Taking the “Finicky” Out of Your Feline

A well-balanced and properly formulated diet can make a world of difference when it comes to your pet’s health.

I discovered this first-hand a few years ago when my cat, Adelaide, was urinating around the house. It was behaviour that was so out of character for her that I knew she was trying to tell me something. It took a few urine samples and some x-rays, but she was soon diagnosed with bladder stones. She was quickly booked in for a cystotomy (surgery to remove the stones) and recovered very well.

Adelaide, on recovery

The culprit – a calcium oxalate crystal

24 hours post-op and feeling much better

She settled back in at home and was happily using her litterbox again. However, her treatment was not quite finished yet. The doctor’s wanted to make sure that she did not suffer a repeat of her experience. The stones collected from her bladder were sent out for proper identification, and a new food that was specifically designed for cats with urinary issues was recommended. I was, of course, eager to oblige. Anything for my little kitty! Addie, on the other hand, was not so excited for her new food…

Introducing a cat to a new food can certainly be a challenge.

As I immediately discovered, cats can be very picky when it comes to their diet. And, I have to admit, I hear from owner’s all the time at the clinic that their cat’s are very fussy eaters – I just never thought it would be a challenge that I would have to face myself! Luckily, I had the support of my fellow staff members at Snelgrove Vet, as well as a team of veterinarians. Through the experience of having to switch a (then) 10-year old cat to a brand new food, I learned a lot of tips and tricks, which I can now share with our readers and clients alike!

Offering your cat a variety of foods while they’re still young can make your life a lot easier in the long-run.

If I had been doing this since she was a kitten, I don’t think Addie would have had a difficult time transitioning from her old food to her new urinary food. Cats often become conditioned to eating only one type of food and, because they like to stick with the familiar, it can be difficult to change foods later on if necessary. This is especially true of lower quality dry and canned foods (some are the equivalent of having a cheeseburger with fries everyday. Tastes great but not great for you!) It is a good idea to introduce your cat to all different kinds of  textures while they are still young enough to be willing to try them. Of course, I was not forward thinking enough to do this when she was younger.

Preparing for the transition from old food to new food took some consideration.

Before I could transition Addie to her new and amazing urinary food, there were a few things I needed to put into practice first. I had to get her off of free-feeding and establish a feeding schedule. She was so used to grazing from her bowl whenever she wanted that I was afraid she would turn her nose up at her new food and hold out for her old food. I had to start feeding her at specific times so that she would be hungry by the time I was filling her bowl again. I also had to eliminate any hint of her old food from the house. Some very clever kitties think that they can hold out for their old food and eventually get it, especially if they can see or smell the bag or can. So, I took her old bag of food out to the garage so that she would not be able to sniff it out. I did keep it on hand, just in case I needed it though.*

Waiting (not so) patiently for dinner

Transitioning to new food took a little bit of time and a lot of patience.

Cats are usually very particular about their eating habits, and my Adelaide is no exception. In order to allow myself the greatest chance of success, I had to make sure that I didn’t make any “environmental” changes to her routine. I fed her in the same spot within our home, out of the same bowl, with the same scoop, at the same time of day – the only change was to the food itself, nothing else. Finally, we were ready to break out the new food! Sometimes all it takes is a bit of time for a cat to accept a new type of food, so I started feeding a mixture of 3/4 regular food and 1/4 new food for a few days. She seemed okay with this, so I began to mix the foods 1/2 and 1/2. When this went well for another few days, and I was able to feed a mixture of 1/4 old food and 3/4 new food, until I was finally able to eliminate her old food altogether from the bowl. The entire transition probably took about 8 or 9 days. Some cats may need more time, others may need less.

I was lucky that transitioning Adelaide to her new urinary diet went fairly smoothly. I think that approaching the food change with a well-thought out plan helped a lot. Hopefully my experiences can help other cat owners that are facing food transitions of their own! Of course, if any of our clients or readers have any questions or concerns, the staff at Snelgrove is always able to lend an ear and discuss some tips and tricks.

Thank you to everyone for reading, I would love to hear if anyone else has had any experiences with this. What helped the most with your transition, and what hindered it?

– Kait.

*Please note: At no time should a cat ever go more than 24 hours without eating. If your cat is truly considering a hunger strike and has refused to eat for 24 hours, call your veterinarian immediately as they may be in danger of developing health issues such as fatty liver disease, which can lead to renal failure.

Foods To Share With Fido!

With Christmas just around the corner, here are 5 suggestions if you feel the need to share

We’ve all heard about the human foods we should not be sharing with our canine companions: chocolate, avocado, grapes/raisins, onions… The list goes on and on. For your dog, these and many other foods can be dangerous or even toxic! But what about foods that you actually can share with your dog? Naturally, a veterinarian recommended diet is always the best option for your pet, but if you really want to share a special treat with your dog once in a while, here are our top 5 picks:

Carrots

Carrots are a fun, crunchy choice for your furry friend. They are an easy treat to prepare (just wash them!) as well as being low in calories and high in fiber.

Cooked Chicken

Chicken is a fantastic source of protein for your dog. Just be sure that it is thoroughly cooked and free of any bones. Raw meat can play host to all kinds of bacteria (including salmonella and e. coli) and chicken bones can actually splinter when chewed, which could result in a laceration or blockage within the digestive system.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is extremely palatable for your pup! It’s a great treat because it is full of nutrients. Just be careful to give it in small doses – peanut butter is also very high in calories.

Cheese

Cheese is another popular choice among dog owners. It is a great source of calcium and protein. Just be careful – some dogs can be lactose intolerant, and cheese could also hinder the absorption of some medications if they are given simultaneously. And again, keep portions small, cheese is also one of those high calorie choices!

Rice

Rice may not be the most exciting thing to give your dog, but it certainly has its benefits. Plain boiled rice is a very easily digestible carbohydrate, so it is often recommended when your dog is having tummy troubles. It can also provide a good source of energy for older dogs.

So, there you have it – our top 5 suggestions for human foods that you can share with your canine. Remember that moderation is key when it comes to treats. We don’t want to end up with an overweight, unhealthy pet! Extra food should be in addition to a balanced diet, and shouldn’t make up any more than about 25% of your dog’s daily food allowance. You should also be mindful of where and when you give treats. Tossing your pet a morsel off of your plate while seated at the dinner table will only encourage begging, and nobody wants that! Feed treats away from the table and only if your pet is eating his regular food on a consistent basis.

Bon Appétit!

– Kait.

Spring 2015

 There’s a new product available in Canada this year  which the staff at Snelgrove Vet Services is quite  excited about. With the current influx of ticks in the  Brampton and Caledon area, Nexgard has finally  come to the Canadian market. Approved by Health  Canada to kill Blacklegged ticks (deer ticks),  American Dog ticks and the Lone  star tick. It also kills Brown Dog ticks. These are all known carriers of diseases such as, Lyme disease,  Ehrlichia and Anaplasma.  But, not only does  Nexgard kill ticks, it also kills fleas all month-long.

Pretty cool, right?

We thought so. But what’s really cool about Nexgard? For people or pets who don’t like topical flea and tick killers, its an oral beef-flavoured chew. And yes, it’s beef ‘flavoured’, so for those pets that may have a beef allergy, Nexgard is still safe to give. Given monthly it is proven to keep killing both fleas and ticks for the full 30 days.

Nexgard is also safe to use if you have cats in the house and is approved for dogs as young as 8 weeks of age.

The best thing about Nexgard, now we have choices. In a market dominated by topical products, it’s nice to have another option. Ask your vet what flea and tick prevention you should use on your pets this year.

Thanks for reading.

 

The Importance of Pet Identification

“Tuff” lock collar and metal tags

Waiting for the door to open

On the inside, looking out

 

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is very exciting. Unfortunately, each year thousands of pets go missing. Whether it is a dog slipping out of a collar, or an indoor cat taking advantage of an open door, accidents can happen when you least expect them. Luckily, there are several forms of identification that can help ensure the safe return of your furry family member!

The most obvious (and stylish!) form of identification that you can provide for your pet is personalized collars and tags. Feel free to go crazy in this department. There are all kinds of tags that can be made to include important information, such as your pet’s name and a contact number where you can be reached. There are even collars that can be embroidered with the same information.

Of course, if your pet escapes and slips out of their collar in the process, those tags and information become a moot point. So, what else could you do that would provide a more “permanent” way of identifying your pet as yours? While tattooing used to be the norm, these can sometimes fade and become distorted, making them illegible. Not to mention, for a tiny pup or kitten, they could be quite painful!

Enter: The Microchip.

In order to permanently identify your pet, simply visit your veterinarian’s office, or local animal shelter, and get them microchipped. A microchip is exactly what it sounds like – a small “chip.” Using a hypodermic needle, this chip (which is smaller than a grain of rice) is implanted just under the skin, between the shoulder blades. The procedure itself is relatively painless, and feels similar to being vaccinated. Anesthetic is not required, although some pet owners do prefer to have their pet microchipped while they are under sedation for their spay or neuter. Once the microchip has been implanted, it will remain under the skin for your pet’s lifetime. It can be read using a scanner, which will provide a number that corresponds to the information you provide to the microchip company. It is important to keep this information up to date, so don’t forget to change or add any new addresses, phone numbers or emergency contacts.

Microchipping is very highly recommended by anyone working within the animal health industry. That is why most breeders will send their puppies home already microchipped, and why any pet adopted from a shelter or humane society is microchipped as well. If you are interested in having your pet microchipped, or if you have any questions about the procedure, please don’t hesitate to call us here at Snelgrove Vet Services! We can be reached at 905-846-3316.

Pets and Fireworks!

Keep your pets happy this summer.

Fireworks are fun. Fireworks are bright.

Fireworks are LOUD!

Did you know that most pets are scared of fireworks? But there are ways to help your pet get through these summer nights and weekends.

With all products or training you MUST start prior to a night of fireworks. So today is a good day to start.

Products recommended and carried by Snelgrove Veterinary Services

Thundershirt — This is put on your pet, as it says in its name, a shirt.  This is meant to give comfort by applying pressure on certain points of your pets body to ease of anxiety.

Adaptil Collars — These collars contain pheromones that are released by the mom to relieve pups from anxiety and to reassure them.  These pheromones can also give the same relief in adult dogs.

Zylkene  — is a natural product that can help reduce anxiety. Please click on the link for more detailed information.

Anxitane — an amino acid that acts neurologically to help dogs and cats keep calm. Please click on the link for more detailed information.

Tips to help your pets to adjust:

Do not punish your dog — Punishing your dog may make them more anxious and fearful.

Do not console your dog — Consoling your dog gives them the idea that its ‘OK’ to be afraid, although it is, they should be able to feel some relief on their own.

Try placing your dog in their safe place, such as their crate, to make them feel more secure. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and leave on a radio or the tv to help minimize the noise. It does not need to be on loud, just as an added distraction. Use treat stuffed toys when fireworks start or play a game with your dog. Keep your pet inside. Do not force them to be with you outside when the fireworks are going off. Do not let them outside to use the washroom while fireworks are going off. This can lead to pets that are afraid to go outside to relieve themselves.

Visit our PET HEALTH section of our website for lots of other desensitization tips and tricks for fireworks, thunderstorms and hundreds of other topics.

If you have any topics you would like us to write about in the future. Feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading 🙂

 

 

 

 

Why I Still Stand by Science Diet: Because Corn in NOT a Bad Thing….. | Coastal Mommies

Why I Still Stand by Science Diet: Because Corn in NOT a Bad Thing….. | Coastal Mommies.

by Dr. Carla Case-… on Fri, 05/13/2011 – 8:28am

Tags:

• Carla Case McCorvey
• Case Veterinary Hospital
• dog food
• Science diet

I recently spent two days in Topeka, Kansas touring the Hill’s Science Diet facilities. This impressive complex is where they manufacture their food products, house their research labs, conduct their feeding trials, and is the “home away from home” for their many research veterinarians.  It was a privilege for me and one of my associates to attend and see first-hand and “behind the scenes” the manufacturing process of a food that we have carried in our veterinary hospital for over 36 years. My father, Dr. Jerry Case, saw the value of adding nutrition to his core wellness plans as soon as he graduated from veterinary school in 1975.  He recognized the fact that Science Diet was started by a veterinarian (Dr. Morris in 1939) in response to designing a food for a targeted problem (kidney disease), and that the company placed a high value on having top veterinarians with advanced degrees in nutrition working on perfecting the balance of ingredients in a given diet.

In recent years, Science Diet in particular has been the target of a smear campaign produced by smaller food companies with allegations that are simply not backed by any scientific evidence. This reputable company has gotten a bad rap on the accusation that their use of corn is not nutritionally sound and is used as a cheap filler product.  Although Science Diet remains the #1 recommended diet by veterinarians even after all these years, clients hear conflicting messages when they try to understand what their different sources are telling them.  They may hear one thing from their local pet store, one thing from the internet, one thing from their pet’s breeder, and another from their veterinarian.  It certainly can be confusing and frustrating when trying to figure out what is best for your pet.  This is compounded when you factor in a possible medical problem or are concerned with the rash of pet food recalls in recent years.

For the purpose of this article, I would like to highlight three areas often brought up by those discussing Science Diet.

First is the myth that corn is filler used solely to keep the profit margin high to the company and that it has inferior nutritional value. The reality is that corn is a nutritionally superior grain that, when ground and cooked as done for Science Diet recipes, provides

• high quality proteins for muscle and tissue growth
• carbohydrates that provide energy
• essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
• natural antioxidants
• vitamin E, lutein, β-carotene
• higher protein digestibility than rice and wheat (ground and cooked it becomes more than 85% digestible)

Not only has corn been shown to cause fewer food allergies than any other grain but also fewer than those caused by chicken or beef.

The second fact that deserves attention is that most of the popular diets with marketing campaigns critical of their competition (Blue Buffalo, etc) don’t bother to enlist food trials. Science Diet performs formal feeding trials according to AAFCO regulation prior to the release of any of their products.  This is the preferred method (Gold Standard) when testing a food product.  An ingredient list means nothing if the ingredients are not actually absorbed and used effectively by the body. There are two AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) certifications and most pet food companies do not bother to spend the time and money required to obtain the more stringent of the two. This is the one that requires feeding trials and the one that makes certain that their food really performs as well as they claim it does for the life of your pet.

Using AAFCO protocols, feeding trials document how well an animal performs when fed a specific food.  Feeding trials allow a pet food such as Science Diet to claim that the product is “clinically proven” which means so much more than a list of ingredients on a bag. The feeding trial also minimizes recall risks as any new formula is actually tested before going to market and reaching the end user, your pet.  Interesting that not a single one of Hill’s Science Diet products was involved in any adverse events associated with the pet food recall of 2007.

And claiming that a pet food company does not perform feeding trials because they do not feel it to be humane is totally inaccurate and false. Why would it be inhumane to feed a diet that is intended to be fed to your own pet?

My associate and I were very impressed with the love, one-on-one attention and care given to the many dogs and cats housed on the Science Diet campus. They are cared for in a beautiful, clean building where they receive excellent veterinary care and are provided with superior, no costs barred medical attention. These dogs and cats not only live in facilities constructed to be like homes but they are provided with consistent families (both animal and human), have daily playtime/enrichment activities and are exercised twice daily (more than my dog gets!). They live a normal life and are never used for any other purpose but to monitor their health while being fed a regimented Science Diet product. They never have any invasive tests performed on them and it was our observation that we wish all pets were treated in the manner that these pets are!  Hill’s Science Diet is willing to spend the extra time and money to do this research because it is important….not only for each individual pet but for all pets in general.

I make this important point because I appreciate knowing that the food I give my pet has been tested and known to not only be safe but nutritionally superior. I also appreciate a company that has dedicated itself to continually learning ways in which we can continue to enhance our pet’s lives through more knowledge about the previously ignored impact of superior nutrition.

Thirdly, we need to discuss the age-old controversy about meat by-products.  Let’s take chicken as an example since chicken is an often used source of protein in many pet foods. Any portion of the chicken other than striated muscle which comprises the meat consumed by humans is considered “chicken by-product”. To believe the claims made by other pet foods that they use no meat by-products is simply not true. Bring me their label and I will prove it to you. They are either manipulating the truth to match their marketing campaign or their diet is nutritionally inferior. Chicken by-product meal, often listed on the ingredient list of Science Diet foods is a more concentrated protein source than raw chicken alone and contains high quality protein that is more digestible and adds flavor.  High quality by-products (not ground bone or feathers used in some diets) contain liver and other ingredients which offer not only much needed nutrients for a well balanced diet, but also add superior taste to the products.  This means our pets like it better!

There is a lot of information that should be evaluated before making a decision about the listing on an ingredient label (done by weight), but for the simplicity of this article, know that the labeling of by-products in a food should not always be considered a bad thing.

In summary, our veterinarians have chosen Science Diet as our recommended food of choice because we know it is scientifically proven and that the mission behind making the product has been consistent since Dr. Morris designed the first food for his own beloved pet that was dying of kidney failure.  We know that it is a food that takes these considerations in mind:

·         has had continuous research since 1939

·         understands that dogs are omnivores and not carnivores and need a balanced diet

·         realizes that excess protein can’t be stored and forces kidneys to work harder, possibly decreasing longevity

·         knows that healthy pets need nutrients and a complete balance of amino acids from both meat and non-meat sources

·         allows the FDA to inspect their plant several times a year as if it was a human food manufacturing plant

·         has many clinically proven claims and is one of the only pet food companies that uses the feeding trial method

·         uses a life stage philosophy to meet the needs of individual pets

·         Is a precisely balanced nutrition that avoids excess

·         highly values research and innovation

·         uses only high quality and proven ingredients

·         Our staff and veterinarians feed their pets Science Diet.  Be sure to ask your veterinarian their food of choice and why.  Each pet is an individual and your pet’s doctor is the best person to make a recommendation on nutrition.

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Top 10 Myths from your vet in Brampton

Snelgrove Veterinary Services shares with you the

top 10 myths we hear in practice.

 

1. Garlic keeps fleas away! Not only is there no scientific proof that garlic will rid or keep away those pesky bugs but it can actually be toxic to pets. Garlic is a part of the Allum family which contains onions, leeks and chives. All of these even in small quantities can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and a slew of other problems. Speak to your veterinarian about other proven ways to treat your pet of fleas and how to avoid getting them in the first place.
2. Pets should have one litter or heat prior to being spayed! Waiting until their first heat or having a litter can actually aid in the development of mammary tumors and ovarian or uterine cancer.
3. Cats need milk and/or tuna! Cats actually don’t have the enzyme needed to digest the lactose found in milk. Just like in people it can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. Tuna is high in minerals and in excess can cause all sorts of problems. Be sure to only give it in small amounts and infrequently.
4. Dogs mouths are cleaner than humans! Really? Have you ever seen what they put in their mouths? Well we have, and it’s not good. Dogs and cats actually have different natural bacteria in their mouth than humans so although harmless to us, it’s still bacteria.
5. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks! Of course you can, it just might take a little longer. In fact teaching new things helps keep their mind active and its great bonding time. Just remember to keep it fun, short and nothing too strenuous!
6. My dog only goes in the backyard so it doesn’t need heartworm protection! Why? Are there no mosquitoes where you live? If so, I want to live there. LOL. Mosquitoes are in fact everywhere and they can carry heartworm larvae all over the globe.
7. Licking wounds is healing! It can be to a certain extent. This is more because they are cleaning the bacteria off of it and removing the dead skin BUT it can actually cause worse problems. Excessive licking can actually impede healing and can become habitual cause more damage to the area. Always clean wounds and prevent your pet from licking the area. Seek medical help as needed.
8. Corn is bad! Well, we love corn. Corn on the cob on a BBQ with melted butter and salt. Yum. Yum. But we’re talking about pets here. Corn is actually a great source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, amino acids and even contains anti-oxidants. It is not a filler for pet foods but actually a valued ingredient.
9. My cat stays strictly indoors so it doesn’t need vaccines or yearly physicals! Even indoor cats get sick. Having an annual physical examination can discover all sorts of minor ailments that over time can become more severe. Rabies is mandatory by law. Just read our bat blog to see why!
10. By-products are bad! 1st off, what they can be: lungs, spleen, liver, kidneys. What they can’t be: feathers, hide, intestinal contents, hooves and hair. 2nd, excellent source of protein and amino acids. 3rd, did you know Jello, gummy bears, chewy fruit snacks, marshmallows, bouillon cubes, bologna, hot dogs and commercial soup stock  can be made from by-products!

 

 

Baby teeth! Ouch, they’re sharp.

Puppies have amazingly sharp and pointy teeth, but did you know, they aren’t born with them?

Puppies start getting in their baby (deciduous) teeth between 4-6 weeks of age and surprisingly, they only last for a few months. By 3 months of age, they typically start losing their front baby teeth to make room for their adult ones. By 6 months of age, most dogs, have lost all of their baby teeth and these have been replaced by their adult teeth.

Puppies have 28 teeth and adult dogs typically have 42 teeth. The front small teeth (6 on the top and bottom) are called incisors. Beside these teeth, top and bottom, are the canine teeth. These teeth are long and pointy. Following these are the pre-molars and molars. Puppies are not born with molars, the molars are only present in the adult teeth.

Due to the short period of time that a puppy has its baby teeth, it is quite uncomfortable losing this many teeth this quickly. This is why many puppies start chewing items in the home and it tends to get worse before it gets better. Many times, this is due to them trying to find something soothing for their teeth and gums. Always provide young puppies with many appropriate items to chew on. Toys and dental chews are a great option for this. Sometimes it even helps to put these in the fridge, so that they have a cooling effect. There are lots of different items available on our webstore.

As puppies lose their baby teeth, they may also have an  unpleasant odour in their mouth. This is normal. The roots resorb under the gum line and food and bacteria can get stuck between the tooth and gum line. If by the time your pet is spayed or neutered, there are still baby teeth present, many veterinarians will recommend these teeth to be extracted. Retained baby teeth can cause the adult teeth to grow in abnormally and can cause future problems.

It is also very important to start handling inside of a puppy’s mouth at a very young age. We don’t usually recommend to start brushing their teeth until the adult teeth are in, but it is important for them to get comfortable with your hands in their mouth. You can gently wipe along their teeth with a warm washcloth daily. Do not get too vigorous inside their mouth. The loose baby teeth will be sensitive and this may cause your dog to permanently dislike anyone handling inside their mouth.

For more tips on how to keep your pets choppers healthy, keep reviewing our blog where we will be posting many dental facts during Dental Awareness Month.

Dental Awareness Month

Welcome to Dental Awareness Month!! All month we will be providing you with tips and tricks to keeping your pet’s teeth and breath fresh. Also, this month, all dental products are 5% off. So it’s a great time to stock up on toothpaste and chews and anything else you may need. We will also be offering FREE dental exams with our technicians. They can help you choose what products are right for your pet, how to brush correctly even on a difficult pet, and let you know what the general health of your pet’s mouth is. Just call us, Snelgrove Veterinary Services at 905-846-3316 to schedule your appointment.

The Everley Chronicles: The Box

Fetch Kitty

“It’s not going to throw itself…”

I’m sure everyone has heard the idiom that you can buy a child a toy, but they’d rather play with the box. I think the same goes for our pets! When we first decided to take Everley home, I excitedly went on our webstore and started looking at all the cute kitten things I could get for her. I bought her tons of balls and catnip toys and dangly things. I also bought some new toys for Adelaide to replace some of her more torn up ones (she’s a big fan of her wubba and “cosmic” carrot). When Everley had the run of the house, I started presenting her with various different play things. She would bat the balls around for a bit, but get bored with them as they didn’t bat back. She seemed to be a fan of the wand I had with cloth ribbon and a bell attached to the end of, likely because it was a lot more interactive as we had to move it around for her. And as I had already discovered, she was not big on the catnip; not that it mattered much because Adelaide stole all of those toys and added them to her stockpile anyway. It wasn’t until a few weeks later that Everley found her absolute favourite toy in all the world!

We were excitedly decorating our house for Christmas one weekend. I was in charge of inside and Andrew was in charge of hanging the lights and everything outside. Let me preface this by saying that kittens and garland do not mix. I’m pretty sure there were more fake leaves and berries on the floor than on the garland by the time all was said and done. Nonetheless, we had a great time getting everything decorated. While I was attempting to create a beautiful winter scene over the fireplace, Andrew was also in the living room getting the Christmas lights all ready to be hung outside. He had bought some clips and to make life easier, he was putting them on the string of lights before he took them outside. He had his pile of clips beside him when Everley came over to investigate. She sniffed around for a second, then all of a sudden she grabbed one of the clips on her mouth and promptly took off. Andrew of course got up and retrieved it from her. Two seconds later, she was back at the pile and stole another one. They were plastic, and a fair size, so after a few more retrievals and plunders we decided to just let her have her fun and keep her clip for a little while. Only her love affair with the clip lasted all day. She carried it around with her everywhere she went. She would jump up on our laps with it in her mouth and we would throw it for her, then she would bring it back to be thrown again. She loved her clip. We didn’t have the heart to take it away from her.

Now, weeks later, she still carries her clip around with her like it’s a prize. Every now and then it gets lost, but after a few days we find it in some weird place (like the toe of our shoes or the bottom of our reusable grocery bags) and give it back to her. It is her favourite toy ever! Like I said at the beginning, they’d rather play with the box.

Kait.