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#ESPECIALLY SOPHIE AND CALVIN WHO HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO TALK
blockgamepirate · 3 years
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Okay fuck all the fake activists on Twitter
This is actual bullshit. Go fight ACTUAL racists and ACTUAL homophobes. NOT SOME GUY WHO JUST MADE SOME JOKES YOU DIDN'T LIKE, FOR FUCK'S SAKE.
I'm actually so mad right now. Because you realise that all those jokes that I've seen people yelling about that he made actually even somewhat recently are making fun of racists, right? And you know his audience is full of edgy gamer boys, right? People who are just straight up allergic to genuine appeals. Edgy jokes making fun of racism is literally exactly what those kind of people need. It gives them a way in without feeling immediately alienated. It makes it easier for them to accept that racism is bad actually, and that people who hate racism aren't all humourless assholes who cancel you at the drop of a hat.
So yeah what you guys are doing right now? This is only driving people away. This is making people defensive. And I don't care if you think perfect political correctness is more important than convincing people to not be racist, because you are fucking wrong. Yes it's fine to criticise him and point out when the jokes feel wrong to you or upset you but don't act like everyone has to agree with you or else they're bigots too. (Also stop yelling about years old shit he said as a teenager, nobody CARES. Let people put their past behind them.)
If you don't like his humour, feel free to just not watch Techno, it's fine. But this kind of humour DOES actually serve a purpose. You can't reach out to people if you expect perfect purity from everyone at all times. Sometimes people need space to adapt into new ideas, and humour is actually one of the best ways to do that because of how psychology works.
And yeah the Asian joke was kind of shit but it was literally making fun of racists who thought every Asian person had covid, back when the pandemic was only just becoming a pandemic. It wasn't making fun of Asians. He even prefaced it with acknowledging the horrific racism (his actual words).
Slavery jokes? Like literally the point of those was to address the unfortunate implications of the video game. It's basically just media criticism. It's not endorsing slavery or making light of the real world history. It's pointing out the elephant in the room. It's dark humour, yes, but like is it really better to just NOT acknowledge how weird the whole minion thing is? I feel like it's actually better to acknowledge it. I'm the kind of person who actually feels kinda uncomfortable about game mechanics like that and it helps me when people point out the implications. And dark humour is actually probably the best way to acknowledge it without making the whole thing sound goofy, because it is kinda goofy, but it's still subtly fucked up.
And the "murder is bad"... I literally do not understand why people are mad about that one. I genuinely don't get it. That's literally the kind of joke I could see like any of the popular liberal late night show hosts making to underline the point that murder doesn't magically become okay when it's the police doing it. Like "I shouldn't have to say this but murder is bad". You know? Because a bunch of people out there are ACTUALLY acting like it's okay for the police to murder people (especially black people). This is the most effective response to that bullshit, honestly. It cuts straight to the point. Murder IS bad.
And apparently nobody is acknowledging that the point of that tweet was to share the petition. He wasn't just like randomly joking about a horrible event, he was trying to help. He's a comedy Minecraft YouTuber, do you seriously expect him to make some sort of solemn plea? No, that would just make him sound sarcastic if anything because he never does that. Humour is how he addresses everything, get used to it or just stop following him.
Also people are just way more likely to respond positively to a joke than to something preachy or depressing, because as it turns out, depression makes people apathetic. I'd be willing to bet more people signed the petition because the tweet was funny than would have if it wasn't. Especially people in Techno's audience.
But these twitter warriors don't care about actions, they apparently don't even care that much about words because there's no way "murder is bad" is a harmful message in this context. So they just care about tone I guess.
Anyway, even of you think he's genuinely problematic, is he SERIOUSLY the enemy that's worth all this attention? All this energy? Fuck off. You know there are bigger fish out there and you didn't go for them, you went for someone you thought you could bully easily because he already has quite a progressive audience.
This isn't activism, this is just harassment. And it was just harassment long before the doxxing bullshit too. Don't pretend like everything up to this point was fine. It was not fine. And it's NOT actually helpful to dig up months or years old shit and plaster it all over twitter and then pretend to care about how these things hurt people's feelings when people wouldn't even have seen them if you didn't dig them up in the first place. If anyone is hurting them right now it's you.
Learn to do some actual fucking work for the cause you fucking shitheads. If that's even what you ever wanted to do, which I kinda doubt actually.
Like I don't pretend like I'm the greatest activist out there but at least I fucking try to do something productive instead of bullying minor celebrities online.
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centralparkpawsblog · 5 years
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Taste of the Wild vs Orijen
https://www.centralparkpaws.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Princess-pup-demands-high-quality-good-tasting-dry-dog-food.jpg Taste of the Wild (TotW) versus Orijen, who will win?
In our household, we’ve tried more than 50% of the different popular brands, and some not so popular.
Our household is made up of dogs with food allergies (Sophie and Calvin), heart disease (Daisy), Cushing Disease (Daisy and Sophie), high energy (Ginger), seniors, and picky eaters.
Finding a dog food that works for everyone can be pretty tricky.
There have been a select few that work for everyone, but more often we have multiple kinds of dog food in the pantry.
Picking the right food has become a more daunting task for many dog parents.
Why Should You Choose a High-Quality Dog Food?
I remember a time when buying dog food was as easy as throwing a bag of dog food in your grocery cart.
You should choose high-quality, delicious dog food because your prince or princess is worth it
Unfortunately, the ease and convenience of those days are gone for most of us.
With so many special needs and dog food varieties, the combination options are astronomical. Every dog is unique, and most have special dietary needs due to:
Size
Age
Health – GI Issues, disease, allergies, etc.
Weight (Both gain and loss)
Breed (German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Goldendoodles shouldn’t always eat the same food)
Activity Level
It’s incredible how many variables need to meet to come up with the right food for your dog.
With so many brands and recalls, it’s hard to know which one is the best choice to go with.
VarietyFirst IngredientProteinRatingPrice Taste of the Wild High PrairieBuffalo32%4.1$$ Check Price Taste of the Wild Pacific StreamSalmon25%4.3$$ Check Price Taste of the Wild Sierra MountainLamb25%4.3$$ Check Price Orijen OriginalChicken38%4.3$$$ Check Price Orijen Six FishAtlantic Whole Mackerel38%4.0$$$$ Check Price Orijen Regional RedBeef38%4.0$$$$$ Check Price
Taste of the Wild
Taste of the Wild Company History
Diamond Pet Company carries many different brands, one of which is Taste of the Wild.
The company started back in 1970 by two brothers-in-law and has grown quite rapidly.
Even though TotW has become a substantially large company, it has remained family owned since the beginning.
TotW has plants from California to South Carolina, with a few more in between. They have 5 manufacturing locations in total.
TotW uses sustainable and humanely raised ingredients. The formulas were developed based on a canines’ ancestral dietary requirements.
The commitment TotW makes to their customers is that it manufactures “…a high-quality, yet affordable pet food option.”
If you’re interested in learning more about this dog food brand, we reviewed Taste of the Wild in-depth here!
Taste of the Wild Varieties
TotW currently offers 9 different dry dog food varieties.
Of those foods, some are specifically tailored to the needs of small breeds and puppies.
Taste of the Wild 3 Best Sellers of Dry Dog Food:
High Prairie – Roasted Bison and Venison
Pacific Stream – Smoked Salmon
Sierra Mountain – Roasted Lamb
More Varieties at Amazon
More Varieties at Chewy
Orijen
Orijen Company History
Orijen is one of two brands created by Champion Pet Foods, which originated in Canada. It was founded by Reinhard Muhlenfeld in 1985.
Exporting goods from Canada has not a common practice, but with aid from the Canadian government, Champion Pet Foods has been quite successful in selling their dog food globally.
Orijen’s approach to marketing is a bit unconventional.
Orijen doesn’t utilize traditional marketing plans but instead relies on their outside sales force and word of mouth.
Orijen Varieties
Orijen has 8 different dry dog food varieties, not including their freeze-dried food line.
Orijen Family Pet Food 3 Best Sellers of Dry Dog Food:
Original
Six Fish
Regional Red
More Varieties at Amazon
Recalls and Lawsuits
Taste of the Wild
Diamond Pet Food has had several recalls, though TotW has only had a single incident in May of 2012.
The recall was for salmonella contamination at the plant in South Carolina. Dry dog food was the only one with contamination issues.
The production codes needed to be checked to verify if the food had salmonella issues. Food with codes having a 2 or 3 in the 9th space and an X in the next space were part of the recall.
Corrections to the manufacturing plants were successful in ensuring future issues did not arise.
However, there are two lawsuits filed against Diamond Pet Food specifically around the TotW brand.
Note that anybody can file a lawsuit and they are not evidence of guilt until ruled so by a judge
The two lawsuits are similar in nature, the first one was in August 2018 and the second one was filed in February 2019. The 2018 suit accuses TotW of food contamination in the following three varieties:
Prairie Canine Formula Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison Dry Dog Food
Pacific Stream Canine Formula Smoked Salmon Dry Dog Food
Puppy Formula Grain-Free.
The 2019 suit involves five varieties:
Prairie Canine Formula Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison Dry Dog Food
Pacific Stream Canine Formula Smoked Salmon Dry Dog Food
Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free
Southwest Canyon with Beef in Gravy
Southwest Canyon with Wild Boar
Both lawsuits allege the foods are contaminated with pesticides, heavy metal (arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium), acrylamide, and BPA.
Orijen
Orijen has not had any recalls in the United States.
Coincidentally, Orijen also had a lawsuit for similar contamination claims as TotW. This lawsuit was filed in March of 2018 but was later dismissed in February of 2019.
TotW’s lawsuits may end the same way.
What’s Important When Choosing a Dog Food?
There are several things to consider when looking for the perfect dog food.
Often, we talk about ingredients, and that’s a big part of the decision-making process, but it isn’t the only thing to take into account.
Where the food is manufactured
Where the ingredients are sourced
Availability
Taste (What your dog thinks!)
Price
Ingredients
Your dog’s individual needs (See list above)
Comparison of Taste of the Wild vs. Orijen
Ingredients
  Winner: Orijen   
These two brands have many similarities which made them fun to compare.
They both fashion their food on the more primal needs of our dogs, they both are grain free, and both brands are protein focused.
In addition to the philosophies behind their food they both outline, in the guaranteed analysis section, the Omega-6 & 3 fatty acid content.
Orijen
Orijen designed their recipes to be 85% prime animal protein, 15% fruit and vegetables, and 0% grains and potatoes.
All of their foods are packed with superfoods like pumpkin, kale, and spinach.
Also, Orijen has included pumpkin and sunflower seeds in their recipes. They use a variety of beans and lentils to make up for the lack of traditional grains and potatoes.
Their guaranteed analysis reflects 38% minimum protein, which is substantially higher than most dog foods, including TotW. Another thing Orijen does that many other dog food companies shy away from is use organ meat in their foods.
Organ meats may sound icky, but they are healthy and nutritious.
The aspect of this food I don’t like is the lack of traditional carbohydrates. Many dogs need grains and easily digestible potatoes.
Taste of the Wild
TotW includes potatoes and lentils in their foods to make up for the lack of grains. They have also included potato and pea flour in place of wheat or rice flours.
The first two ingredients in their best sellers are high-quality animal proteins, and though it does have some fruits and vegetables it’s nothing compared to Orijen’s list of superfoods.
Price and Value
  Winner: Taste of the Wild   
This was an easy pick.
Their food is in line with their goals of being of an excellent dog food at a low price. The average cost per pound for TotW is under two dollars while the average cost per pound for Orijen is over four dollars!
Availability
  Winner: Taste of the Wild   
TotW is available in most pet food retail stores, both in person and online.
They are even found in some hardware stores, doggy daycares, specialty grocery stores, and vet clinics.
Orijen has similar availability in pet stores, but they cannot be found in grocery or hardware stores, only in pet-focused retail locations or online.
And even then, not at as many online retailers.
  Taste
  Winner: Orijen   
Almost a tie, but because I had to choose (Daisy hasn’t learned how to write or speak English yet), Orijen wins by a small margin.
I believe it was the unique kinds of proteins that gave Orijen that extra push.
The X Factor
  Winner: Orijen   
Orijen offers specially formulated recipes for seniors, puppies, and a weight management variety.
Also, Orijen’s fatty acid content is significantly higher than most dog foods.
As an added bonus, they have added chondroitin and glucosamine into their recipes!
Overall
  Winner: Taste of the Wild   
Orijen is in a class all of its own. With the high-end ingredients, the extreme levels of protein, and the abundance of superfoods, it’s hard to beat.
If you can afford to give your pupper a tiara, then Orijen is priced right for you
But like we mentioned before, ingredients aren’t everything.
Though Orijen can justify the price, it does make it cost prohibitive to the majority of dog owners. Especially if you own multiple dogs!
Taste of the Wild is a reasonably priced dog food and has the added benefit of being easy to find.
TotW is a quality dog food with an appropriate protein content that’s more suited to dogs with an average or activity level.
However, if your dog needs a high protein diet, such as working, sporting, or extremely athletic dogs, Orijen would be the best option.
Also, if your dog would benefit from the higher fatty acid, chondroitin, and glucosamine levels, such as dogs with arthritis or extremely active dogs, then Orijen would also be the better option.
The post Taste of the Wild vs Orijen appeared first on Central Park Paws.
from https://www.centralparkpaws.net/dog-food/taste-of-the-wild-vs-orijen/
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centralparkpawsblog · 4 years
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How to Bathe a Dog Who Hates Water
https://www.centralparkpaws.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/How-to-bathe-a-dog-that-hates-baths-water-get-into-bathtub-clean-without-water.jpg
Have you ever found yourself running after your dog only to try to wrestle them into the bathtub?
If so, you aren’t alone.
Not all dogs love baths; well, most dogs don’t like baths, but some dogs hate baths.
Both Calvin & Ginger used to be in the bath-hating club, but I am very thankful they are no longer members.  
Calvin detests water.
He even avoids puddles when we are out walking and hates going out when it’s raining.
Ginger used to be afraid of the water regardless of if it was a lake, ocean, or the equally scary bathtub.  
Over time I was able to change Ginger’s association towards the water so that she was no longer afraid.
And Calvin, we just figured out ways to make bathtime a bit less detestable, enough so that he doesn’t keep trying to escape the tub.
Why Does Your Dog Hate Baths?
Dog’s feelings towards water come in a variety of forms and levels.
“Did you say the word ‘bath’?”
Some dogs are like Calvin and don’t love water. They aren’t afraid of it, but it’s just not their thing.
Other dogs, like Ginger, are fearful of water.
Their fear can manifest in several different forms, from shaking in the corner to aggression[1].
So, for the first step on how to get your water-hating dog smelling better, we first need to figure out why your dog doesn’t love baths.
Now, you’re wondering how to figure that out. “My dog doesn’t talk,” you say.
And likely they don’t, but dogs do attempt to communicate with us.
We need to be patient enough to decipher what they are saying. It’s all about reading their body language.
The reason it is essential to know why your dog is reacting the way they do towards bath time will aid in deciding this solution would fit best.
For example, sometimes it’s as simple as adjusting the bathwater temperature, providing a non-slip mat so they feel more secure in the tub, or sometimes it’s all about making a bathtub all about the treats.
Short-Term Fixes
There are some great easy non-water oriented ways to get your dog smelling better.
It will not replace a full-on bath, but until you can safely get your dog into the tub, these solutions will work well.
Unless, of course, your dog encountered a skunk or rolled in dead fish or something.
I have not had to experience either of those things, but my dogs, especially Calvin, love to roll in deer droppings and dead animals.
“Oh, boy! I just found something really stinky!”
Yep, dogs can be so gross!
Before using any of the products below, I suggest thoroughly brushing out your dog to help remove loose dead hair, dirt, and debris.
If your dog will allow it, lightly spray the brush with water to help decrease static, which can cause tangles.
Don’t forget to wash other sources of odor, too! Smelly dog collars can keep your pup stinky.
And if their bed hasn’t been washed, well, your dog will get stinky again in no time!
Product Recommendations
Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo
Not only does this shampoo smell fresh and amazing, but it also does a great job cleaning your dog’s coat.
Wahl Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo is like a mousse that you gently massage into your dog’s hair.
After you have finished, brush your dog out again, to aid in removing hair and dirt that was loosened up when you applied the shampoo.
If your dog is particularly nervous, try their lavender and chamomile version to help soothe your dog’s nerves.
Pros
Easy to use and almost as good as a traditional bath
Comes in a variety of scents
Cons
Might be too much moisture for dogs opposed to water
Check Price
Read Reviews
Rufus & Coco Natural Dry Shampoo
This shampoo comes in a powder form and does not require any moisture.
This makes it ideal for dogs who find the mousse or sprays too much to handle.
Rufus & Coco dry shampoo absorbs dirt and oils, plus deodorizes all at the same time.
Pros
Penetrates the coat and absorbs dirt and oils efficiently
Cons
The powder can be a bit messy
Check Price
Read Reviews
Furbliss Pet Wipes
Furbliss pet wipes are great if your dog is opposed to the mousse and you don’t want the mess that can come with powdered shampoos.
Pros
Easy no mess solution
Cons
Doesn’t clean as thoroughly as shampoos applied directly to the coat
Check Price
Read Reviews
How to Keep Your Dog Calm
If your dog is nervous like Ginger, before bathing your dog, you may consider using something to help soothe their nerves.
However, if your dog is on prescription medications, check with your vet before giving your pup any supplements.
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid
I used NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid chews for years for Sophie before her anxiety required prescription medication.
It is best to give them their chews 1/2 hour before bath time.
If you give these to your dog after they are upset, they don’t work as well.
Pros
Easy to administer since they are flavored chews
Hypoallergenic
Cons
They are not intended for dogs with severe anxiety
Check Price
Read Reviews
Bluecare Labs Hemp Calming Chews
If you have a dog that responds well to hemp-based products, Bluecare Hemp calming chews may help dogs with moderate anxiety levels.
Again, give it a 1/2 hour or so before you attempt to bathe your dog.
Pros
Contains organic hemp seed oil, hemp protein, chamomile, and passion flower
Cons
Not hypoallergenic
Check Price
Read Reviews
Adaptil Calming Spray
Pheromone scent therapy has been around for years and is endorsed by certified veterinarians[2].
I prefer the Adaptil calming spray.
It’s good for dogs who are nervous about car travel, too.
You have to spray it on an object 15 minutes before using it with your dog. Don’t spray it directly onto your puppy!
Pros
Natural pheromone proved to aid in relieving anxiety and stress
Hypoallergenic
Do not have to worry about drug interactions
Cons
Needs to be sprayed on a surface close enough to your dog during bathtime that they can reap the benefits (Recommendation: Spray on a towel that can sit near the bathtub)
Check Price
Read Reviews
Prescription Medication
Occasionally dogs will suffer from severe anxiety and may require prescription medication.
Sophie and Ginger are both on anti-anxiety medications, not because of baths, but for other anxiety problems.
At first, I was hesitant to use prescription medicine because I didn’t want a zombie dog, but Trazadone doesn’t knock them out, it just relaxes them.
Pros
Can be effective for dogs with extreme anxiety
Cons
Requires a prescription
The Do’s and Don’ts of Bathtime
I have been asked several times about how to make bathtime less traumatic for all parties involved.
Below are several simple adjustments that promote a more positive bath experience for everyone.
Do
Give lots of yummy treats!
Make bathtime a positive experience. At bathtime in our house, Ginger will now try and get into the bathtub because she knows there will be treats.
Yes, it would be fine if she crawled into the tub on her own if she hadn’t already had her bath.
Don't
The #1 “Don’t” of bathtime is to start it with a frustrating game of chase.
Because first, it’s not a game, and no one is having fun.
Plus, when you are chasing your dog around, you are adding to your level of frustration, and that’s never the right way to start any project.
Also, it is quite likely your dog was already afraid of bathtime and chasing them while projecting frustration has only reinforced their fear.  
No judgment. We’ve all been there!
Do
Calmly call your dog to you, attach a leash, and confidently walk them into the bathroom or wherever the bathing is located.
Keyword: Calmly!
The best thing you can do is keep their energy level low.
Don't
Do not use a garden hose with only cold water.
I don’t know how many times people find it odd their dog doesn’t like baths when they are using freezing cold water.
I know I wouldn’t like it.
Do
Use warm, not hot, water to bathe your dog.
Often that is enough to make bathtime bearable.
Don't
Do not spray your dog in the face or dump water over their head without properly protecting their eyes, nose, and ears.
Again, would you like that?
Do
Gently tilt their head up and cover their eyes and ears then, starting at the crown of their head, slowly pour water over their head.
If your dog is particularly resistant to this, use a washcloth instead. Also, you can use a warm damp washcloth on their face to wipe down around their eyes and muzzle.
Don't
Do not get frustrated with your dog.
They are not resisting you because they want to irritate you. They are uncomfortable with the bath and getting frustrated with them will only add to their discomfort.
Extremely fearful dogs may require desensitization training. If so, seek a certified dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement tactics for help.
Other Tips
Shower
Photo by aqua.mech (CC BY 2.0)
Try putting them in the shower with you[3].
Sophie has horrible allergies and requires a bath every other week during flareups. 
One day I was running short on time and wondered how she would do in the shower. So, I jumped in the shower with her.
It went by way faster and easier than bathing her.
I think Sophie prefers showers to baths since they are faster. 
Not all dogs will be okay in a shower. Calvin and Ginger prefer the bathtub.
Create a Calm Environment
Try and choose a time that the household is a bit quieter.
Maybe after the kid’s bathtime when everyone is winding down.
Go for a Long Walk
Draining some of your dog’s excess energy will also help decrease bathtime drama.
A tired dog can be more agreeable than one that has been sitting in their crate all day.
Bathmat
A major game-changer was putting a bathmat into the tub for Calvin; it gave him a sense of security.
Dogs have a hard time not slipping in porcelain bathtubs.    
Do it Yourself Grooming
There are several facilities that you can bring your dog and bathe them at their facility. 
The do-it-yourself grooming places are set up to make bathtime easier for both you and your dog. Sometimes, just having the right tools can make a big difference.
Also, there are usually staff members that are happy to assist you if you need an extra hand.  
Conclusion
Bathtime doesn’t have to be a nightmare for you and your pup.
An important thing to keep in mind is that bathtime for a dog means licking their fur, not jumping into a tub.
Bathing a dog is not a natural action for your dog so that it can be scary and uncomfortable, and even more so if your dog isn’t a fan of water.
Do your best to make bathtime a positive and calm experience.
You will both be happier for it!
References
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Fear-in-Dogs
https://pets.webmd.com/features/pet-pheromone-products-for-behavior-problems
https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/comments/z1se7/is_it_weird_that_sometimes_my_dog_showers_with_me/
The post How to Bathe a Dog Who Hates Water appeared first on Central Park Paws.
from https://www.centralparkpaws.net/pet-care/how-to-bathe-dog-hates-water/
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