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merlene smith

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brown and white Boxer

Training an Adult Dog?
What a handsome dog. I am a boxer lover too. I provide foster care for boxers that are rescued from shelters until they find their permanent home. The behavior you are describing is because your dog is the pack leader. He is protecting you because he doesnt...

 

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Keeping Neighbor's Dog Out of the Yard?
You are not doing them a favor by ignoring the fact that the dog runs loose. It is not safe for the dog for many reasons. I would write them as friendly note as possible saying you are concerned for the dog. You are giving them a heads up so they can address...

 

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Getting Rid of Fleas Safely?
Gardens Alive has a product that contains nematodes that eat the flea larvae. I got it when we had a bad infestation and I have not had a flea since, its been several years. It is environmentally friendly, no poison etc.

 

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Name Ideas for a Decluttering Business?
Something like Klutter is Krummy

 

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Remedy for Dog with Gas?
I have boxers and they get very gassy as well. I was told that chicken in the food caused it. I changed to a lamb and rice food. Problem solved.

 

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Getting Rid of Fleas?
No, garlic is toxic for dogs.

 

Dog lying on its back.

Keeping My 2 Dogs on Their Leads?
Are the dogs in the yard alone or are you in the yard with them? If you are in the yard you could use a chain type collar and a lead made of metal encased in vinyl. They have them at Walmart very inexpensive. You cant leave the dogs unattended with a chain...

 

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Cleaning Smelly Dog Blankets?
I use white vinegar in the rinse cycle, or put it in the fabric softener dispenser. It nuetralizes the order and doesnt leave any vinegar smell

 

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House Training an 8 Month Old Pit Bull?
Your dog is already used to going potty outside. That will still be its preference. When you bring it inside just keep it on a leash with you the first few days and give it many opportunities to go outside to potty. Then lots of praise so it knows thats what...

 

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Washing Machine Not Draining?
I had this problem, It gave instructions on cleaning the filter in the troubleshooting section of the booklet that came with the washer. We have several dogs and the filter was clogged with dog hair. Good luck.

 

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Smoke Alarm Beeping?
It mostly likely has a back up battery incase the power should go out. You need to replace the back up battery.

 

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Finding a No Kill Shelter for Dog that Bites?
Look for a Poodle Rescue group in the state where you live. It is not fair to blame the dog because you cant afford to train him or give him the time and attention he requires. They can rehabilitate him and find him a good home. I know you love your dog but...

 

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Grasshoppers on plant shafts.

Grasshoppers of Biblical Proportions?
You mentioned you raised chickens, ducks, geese etc. Are they able to feed on the grasshoppers? That would be a start.

 

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Getting Rid of Parvo Virus in the Yard?
You need to talk to your vet or other professional. I believe Parvo lives in the soil a long time. Bleach is what I have heard will kill it. You just cant be too careful where Parvo is concerned. Sorry for loss.

 

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Bee Jar Trap
Why on earth would you want to kill bees? We are dependent on them for survival. There would be no plant life without bees. Without plant life, no oxygen for all of us. Please rethink what you are doing. We need to respect all creatures, they are here for a...

 

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Healthy Living on a Budget
Thanks for the encouragement. I recently moved to NC and the culture does not seem to be as health concious and where I lived previously. Hopefully this will improve.

 

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Keeping Vegetables and Fruit Crisper
Good ideas! Tomatoes lose their flavor when refrigerated. They should be kept at room temperature, especially those yummy home grown ones.

 

diet book

Green Beans with Almonds
Sounds delicious and healthy. Thanks.

 

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Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Wow, another awesome sounding recipe to try.

 

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Feta Avocado Spread
Another winner, thanks for all the yummy ideas.

 

Two garter snakes on the ground.

Garter Snakes
How nice to hear from people who appreciate snakes. So many comments are about how to get rid of them. We too enjoy our garter snakes and know they help with mice and other pests.

 

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Sweet Potato Casserole
I was also wondering why so much sugar. They are sweet potatoes.

 

An orange and white cat on a harness outside.

Use a Cat Harness
I am joining the chorus, Of where did you get the harness? I also have an old cat. She used to be an outdoor cat but is indoors now. I think she might enjoy some fresh air and with the harness she would be safe.

 

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Will Deadheading Chives Encourage More Leaf Growth?
Yes, if the floweres are left on the engery of the plant goes into making seeds.

 

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Cats Peeing in House?
I had a cat that stopped using the litter box and we got him to use it again by putting hamster litter in it. It is a paper type litter. You can get it at Walmart, pet shops etc. We were successful with the paper litter and then gradually added cat litter to...

 

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Dealing With A Protective Dog At Home
These are great ideas and got me to thinking. I wonder if taking the dog for a walk before the repairman arrives and then coming back while he is still there in the house the dog would see him as an accepted person and not an intruder at that point? I will...

 

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Vaccinate Pets at Home
My daughers best friend is a vet tech and she showed me how to administer shots under the skin not in the muscle. It is not difficult at all. I had to get over being nervous. I got my vaccines from Omaha Vaccine and they are delivered in a styrofoam contain...

 

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Preventing Lizards from Getting in House?
To get lizards out of my house I place a drinking glass or clear bowl over them and then slide a piece of paper under the glass so the lizard is on the paper. Turn the whole thing upside down and carry out of the house to where you want to let the lizard go...

 

In Memory of Hope (Terrier Mix)
Hope was a beautiful girl and I know what an empty feeling it is when they leave us. I lost a dog that was very very special and three years later a white boxer came into my life that has helped me heal. I still miss my Sassy girl though. I wish you the best...

 

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Suggestions for a Large Kibble Dog Food?
I have a male boxer that has trouble keeping the kibble in his jowls. We got a BIG dish to put the kibble in and most of it falls back in the dish. He eats it over and over. :)

 

Atlantis Space Flight (Florida)

Atlantis Space Flight (Florida)
That is breath taking. I saw a shuttle launch go by in Vero Beach, it gave me goose bumps. Its hard to explain how awesome it is.

 

Voldo (Mix Dog)
What a handsome handsome boy. He looks so intelligent. Thanks for sharing him with us.

 

Scenery: A Rainbow in a Raindrop (Hawaii)
This is beautiful. The natural beauty in Hawaii does seem to inspire.

 

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Should I Get a Second Veterinary Opinion Regarding Parvo Treatment?
Here is a link that describes Parvo and the standard treatment and prognosis. I dont know how you would get a second opinion as the dog should be receiving IV fluids. With the information on the link you could ask more pointed questions to determine if the...

 

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Neutered Dogs Fighting With Each Other Around Females in Heat?
I think the testosterone is still in the dogs system for awhile. More importantly why havent the girls been spayed?? Other males are going to come calling. Please dont litter.

 

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Neutered Dogs Fighting With Each Other Around Females in Heat?
There are approximately 45 cats and dogs for every person born. Only 1 out of 10 dogs born ever get a home. Only 1 out of 12 cats born ever find a home. Approximately 800 dogs & cats are killed each hour in the United States, because there are not enough homes...

 

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Shopping for Ham Flavored Soup Base?
I love Better Than Bouillon. Here is the link. I have used the ham for bean soup. I love the clam for clam chowder. http://www.superiortouch.com/retail/products/better-than-bouillon

 

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Elevate Feet For Constipation
I saw that show too. Ill vouch for that method too.

 

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Cilantro Sour Cream
Dang Deeli, almost every time I see a recipe that sounds awesome it is from you. How do you do it? :)

 

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Heart Healthy Recipes?
The American Heart Association cookbooks are excellent. There are several available now. My library has them , but they were so good I bought them. They are in paperback and not too expensive. Also once you get familiar with heart healthy cooking you can modify...

 

Boxer Biting Toy

Training a Puppy Not to Bite?
The general idea is to use a correction that lets the dog know you are not accepting of this behavior. It will depend on how sensitive your dog is. The one Ive used is to make a loud high pitched sound like a squeal or a yip. This is what the pups litter mates...

 

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Shopping for Grass Fed Meats and Poultry at a Reasonable Price?
I am thinking if you can find a farm that raises and sells the meat you could cut out the middle man I would love to find a source in the North Carolina area where we just moved. Good luck.

 

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Getting the Last From a Spray Bottle
Very clever, I love this idea. Hope I can remember it when the times comes that I need it. :)

 

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Homemade Garlic Powder
Im so happy to learn of this tip. I just bought a big bag of garlic at Costco because I figured even if I couldnt use it all before it went bad I would still be ahead of the game. Now I can use the whole bag. Thanks.

 

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Firming Up Overripe Tomatoes
I cant wait to try this. I wonder if it would work with cherry tomatoes that get wrinkly. They are not spoiled just getting dehydrated. Thanks.

 

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Getting Rid of Gnats?
You can set out a glass of apple cider vinegar, or red wine and they will be drawn to it and drown in the glass.

 

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Danielle's Red Clam Sauce
This does sound yummy, definitely going to try it. Thanks.

 

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Replacement Cords for Biddeford Electric Blanket?
Have you tried to contact the company that makes the blanket?

 

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Can I Freeze Bread in Original Packaging?
I do exactly what moseley 3 does so those ice crystals dont form inside the bag and make the bread very dry in one area of mushy wet in another when it thaws out.

 

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GFCI Outlet Keeps Tripping?
I know a family that got annoyed because the power surge protector kept tripping so they bypassed it and their house burned down. Be careful something like that is not going on with your house. Have you consulted an electrician? Somethings need expert advice...

 

Brindle and white dog on quilt.

Sassy (American Bull Dog)
What a handsome boy. My son has an American bulldog that looks very similar to Sassy. He has the brown on the opposite side of the face and three brown circles on his back. I just love him. I had a pitbull named Sassy that was 14 years old. She was a sweet...

 

Panda (Pit Bull) - black and white Pit in kennel

Panda (Pit Bull)
I love the name, it fits her perfectly. I had a pitbull for 14 years. She was the doggie love of my life, so sweet and humorous. She loved swimming as much as her Lab fur sister. Panda is so precious, enjoy her and she is one lucky pitty.

 

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Does My Other Dog Have Parvo Too?
There are areas that saving money by doing it yourself is great , but other times you are asking for disaster. Something like parvo without a vets help is one of those. It is great if your vet will help you provide nursing care at home by IV and providing equipment...

 

Bryndle (Pit Bull)
She is beautiful. I had a 14 year old pitty too. It is hard to watch them struggle as they age, but how wonderful that she has had a great life. So many pitbulls are not so lucky. Enjoy her and be proud the the opportunity for a good life that you have given...

 

Arria (Akita)
She is obviously in her element. What a cutie.

 

In Memory Of Boo Boo Kitty
He was a very handsome and special boy. It is so hard to lose them, but it is better than never having experienced their love. You gave him a wonderful kitty life.

 

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Keeping Dogs from Peeing on Hardwood Floor?
Dont give your dogs free run of the house if they are not consistently housebroken. You may have to invest in (or borrow) crates. We have a rescue dog that even though housebroken continues to mark with urine. He was a totally outdoor running loose dog before...

 

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Zesty Cream Cheese Rice
Sounds yummy, cant wait to try it. Thanks.

 

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Shopping for Cool Whip in Ireland?
Cool whip is made with very unhealthly ingredients including trans fats. I was very glad to see a recipe that can be substituted for it and is made of real food ingredients Thanks Deeli

 

Black puppy.

Caring for a 6 Week Old Puppy?
I would be sure to feed her a high quality puppy food, ask vet for recommendations and if not started vaccinations, especially Parvo are essential.

 

Annie (Boxer)

Annie (Boxer)
She is a beauty. I have a white boxer Musgsy who is five. They are such love bugs. Im so happy you two found each other.

 

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Visiting Dogs Pee on Everything on the Deck?
As tobeamiss said they are marking to claim their space. you do not say if your dogs are male or female or if any or all of them are nuetered/spayed which is also a reason for marking. Are they just outdoor dogs or have they been housebroken? If housebroken...

 

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Links: Donations to Charity without Spending a Dime
I do this to. Another one is freekibble.com which donates food to cat and dog shelters. It is a trivia game and the donation happens whether you answer correctly or not. Very fast and a good cause.

 

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Shopping for Inexpensive Engraved Pet ID Tags?
I used this company because we moved and I have 6 dogs. If you buy one you get a duplicate free. I just my my name instead of the dogs and bought 3 and got 3 free. http://www.terrificpets.com/pet_id_tags/

 

Dogs in front of Christmas tree.

Little LuLu (Lab Mix) and Mini MiMi (Terrier Mix)
Love their names, and love the expessions on their face. You are lucky to have them and they are lucky you found them. Merry Christmas

 

rat

Bacchus (White Rat)
He is a treasure. I had a white rat named Boston and he was very intelligent. I did a project in college that demonstrated his ability to learn and illustrated different teaching theories. Some folks are not as smart as animals. :(

 

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Make Your Own Pet Bed
I love your idea.

 

What Breed is My Dog?
Looks like it could be. I had a pitty for 14 years and she is still my favorite dog to date, and I have had a lot of dogs. They have such a joy and lovableness about them. I hope you have a long happy relationship with this puppy.

 

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Tip for Smooth Gravy
I do something similar I put it through a strainer and press out the lumps. Hey great minds think alike. :)

 

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Onion Soup Mix (Copycat)
This sounds even better thqn onion soup mix.

 

Snow covered shacks.

Scenery: Old Shacks In Winter
You did a great job capturing the the beauty and the simple way of life.

 

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Oatmeal Wheat Germ Dog Biscuits
Thanks for the recipe, even the doggies enjoy home baked goodies.

 

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Keeping an Outside Dog Warm?
With all due respect, keeping a short haired small dog outdoors in the winter is bordering on abuse physically and certainly is emotionally. What is the reason you want this dog? You certainly arent providing the basic shelter and attention it needs. If money...

 

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How to Shell Hard-Shelled Nuts
I am definitely going to try this. Thanks

 

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Where Can I Recycle Old Trophies?
There is a group on the internet called Freecycle.org. It is for people who want to get rid of things and not fill up the landfill. You list your item on the website and you are contacted by people who would like to have your item. It is very effective and...

 

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Wash Dishes With A Loofah
I think sounds like a fabulous idea. Im adding a loofah to my shopping list. Thanks.

 

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Child Refuses to Wear Underwear and Other Clothing Items?
What type of doctor is saying this? She is seeing a doctor that specializes in anxiety (emotional) conditions. She may need to see a specialist if she isnt currently doing so. Best wishes for her.

 

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Using Creamer as a Substitute for Milk
Coffee creamer has partiallly hydrogenated fat which milk doesnt have.

 

Reddish brown tabby cat with blue eyes.

Simone (Siamese Mix)
Boy are you lucky she picked you. She is so unusual and gorgeous.

 

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How To Train an Adult Pit Bull That Bites?
Your dog is fortunate you are willing to work with him and not put him down. Dog training (obedience) is not going to help with aggression. he needs rehabiliation simiiar to what the Dog Whisperer ( Cesar Milan ) does. Also Mr. Leerburg has worked to rehabilitate...

 

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Cat Not Using Litter Box?
We had a male cat who wouldnt use the litterbox. After some research what worked for us was, putting the paper litter that is used in hamster cages in his litterbox and putting him and the litter box in a good sized dog crate for about 5 days or so (whatever...

 

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Dog Peeing Inside House?
She may have some insecurity and marking with urine is a way of making her surroundings feel familar. Are you getting all the old urine odor removed as this is an invitation to remark. I rescued a insecure male a year ago and we are still working on the marking...

 

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Laundry Soap for Front Loading Washers?
I have a front loading washer, but it is not a high efficiency model (HE) so I can use regular laundry detergent.

 

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Storing or Canning Homemade Hot Sauce?
I would say use the pressure cooker as it is hard to say the acidity level. Better safe than sorry. It sounds fabulous, could you share the recipe? :)

 

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Recommendations for a Reliable Nutritional Information Site?
Sparkpeople.com has lots of nutritional info and weight related info.

 

Reddish brown dog.

Jubilee (Rhodesian Ridgeback - Pitbull Mix)
She is super cute and sounds like she has a personality to match. You are so lucky to have such a great girl.

 

Photo of Maggie close up.

Maggie Mae (Chow Chow Mix)
Its so wonderful you could rescue her.

 

Molly and her toys.

Molly (Rat Terrier - Chihuahua Mix)
That looks like one tired doggie, which is usually a good thing. :)

 

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How Do I Deal with a Relative Who Visits Unannounced and Often?
It is you and your husbands responsibility to set boundaries. You have not done this successfully. You dont say what strategies youve tried. If you tell her in a straightforward and calm manner and she has hurt feelings, that is her responsibility to deal with...

 

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Treating a Dog with Ringworms?
You need to get one of those plastic cones that go around the dogs head so the mouth cant reach the body. I have also seen a very thick padded collar that is supposed to do the same thing at pet stores.

 

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Crate Trained Dog Now Refuses to Go In?
I agree with what everyone has said; the crate needs to be a place where good things happen. We have several dogs and they all eat their meals in the crate so as not to compete with each other. They think the crate is great.

 

Cheesy Hash Browns

Cheesy Hash Browns
Ouch, my arteries hurt.

 

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Chile Relleno Casserole
Love Chili Rellenos, this sounds like a quicker way to have all the same delicious flavor. Cant wait to try it Thanks

 

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Muffin Tin to Hold Taco Shells
I absolutely love this idea. The part about the dollar store is brillant thinking. Thanks

 

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