A sick experience

Just like ourselves, our little furry angels catch the common cold.

As a parent you never know if you should act on the small things.  Maybe those small things could turn into a big thing.  Just like children, dogs will express that something is wrong. When should you act on something? 

I felt as though Felix might have a fever.  Although the arriving season is the blazing summer, Felix has been panting more than normal.  His terrier blood urges him to act a fool outside.  He can run all day long and pant his little lungs out.  

Strangely he has started panting while he is just chilling inside.  His mouth's temperature has definitely raised as well, and he has been cuddling up to his dad more often.  I don't want to freak out too much, but I'd like to be sure.  Normally I would contact the vet but I believe I should investigate more.  

For those of you having the same problem here is a great step by step examination process by Crystal Rider:

To take a rectal temperature, you will need:

• A digital thermometer (please not glass or mercury thermometers, because if broken while in use, they can potentially cause serious harm to your pet!)
• A small amount of lubricating jelly or petroleum jelly (if you have neither, wetting the tip of the thermometer with olive oil or water is also applicable)
• A napkin or paper towel for clean-up

1. To start, someone will have to hold your dog. This is just to ensure that he will not wiggle or sit down while you are attempting to take the temperature.
2. Next, raise your dog’s tail and gently slide the thermometer tip into his or her rectum. DO NOT FORCE THE THERMOMETER, but you will need to insert the thermometer as far as you can (sometimes up to the end of the thermometer “neck”).
3. Lastly, wait for the thermometer to read and then remove the thermometer from the rectum. Use the paper towel or napkin to clean any residue left on the rectum. Use dish soap and water to clean the thermometer after each use!

I'll keep you guys update while Felix and I go through our first "sick experience"

Dog Days for Summer!

Hey guys!

Summer is here (most days)!  It's time to pack away the sweaters and take out the shorts.  Don't forget the doggy sweaters!

The blooming flowers, warm sunshine, and all the critters coming out is very inviting for puppies.  It pretty much calls their name.  So why not let them out!  It doesn't matter if you are a very active person or a relaxer, there is always something you can do with your pup outside.

For you active dog owners:

• Go for a hike or run
• Play puppy soccer
• Go through obstacles at a playground
• Go swimming

For the more chill dog owners:

• Play fetch
• Go for a walk
• Sun bathe

Felix's favorite activity is simply taking his favorite toy dragon.  If you click the word "dragon" you can view this toy.  I highly recommend it.  It's sturdy against sharp teeth, easy for him to carry, and has a low squeeck frequency for picky people like myself.  

This weekend Felix and I ventured to hot springs.  He had just ran out of his special Merrick dog food.  He (just like several other dogs) is allergic to chicken.  When I originally bought him food, he started to itchy and formed a few rashes on his hip and paws.  Before running to the vet, I took him to Petco and they easily explained that he was allergic to the main ingredient in his food (chicken).  

Since I have to stay on a budget because I'm a college student, I had them help me find food without chicken and was resonably priced.  The workers quickly showed me the Merrick brand.  Merrick has different main ingredient flavors such as beef, lamb, and chicken.  I saw that there was also fruits and vegetables along with whole grains in this food, so I was sold.  Felix loves apples and other fruits and the lamb meat would prevent his break outs so that was our choice.  Ever since his rashes have faded and his coat has never felt so soft!

Of course, not all dogs are the same so why not take your pup down to Petco or visit their online site where you can get multiple coupons and sales.

Keep your dog healthy!  Keep them hydrated, feed well, and play with them! And after allllllllll that's done enjoy cuddling time on the couch!

Digital Smarts!

Here is a great video about taking education to the next level!

If there is one word to describe this video; it is encouraging.  As teachers we should strive to take students to a new level of thinking.  Society is overwhelmed with information, so actually involving students in their studies will aid them in actually retaining the knowledge they are working with.  Students should become thinkers not regurgitators of knowledge.  The amazing teacher explains how she shouldn't have to explain everything.  Instead, the students teach each other  and sometimes the teacher.  The teacher should act as the  facilitator of knowledge.   Technology is one of the fastest rising facets of life.  In whatever field we teach we need to teach them how to use their resources.  Students should know how to access needed information, draw their own conclusions about the information gathered, and be able to present it in a professional matter.    As a member of society we have to be able to make a point to our audiences, and technology is only trying to advance the skills.  

There are several ways that technology can be used in my own music classes.  It would be much easier to practice parts via internet video calling such as Skype.  I want to be available for my students for one on one practice sessions in the same matter.  Our students should work hard, but our teachers must work harder to reach out.  I would express that make videos of themselves playing repertoire pieces and post them online to get their talent among the masses.  There are just endless possibilities with all of the world's information at the click of a button.

There is no need in sticking to tradition when the future looks so much brighter.  Carpe Diem!

Who knows what you can learn from your student and how much they can learn from effective teaching!

A view on social networking

Just how much is social networking making people more sociable?

Impact of social media on society

The link above opens a great view on the impact of social medias.  Warren Wooden has great examples and viewpoints about just how useful social medias have proven to aid society.  He explains how sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are avenues of opinions.  One can release any information they want into the world with a click of the button.  Sometimes people need honest opinions about their views and social medias serve as a buffer against negative encounters in person.  Your opinion can also be spread much easier and can be seen all over the world. With a very click of a button on can one can send a vlog, youtube video, or picture to convey their intentions with style.  For instance, a rising musician can submit audition music via podcast across the world.  This idea would have seemed outrageous to preceding generations!  You could even build a profile on google that included links to your resume and apply for jobs without even coming in contact with your next boss. 

You never know your next boss could even be yourself!  With monetized blogging, people can earn six digit figures in months!  The availability of socialization is quickly becoming endless.

Along with any good thing, there is always a downfall!

Although what Warren Wodden elaborates on social media is true and uplifting, one must remember that that they are still entering the world.  Although it seems safer, the cyber world can be just as challenging as the outside world.  As talked about in this article, "Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media on Society" , people can also let too much information into the world.  There are several people that face cyber bulling, identity theft, and con artist every day online.  Kids can run into all kinds of material that isn't appropriate for their age and halt healthy mental growth.

Social media has slowly entered my life, sometimes a blessing ans sometimes a curse, and for the most part it has proven very useful.  It's easy to be able to contact thirty people and plan an event or show presentations without even leaving the house.  All of us could save money on gas.  I believe that if people don't catch up to the social media bus, they may not survive.

Great things come with great responsiblities, so happy internet surfing!