protocols are prudent.

1.    Whether you are a first-time Rover’s Ranch customer or an ongoing one, please leave your dog(s) in the car when you arrive.   

2.    We ask that all dogs visiting Rover’s Ranch from outside the Methow Valley refrain from socializing in dog-dense areas such as grooming or daycare facilities, dog off-leash parks, or training facilities for one week prior to their stay here.  Leash walks are completely appropriate during this week.  

3.    For the time being, until we learn more from King County, as a precaution, we recommend that all dogs who are “at risk” refrain from boarding at the kennel.  If you do not know if your dog is considered “at risk,” please contact your veterinarian. 


4.    If your veterinarian and you determine that the best course for your dog is to receive the conditional vaccines prior to boarding, we support that decision.  We ask that you be especially careful to not schedule time at the kennel until your dog is deemed to be fully immunized.  

5.   We are unable to board any dog that is manifesting any of the following symptoms:  coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose or eyes, lethargy, fever, decreased appetite.

​We will continue to stay abreast of this issue, and we will alert you to any changes in our recommendations or our protocols.  Meanwhile, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.

Thank you! Kathryn and Patrick Heim 


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Helpful Information.

1/14/2016

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We are relishing the fabulous sunshine and snow out here in the Methow Valley.  Dogs and their humans are certainly enjoying getting outside to play in it!   Our canine guests are no exception!  

Because we have doggie visitors from the west side of the state, we wanted to keep all our customers informed that King County is looking into the possibility that dogs in South King County may have contracted canine influenza (tests are pending).  This can cause upper respiratory issues, usually mild.
 

Here is a very informative link to King5 New’s report:
http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/pets-and-animals/2016/01/12/canine-flu-may-rise-king-county/78711004/

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The bottom line, according to the video and article is:  there is no need to change your dog’s social lifestyle; however, because the virus can be spread by sneezing/coughing or physical contact:

If you dog has any of the symptoms below, you do not want to bring your dog to a social setting of any kind (dog park, daycare or boarding facility, agility trial, dog training center, or even your vet's office without first calling):
  • Coughing
  • Discharge from the nose or eyes
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy/lack of energy

As you can imagine, Rover’s Ranch Dog Boarding is a social place for dogs, and we are committed to safeguarding the health of all our canine guests, including your beloved dogs!

As a precaution, we are asking our customers to work with us by being aware of their dog's overall health before they travel.  We are not able to board any dog that is exhibiting respiratory or flu-like symptoms.  

If your dog is exhibiting these symptoms, please call your veterinarian and, if you are scheduled to board with us, call us at 509-341-4120.  

We do not wish to create any concern or inconvenience, and we are happy to say that the risk of complications from this flu is small for the general dog population.

Please do not hesitate to call your veterinarian or us if you have any questions about this whatsoever.

As always, we look forward to playtime with each and every one of our canine customers!

Thank you so much!  Patrick and Kathryn Heim

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Thanksgiving 2015

11/23/2015

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We enter this week of Thanksgiving with one thought:  we are grateful.  

When we opened Rover’s Ranch on Thanksgiving, November of 2007, we were so very grateful to our neighbors on our private residential road for accepting the extra traffic and a whole lot of dogs in the neighborhood.  Without our neighbors’ generosity, we could not have have opened Rover’s Ranch.  We continue to be very, very grateful to all our neighbors.  We are only here because of them!

The first Thanksgiving that we were open, we also were so grateful for those initial customers who came to check out our facilities and who have been coming to us ever since.  Now, here it is, Thanksgiving, eight years later.  Over the years, we have cared for and loved so many, many dogs and we have many stories to tell.  Every story comes back to the theme of gratitude, and since it is Thanksgiving, we wanted to recount some of the ways in which we are grateful.

First, we are grateful to be able to live in such a stunningly beautiful place as the Methow Valley.

We are grateful for the amazing community that exists here.  The people in this valley are compassionate, resilient, and ready to jump in with both feet to help others.

We are grateful for our neighbors, all of whom look out for each other and care for each other.

We are grateful for the valley’s talented and dedicated veterinarians, both as dog (and cat) owners ourselves and as dog caregivers.  Drs. Betsy Devin-Smith, Gina Pastore, and Terri Deweert have provided skilled care for our personal pets, and we are grateful.

We are grateful to Three Rivers Dog Training where young (and not so young) dogs can learn some social skills, some manners and how to have a good time (can you say “dog agility?”).

We are grateful to Twisp Feed and Glover Street Market for offering such healthy, good dog (and cat) food, and a caring attitude to go with it.

We are grateful to the many wonderful hotels that readily refer dog guests to our kennel, especially Sun Mountain Lodge, Central Reservations, Chewuch Inn & Cabins, Hotel Rio Vista, Methow River Lodge & Cabins, River’s Edge Resort, Winthrop Inn, Cottonwood Cottage, Mt. Gardner Inn, Methow Valley Inn, Methow Suites, Timberline Meadows, and Mazama Country Inn.

We are so very grateful to all of the valley’s first responders who have, time and time again, ensured our safety and well-being, and who serve the rest of us in the valley so selflessly.  

We are very grateful to the fire fighters of Okanogan County Fire District 6 and of the Methow Valley Ranger District, who again this year, fought so valiantly to protect us from wildfire, and to all the Okanogan Sheriffs’ Department, Aero Methow Rescue Service, the Twisp and Winthrop Police Departments for their huge efforts to keep us from harm’s way.  In that same vein, we are grateful to all our dear friends who signed up to help us evacuate the kennel if fire came our way.  (It did and they did!)

Thank you to our dear friends who put up with our dog-centric schedule and to one dear friend in particular, Marti Darling, for enabling us to take a few days off!  We appreciate you immensely!

We are especially are grateful for all our customers.  Thank you for letting us be a part of your dogs’ lives!  We feel like Uncle Patrick and Aunt Kathryn to a number of our boarders - what a gift that is!  We really enjoy getting to know each of you and your dogs, and we truly love caring for your dogs.  To watch a shy dog gain confidence in a social setting, to lead a game of fetch, or to simply gaze into the eyes of a trusting senior kennel guest is humbling and rewarding.  How fortunate we are to get to spend time with so many wonderful dogs!

We are grateful that this valley loves its dogs - and boy, does it ever!  We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the valley and its visitors by caring for these beloved companions.  Thank you for helping make this possible.

Here’s wishing all of you and your canine companions a wonderful Thanksgiving.  -

Patrick & Kathryn Heim
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Happy New Year!

1/2/2015

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Happy New Year everyone!  2015 has arrived, and with the changing of the year, it is a time to reflect upon and to celebrate the many wonderful moments from 2014 and those yet to come.

2014, of course brought us many fun days with all the canine visitors to Rover’s Ranch and with our own dogs, as well.  We even joined with our sheep farming neighbors and a talented sheep herding instructor to host a fun-filled couple days of herding lessons.

2014 also was a year of challenges for all of us in the Methow Valley. The year delivered a winter that skimped on the snow followed by a dry, hot summer which culminated in the state’s largest wildfire, a nine-day long power outage, and flooding and mud slides.   Through all of this, there was one common denominator that made 2014 a year worth remembering with smiles on our faces:  namely, a cohesive and caring community, including our wonderful neighbors, all of the amazing people in the valley who pulled together to fight the fires and help others, and all our wonderful customers - both the dogs and their owners!!!   

We are so grateful for each and every one of you.  We are grateful that we live in a community where individuals can and do make a difference in other people’s lives on a daily basis.  And, especially now, with the powdery snow and brilliant sunshine brightening our valley, we are so very grateful to live in this beautiful and wild place!  

In the dog boarding business we are grateful for the dogs that are playful and love to romp with all the other dogs.  Some dogs just have a knack for lightening the mood and getting all the dogs playing!  We call these dogs our “party dogs” because no matter where they are or regardless with whom they are playing, these dogs simply have a fantastic time.  The day we evacuated in the face of the Rising Eagle fire, we had one dog in particular - a huge one year old mutt of sheep guard dog origins-- Skookum -- who completely dissolved any anxiety the other dogs (or we) were experiencing.  What a joy it has been to get to know and interact with this dog and with every single dog who comes through our doors.  Each dog has his or her own story and personality.   It is a thrill to get to know them all.

Pictured below are two of our party dogs, Kiva and Jax.  

Wishing all of you the happiest of years in 2015. Patrick and Kathryn
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Rover's Ranch is STILL surrounded by green grass and is Open!

8/3/2014

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The beautiful Methow Valley has faced a tremendously difficult fire season.  When the Carlton Complex Fire first blew up, Patrick and I came up with several evacuation  and contingency plans for all the dogs at Rover's Ranch, just in case.  We had no idea we'd have to ever truly evacuate -- the fire was on the other side of the river.

Planning is always a good thing, especially in a year like this.  On Friday, August 1, we suddenly were faced with having to evacuate all kennel dogs, a boarding parrot, and our own personal dogs and cat.  Customers and friends (basically one and the same thing) sped to Rover's Ranch to help us load up all boarders and to move them out of harm's way.  What is so remarkable to us is that people from all over the valley came to help or were coming to help as even as we reached our safe destination.  Another friend had called 911 to notify authorities that a boarding kennel was in the area to be evacuated. The first people to come to our aid were dear customers and friends who all had lost their homes to the fire two weeks ago. More and more people showed up and we were able to get all dogs loaded up safely for transport.   We are so very grateful to everyone who came so readily to help.

Planning is a good thing!  We took the dogs to a securely fenced and shady area at a friend's house.  This friend is a dog trainer!  The dogs actually had great fun playing in the grassy field.  We did not want them to feel any angst.

We now are back home with the dogs.  (The darling parrot was picked up yesterday.)  The fire has been extinguished, thanks to the absolutely amazing work of many, many dedicated, hard working, generous, and brave firefighters.  We know a number of the firefighters who strove through the night to contain this fire - known as the Signal Hill Fire.  Thanks to all their work, the fire never reached our road, and Rover's Ranch and all it's neighbors, including our sheep farmer whose fields boarder ours, are all, still, thankfully in the green.

This fire did, however, destroy other people's homes, including homes of cherished customers/friends of ours.  We are so very sorry for their loss. 

As for Rover's Ranch,  we are safe, we are open, we are still handing out free belly rubs (to dogs only), and if push ever did come to shove again, we are happy to know that our evacuation plans worked well!  
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Fire and Power Update!

7/25/2014

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We have email capability again and a new cell phone provider with cell phone connectivity!  The cooler temperatures and rain slowed the fire considerably.  The last two days have brought clear skies over Rover's Ranch.  We are grateful to be able to help with evacuee and firefighter dogs, and are also happy to have regular customers coming for a visit.
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We are open. We are safe. We are in the green.

7/23/2014

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This has been a very frightening week for all of us in the Methow Valley.  Firefighters are continuing to battle the fire and too many valley residents have been displaced or have lost their homes.  We offer our support and care.
We also offer our extreme gratitude to the many firefighters, Red Cross, and innumerable volunteers.

ROVER'S RANCH is OPEN.  We are on the other side of the river from the burned areas with a contained line between us.  WE have power (generator) and air conditioning.  WE DO NOT HAVE EMAIL capability and phones only work if we drive to the high school.  BUT WE ARE CHECKING PHONE MESSAGES and getting back as soon as we can.   You can reach us at 509-341-4120.

Please be safe and know that we are here for you and your dogs.  Patrick and Kathryn
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    Kathryn Heim is "Mutt Mama" at Rover's Ranch Dog Boarding.  In addition to helping her husband Patrick care for their canine boarders, she sometimes writes an observation or two here.

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